# 14th Hafiz

## Biography

Khwāja Shams-ud-din Muhammad Hafiz-e-Shirazi, known simply as Hafiz, was a revered Persian lyric poet of the 14th century. Born in Shiraz, Iran, around 1325, he lived and died in the city that often shaped the imagery of his verse. The name Hafiz, meaning "memorizer," was adopted as his pen name due to his prodigious feat of having memorized the entire Quran at an early age. His formal education included studies in Arabic, Qur'anic sciences, and literature, displaying a deep familiarity with the literary traditions of his time.

Hafiz became one of the most celebrated poets in Persian history, known for his masterful ghazals—lyric poems that explore themes of love, spirituality, divine longing, and social critique, often employing wine and intoxication as metaphors for spiritual ecstasy. His work reflects the turbulent political landscape of 14th-century Iran while maintaining a timeless appeal. He taught at a religious college and was associated with various courts, though details of his life remain somewhat scarce. Hafiz's profound influence continues to resonate, with his poems widely read, recited, and celebrated in Iran and across the globe, impacting numerous writers and philosophers, including Goethe and Emerson. He passed away in Shiraz around 1390.

## Books

- [Hafiz in London](https://samolit.com/books/96393)