Monsieur Deleu Painting by Amedo Modigalini

Shaikh Musliuddin Sadi was born in the year 1213 at Shiraz in Iran. H e was not only an erudite and eminent philosopher, but was also regarded as the founder of Persian prose. Many stories are told about his simple and ideal life. He was renowned poet and literary figure of his age. His collection of ghazals laid the foundation of Persian literature. He has advocated righteousness of conduct and ethical values in his writings.

The works of Shaikh Sadi have been translated in most of the important languages of the world. He is supposed to be a great poet. Gulistan and Bostan are his immortal works. His writings are characterized by simplicity of expression and make the reader delve into the real meaning of life.

His place in literature is deemed to be higher than Omar Khayyam and Khalil Jibran. He had a powerful pen and his talents were unequalled. His writings are a unique combination of sweetness and vigour. At one place he has written. “The people were automatically attracted towards the seller of honey, because of his sweet voice. Even if he sold poison, people would have willingly taken it, presuming it to be honey”.

He traveled to many countries in 1226. Perhaps, he came to India as well, as there is evidence that he visited the Somnath temple in Gujarat. He died at the age of 79. He used to say, “Do not tyrannise the poor, as their curses reach the sky. “ Sadi will always have a prominent place world literature.