The Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam

“The Rubaiyat” is a collection of quatrains (four-line poems) attributed to the Persian poet, mathematician, and philosopher Omar Khayyam. The title “Rubaiyat” is derived from the Persian word “rubāʿī,” which means “quatrain.” The collection is known for its philosophical and existential themes, often focusing on topics such as love, mortality, fate, and the transient nature of life.

Omar Khayyam was a polymath who lived during the 11th and 12th centuries in Persia (modern-day Iran). He is best known for his contributions to mathematics, including his work on algebra and his reform of the Islamic calendar. However, he also gained literary recognition for his poetry.

“The Rubaiyat” gained widespread popularity in the English-speaking world through various translations and adaptations. One of the most famous translations is the one by Edward FitzGerald, which was published in the mid-19th century. FitzGerald’s version captured the essence of Khayyam’s poetry while infusing it with a Victorian sensibility. The translation introduced Western readers to the beauty and philosophy of Khayyam’s quatrains.

The poems in “The Rubaiyat” often explore themes of skepticism, hedonism, and the contemplation of life’s mysteries. Khayyam’s verses contemplate the brevity of human existence, the uncertainty of the future, and the importance of living in the present moment.

Here is an example of a quatrain from “The Rubaiyat,” as translated by Edward FitzGerald:

“The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.”

This quatrain reflects the idea that once events have occurred, they cannot be changed or undone.

“The Rubaiyat” continues to be celebrated for its timeless wisdom and evocative poetry, and it remains a significant work in both Persian and world literature.