A more poetic and interpretive translation

My creed, to drink and be forever gay,
Free from all faiths that bind me day by day.

I asked Time's bride, "What dowry do you seek?"
She smiled, "Your joyous heart, my dear, so meek."

A contemporary and informal translation

My religion is to drink and have fun,
Free from all this religious stuff.

I asked time, "What do you want as a gift?"
She said, "Your happy heart, that's the shift."

"می خوردن و شاد بودن آیین من است": This line declares that the poet's religion is to enjoy life and be happy.

"فارغ بودن ز کفر و دین دین من است": This line suggests that the poet rejects both religious belief and disbelief, choosing instead to live freely.

"گفتم به عروس دهر «کابین تو چیست؟»: The poet personifies time as a bride and asks for her dowry.

"گفتا «دل خرم تو کابین من است»: Time's response suggests that the only dowry she desires is the poet's happiness.

Themes and Interpretations

Hedonism: The poem celebrates the pleasures of the senses and the importance of living in the moment.
Skepticism towards religion: Khayyam expresses doubt about the value of religious belief and practices.
Carpe diem: The poem emphasizes the importance of seizing the day and enjoying life while it lasts.

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.