The Metaphorical Narrative of Ramadan in Hafiz’s Ghazals

Background and Objectives: In twelve of his ghazals, Hafez of Shiraz employs elements related to Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and fasting as narrative metaphors. These elements function beyond their religious references and become instruments for expressing the poet’s critical viewpoints. The aim of this study is to explain and analyze one of Hafez’s techniques of rendi (subtle cleverness) by examining the role of these metaphors in shaping the plot of the ghazals. Methods: This research is conducted through a descriptive-analytical approach, drawing on Paul Ricoeur’s views regarding the role of metaphor in narrative emplotment. Within this framework, the ghazals that contain expressions and elements related to Ramadan and fasting are examined in order to clarify how these metaphors contribute to the formation of narrative and the conveyance of meaning. Findings: The results show that Hafez, by employing elements of Ramadan, fasting, and Eid al-Fitr, creates a metaphorical space in which the behavior of those who claim piety and Sufi austerity is critically examined. References to joy and revelry after the end of Ramadan and the sighting of the Shawwal crescent often point to individuals who, instead of devoting themselves to worship during Ramadan, engaged in secret revelry and see the month’s end as an opportunity to openly return to the same behavior. Likewise, Hafez’s emphasis on the necessity of joy during Sha‘ban hints at those who are displeased by the arrival of Ramadan and seek to indulge in worldly pleasures before its restrictions begin. Conclusion: The analysis of these ghazals shows that Hafez uses metaphors associated with Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr to construct a critical narrative plot aimed at exposing the hypocrisy of those who falsely claim piety. Thus, these metaphors serve not only an aesthetic function but also become tools for ethical and social critique, revealing an important aspect of Hafez’s rendi in both narrative structure and meaning.