TWA
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April 21 marks the birth anniversary of the renowned Persian poet and moralist, Saadi Shirazi—an occasion observed in Iran as the National Day of Commemoration of Saadi Shirazi, or Saadi Day.
Celebrated for the eloquence of his prose and the profound social and ethical insights within his works, Saadi remains a towering figure in Persian literature. His writings are notable for their spiritual depth, humanistic values, and lyrical praise of the Prophet of Islam. One of his most revered verses, from the poem “Human Beings,” underscores universal human solidarity:
“Human beings are members of a whole,
In creation of one essence and soul.
If one member is afflicted with pain,
Other members uneasy will remain.
If you have no sympathy for human pain,
The name of human you cannot retain.”
This year, Saadi’s birth anniversary coincides with the death anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the national poet of Pakistan. The parallel remembrance of these two philosophical and poetic giants offers a moment to reflect on their shared legacy.
Both Saadi and Iqbal are venerated across Iran and Pakistan. Their poetry, steeped in themes of unity, moral consciousness, and spiritual depth, continues to resonate in the cultural and intellectual lives of both nations—reminding us of the enduring power of literature to inspire love, compassion, and human connection.
