In a remote land, there exists a fable of great intrigue, a story that transcends time and speaks to the essence of human belief and conviction. It is said that within the confines of a kingdom, a monarch once sentenced three innocent men to face the gallows. These three individuals were led to the place of execution, a somber platform hanging above a chasm, where a massive wooden plank connected to a precarious rope awaited them. Above this platform stood a towering stone minaret, adorned with a colossal, heavy stone suspended by a sturdy rope, swaying ominously.
The Enigma of the Condemned
The trio condemned to this deathly apparatus included:
The Scholar
The first among them was a scholar of great renown. As he lay prostrate on the execution plank, with his final wish sought, he declared with unwavering faith, “I trust in the Almighty, for only He has the power to grant life and bestow death. Beyond this, I have nothing to say.”
With these words, the rope was tugged, and the stone plummeted with all its might, only to halt abruptly just above the scholar’s head. The crowd below watched in astonishment, and it was his steadfast faith that spared his life as the rope was swiftly retracted.
The Advocate
Next in line was an eloquent advocate, a champion of justice. When asked for his final words, he confidently proclaimed, “I am the advocate of truth and righteousness. Justice prevails, even here.”
As the rope was once again released, the stone descended, stopping inches from the advocate’s skull. The onlookers marveled at the miraculous turn of events, for it was the advocate’s unwavering belief in justice that intervened, sparing him from the same fate.
The Philosopher
Last but not least, the philosopher took his place on the grim platform. When queried about his final desire, he responded with an air of indifference, “Neither God saved the scholar nor justice the advocate.”
Intriguingly, upon releasing the rope, the stone plunged with all its weight, swiftly ending the philosopher’s life. It was then that the bewildered observers realized the secret behind the enigma – a hidden knot on the rope obstructed its smooth descent, and it was the philosopher who discerned this intricate detail.
Unveiling the Truth
The parable teaches us that knowledge, eloquence, and skepticism, while valuable, may not always save us. Sometimes, even when we possess great wisdom, keeping silent and observing the situation can be the wisest course of action. Just as the philosopher’s demise reveals, speaking without understanding the full picture can lead to dire consequences.
Conclusion
In this tale of life and death, we are reminded that appearances can be deceiving, and it is essential to dig deeper to uncover the hidden truths. The scholar’s faith, the advocate’s trust in justice, and the philosopher’s discernment all played a vital role in their fates.