Kamal al-Din (or Shams al-Din) Mohammad, known by his pen name Vahshi Bafqi, was a prominent Persian poet of the Safavid era, born in 1532 in Bafq, a town southeast of Yazd, Iran. He received his early education in Bafq, studying poetry under his elder brother, Moradi, and the local literary figure, Sharaf al-Din Ali. Vahshi furthered his education in Yazd before moving to Kashan, a significant literary hub during the early Safavid period.

In Kashan, Vahshi worked as a schoolteacher and quickly gained recognition for his poetic talents, attracting the attention of regional governors. He became involved in poetic exchanges with contemporaries, engaging in literary debates and composing panegyrics in honor of Shah Tahmasp I. After traveling to other cities, including Arak and Jarun, Vahshi eventually settled in Yazd and the nearby town of Taft. There, he served as the leading poet at the court of local rulers, such as Ghiyat al-Din Mir Miran and his son Khalil-Allah, who were connected to the Safavid royal family.

Vahshi's literary legacy includes approximately 9,000 verses compiled posthumously by his literary executor, Awhadi of Balyan. His works encompass various Persian poetic forms, including ghazals and qasidas, with notable compositions like "Shirin and Farhad," an unfinished romantic epic inspired by Nizami's work. This poem was later completed by 19th-century poets from Shiraz, Wesal, and Saber.

Vahshi Bafqi passed away in 1583 in Yazd at the age of 52. His contributions to Persian literature, particularly his romantic and lyrical poetry, continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and artistic expression.