Layla & Majnun
The poet driven mad by love
The poet driven mad with love for Layla, married off to another by force; his longing became a Sufi allegory of the soul seeking God.
01Why it matters
It is the Romeo and Juliet of the East: the most influential impossible love in the Islamic world, from Persia to South Asia, and the inspiration for Eric Clapton's "Layla."
02The conflict
The family's prohibition; Layla's forced marriage.
03The iconic moment
Majnun retreating to the desert to recite poems to Layla's name.
04What survived
Nizami's "Khamsa"; Clapton's "Layla"; countless Persian and South Asian adaptations.
05What to watch, read & listen
06Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Layla & Majnun famous?
It is the Romeo and Juliet of the East: the most influential impossible love in the Islamic world, from Persia to South Asia, and the inspiration for Eric Clapton's "Layla."
How does the story of Layla & Majnun end?
Majnun retreating to the desert to recite poems to Layla's name. Nizami's "Khamsa"; Clapton's "Layla"; countless Persian and South Asian adaptations.
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