Brief Note on Life of Sheikh Saadi

Introduction

Al Mighty Allah has created limited people who achieved good names due to their good manners and deeds. Sheikh Saadi is one of those people who executed numerous heroic acts in his life and achieved good name in this world. The people always take benefits from his good deeds and heroic acts. When King ILKHANI assaulted Iran and put the houses of Iranian on fire, destroyed mosques, schools/ colleges and burned libraries/ literature. Moreover, ILKHANI also killed eminent and scholars brutally. In that days, Allah has blessed Iranian people with Sheikh Saadi (R.A).

Ashraf Ud Din Mosleh Ud Din Saadi was born in Shiraz town of Iran. His exact date of birth is not known, however, the modern history writers of Iran says that Saadi was born in 1184 AD and died in between 691 to 694 AH. His father was an official with Governor of Shiraz. The historian says that Sheikh Saadi has spent his life in four parts. Sheikh Saadi studied for 30 years, then he travelled the world for 30 years, then he spent 30 years in writing of books and poetry and the remaining life was spent in recluse and theosophy. He served his people socially through his books and publications.

Primary and Higher Education of Sheikh Saadi

Sheikh Saadi belongs to a well-read family of Shiraz who were famous for of their knowledge. He took his early education from his father. Unfortunately, his father passed away in his childhood and he could not continue study with him.

Sheikh Saadi got higher education from the renowned and famous teachers of Shiraz after the death of his father. He travelled towards Baghdad for further education and took higher education from Sheikh Shahab Ud Din Saharwardi,

Journey of Sheikh Saadi

Sheikh Saadi left Baghdad when he realized that the ruthless and brutal King Halako Khan has destroyed the Islamic state of Baghdad with his brutal acts. He travelled towards Syria, Palestine, Makkah, Madina (KSA), Asia and Northern Africa. He performed fourteen Hajj during his journey. Some of the stories of BOSTAN reveals that he also visited Turkistan and Hindustan. An English Historian writes that Saadi is the second biggest tourist of the East after Ibn-e-Batota. He faced problems during his various trips. Once, Saadi become angry with the people of Damascus. He left Damascus and went towards the deserts of Palestine where Christians arrest him and put in prison with Jewish prisoners. Saadi tackled all the problems of life with courage and bravery. He never complained of his problem.

Sheikh Saadi was expressive and fluent in explaining his expressions. He always used fluent, expressive and emphasized words in his prose and poetry which effects on the heart of readers. Saadi explained his problems in a better way for guidance of followers and readers. He always remained thankful to Al-Mighty Allah and advised fellows to become patient during stress and strain conditions.

Love with Native Town

Saadi loved his native homeland very much which reflects in his poetry. He left his native town Shiraz on account of cruelly rule of Muzafar Uddin Saad bin Zangi and worse law and order situation. He returned to his native town after a long time when Saad bin Zangi died and his son Muzafar Uddin Abu Bakar bin Abu Saad bin Zangi took over the charge of kingdom in 1236 AH. Muzafar Uddin Abu Bakar compromised with TATARIAN tribe for peace. In this way, he success in peace keeping in Persia and saved his people from mass destruction.

Tendency towards Sufism

Sheikh Saadi was very talented scholar himself and liked scholars in general and religious scholars in particular. Despite of his epistemic abilities and qualities, he was impressed from Sufi and adopted Sufism. Saadi used his prose and poetry for constrictive and ameliorative works of public. He guided leaders, kings and rulers through his poetry. Ali bin Ahmad is a renowned religious scholar (who formulated/ gathered Kulayat-e-Saadi) says that Sheikh Saadi was very brave and courageous. He further narrated that Saadi has expressed and communicated his view in a courageous way to everyone, including rulers of his time. Saadi was very talented from childhood. He was popular among the people on account of his sincerity. He was respected by all on account of good manners and positive attitude.

Death of Sheikh Saadi

Saadi was very popular among the people. Once the King of Multan invited Saadi to visit India but Saadi apologized. The health condition of Saadi weaken in those days and he preferred to live at Shiraz (home town). He died at Shiraz in 691 AH and buried there. His tomb is known as MAZAR-E-SADIA.

Publications of Saadi

Saadi is famous for his unique poetry and prose writing style. His books and publications are famous all over the world, particularly GULISTAN, BOSTAN and Kulayat-e-Saadi. BOSTAN is one of the best book and was written in 1257 AD which contains following subjects:-
1. Justice
2. Features of Kindness
3. Strength of Love
4. Humility and Humbleness
5. Advantages of Contentment
6. Education
7. Advantages of saying Thanks to Allah Al Mighty
8. Regret and Repentance
9. Invocation and Prayers

GULISTAN-E-SAADI is another precious book of unique and true stories. The said book was written in 1258 AD but formulated and published after his death. Salient of the book are as under:-
1. Characters of Monarch
2. Characters of Darwaish
3. Advantages of Humbleness
4. Advantage of Silence
5. Youth and Love
6. Old age
7. Effects of Education
8. Etiquette of Company