Hafez

Divan-of-Hafiz-1842-Doublures

The Soviet Union 1971 CPA 3997 stamp (Hafez)

شعر میهای چوکونائی ویتز

Annual celebration of the Chelcharagh magazine (22 8610030051 L600)

Hafis Abu Ishaq

Hafez (also spelled Hafiz, Hafes, or Hafez; Persian: حافظ) was a Persian poet who lived in the 14th century (c. 1315-1390). He is one of the most celebrated of the Persian poets, and his works are regarded as a pinnacle of Persian literature. The name "Hafez" means "the memorizer" or "the safe keeper" in Arabic, and it was given to him due to his remarkable ability to memorize the Quran at an early age. Hafez was born in Shiraz, in present-day Iran, and spent most of his life in this city. His poetry is known for its beauty, emotional depth, and mastery of the Persian language, making him a significant figure in Persian literary history.

Life

Little is known about the life of Hafez, as there are few historical records. It is believed that he was born in Shiraz around 1315 and lived there until his death in 1390. Hafez received a classical religious education, which included learning the Quran by heart, hence his nickname. Despite the lack of detailed biographical information, it is clear that Hafez lived through a tumultuous period in Persian history, marked by political instability and social upheaval. These experiences are reflected in his poetry, which often contains themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition, intertwined with critiques of religious hypocrisy and the political elite.

Work

Hafez's literary output is primarily composed of ghazals, a poetic form consisting of rhyming couplets and a refrain, with each line sharing the same meter. His Divan (collected works) is a compilation of approximately 500 ghazals, and it has been translated into many languages worldwide. Hafez's poetry is characterized by its lyrical beauty, complex imagery, and profound philosophical insights. His works explore themes of divine love, mysticism, and the desire for union with the divine, drawing heavily on Sufism, an Islamic mystical tradition.

Hafez's influence on Persian literature is immense, with his style and themes shaping Persian poetry for centuries. His works have also been influential in the West, inspiring notable figures such as Goethe, Thoreau, and Emerson. The Divan of Hafez is widely read and celebrated in Iran and the Persian-speaking world, where his poetry is often memorized and used in divination practices, particularly during the Persian New Year (Nowruz).

Legacy

Hafez's tomb, located in the Musalla Gardens of Shiraz, is a place of pilgrimage for his admirers. The site, known as Hafezieh, includes a memorial hall and is surrounded by a garden, reflecting the themes of nature and beauty prevalent in his poetry. Every year, on October 12th, Hafez Day is celebrated in Iran, commemorating his life and works.

Hafez's poetry continues to be relevant today, resonating with readers around the world for its universal themes of love, freedom, and resistance against authoritarianism. His profound influence on Persian culture and literature, as well as his contributions to world literature, make him a timeless figure in the canon of great poets.