Iranian Practical Wisdom in Ibn Qutaybah’s ‘Uyūn al-Akhbār

Practical wisdom is one of the highly attracted topics that the Persians cared about a very long time ago. It, comprising three types (correction of dispositions, management of household affairs, and politics), provided a clear picture of its precious experiences long ago which have been continuing for ages. These experiences and doctrine were handed down from one generation to another and have been the representation of a perfect lifestyle and have been trying to dispel the troubles and worrisome of people. One proof for this is the sermons and the stories that are left for next generations. This study tries to clarify the Persians image in other nations' writings and mainly attempts to investigate the impression of the Arabic texts about Persians in the Sasanid era. Furthermore, this study addresses the notion of practical wisdom and its use in everyday life as a visible treasure bequeathed from the history with which we are unable to get along. One of the works that is abundant with Persian stories and sermons is the book ‘Uyūn al-Akhbār of Ibn Qutaybah Al-dinawari in which he reflected the abundant use of practical wisdom among Persians during the Sasanid era. This current descriptive analytical study, therefore, tries to show the three types of practical wisdom in Persians in ‘Uyūn al-Akhbār by investigating the different and probably hidden sides of Persians' morals and their kings' behavior in that period. As the results indicated, the correction of dispositions and politics were more important and more used than the management of household topic. Among the Persian morals that Ibn Qutaybah mentioned is the secret keeping and the extinction of life, generosity, overtopping knowledge on money, etc. with respect to the management household, the friendship of brothers, recommending marriage within relatives, eating rules, and cleanliness as worthy to be mentioned. Additionally, there are many stories and pieces of advice that could impact the ruling and civil politics Also provided, are the suggestions which are referred to as the merits of the ruler and their big regard of choosing workers, controlling the war issues, and the matters in connection with the soldiers.