Rubaiyat and Omar Khayyam

“Rubaiyat” refers to a collection of poems written in Persian language by the 11th-century poet Omar Khayyam. The poems, often written in quatrains (four-line stanzas), are known for their philosophical, mystical and sometimes irreverent content, and are considered one of the most important works of Persian literature. They have been widely translated into many languages and have had a significant impact on literature and poetry around the world. The most famous English translation was made by Edward FitzGerald in the 19th century.

Here are a few examples of quatrains from the “Rubaiyat” of Omar Khayyam:

“The moving finger writes, and having writ,
Moves on: nor all your piety nor wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a line,
Nor all your tears wash out a word of it.”

“Into this Universe, and why not knowing,
Nor whence, like water willy-nilly flowing;
And out of it, as Wind along the Waste,
I know not whither, willy-nilly blowing.”

“The Worldly Hope men set their Hearts upon
Turns Ashes—or it prospers; and anon,
Like Snow upon the Desert’s dusty Face,
Lighting a little hour or two—is gone.”

These poems reflect on the nature of time, the transience of worldly desires, and the meaning of life, among other themes.

In addition to Omar Khayyam, there have been many poets who have written in a similar style or have been influenced by the “Rubaiyat.” Some famous poets who have written in the rubaiyat form include:

• Edward FitzGerald: the translator of Omar Khayyam’s “Rubaiyat” into English
• Samuel Taylor Coleridge: an English poet who wrote his own version of the “Rubaiyat”
• Lewis Carroll: the author of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” who also wrote his own version of the “Rubaiyat”
• Alfred Lord Tennyson: an English poet who was heavily influenced by the “Rubaiyat”
• Rainer Maria Rilke: a German-language poet who was also influenced by the “Rubaiyat”
• There are many other poets who have been influenced by the “Rubaiyat” and have written their own versions or similar poems. These poems often reflect on the themes of time, mortality, and the meaning of life, and often use quatrains as a form.

Here are a few examples of quatrains on the theme of love:

“Love is a fleeting dream that we hold dear,
A rose that blooms but for a moment here.
It brings us joy and happiness untold,
And leaves us with a memory to hold.”

“The heart that loves is never truly alone,
For love is like a beacon shining bright.
It guides us through life’s journey all our own,
And brings us comfort in the darkest night.”

“Love is the key that unlocks life’s door,
The sunshine that brightens up the day.
It lifts us up when we are feeling low,
And takes us to a place where we can play.”

These poems reflect on the beauty and power of love, and how it can bring joy and comfort to our lives.

Famous books on rubaiyat

Here are a few famous books about the “Rubaiyat” of Omar Khayyam:

“The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam” translated by Edward FitzGerald
“The Wine of Wisdom: The Life, Poetry and Philosophy of Omar Khayyam” by Azima Melita Kolin and Ali N. Akbar
“Omar Khayyam: The Astronomer-Poet of Persia” by E.G. Browne
“The Heart of the Garden: A Study of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam” by E.H. Whinfield
“The Vision of Omar Khayyam” by Omar Ali-Shah
These books offer different perspectives on the “Rubaiyat” of Omar Khayyam, including translations, biographies, and philosophical interpretations. They are considered important resources for anyone interested in understanding the poems and the life and work of the poet himself.

Omar Khayyam

Omar Khayyam (1048-1131) was a Persian poet, mathematician, and astronomer who lived in the city of Nishapur in Persia (modern-day Iran). He is best known for his collection of poems known as the “Rubaiyat,” which was originally written in Persian and later translated into many other languages.

The “Rubaiyat” is a collection of quatrains (four-line poems) that reflect on the nature of time, the transience of worldly desires, and the meaning of life. The poems are characterized by their philosophical and spiritual tone, as well as their vivid imagery and simple, direct language.

In addition to his work as a poet, Omar Khayyam was also a well-respected mathematician and astronomer. He made significant contributions to the field of algebra, and is considered one of the greatest mathematicians of the medieval period.

Omar Khayyam’s legacy continues to be celebrated today, with the “Rubaiyat” widely read and studied as one of the great masterpieces of Persian literature. His poems have been translated into many languages and continue to inspire new generations of poets and readers.

The “Rubaiyat” of Omar Khayyam were originally written in Persian, a language spoken in Iran and other parts of the Middle East. The poems are characterized by their philosophical and spiritual tone, as well as their vivid imagery and simple, direct language.

The “Rubaiyat” consists of a collection of quatrains (four-line poems) that reflect on the nature of time, the transience of worldly desires, and the meaning of life. The poems often make use of metaphor and imagery, and employ a distinctive rhyming pattern that has become synonymous with Omar Khayyam’s work.

Despite being written over 900 years ago, the “Rubaiyat” continues to be widely read and studied in Persia and around the world. Translations of the poems have been made into many languages, making Omar Khayyam’s work accessible to a global audience. The “Rubaiyat” remains one of the greatest masterpieces of Persian literature, and continues to inspire new generations of poets and readers.

Some of the famous poets of the 11th century include:

• Ferdowsi, the Persian poet who wrote the epic poem “Shahnameh”
• Omar Khayyám, Persian mathematician, astronomer and poet
• Abu al-Tayyib al-Mutanabbi, an Arab poet
• Sanai, Persian Sufi poet and writer of “The Walled Garden of Truth”
• Rumi, the Persian Sufi poet, Islamic jurist, and theologian
• Al-Maʿarri, an Arab philosopher, poet, and writer
• This list is not exhaustive and there were many other poets of the 11th century who contributed to the literary heritage of the time.