由於沙不丁的個人家世已不可考，僅能就查考所及之相關仕宦狀況，配合元代經營南海貿易之事實，加以析論，將沙不丁歸類為元代由官而商的個案事例之一。 全文分別從沙不丁所以能在元代海外貿易發展中佔有一席之地的時代背景及個人特殊身分背景加以分析，並就其仕宦任官多涉南海貿易事的原因及影響，配合具體事例，予以闡論。 沙不丁具生財及理財之特長，無論身任海外貿易機構官員或地方行政首長兼領市舶事，為政府廣徵財稅，為權貴生財謀利，是他獲致君主器重與庇護之主因。雖一度失勢而後再起，然實無損於其在海外貿易方面的氣勢。然他藉個人權位，為自家營私謀利，致為人所詬病，則顯示出元代海外貿易的進行，就整體而言，事實上是利弊參見的。

Since Shihabal-Din’s family could not be traced, we could only discuss his career followed by the facts of the southeast overseas trade in the Yuan Dynasty. Shihabal-Din’s story was classified as one of the examples that people become businessmen from officials. This paper mainly discussed and analyzed the background of the times that Shihabal-Din could influence overseas trade development in the Yuan Dynasty, and the reasons and effects why his career was involved with South China Sea, followed by the truths. Shihabal-Din was good at financial development and management. He levied taxes for the government and made financial profits for influential officials when he was an overseas trade official, a local chief executive, and an official of carrying trade division. In fact, Shihabal-Din was highly regarded and protected by the emperor. He failed and got the influence back again, the failure did not impair his influence on overseas trade. However, he abused his power and gained profits for his family. What he did led to criticism. Overall, there are both advantages and disadvantages of overseas trade development in the Yuan Dynasty.