Quatrain 42 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

By admin @admin | 6 7

گویند مرا که‌ دوزخی باشد مست‌گویند مرا که‌ دوزخی باشد مست‌


گر عاشق و می‌خواره به دوزخ باشندفردا بینی بهشت همچون کف دست


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 challenges traditional notions of heaven and hell, arguing that those who love and drink wine are destined for paradise.

English Translation

A more literal translation

They say that I will be in hell for being drunk,
That's a false statement, my heart cannot believe it,

If lovers and wine drinkers are in hell,
Tomorrow you will see paradise in the palm of your hand.


admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:49 a.m.

A poetic and interpretive translation

They claim the drunkard's fate is hell's dark fire,
A lie, I say, such thoughts my soul inspire.

If lovers, drinkers, dwell in realms of pain,
Then paradise is ours to gain.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:50 a.m.

A contemporary and informal translation

People say I'm going to hell 'cause I drink,
That's a bunch of crap, I think.

If lovers and drinkers go to hell,
Then heaven's a place I know quite well.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:50 a.m.

"گویند مرا که‌ دوزخی باشد مست‌": This line refers to the common belief that drunkenness leads to damnation.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:50 a.m.

"قولی‌ست خلاف‌، دل در آن نتوان بست": Khayyam rejects this belief, stating that it is a false statement.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:50 a.m.

"گر عاشق و می‌خواره به دوزخ باشند": This line uses a hypothetical situation to challenge the traditional view of heaven and hell.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:50 a.m.

"فردا بینی بهشت همچون کف دست": This line suggests that if lovers and wine drinkers are destined for hell, then the concept of heaven and hell must be flawed.

admin
@admin July 26, 2024, 6:51 a.m.

Themes and Interpretations

Skepticism towards religion: Khayyam questions traditional religious beliefs about heaven, hell, and sin.
Hedonism: The poem celebrates the pleasures of love and wine.
Subversion of traditional morality: Khayyam challenges the idea that certain behaviors, such as drinking and loving, are sinful.

This rubai is a bold statement about the nature of morality and the afterlife. By inverting traditional beliefs, Khayyam suggests thatthose who embrace earthly pleasures and love are actually closer to paradise than those who follow strict religious codes. This poem is a testament to Khayyam's willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and his celebration of the human experience.