Your fate has done you a favor on the day of judgment, Ghazal 451 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi | 15 1

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Description:

In this ghazāl, Hafez reflects on the nature of happiness, contentment, and the spiritual path. He compares the worldly pursuits of power and wealth with the inner peace and contentment of a simple life.

Key Themes:

Contentment and simplicity: The poet extols the virtues of a simple life and contentment.
Spiritual journey: The poem alludes to Sufi concepts of love, divine union, and the journey of the soul.
The transience of worldly possessions: The poet warns against the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and power.


English Translation for Ghazal

Your fate has done you a favor on the day of judgment
So that you may give thanks, and what thanks will you bring?

He who fell, God took his hand
So be it for you to eat the grief of the fallen

In the alley of love, the majesty of kings is not bought
Confess your servitude and declare your humility

O cupbearer, come from the door with the tidings of pleasure
So that for a moment, worldly grief may leave my heart

There is much danger in the highway of ambition and greatness
It is better to pass lightly from this sorrow

A sultan and the thought of an army, and the dream of a crown and treasure
A dervish and peace of mind and a corner of mendicancy

Let me say one Sufi word, is it permitted?
O light of my eye, peace is better than war and judgment

The attainment of one's desire is according to one's thought and effort
Seek a blessing from the king and the grace of a helper

Hafez, do not wash the dust of poverty and contentment from your face
For this dust is better than the work of alchemy

متن غزل

خوش کرد یاوری فلکت روز داوری

تا شکر چون کنی و چه شکرانه آوری

 

آن کس که اوفتاد خدایش گرفت دست

گو بر تو باد تا غم افتادگان خوری

 

در کوی عشق شوکت شاهی نمی‌خرند

اقرار بندگی کن و اظهار چاکری

 

ساقی به مژدگانی عیش از درم درآی

تا یک دم از دلم غم دنیا به دربری

 

در شاهراه جاه و بزرگی خطر بسیست

آن به کز این گریوه سبکبار بگذری

 

سلطان و فکر لشکر و سودای تاج و گنج

درویش و امن خاطر و کنج قلندری

 

یک حرف صوفیانه بگویم اجازت است

ای نور دیده صلح به از جنگ و داوری

 

نیل مراد بر حسب فکر و همت است

از شاه نذر خیر و ز توفیق یاوری

 

حافظ غبار فقر و قناعت ز رخ مشوی

کاین خاک بهتر از عمل کیمیاگری


hamed
@hamed Oct. 12, 2024, 1:52 p.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

داوری: judgment, reckoning
کوی عشق: the alley of love, a metaphorical reference to the spiritual path
صلح: peace
کیمیاگری: alchemy, a reference to the transformation of base metals into gold, often used metaphorically to represent spiritual transformation

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.