The Sufistic Quatrains of Omar Khayyam

"The Sufistic Quatrains of Omar Khayyam" by Omar Khayyam is a significant collection of poetry likely compiled in the early 20th century. This work features translations of Khayyam’s renowned quatrains, also known as "Rubaiyat", alongside analyses from various translators, including Edward Fitzgerald and E.H. Whinfield. The collection delves into themes of Sufism and explores the metaphysical and existential questions posed by Khayyam, a prominent figure in Persian literature known for his philosophical outlook on life and love. The opening of this collection introduces readers to Khayyam’s life and philosophical context through the lens of his relationship with Sufism. It highlights his background as a learned scholar and poet who grappled with questions of existence and spirituality that characterized the mystical tradition. The initial passages provide insights into Khayyam's insights about the divine and the human condition, illustrating how he navigated the intersections of personal desire, existential contemplation, and the quest for truth. These themes set the stage for the subsequent quatrains, which blend beauty with profound philosophical contemplation, inviting readers to reflect deeply on their own life experiences. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ghiyāth al-Dīn Abū al-Fatḥ ʿUmar ibn Ibrāhīm Nīsābūrī, commonly known as Omar Khayyam, was a Persian polymath, known for his contributions to mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and poetry. He was born in Nishapur, the initial capital of the Seljuk Empire, and lived during the period of the Seljuk dynasty, around the time of the First Crusade.