Omar Khayyam (1048–1131) was a Persian polymath renowned for his contributions to mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and poetry. His most celebrated work, the Rubaiyat (a collection of quatrains or “rubai”), showcases his philosophical musings on life, love, fate, and the fleeting nature of existence. Written with a blend of skepticism, hedonism, and spiritual reflection, the Rubaiyat invites readers to savor life’s pleasures while contemplating its mysteries. The verses gained global recognition through Edward FitzGerald’s 19th-century English translations, which popularized Khayyam’s poetry and introduced his profound thoughts to the world.
