The Forgiveness in Saadis Gulistan

Forgiveness is among human and moral concepts which has highly been dealt with in our literary texts. It specially holds a prominent place in didactic and mystic works and has been in particular and individually referred to in some texts; contrary to expectations, however, there is no chapter dedicated specifically to this concept in the works created by Saadi. It has rather been briefly pointed out in his anecdotes. At first, he attributes this trait to the God and correlates it with the “concealing” attribute of the God. He, then, invites regnant in his aphorisms to show forgiveness. That might be the reason why the concept is more referred to in the first chapter (Kings’ Way of Life). As Saadi puts it, the kings, who often had erratic nature and handed down stiff sentences, mostly forgave disfavored through intermediation of third parties, considering an elegant speech or an epigram favored by his royal nature , a reply or reasoning by the disfavored or someone else or beholding a behavior exhibited by the disgraced. He attributes the trait to the God’s fellows as well and regarding Dervish ethics tells two anecdotes validating this statement. It is worthwhile mentioning that regardless of all his commendations concerning forgiveness, he believes that the kings sometimes offer forgiveness unduly and by mistake to oppressors and corrupt agents.