Analysis and Examination of the Foundations of Ethical Values from the Perspective of Hafez

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the foundations of ethics from the perspective of Khwaja Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafez Shirazi. Undoubtedly, Hafez is one of the greatest literary thinkers of Iran, who, in addition to being a talented poet, has a book that holds a special place among Iranians. His book is so revered that, after the Quran, it is considered the most inspiring text in Iranian households. On the other hand, ethics appears to be the missing link for humanity in the current era. Although humanity has made significant advancements in technology and communications, it has simultaneously become more depressed and desperate, as there is a dire need for a spiritual and ethical life. Therefore, the necessity and importance of examining this topic are more evident than ever. The primary question of this article is: What are the ethical foundations from Hafez’s perspective? In this study, an introduction is first provided, followed by a discussion of theoretical concepts and relevant terminology. The philosophical foundations of Hafezian ethics and the functional foundations of ethics from Hafez's viewpoint are then discussed and analyzed. The findings reveal that ethics, from Hafez’s perspective, encompasses six domains: (1) individual ethics, (2) social ethics, (3) divine or servitude ethics, (4) Islamic ethics, (5) political ethics, and (6) mystical or Sufi ethics. Additionally, each of these domains is examined with precise and practical criteria, and specific and detailed standards are derived for each area.