Oh God, don’t sit low with those in patched robes, Ghazal 386 by Hafez

Oh God, don’t sit low with those in patched robes, Ghazal 386 by Hafez

By @hamed on October 10, 2024

Oh God, don’t sit low with those in patched robes, Ghazal 386 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi

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Description:

In this ghazāl, Hafez criticizes the hypocrisy of some religious figures, particularly those who pretend to be pious but are actually self-serving. He contrasts their behavior with the genuine joy and freedom of the wine-drinkers.

Key Themes:

Hypocrisy: Hafez criticizes the hypocrisy of religious figures who appear pious but are actually self-serving.
The joy of living: The poet celebrates the joys of life, particularly wine, music, and friendship.
Spiritual freedom: Hafez suggests that true spiritual freedom comes from embracing one’s desires and living authentically.


English Translation for Ghazal

Oh God, don’t sit low with those in patched robes
Don’t hide your face from these disheveled revelers.


There’s much impurity in this patched robe
How pleasant is the time of those who sell wine!

I’ve seen no pain in these Sufi-like people
Who are pure wind for the pain-drinking revelers.

You are delicate and cannot bear
The heaviness of a handful of patched-robe wearers.

Since you’ve made me drunk, don’t sit hidden
Since you’ve given me poison, don’t reproach me.

Come and see the deception of these hypocrites
A blood-filled decanter and a wailing lute.

Be wary of the heart of Hafiz
For he has a heart like a boiling cauldron.

Ghazal in Persian

خدا را کم نشین با خرقه پوشان

رخ از رندان بی‌سامان مپوشان

 

در این خرقه بسی آلودگی هست

خوشا وقت قبای می فروشان

 

در این صوفی‌وشان دردی ندیدم

که صافی باد عیش دردنوشان

 

تو نازک‌طبعی و طاقت نیاری

گرانی‌های مشتی دلق‌پوشان

 

چو مستم کرده‌ای مستور منشین

چو نوشم داده‌ای زهرم منوشان

 

بیا وز غَبْن این سالوسیان بین

صراحی خون‌دل و بربط خروشان

 

ز دلگرمی حافظ بر حذر باش

که دارد سینه‌ای چون دیگ جوشان


hamed
@hamed Oct. 10, 2024, 6:19 a.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

خرقه: patched robe, often worn by Sufi mystics
رندان: revelers, especially wine drinkers
صوفی: Sufi, a Muslim mystic
غَبْن: deception
Some of the nuances that are difficult to fully capture in translation include:

The intricate use of imagery: Hafez often uses multiple layers of symbolism and metaphor to convey his meaning.
The musicality of the Persian language: The sounds and rhythms of the Persian language contribute significantly to the emotional impact of the poem.
Sufi concepts: The poem is rich in Sufi symbolism and concepts, which can be challenging to convey in a different cultural context.