Layla and Majnun

The young lovers become acquainted at maktab [traditional school] and fall desperately in love. Madjnun (Qays) is so besotted with love for Layli that he can not conceal his emotions. He begins to write poetry describing his love for her, and recites his poems to every passer-by. Madjnun's father tries to ask for Layli's hand on his son's behalf, but Layli's father refuses as he believes that Madjnun is a madman who is destroying his daughter's reputation by his open declarations of love on every street corner. Madjnun's father then takes him on a pilgrimage, but he can not forget Layli and his madness intensifies.	"Layli and Madjnun in school" Persian Miniature, Herat Style ( 15th - 16th Century )
In the mean time, Layli is unable to leave her house, as Madjnun's poems have made her the subject of people's gossip. Layli's father is intent on keeping them apart at all cost. A man by the name of Ebn-e Salaam asks Layli's father for her hand in marriage, but is told that she is too young and he should come again in a few years' time.
Madjnun leaves everything and heads for the wilderness living a miserable life. No one can console him, not even the generous Nawfal, who in Nezami's version is a prince in the Iranian style rather than an Arab official. Nawfal tries to give Madjnun advice, but when he does not succeed he is so saddened by his plight that he even goes to war with Layli's clan, demanding that Layli and Madjnun should be united. However, even when Layli's clan is defeated, her father refuses to allow his daughter to marry Madjnun. He says that Madjnun has destroyed his daughter's reputation, ["...not a wind passes without uttering my daughter's name..."] and he would rather kill her than give her to him. Nawfal realises that he can not pursue the matter any longer, and Madjnun leaves once again. Time passes, and with Nawfal no longer appearing as a threat, Layli has many suitors. Ebn-e Salaam uses the opportunity and returns to ask for Layli's hand, and this time he is successful. They are married and he takes Layli to his own home. Madjnun is devastated when he hears the news and sinks further within himself refusing to return home to his family. Madjnun's father dies of a broken heart. Madjnun had been his only son, and he had loved him dearly. Madjnun is torn apart with the news of his father's death and heads back to the wilderness living among the wild animals. Although Layli is married, she has not forgotten Madjnun, and her love for him is as strong as before. She sends a letter to Madjnun trying to console him after his father's death. She also explains that her husband knows she does not love him and she will always remain faithful to Madjnun.	"Madjnun watching the Battle of Nawfal with Layli's Clan" Persian Miniature, Herat Style
Shortly after, Madjnun's mother also dies and Layli sends him a message through an old man who has met him on his wanderings, to come and visit her. Madjnun returns, and the lover's see each other once more. However, Layli's husband has always loved her, and knowing that he can never win her love, falls ill and dies. Tradition demands that a widow must remain in her house for two years and not see any one in that period. Layli can not bear the thought of living without Madjnun any longer and consumed with sorrow, she dies. When Madjun hears the news of Layli's death, his world comes to an end. He visits her grave, weeps desperately and dies.