Nizami, Jamal al-Din Abu Muhammad Ilyas ibn Yusuf ibn Zaki Muayyad
Introduction
Nizami, Jamal al-Din Abu Muhammad Ilyas ibn Yusuf ibn Zaki Muayyad (d. circa 1209) was a revered Persian poet whose legacy reverberates through the annals of Persian and Islamic literature. Widely renowned for his illustrious quintet of epic poems known as the Khamsa or Panj Ganj, Nizami’s work exemplifies masterful storytelling interwoven with profound Sufi themes.
Etymology
The name “Nizami” (نظامی) translates to “organizer” or “systematic” in Arabic. His full name, Jamal al-Din Abu Muhammad Ilyas ibn Yusuf ibn Zaki Muayyad, reflects the traditional Arabic naming conventions, wherein “Jamal al-Din” signifies “the beauty of faith,” and “Abu Muhammad” designates him as the “father of Muhammad.”
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: نظامي، جمال الدين أبو محمد إلياس بن يوسف بن زکي مؤيد
- Turkish: Nizami, Cemaleddin Ebu Muhammed İlyas bin Yusuf bin Zaki Muayyed
Primary Works
1. Makhzan al-Asrar
- Title Translation: Treasury of Mysteries
- Overview: A didactic work enriched with ethical and Sufi themes.
2. Khusraw and Shirin
- Title Translation: Khusraw and Shirin
- Overview: A romance depicting the love story between King Khusraw II of Persia and the Armenian princess Shirin.
3. Layla and Majnun
- Title Translation: Layla and Majnun
- Overview: A tale epitomizing star-crossed lovers, resembling Romeo and Juliet but with deeper philosophical and mystical undertones.
4. Iskandar Nama
- Title Translation: The Book of Alexander
- Overview: Chronicles the legendary life and exploits of Alexander the Great with a moral and Sufi orientation.
5. Haft Paykar
- Title Translation: The Seven Beauties
- Overview: Narrates the story of Bahram Gur and his journey towards wisdom and self-understanding.
Influence and Legacy
Nizami’s Khamsa had an immense impact on Persian poetry and prose, setting a high literary standard for many successive generations. His blending of mysticism with storytelling not only advanced Persian literature but also enriched the oeuvre of Sufi theological themes.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- The Poems of Nizami Ganjavi by Rudolph Gelpke: An insightful annotated translation focusing on the contextual and thematic elements.
- Nizami’s Khamsa: A Study of Its Impacts on Persian Poetry by Kumiko Yamamoto: A scholarly exploration of the extensive influence of the Khamsa.
- Mysticism in Nizami’s Poetry by William C. Chittick: Investigates the mystical dimensions and Sufi elements in Nizami’s work.
Key Takeaways
- Nizami was an influential Persian poet whose works are foundational to Persian and Islamic literary traditions.
- His Khamsa or Panj Ganj (Five Treasures) is a masterful composition of five narrative poems deeply imbued with Sufi elements.
- These poems had a significant influence on the subsequent development of Persian literature and continue to be studied for their literary and philosophical depth.
Conclusion
Nizami, Jamal al-Din Abu Muhammad Ilyas ibn Yusuf ibn Zaki Muayyad, remains a towering figure in Islamic cultural and literary history. His contribution through the Khamsa has left an indelible mark, illustrating the intricate embrace of literary artistry and Sufi mysticism. For those delving into Persian poetry or Sufi literature, Nizami’s opus is indispensable.
