Siyasat-namas, which explain the fundamental principles of state administration to rulers, viziers, and statesmen; the qualities that those who govern a state must possess; the matters to be considered in state management; the characteristics to keep in mind when appointing governors; how a ruler should behave towards their enemies and friends; and their responsibilities to God and the people, have served as guides for rulers for centuries. This work, titled Advice to Rulers, which Shaykh Sa’di-i Shirazi penned at the request of a friend, is, although small in volume, a work that the ancients would call "useful and concise" in terms of content. In this book, along with Advice to Rulers, the letter containing the advice Sa’di wrote to the Ilkhanid ruler Abaqa Khan and three short texts known as Takrirat-i Selase are also included. Even though Sa’di addresses those in state administration as suggested by the title of his work, what he says is valid for all of us: “Treat both your friend and your enemy with kindness. In this way, the love and affection of your friend will increase, and the hatred and anger of your enemy will diminish. The attitude of a ruler who lacks discernment is as follows; he neglects a small enemy and does not take them seriously, while giving such support to a friend that one day that friend turns into an enemy.”