"The entire Divan of Hafez is imbued with the Quran," Dr. Ali Abedi, President of Isfahan University of Quran and Etrat Studies, told IQNA.
The comments come as Iran marks October 11, as the national day of Khawje Shams-od-Din Mohammad Hafez-e Shirazi, commonly known as Hafez.
He was a renowned Iranian poet born around 1325 in Shiraz, Iran. He is celebrated for his lyrical poetry, particularly his ghazals, which explore themes of love, spirituality, and mysticism. Hafez's poetry is considered the pinnacle of Persian literature and remains widely read and revered in Iran and beyond.
Hafez earned his pen name, which means "memorizer," because he memorized the Quran at an early age. His works reflect a deep understanding of Islamic teachings, as well as influences from earlier Persian poets like Rumi and Saadi. His collection of poems, known as the Divan of Hafez, is a staple in Persian households and continues to inspire readers with its profound insights and beautiful language.
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"Other than a memorizer of the Holy Quran, Hafez was also teaching the Al-Kashshaaf by Zamakhshari, a highly esteemed and eloquent Quranic exegesis," Abedi added.
"As a poet and a master of rhetoric and music, Hafez had a unique style in his approach to the Quran," said the academic.
One can discern the essence of the Quran through Hafez's poetry, he said, quoting a verse from Hafez which reads: "Of all the Huffaz of the world, none has gathered the subtleties of wisdom and Quranic points like I have."
"Hafez also says elsewhere that his poetry is 'the pinnacle of knowledge' and what is this knowledge? It is the pure teachings of the Quran," Abedi added.
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"To illustrate, consider a verse by Hafez that reflects a Quranic concept: 'The demon flees from those who recite the Quran.' This line means that demons and devils do not approach those who recite the Quran, for they are people of light, and the Quran itself is light, as God says, 'Certainly, there has come to you a light from Allah, and a manifest Book,' (Surah Maidah, verse 15)" added the scholar.
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