Nourouz from the viewpoint of Mowlana

By: Mahmood Manifi

Translated by: Fatemeh Khazaii

Since time immemorial the first day of each spring has been called ‘Nourouz’ and celebrated by the Iranians and various world people. Nourouz (literally the new day) has signified, among other things, the renewal of life and revival of the nature and is celebrated through various ceremonies by various nations, particularly by the Persian-speaking ones across the globe.

In the wake of the introduction to the world-reviving religion of Islam into the vast Persian territory, the Arabic word ‘Eid’ (meaning feast/festival) was added to the expression ‘Nourouz’, adding much to the significance and glory of that festival, which as inferred from the words of the Infallible has had its roots in certain auspicious Divine-ordained events and is thus a feast to be honoured. Imam Sadiq (AS) has recommended his followers to perform Ghusl of Nourouz, wear their best clothes and perfumes and preferably fast on Nourouz.

Regarding Eid of Nourouz Persian poets including Mowlana has composed certain lovely poems. Here we present a translation of a few of Mowlana’s poems for the benefit of our dear readers:

I come back like Nourouz to break the locks on the prison doors’

And to overthrow any oppressive rule with all my power and force.

Elsewhere Moulawi also says:

On Nourouz I saw your (God’s) Face and shed tears if Love

Blessed will be such Nourouz on which such rain falls.

And on the desirable effects of the early spring Mowlana says:

O, the new spring, you are like our souls, do revive our souls!

And make the gardens flourished, and refresh the farms

Now that flowers are exhibited their beauty  and birds sing,

You the spring! Offer morning breezes, for it gives new life.

Spring has come, the scenting spring has come,

The friend has come, the tranquil, tolerant friend has come.

The beautiful spring has come, happy and nice,

Turning the world into a green rose-covered garden,

Listen to the words of lilies, O my dear,

Lilies have a lot to say for those who listen to them.

And look at the revived earth, for it now reflects much elegance

And last, we pray to God in whose powerful Hand lies everything to purify our hearts with the purifying water of life – with His teachings and to fill our lives with blossoms of piety and virtuousness, so we will experience the true spring of life.