Quatrain 147 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam presents a provocative perspective on spirituality and morality.

The Choice Between Hypocrisy and Authenticity: The poet contrasts the act of feigning piety with the genuine enjoyment of life.
The Value of Companionship: The importance of being surrounded by good people is emphasized.
A Questioning of Traditional Morality: The poem challenges traditional notions of heaven and hell, suggesting that true happiness may lie outside of religious doctrine.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The Importance of Authenticity: The poem suggests that it is better to be true to oneself than to conform to societal expectations.
The Joy of Living: The poet celebrates the pleasures of life, such as wine and companionship.
A Critique of Religious Hypocrisy: By questioning the concept of heaven and hell, the poem implicitly criticizes religious hypocrisy.

In essence, this rubai is a celebration of life, love, and friendship, and a challenge to conventional morality.