Saadi Shirazi is one of the cornerstone figures of classical Persian literature. His real name was Abu Muhammad Musharrif al-Din Muslih ibn Abd-Allah ibn Musharrif, but his pen name was Saadi. Along with Ferdowsi, Hafez, Rumi, and Khayam, he is one of the most influential poets in Iranian culture. His impact on the Persian language is undeniable, and the tomb of Saadi is one of the most popular Shiraz tourist attractions.
Who is Saadi Shirazi?
Saadi was a 13th-century Persian poet who derived his pen name from Atabeg Abu Bakr ibn Saad, the Salghurid governor of the Fars region. This classical poet is known by several titles such as Ostad-e Sokhan (Master of Speech), Padshah-e Sokhan (the King of Speech), and Sheikh-e Ajal (The Greatest Sage). Saadi Shirazi poems in Farsi include 16,000 couplets in Arabic and Persian, alluded to in the works of later poets, such as Hafez, Rumi, and Goethe.
His profound influence on Persian literature and his timeless wisdom, encapsulated in works like Gulistan (The Rose Garden) and Bustan (The Orchard), have inspired countless writers and thinkers across cultures and centuries. His aphorisms and moral teachings continue to resonate globally, making him one of the most celebrated literary figures in history.
Saadi Shirazi Poems
Saadi’s poems explore timeless subjects:
- Humanity and Empathy: His travels have made him aware of the innate connection between all humans. His poems distill his belief in global kinship, a theme woven throughout his work.
- Love and Spirituality: His ghazals intertwine earthly passion with divine longing.
- Moral Integrity: He urges humility and justice through concise metaphors.
Saadi Shirazi Poem in United Nations
There is a myth about Saadi Shirazi’s poem on the entrance to the U.N. building in New York, which is false. There is, however, a Persian carpet embellished with this famous poem that reads:
“Human Beings are members of a whole
In the creation of one essence and soul
If one member is inflicted with pain
Other members uneasy will remain
If you have no sympathy for human pain
The name of human you cannot pertain.”
Saadi Shirazi Poems in Farsi
Saadi’s poems in Farsi are among the most popular Persian literary works. Like Hafez’s poems, Saadi Shirazi poetry is used as a means of fortune-telling, albeit to a lesser extent. One of the most famous famous Saadi Shirazi poems in Farsi is the intro to Bustan::
“به نام خداوند جان آفرین
In the name of the God who bestowed life upon us
حکیم سخن در زبان آفرین
The creator of the power of speech
خداوند بخشندهٔ دستگیر
The Generous and Charitable God
کریم خطا بخش پوزش پذیر”
The Benevolent, Forgiving, and Merciful
Saadi Shirazi Poems in English
The first significant English engagement with Saadi began in the late 18th century, coinciding with Europe’s burgeoning interest in Orientalism. Though better known for translating Hafez, Sir William Jones helped spark Western curiosity in Persian poetry. However, Francis Gladwin produced the first major English translation of the Gulistan in 1806, rendering its prose and poetry into a formal, archaic style. This edition introduced Saadi’s blend of ethical maxims and storytelling to Anglophone readers.
In more recent times, W.M. Thackston (2008) and G.M. Wickens (1984) produced authoritative academic translations, balancing fidelity to the text with readability. Reza Saberi’s Gulistan (1996) and Omid Dahlen’s Bustan (2022) offered fresh interpretations, emphasizing Saadi’s timeless relevance. Penguin Classics and other publishers disseminated these works widely, cementing Saadi’s place in global literature.
Saadi’s ghazals and qasidas, translated by scholars like Richard Jeffrey Newman, highlight his lyrical prowess, though they remain less prominent than his didactic works.
Saadi Shirazi Books
Saadi Shirazi books have been translated into many languages and have remarkably affected Persian and world literature. Saadi has left behind an impressive collection of poetry and prose with over 16,000 couplets.
Gulistan (Rose Garden)
Gulistan (Rose Garden) is one of the most important examples of Persian prose. Recognized as one of the best Saadi Shirazi books, this collection includes poems, but the main body of the work is in prose. It is known as a source of wisdom, satire, and insight. Literary analysis suggests Saadi wrote the book in 6 months in Shiraz, during a manic-depressive phase after completing the Bustan. Saadi had given up writing, contemplating the fleeting nature of life. So, he created decided to create a rose garden that would last for ages.
Gulistan is divided into eight chapters, reminiscing the eight gates of paradise:
- Manners of Kings,
- The Morals of Dervishes (Sufi philosophy),
- The Excellence of Contentment,
- The Benefits of Silence,
- Love and Youth,
- Frailty and Old Age,
- Impact of Education.
- The Etiquette of daily life.
Bustan (The Orchard)
Bustan (The Orchard) or Saadi Nameh (Book of Saadi) is a collection of Saadi Shirazi poems in Farsi written throughout his travelsSaadi’s travels and during the Mongol invasion of Iran commanded by Genghis Khan. In 10 Baabs (chapters), Saadi Shirazi covers critical social issues such as morality, education, political instability, and Islamic values in the guise of epic poetry. It is written with the same meter style as Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh.
The Bustan contains roughly 4,000 couplets in ten chapters. The 183 parables in the book are divided into 10 chapters:
- Justice
- Charity
- Love And Passion
- Humility
- Submitting To The Will Of God
- Contentment
- Education
- Grace
- Repentance And The Path Of Redemption
- Prayer
Ghazaliat Saadi
Ghazaliat is a collection of Ghazals (amatory odes) by Saadi, gathered in the Complete Works of Saadi. This collection showcases his mastery of the ghazal form, a poetic style characterized by its lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and intricate rhyme scheme. Saadi’s ghazals are a testament to his versatility as a poet, blending themes of love, mysticism, morality, and human experience.
Hazliat
The complete works of Saadi Shirazi include three treatises particularly associated with his Hazliat: مطایبات (Mota’ebat, or Jests), مضحکات (Mazhakat, or Laughable Tales), and خبیثات (Khabithat, or Naughty Tales). These works collectively form the Hazliat, a term for his humorous and satirical writings.
- Mota’ebat: This section consists of witty jokes, anecdotes, and risqué stories, often employing bold and explicit language. The themes frequently revolve around human relationships, desire, and the absurdities of social behavior. Despite the daring nature of these verses, the mastery of language and poetic skill leaves no doubt that they are the work of Saadi.
- Mazhakat: Written in prose, this section includes humorous and satirical tales that critique human follies and societal hypocrisy. The stories are designed to amuse while also offering subtle moral lessons.
- Khabithat: Also written in prose, this section delves into more provocative and playful themes, often pushing the boundaries of conventional decorum. Like the other sections, it reflects Saadi’s sharp wit and deep understanding of human nature.
Other Literary Works of Saadi
There are several other Saadi Shirazi books of poetry and prose, some of which are described below:
- Qasayed is a collection of 700 Arabic and Persian Qasida (odes) containing religious praise and moral preaching themes.
- Marasi is a collection of Marsiya (elegiac poems) dedicated to al-Musta’sim, the last Abbasid Caliphate, and Salghurid rulers Abu Bakr ibn Saad ibn Zangi and his father Saad ibn Zangi.
- Sahebiya is a collection of Qit’a (monorhyme Poetry) about the Sahebiya, a Sufi-like movement that does not follow Sufi practices. They believe performing religious duties is for the mass population concerned with appearances, and one must try to understand the nature of existence.
- Nasihat ol-Molouk (advice for kings) is a collection of prose and a few Saadi Shirazi poems in Farsi. It offers guidance for rulers, similar in tone to al-Qazali’s book of the same name.
- Resala Aql va Eshq (the book of wisdom and love) is another short book in prose that explains the relationship between worldly wisdom, science, and faith.
- Majales Panj-Ganeh (The Five Assemblies) is another work of prose praising religious figures while preaching religious ideals.
Saadi Shirazi Quotes
Here are some of the most famous Saadi Shirazi quotes:
Ghazal No. 13
“I am happy in the world because the world is happy through Him,
I am in love with the entire world because the entire world is from Him.”
Chapter 2, Bustan
If you are intelligent, seek meaning.
It is the essence that remains instead of the form
Whoever seeks knowledge without virtue
Has no grasp on meaning and remains on the surface
Manner Of Kings Story 03
“While a man says not a word
His fault and virtue are concealed.
Think not that every desert is empty.
Possibly, it may contain a sleeping tiger.”
Saadi’s Life, Travels, and Education in the 13th Century
Saadi Shirazi was born in the early 13th century in Shiraz during the reign of the Salghurids. The exact date of birth remains a mystery. There are several estimates, ranging from 1181 to 1218. Though he was most likely born in 1209 or 1210. Saadi lived during the Mongol Invasion of Persia in the 13th century. Due to Atabeg’s allegiance to the second Mongol emperor, Ögedei Khan, Fars was spared from the Mongol massacre.
He lost his father, Abdullah, when he was 12. Abdullah served in the Salghurid court of Saad ibn Zangi, Abu Bakr’s father. He was Saadi’s first teacher, who taught him from an early age. He remembers his father and his teachings fondly, which are evident in in Saadi Shirazi poems.
After his father’s death, he was adopted by Masoud ibn Mosleh al-Farsi, his grandfather (on his mother’s side). Some sources mention that Madoud ibn Moselh was the father of Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi, the renowned 13th-century polymath and poet, making him Saadi’s uncle. Saadi studied Persian and Arabic literature and the Islamic Sharia (religious principles) of Shiraz. The first Mongol campaign occurred in his teenage years, which drove him to travel to Baghdad.
Saadi Shirazi in Nizamiyyah School of Baghdad
Saadi left Shiraz for Baghdad in 1223 and continued his education at Nizamiyyah School. His education covered the Arabic language, Quran, Islamic principles and law, medicine, philosophy, and astronomy. Al-Ghazali was Saadi’s mentor and teacher, and his teachings opposed the Ismaili philosophy. Outside the school, he had other tutors in Baghdad, including Sohrevardi, the famous Sufist, and Sabt ibn Jozi, a Muslim historian.
Saadi’s time in the Nizamiyyah school influenced his worldview and philosophy. His interactions with several Islamic scholars impressed his personality and poetry. After completing his education, Saadi became a Vaez (Islamic preacher) and traveled across the Muslim world to spread Islamic values.
Saadi’s Travel Around the Muslim World
Saadi traveled around Islamic territories and is known as one of the most-traveled historical figures of his time. He went to the Levant (present-day Syria, Lebanon, Southern Turkey, Jordan), Hejaz (Arabian Peninsula), Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, and Byzantine territories.
In Saadi Shirazi poems , there are allusions to his travels to other regions that seem unlikely, such as Hindustan (India), Azerbaijan, Turkistan (present-day Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, southern Russia, etc), China, Yemen, and North Africa. These are assumed to be imaginary stories to convey an important moral lesson.
Saadi’s travels have a profound impact on his writings and values of tolerance. In his travels, he gained insight into the human condition, realizing that while different, humans are essentially similar despite their superficial and cultural differences.
Saadi’s Return to Shiraz
After 30 years of traveling, Saadi went back to Shiraz in 1257. Upon his return, he stayed in the Khangah (monastery) of Ibn Khafif, a Sufi mystic who had studied in Baghdad. In the following years, he joined the Abu Bakr ibn Saad Zangi court, and they developed a friendly relationship similar to their fathers. He was not the court’s poet, but rather an adviser. During this time, Saadi revised and gathered his poems and prose inspired by his travels. He completed the poetry collection Bustan and dedicated it to Abu Bakr Zangi in 1257.
According to analysis of his later works, he fell into depression following Bustan. Perhaps due to realizing that he may have wasted his life traveling for no reason and gave up his work. However, his close friends convinced him to continue with his literary endeavors. By 1258, he completed his collection of prose, Gulistan. He also dedicated Gulistan to Abu Bakr Zangi.
His two masterpieces of Persian literature rose to fame in the following years, making Saadi one of the few historical literary figures who enjoyed widespread recognition in his lifetime. After other scholars recognized Bustan and Gulistan, Saadi developed a relationship with the Ilkhanate court of Abaqa Khan.
He traveled to Mecca again for pilgrimage, and on his way back, traveled to Azerbaijan. There he met with two Ilkhanate ministers, Shams al-Din Juvayni and Ata-Malik Juvayni. There are other unconfirmed accounts of Saadi meeting famous historical figures in Shiraz, such as Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, the renowned polymath and architect, and Safi-ad-Din Ardabili, the Sufi mystic and ancestor of the Safavid Dynasty.
Saadi’s Death
There are several accounts of Saadi’s death and his reason for death. One account states that Nasi al-Din al-Tusi discovered Saadi Shirazi poems in praise of the Abbasid Caliphate, and ordered his punishment by Falak (foot whipping). The severe whipping caused severe injuries that led to his death.
However, this account is inconsistent. Al-Tusi never visited Shiraz, and other sources state that Saadi lived for years after his death. The most likely date is between 1291 and 1292. Due to his old age, he was buried in the Ibn Khafif Khangah in Shiraz.
Historical and Cultural Background of His Poems
Saadi lived during an era of political turmoil, most notably the Mongol invasions of Persia. While Shiraz was spared, stories of the massacres of Nishapur and other areas reached the city. This created an atmosphere of fear in his early life, profoundly affecting his work and decision to travel around Asia.
The most significant cultural impact on Saadi’s works can be traced to the rise of the Sufi philosophy and determinism ideology in Islamic philosophy. Saadi’s connection with Sohrevardi during his stay in Baghdad introduced him to Sufi concepts that resonated in his poetry and prose.
Based on Saadi Shirazi poems, we can assume that he was a follower of Sunni Islam, as he praises the four early Islamic caliphates (Abu Bakr, Omar, Osman, and Imam Ali) and uses Sunni Islamic concepts in his poems. But despite his religious beliefs, his works inspire tolerance and friendship between all sects and faiths.
Style and Key Themes in Saadi Shirazi Poems
Saadi’s style is often described as Sahl o Momtan’e (seemingly simple and easy to understand, nearly impossible to replicate). He is widely recognized as a master of Persian prose and poetry. He mostly focuses on moral lessons conveyed through parables depicted as stories from his travels. Most of the stories are imaginary, but some of the events may have happened in his real life.
The themes include moral values such as humility and honesty. These were a response to a rise in superficial behavior by the elite. This outlook was adopted by later poets influenced by the works of Saadi. One of the most famous impacts of such Saadi Shirazi poems in Farsi with such a theme is a Ghazal (ode) by Hafez proclaiming this behavior:
واعظان کاین جلوه در محراب و منبر میکنند
The preachers who appear righteous on the altar and minbar (pulpit)
چون به خلوت میروند آن کار دیگر میکنند
Once in their private quarters, engage in other affairs (what they preach as sins)
Saadi saw the atmosphere of fear and intolerance during his travels throughout the Muslim world during the Mongol invasion. He realized that as a literary figure, the best he could do was preach morality through his work. His work is targeted at both the common folk and the wise. This is why he is recognized as a sage, profoundly wise yet simple in appearance.
Saadi’s Impact on Iranian Culture and Persian Literature
Saadi’s poetry and prose have shaped the evolution of Persian classical literature. His impact is visible in the works of following classical poets and writers and modern Persian literature. Hafez is one of the classical Iranian poets inspired by Saadi’s style in writing Ghazals. In contemporary Iranian literature, authors such as Mohammad-Ali Jamalzadeh and Ibrahim Golestan showcase direct influence from Saadi.
Saadi’s works have been integral to study materials since the era of MaktabKhaneh (traditional schools). In addition to his influence on the works of later poets and writers, Saadi is one of the most alluded and directly referenced authors in Persian literature. Saadi’s writings have become an essential piece of Iranian culture. His writings are used as popular Iranian proverbs in everyday language.
Saadi’s Impact on Western Literature
A selection of Saadi’s Gulistan was first translated into French in the 17th century by André du Ryer. It quickly attracted the French literary community. A few years later, Adam Olearius and Friedrich Hossbach translated Saadi’s works into German. In London, Stephen Sullivan translated a selection of Gulistan, creating one of the most famous renditions of Saadi Shirazi poems in English. It was also translated into Latin and Dutch in the following years.
Saadi Shirazi books have been a revered source of research for European orientalists. He also influenced and inspired artists and writers such as Victor Hugo, who wrote Les Orientales, and Alfred de Musset, who wrote Histoire d’un merle blanc. The list of European poets inspired by Saadi is extensive, including Leconte de Lisle, who wrote Les Roses d’Ispahan based on Gulistan and Bustan. Les Roses d’Ispahan, Myriam Harry, Marthe Bibesco, Marthe Bibesco, and many others were influenced by the works of Saadi, who introduced them to oriental literature.
Learn More About Iranian Poets and Persian Literature
Saadi Shirazi is one of the West’s most famous Iranian literary figures, along with Hafez, Rumi, and Ferdowsi. But the realm of Persian literature is far vaster than these flagship artists. Iran’s extensive literature is one of the most critical aspects of our intangible cultural heritage. It is the cornerstone of Iranian culture.
If you want to learn more about Persian Literature, you can check out the works of other Iranian poets and writers. Persian literature from the early post-Islam era begins with examples such as Rudaki (known as the first Persian poet) to contemporary poets like Nima Yooshij and Mohammad-Hossein Shahriar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saadi Shirazi
If you have other questions about Saadi Shirazi or other aspects of Persian literature, please let us know in the comments. We will respond as soon as possible.
Who was Saadi Shirazi?
Saadi Shirazi was a 13th-century Persian poet and prose writer. He is best known for his works “Gulistan” (The Rose Garden) and “Bustan” (The Orchard), which are considered masterpieces of Persian literature.
What are the main works of Saadi?
- Gulistan (The Rose Garden): A collection of poetry and stories that convey moral lessons and social commentary.
- Bustan (The Orchard): A didactic poem that outlines the virtues of an ideal ruler and ethical conduct.
- Divan-e Saadi: A collection of ghazals (lyric poems) that showcase his lyrical prowess.
What are the themes of Saadi’s poetry?
Saadi’s poetry often touches on themes such as love, morality, wisdom, human nature, and the importance of compassion and empathy.
What is Saadi’s impact on Persian literature?
Saadi is regarded as one of the greatest poets in Persian literature because of his simple language, wit, and universal themes.
Why is Saadi sometimes called “The Master of Prose”?
Saadi is often referred to as “The Master of Prose” due to his skillful use of prose in “Gulistan.” The blend of elegant prose with poetic elements has made this work particularly celebrated.
What is the Saadi Shirazi poem in the United Nations?
The Bani Adam poem from Gulistan is one of the most famous Saadi Shirazi poems emphasizing the interconnectedness of mankind, and the importance of empathy among nations.
