Quatrain 41 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

By admin @admin | 10 7

گویند کسان بهشت با حور خوش استمن می‌گویم که آب انگور خوش است


این نقد بگیر و دست از آن نسیه بدارکه‌آواز دهل شنیدن از دور خوش است


Description:

A Note on this Rubai

This rubai is a classic example of Omar Khayyam's hedonistic philosophy and his skepticism towards religious dogma. It presents a stark contrast between the perceived pleasures of an afterlife and the tangible joys of earthly life.

English Translation

A more literal translation

They say that paradise with houris is pleasant,
I say that grape juice is pleasant,

Take this cash in hand and let go of that credit,
For hearing the sound of a drum from afar is pleasant.


admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:44 a.m.

A more poetic and interpretive translation

Some say that Heaven's bliss is all they crave,
But give me wine, and I'll be more than brave.

Seize the day, let future hopes be cast,
A distant drum's sweet music is the past.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:44 a.m.

A contemporary and informal translation

People rave about heaven and its hot babes,
But I'd rather have a glass of grape.

So let's live in the moment, don't delay,
A distant drum's sound is a better way.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:44 a.m.

"گویند کسان بهشت با حور خوش است": This line refers to the common belief in an afterlife paradise filled with beautiful women.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:44 a.m.

"من می‌گویم که آب انگور خوش است": Khayyam counters this belief by stating his preference for the earthly pleasure of wine.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:44 a.m.

"این نقد بگیر و دست از آن نسیه بدار": This line urges the reader to seize the moment and enjoy the present rather than waiting for future rewards.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:45 a.m.

"که‌آواز دهل شنیدن از دور خوش است": This line uses a metaphor of a distant drum to suggest the allure of the unknown and the fleeting nature of life.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:46 a.m.

Themes and Interpretations

Carpe diem: The poem emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and enjoying life's pleasures.
Skepticism towards religion: Khayyam expresses doubt about the existence of an afterlife and the rewards promised by religion.
Hedonism: The poem celebrates the pleasures of the senses and the importance of living life to the fullest.

This rubai is a bold statement about the value of earthly pleasures and the limitations of religious belief. Khayyam's willingness to challenge societal norms and his emphasis on the importance of living in the moment have made this rubai one of his most famous and controversial works.