Yearly Archives: 2026

The story of Hatim al-Tai and the King of Yemen

I (Saadi) don't know who told me this story, it is said that long ago there was a king in Yemen. He surpassed all the...

Chivalry and noble lineage

It is narrated (I heard/Saadi) that in the time of the Prophet (Muhammed), the tribe of Tayy did not respond to the call of...

The essence of worship and the truth behind ascetic appearances

I heard of a man of good reputation, known for his knowledge and upright conduct, in the farthest reaches of the Byzantine lands. I (Saadi)...

The philosophy of benevolence and its effect on disciplining souls and character traits

I saw a young man running briskly along my path, and a sheep trotting tirelessly behind him. So I said to him, "I think it...

The Paralyzed Fox and the Lion On the Reality of Trust and Action

A devout man saw a helpless fox, its limbs severed, and filled his mind with wonder at God's creation and wisdom in this. (He said...

Winning hearts and subduing enmity through the power of kindness

My son, be generous; for a human soul is won by kindness, just as a wild beast is subdued by a tether. Bind the neck...

The Tale of the religious person and the Ant

Listen to the stories of the righteous, if you seek happiness and tread the path of chivalry For example, Abu Bakr al-Shibli bought a sack...

The meaning of mercy on the weak and the thought of the end

A poor, ascetic dervish complained of his dire circumstances and lack of means to a heartless, wealthy man (a miserly, bigoted rich man who...

The Ethics of the Altruistic Leader

O noble one, be gentle with God's servants and treat them with kindness, perhaps God will be merciful to you tomorrow and not make...

A devout worshiper helped a dog that was on the verge of death from thirst

One day, in the desolate wilderness, a man found a dog panting with thirst, on the verge of death. This man, whose nature was inclined...

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