Hafez

Khajeh Shamseddin Mohammad Hafez Shirazi was born in Shiraz, the city of "roses and nightingales", around 1324 A.D. Hafez (a title given to those who had memorized the Koran by heart. It is claimed that Hafez had done this in fourteen different ways). Little reliable information is available about his life, particularly its early part. Immediately after his death, many stories, some of mythical proportions were woven around his life. Evidence gleaned from his work and some of the more plausible legends indicate that Hafez's father, Baha-Oddin, was a native of Isfahan who migrated to Shiraz to escape the Mongol invaders. His mother was probably from Kazerun, a city to the south of Shiraz. While still a boy, Hafez lost his father. Eventually, poverty drove him to work as an apprentice to a baker. Being a precocious child, however, he was allowed to audit lessons at a school (maktab) near the bakery. As years wore on, Hafez proved himself an outstanding scholar and calligrapher. Even though much is not known about his schooling, it is clear that the man who wrote the odes possessed vast knowledge not only in theology, philosophy, literature, and history, but also in the varieties of the human heart.

Divan-e-Hafez

It contains some 500 ghazals, 42 Rubaiyees, and a few Ghaseedehs, composed over a period of 50 years. Hafez would start versifying only when he was divinely inspired, and therefore he averaged only about 10 Ghazals per year. His focus was to write poetry worthy of the Beloved.

The tomb of the famous poet & mystic of 8th century Iranian, 14th century western (about 1320-1389). Marble tombstone, engraved with the poet's work, placed by Karim Khan in 1773. In 1935, an octagonal pavilion supported by eight stone columns was put over it. Has a small library, a teahouse, & a good souvenir & bookshop.It also has a garden with pools, very pleasant, relaxing and restful.

Highlights of Hafez Poetry

	Oh wind of morning, rise and tell My love who like a gazelle Forever loiters proud and free, That she shall no more torture me. Because of her, this summer day Across the desert sand I stray To find, when day at last is done, The vale men call Oblivion. Hafez Translated by E. G Browen
	Bring, cupbearer, all that is left of thy wine! In the Garden of Paradise vainly thou’ it seek The lip of the fountain of Ruknabad And the bowers of Musalla where roses twine! Hafez Translated by L. Lockhart
	The goblet’s depths reflected, I behold my loved one’s cheek, Thou who yet ignor’st the rapture of the wine cup which I seek. He whose soul by love is quickened, never death be hurled, Written is my life immortal in the records of the world. Hafez Translated by Herman Bicknell
	Upon my thought engaged in prayer thine eyebrow’s bow - Has come, And to the pass of envious plaint the Arch, we know-Has come. Nor reason, nor a patient heart within me hope to find, For to the wind, as cast away. my peace of mind - Has come. Hafez Translated by Herman Bicknell

Hafiz's body was buried in Musalla Gardens, along the banks of Ruknabad river in Shiraz,
which is now called Hafezieh.

Hafez, excelled in lyrical poetry, is one of the most outstanding poets and philosophers of Iran.

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Fal e Hafez

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