The question asks about the author of the famous book حیات سعدی (Hayat-e-Saadi). This book is a renowned biographical work in Urdu literature, focusing on the life and works of the great Persian poet Saadi Shirazi.
The correct answer is A: مولانا الطاف حسین حالی (Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali). Hali was a towering figure in Urdu literature, celebrated for his poetry, literary criticism, and biographical writings. He authored several influential biographies, including 'Hayat-e-Saadi', 'Yadgar-e-Ghalib' (on Mirza Ghalib), and 'Hayat-e-Javed' (on Sir Syed Ahmed Khan). His biographical style was meticulous and insightful, making 'Hayat-e-Saadi' a significant contribution to Urdu prose.
The other options are incorrect: B: محمد حسین آزاد (Muhammad Hussain Azad) is famous for 'Aab-e-Hayat', a critical history of Urdu poets. C: شبلی نعمانی (Shibli Nomani) is known for his historical and biographical works like 'Seerat-un-Nabi' and 'Al-Farooq'. While all were prominent literary figures, 'Hayat-e-Saadi' is distinctly Hali's work.