Based on Sa’di’s complete works, the Bustān, the Golestān, Qaṣāyed (Odes),
Moqaṭṭaʿāt („Fragments”), Rasāel („Treatieses”) and Ḡazaliāt („sonnets”), the
present article examines his political views and their relation to his
contemporary rulers in two periods, the era of Atābakān-e-Fārs, from 1257
to 1264, the year of Abshkhātoon’s accession to the throne, and from 1264
that coincides with the decline of Atābakān to the domination of the
Mongol rulers to 1291 or 1292 when Sa’di died. What distinguishes Sa’di
and consequently his views from other mystics is that he has a keen eye for
politics in addition to individual morality. From Sa’di’s point of view the
core of an ideal state or a utopia is its ruler, and it is impossible to found
such a state without a wise ruler. Sa’di believes that the role of a wise ruler
is crucial to reform a society. Thus, rulers are the butt of his criticism in
significant parts of his works among which his political treatise called
Naṣiḥat al-moluk, meaning „advice for rulers” directly addresses rulers and
their executives. To highlight the fundamental role of the rulers in the
improvement of societies, the Golestān begins with „of the Customs of
Kings” as the first chapter. Similarly, the first two books of the Bustān are
concerned with „justice” and „benevolence”. To establish „social welfare”,
„security”, and „peace” in society, that is the most significant duty of a
government towards its people, Sa’di, as a utopian mystic and poet,
criticizes the current situation of his time, turning the spotlights on the
rulers first. This study presents how Sa’di’s political views are reflected in
his works criticizing the current situation, and at the same time, proposing
desirable alternatives.