Quranic Teachings at Heart of Saadi’s Enduring Poetry, Expert Says

IQNA – The poetry of Saadi Shirazi, one of Iran’s most celebrated literary figures, is deeply rooted in Islamic and Quranic teachings, an expert says.

In an interview with IQNA, Mohammad Shalooei, head of the Society for the Appreciation of Cultural Works and Dignitaries (SACWD), emphasized that Iran’s literary giants, including Saadi, were shaped by their early exposure to the Quran.

“All of our sages and poets were students of the Quranic school. They were raised and refined in environments where the Quran was central,” he said.

Saadi Shirazi, born in the 13th century in Shiraz, is best known for his works Bostan (The Orchard) and Golestan (The Rose Garden), which are widely admired for their blend of moral instruction and eloquent prose and verse. His poetry frequently draws on Quranic language, themes, and stories to convey ethical and spiritual lessons.

According to Shalooei, this deep engagement with the Quran is what gives permanence and resonance to Persian classical literature.

“The reason these works are so moving and remain timeless is because they are connected to a divine source,” he explained. “Without this connection, they would not have endured in the way they have.”

Shalooei also noted that other major Persian poets such as Hafez, Rumi, and Attar similarly wove Quranic insight into their writings, making Islamic spirituality a central element of Iran’s literary heritage.

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