Poems from the Divan of Hafiz (Dodo Press)

Khwaja Shemsundin Mahommad Hifiz-e Sirazi, or simply Hafiz was a Persian mystic and poet. His lyrical poems, known as Ghazals, are noted for their beauty and bring to fruition the love, mysticism, and early Sufi themes that had long pervaded Persian poetry. Moreover, his poetry possessed elements of modern surrealism. By listening to his father's recitations, Hafiz had accomplished the task of learning the Qur'an by heart, at an early age (that is in fact the meaning of the word Hafiz). He is said to have become a poet in the court of Abu Ishak, and so gained fame and influence in his hometown. The works of Hafiz have left a mark on such important Western writers as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Goethe. In Iran, his collected works have come to be used as an aid to popular divination. Though Hafiz's poetry is influenced by his Islamic faith, he is widely respected by Hindus, Christians and others.