Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 18، number In Volume 5، August 2025 ، issue Number 111

Epicureanism in Amir Khusrow's Khamsa

Esmaeil Sahraei Harris , Narges Asghari-Gwar (Author in Charge), Ramin Sadeghi Nezhad

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epicureanism is the legacy of the philosophy of Epicurus, the Greek philosopher who emphasized human pleasure in the world. In Persian literature, especially in lyrical poetry, the content of joy and hedonism has been recurrent, which can be analyzed through the components of Epicurean thought. This article aims to examine the Epicurean thoughts of Amir Khusrow by analyzing his Khamsa, which is inspired by the works of Nizami Ganjavi.

METHODOLOGY: The research data was collected through library studies, and the article is written using a descriptive-analytical method. The statistical population of this study is Amir Khusrow"s Khamsa.

FINDINGS: Hedonism is one of the main themes in Khusrow"s Khamsa. The most important Epicurean components found in his work include joy, seizing opportunities, enjoying the blessings of the world, the pleasure of eating, wine-drinking, holding festive gatherings, listening to music, love, and having good companions. These aspects are notably influenced by Nizami. Khusrow emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and enjoying worldly blessings due to the transitory nature of human life. He criticizes the accumulation of wealth and advocates for living in the moment and being joyful. His numerous descriptions of joy and wine-drinking, particularly in the context of festive gatherings, reflect an almost mystical perspective on wine. He composes works in a style similar to Nizami, exploring the themes of "sāqī-nāmah" (the poem of the cupbearer) and "mughannī-nāmah" (the poem of the singer) and aligns with Epicurean beliefs by seeking internal and mental pleasures. He also advises living with moderation and staying away from excessive desires.

CONCLUSION: The manifestations of Epicureanism, including joy in life, eating and drinking, friendship, having good company, and living with moderation that brings inner peace, are in alignment with Epicurus"s thoughts in Amir Khusrow"s Khamsa. In enjoying worldly pleasures, Khusrow’s thoughts reveal both spiritual and mental pleasures, showing the influence of Nizami in his hedonism.

Keyword
Epicureanism , Amir Khusrow , hedonism , joy.

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