Hafez

Persian poet

Medieval influential 70 sayings

Sayings by Hafez

You will not know a detail of the mysteries of existence, as long as you are not disoriented in the circle of existence.

c. 1325-1390 CE — From a ghazal, 'There is a land', a paradoxical statement about gaining understanding through disori…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Where those of good repute reign, they do not let us pass. If you don't like it, modify the predestined fate.

c. 1325-1390 CE — From a ghazal, offering a defiant and individualistic view on destiny and social barriers.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Now that your worry has proved such an unlucrative business, Why not find a better job?

c. 1325-1390 CE — From a ghazal, a humorous and philosophical take on the futility of excessive worry.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I once asked a bird, 'How do you fly in this gravity of darkness?' She responded, 'love lifts me.'

c. 1325-1390 CE — From a ghazal, a poetic and mystical explanation for overcoming hardship.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

What Do sad people have in Common? It seems They have all built a shrine To the past And often go there And do a strange wail and Worship. What is the beginning of Happiness? It is to stop being So religious Like That.

c. 1325-1390 CE — From a ghazal, a blunt and unconventional psychological observation on sadness and a path to happine…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have learned so much from God that I can no longer call myself a Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Jew. The Truth has shared so much of Itself with me that I can no longer call myself a man, a woman, an angel, or even a pure Soul.

c. 1325-1390 CE — From a ghazal, expressing a transcendent and universal spiritual identity.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I would like to see you living in better conditions.

c. 1325-1390 CE — From a ghazal, a metaphorical and encouraging statement about overcoming fear.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Every child has known God, Not the God of names, Not the God of don'ts, Not the God who ever does anything weird, But the God who knows only four words. And keeps repeating them, saying: 'Come dance with me, come dance.'

c. 1325-1390 CE — From a ghazal, a playful and unconventional depiction of God.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Resist your temptation to lie. By speaking of separation from God, Otherwise, We might have to medicate. You. In the ocean.

c. 1325-1390 CE — From a ghazal, 'The Gift', a dramatic and somewhat humorous warning against spiritual delusion.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The earth is a tavern, and we are all drunkards. Some are drunk with wine, others with ambition, still others with love.

c. 1380 — Divan of Hafez, Ghazal 185
Controversial Unverifiable

Don't be afraid of the wine, for its essence is the light of God. Don't be afraid of the tavern, for it is the house of God.

c. 1380 — Divan of Hafez, Ghazal 47
Controversial Unverifiable

The world is a bride, and you are her groom; do not be deceived by her beauty, for she is faithless.

c. 1380 — Divan of Hafez, Ghazal 312
Controversial Unverifiable

If the beloved is a Christian, what concern is it of yours? If she is a pagan, what concern is it of yours?

c. 1380 — Divan of Hafez, Ghazal 37
Controversial Unverifiable

The religious hypocrite, in his prayer, thinks of nothing but his own reputation.

c. 1380 — Divan of Hafez, Ghazal 19
Controversial Unverifiable

Better to be a drunkard and a lover than a pious hypocrite.

c. 1380 — Divan of Hafez, Ghazal 157
Controversial Unverifiable

The Sufi's cloak and the dervish's cap are but veils for their true nature.

c. 1380 — Divan of Hafez, Ghazal 288
Controversial Unverifiable

Do not seek morality from the preacher, for he himself is devoid of it.

c. 1380 — Divan of Hafez, Ghazal 406
Controversial Unverifiable

The pious man, with his rosary and prayer rug, is often more distant from God than the lover in the tavern.

c. 1380 — Divan of Hafez, Ghazal 23
Controversial Unverifiable

The garden of paradise is but a reflection of the beloved's face.

c. 1380 — Divan of Hafez, Ghazal 10
Controversial Unverifiable

Love is a fire that burns everything but the beloved.

c. 1380 — Divan of Hafez, Ghazal 148
Controversial Unverifiable