In a time long ago, in a kingdom far away, there lived a wise and just king. This monarch was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and honesty. One day, he made a proclamation that sent ripples of both fear and intrigue throughout his realm. The proclamation stated that anyone caught lying would face a fine of five dinars. As news of this proclamation spread, people began to tremble at the thought of being caught in a lie. In response, a peculiar turn of events unfolded in the kingdom, involving the king, his loyal minister, and an honest merchant.
A Royal Disguise
Curiosity and anxiety gripped the citizens of the kingdom. They couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if they were to be caught lying. In this atmosphere of uncertainty, the king, known for his sense of adventure, decided to embark on a unique experiment. He disguised himself as a commoner and, along with his trusted minister, ventured into the bustling streets of the city.
A Chance Encounter
After wandering the city streets for hours, the king and his minister found themselves in the shop of a renowned merchant. The merchant, known for his honesty and integrity, welcomed the weary travelers with warmth and hospitality. As they rested, the king decided to engage the merchant in conversation.
The Three Questions
“Tell me,” the disguised king asked, “how many years have you lived?”
The merchant, sipping his tea, replied, “I am twenty years old.”
“Interesting,” the king continued. “How much wealth do you possess?”
The merchant pondered for a moment and then answered, “I have seventy thousand dinars.”
The king posed his final question, “And how many children do you have?”
The merchant, setting his tea aside, replied, “I have one child.”
A Startling Revelation
Upon their return to the royal palace, the king and his minister decided to verify the information provided by the merchant. They examined the official records and discovered that the answers were inconsistent with the truth. The king was puzzled by the merchant’s seemingly false responses.
Confrontation
Summoning the merchant to the royal court, the king addressed him, saying, “You have spoken three untruths, and by the proclamation, you should pay a fine of fifteen dinars. However, the records state that you are actually 35 years old, your wealth exceeds 70,000 dinars, and you have five children.”
The Merchant’s Defense
The merchant, unruffled, responded, “Your Majesty, I believe that a good life is defined not by the number of years but by the goodness and honesty within. I consider myself to be 20 years old, for those are the years I have lived virtuously. My wealth may be substantial, but I have spent a significant portion of it in building a mosque for the community. As for my children, four of them have strayed from the path of virtue, while one remains a source of pride and goodness in my life.”
The King’s Wise Decision
Upon hearing the merchant’s heartfelt explanation, the king reconsidered his judgment. He acknowledged, “We are pleased with your answers, for it is the time spent in virtuous deeds that truly defines a life. Wealth becomes valuable when spent in the service of God, and children are a source of pride when they walk the path of goodness.”
Conclusion
This tale from a distant kingdom teaches us valuable lessons about the importance of truth, generosity, and virtue. It reminds us that the true measure of a person’s worth is not in years, wealth, or the number of children but in the goodness of their heart and their commitment to honesty and integrity.