درویش در برابر پادشاه؛ تمثیلی از آموزه سیاسی و تربیت فرمانروایان در اندیشه سعدی

This study explores Saadi’s political doctrine and its connection to his broader ethical and educational system. The central research question addresses the theoretical foundation of Saadi’s siyasat-nama and how it diverges from the conventional Persian andarz-nama tradition. Unlike classical advice manuals, which aimed to solidify the authority of kings, Saadi views politics as a crucial aspect of his moral and pedagogical mission. In this context, his allegories and parables—particularly the interaction between the Darvish and the King—are key to understanding his political philosophy. The Darvish, positioned outside the realm of power, offers counsel with honesty, disregarding royal grandeur, presenting advice as a bitter but healing medicine. Saadi’s goal is not to legitimize power but to educate rulers, restraining their desires to ensure justice, security, and the well-being of the people. The article argues that Saadi’s political vision is grounded in four core principles: the people as the primary source of legitimacy, the primacy of security over authority, the rejection of rigid moral absolutism in favor of pragmatic reasoning, and the preference for stewardship (jahandari) over conquest (jahan-giri). This framework allows Saadi to propose a unique, human-centered approach in the history of Iranian political thought.