Nizami Ganjavi

Abu Muhammad Ilyas ibn Yusuf ibn Zaki ibn Mu'ayyid was a Persian poet, mystic, traveler, philosopher and Ismaili missionary. He was born in Ganja, Azerbaijan in 1141 CE. He was from a wealthy and noble family that had a high status in the society. He studied various Islamic sciences such as jurisprudence, hadith, theology and ethics. He also learned mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, geography, history and linguistics. He was fluent in Persian, Arabic and Greek. Nizami Ganjavi was a master of poetry and prose. He wrote many poems and books on various subjects such as love, mysticism, ethics, philosophy, history and legends. His most famous work is Khamseh (The Quintet), a collection of five long narrative poems: Makhzan al-Asrar (The Treasury of Mysteries), Khosrow o Shirin (Khosrow and Shirin), Layli o Majnun (Layla and Majnun), Eskandar Nama (The Book of Alexander) and Haft Paykar (The Seven Beauties). These poems are considered as the peak of Persian romantic literature and have influenced many later poets and writers. His other works include Sharaf Nama (The Book of Honor), a book on ethics and politics; Makhzan al-Adab (The Treasury of Literature), a book on literary criticism and rhetoric; Iqbal Nama (The Book of Fortune), a book on astrology and prophecy; and others. His poems and books are regarded as classics of Persian literature and Islamic thought, and have been translated into many languages. Nizami Ganjavi was a follower of the Ismaili sect of Islam. He was influenced by the teachings of the Fatimid caliph Al-Mustansir Billah and his chief missionary Al-Mu'ayyad fi'l-Din al-Shirazi. He became a devoted Ismaili missionary and preached the Ismaili faith to the people of Azerbaijan and beyond. He also wrote many poems and books in support of the Ismaili doctrine and history. He received the title of Hakim (The Wise) from the caliph and was respected by the Ismaili community. Nizami Ganjavi faced many hardships and challenges in his life. He lived in a turbulent time when the region was invaded by the Mongols and other enemies. He also suffered from poverty, illness and loneliness. He lost his wife Afaq and his son Muhammad at an early age. He was also persecuted by some orthodox Muslims who considered him a heretic and an infidel. He endured all these difficulties with patience and courage. Nizami Ganjavi died in 1209 CE at the age of 68 in Ganja. His exact burial place is unknown², but there is a mausoleum built in his honor in Ganja. He is revered as one of the greatest poets and thinkers of Iran and of Islam. He is also admired by many non-Muslims as a universal humanist who transcended the boundaries of religion and culture. His life and works have been the subject of many literary works, such as The Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar, The Secrets of the Self by Muhammad Iqbal, The Mantle Adorned by Abdal Hakim Murad and others.