Sa'di
(1184–1282)

The Persian poet Sa'di has been popular among Persian-speaking people for several centuries now. Born in Shiraz and orphaned early in life, Sa'di's real name was Muslihuddin, which he changed in order to show his admiration toward local ruler and patron Sa'd bin Zangi.

He spent the first three decades of his life pursuing education, while the next three decades were dedicated to traveling and composing poetry. He then revised his poetry during a period of religious seclusion. Finally, throughout the final ten years of his long and satisfying life, Sa'di educated others on mystical elements and also tended to the needs of the less fortunate.

Sa'di wrote the Gulistan or "Rose Garden" in rhyming prose, which became one of his most admired works. Frequently translated since 1787, this volume of fables has spanned multiple generations and multiple cultures. Sa'di proved to be multifaceted in both life and art. His style reflected a person that was satirical and witty, as well as spiritual and kindhearted. Justifiably revered for his contributions, his tomb in Shiraz is now a shrine.

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