Ferdowsi was a Hakim (a Wise man); this title was not used just as a compliment for him: he has been called Hakim since hundreds of years ago. What is his wisdom? Islamic divine wisdom.
Do not assume that in Ferdowsi’s wisdom there was a trace of Zoroastrian wisdom. When he praises Esfandiyar, Ferdowsi emphasizes on his devotion to the religion. You know that Esfandiyar was a devout and zealous missionary of the religion and tried to spread the religion of purity throughout Iran. Esfandiyar is a type similar to our today’s hezbollahis (very religious individuals): he was very brave and carefully practiced the religion. To safeguard the principles he held and practiced, he took risks; he accepted to go through the Seven Challenges and even to fight against Rostam. When you read Shahnameh, you see that Ferdowsi is insisting on Esfandiyar's commitment to the faith and moral purity. Although Ferdowsi does not intend to criticize any of those kings but look what image Goshtasb has in Shahnameh, and compare that to the image of Esfandiyar. They are father and son. Ferdowsi, according to Islamic fundamentals, is attentive to virtues. However, according to the fundamentals of the monarchy, in the struggle between Goshtasb and Esfandiar, the king is right. What does "With God's help and by the King's order" mean? It means whatever the King orders, is right. It means Goshtasb is right. But if you study Shahnameh, you will see that in the struggle between Esfandiyar and Goshtasb, Esfandiyar is the one who is right. That is, Esfandiyar is a divine Hakim. From the beginning, Ferdowsi starts in the name of God: "In the name of God, creator of life and wisdom / there is no idea greater than this". It is the same until the end. Study Ferdowsi from this point of view.
Imam Khamenei, February 24, 1992
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