Háfiz

Khwája Shams ud-Dín Muhammad Háfiz-i Shírází (d. 1389) is acknowledged to be the urivalled master of the classical Persian ghazal, a brief and strict lyric form. Throughout the Persian-speaking world one hears his verses recited or sung in the bazaar, on the radio, and at spiritual gatherings. His Díwán, or collected works, is held in such high esteem that, like the Qur'án, it is used for divination and augury. Nevertheless, about Háfiz's life we have legends but few facts. We do not even have an authentic text of his Díwán.