Arabic Insertions in Persian Literature: Part I – Ḥāfeẓ

Status: Ongoing Independent Research (2023–Present)
Author: S. M. H. Mirfakhraei

This project is the first phase of a broader research initiative on Arabic insertions in Persian literature—specifically, Arabic verses and phrases composed by Persian-speaking poets and scholars. The current phase, titled “A Mouth Full of Arabic,” focuses on the Divan of Ḥāfeẓ, examining the fully Arabic lines found in his poetry. The title is drawn from a verse by Hafez: “Though presenting one’s art to the beloved may be discourteous, The tongue is silent, yet the mouth is full of Arabic.“Based on the Sāyeh edition, the study identifies 92 such lines and analyzes them unit by unit.

Each unit is explored through classical Persian commentaries and Arabic lexical sources, with attention to semantic nuance and interpretive variation. The goal is to uncover layers of meaning that may be obscured by limited familiarity with Arabic among contemporary Persian readers. For each line, the study presents a contextual explanation and compares interpretations offered by leading commentators.

While some scholars have questioned the literary value of Ḥāfeẓ’s Arabic poetry, this project treats these insertions as meaningful linguistic artifacts that deserve close attention. It also reflects on the balance between detailed textual analysis and broader structural readings, proposing that both approaches can enrich our understanding when applied thoughtfully.

An article based on this phase has published in Jahan-e Ketab (The World of Books). To access the full Persian text, click here.