Layla and Majnun by Nizami

I finished reading the beautiful story of Layla and Majnun as narrated by Nizami. The story is a roller coaster of emotions but also has a very strong spiritual message. It depicts a definition of love beyond what we have become accustomed to through Hollywood and television. Interestingly enough, this tale of Layla and Majnun influenced the popular rock song “Layla” by Eric Clapton, where Clapton felt a similar love for his close friend’s wife (George Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd).

Although the tale may seem a bit melodramatic to some readers, I found it to be a refreshing look at Love from a different perspective and would recommend it to readers of all backgrounds.

Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book.

“He who remains a stranger in this world and wanders restless as the moon at night, will find Peace.” Pg 100

“Because one can see the shell, but not the kernal…do you not understand? The name is only the outer shell and I am this shell. I am the veil. The face underneath is hers.” pg 104

“Venus, lighting up the night, beacon for all those who are searching for happiness in the world.”  Pg 115

“And the king was right. Free is the man who has no desires.” Pg 142

“In the Book of Life, every page has two sides. On the upper one, we inscribe our plans, dreams, and hopes; the reverse is filled with providence, whose verdicts rarely match our desires.” Pg 162

“Two lovers lie awaiting in this Tomb
Their resurrection from the grave’s dark womb.
Faithful in separation, True in Love
One tent will hold them in the world above.” Pg 174