Rubaei 12 By Hafez Shirazi

Analysis of the Rubai

This rubai is a profound meditation on the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the enduring nature of spiritual suffering. Here's a breakdown of the key themes:

The Futility of Material Wealth: Hafez dismisses the pursuit of worldly wealth and power as ultimately unsatisfying, especially if it is obtained through unjust means.
The Illusion of Pleasure: The "pleasure of intoxication" is a metaphor for worldly pleasures, which are often accompanied by pain and suffering.
The Preeminence of Spiritual Suffering: The poet suggests that even a lifetime of joy cannot compare to the intensity of spiritual suffering.
The Seven-Day Tribulation: The "seven-day tribulation" is a reference to the seven days of creation in Islamic cosmology, but here it symbolizes a short-lived period of intense suffering.

Interpretation

This rubai can be interpreted in several ways:

A Critique of Materialism: On a literal level, it can be seen as a critique of materialism and the pursuit of worldly pleasures.
A Philosophical Reflection: On a philosophical level, it can be seen as a meditation on the nature of suffering and the human condition.
A Mystical Allegory: In a mystical context, the "seven-day tribulation" could symbolize the spiritual journey, with its trials and tribulations.

Overall, this rubai is a powerful statement about the transitory nature of worldly things and the enduring nature of the human soul. Hafez suggests that true fulfillment is not to be found in material possessions or fleeting pleasures, but in a deeper spiritual connection.