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Hekayat, a distinctive genre of Persian literature, typically consists of a concise narrative or a nugget of wisdom, often embellished with poetic verses. These short tales, rich in symbolism and moral lessons, have played a significant role in shaping Persian culture and storytelling traditions.

Hekayat 31 from Golestan of Saadi

Hekayat 31 from Golestan of Saadi

By hamed on September 06, 2024

The ministers of Nushirvan were deliberating on an important matter of state, each offering different opinions, and the king also proposed a plan.

Bozorgmehr chose the king’s opinion.

The ministers asked him in private, “What advantage did you see in the king’s opinion over the thoughts of so many wise …

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Hekayat 30 from Golestan of Saadi

Hekayat 30 from Golestan of Saadi

By hamed on September 06, 2024

A king ordered the execution of an innocent man. The man said, “O King! Do not seek your own harm by the anger you have towards me, for this punishment will end my life in a moment, but its guilt will remain with you forever.”

The span of life, like …

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Hekayat 29 from Golestan of Saadi

Hekayat 29 from Golestan of Saadi

By hamed on September 06, 2024

One of the ministers went to Dhu’l-Nun the Egyptian and sought his help, saying, “Day and night I am occupied in the service of the king, hoping for his favor and fearing his punishment.” Dhu’l-Nun wept and said, “If I worshipped God, the Almighty, as you serve the king, I …

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Hekayat 28 from Golestan of Saadi

Hekayat 28 from Golestan of Saadi

By hamed on September 06, 2024

A dervish was sitting alone in a corner when a king passed by. The dervish, content with his state of detachment, did not raise his head or pay any attention. The king, accustomed to the awe of his subjects, was offended and said, “These ascetics are like animals; they have …

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Hekayat 27 from Golestan of Saadi

Hekayat 27 from Golestan of Saadi

By hamed on September 06, 2024

There was a man who excelled in the art of wrestling, knowing three hundred and sixty fine techniques, and each day he would wrestle using a different one. He had a particular fondness for one of his students and taught him three hundred and fifty-nine techniques, but he always delayed …

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Hekayat 26 from Golestan of Saadi

Hekayat 26 from Golestan of Saadi

By hamed on September 06, 2024

They tell the story of a tyrant who bought firewood from the poor at an unfair price and gave it to the rich for free. A wise man passed by and said to him:

You are like a snake that bites everyone it sees, Or an owl that ruins every …

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Hekayat 25 from Golestan of Saadi

Hekayat 25 from Golestan of Saadi

By hamed on September 06, 2024

I heard that one of the Arab kings told his attendants, “Double the stipend of so-and-so, for he is always present at the court and ready to obey orders, while the other servants are busy with play and neglect their duties.”

A wise man heard this and cried out in …

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Hekayat 24 from Golestan of Saadi

Hekayat 24 from Golestan of Saadi

By hamed on September 06, 2024

The king of Zozan had a nobleman who was generous and well-regarded, serving everyone kindly in person and speaking well of them in their absence. However, the king was displeased with one of his actions, confiscated his property, and punished him. The king’s officers, acknowledging the nobleman’s past generosity, treated …

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Hekayat 23 from Golestan of Saadi

Hekayat 23 from Golestan of Saadi

By hamed on September 06, 2024

One of the servants of Amr Lays had escaped. People went after him and brought him back. The minister had a grudge against him and ordered his execution to prevent other servants from doing the same. The servant bowed his head to the ground before Amr and said:

"Whatever happens …

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Hekayat 22 from Golestan of Saadi

Hekayat 22 from Golestan of Saadi

By hamed on September 06, 2024

One of the kings had a dreadful illness, the details of which are better left unsaid. The Greek physicians agreed that the only cure for this ailment was the gall of a person with specific qualities. The king ordered such a person to be found.

They found a farmer’s son …

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