In what might be one of the most definitive English translations of Persian mystic and poet Hafiz, the English and Urdu translator Khalid Hameed Shaida blends an empathetic pen with what must be a deeply intuitive soul. Tender and sincere, Hafiz: The Voice of God, A Hundred Odes is a powerful collection of Hafiz's first 100 lyrical poems, or ghazals, that bring to fruition love, mysticism, and other early Sufi themes. With a keen sense of timing and verse, the translator is able to capture the lyrical, at times playful, quality as well as Hafiz's profound messages that possess elements of modern surrealism.

This compilation stresses form and verse as it weaves a nearly magical intensity that will have new readers falling in love with an ancient master of poetry and aficionados of the Persian mystic period appreciating timeless odes in a creative and inspired voice.