60 Second Read : Abdul Aziz & the Pearl

Sa’di mentions a story in his Bustaan which gives us many guidelines on becoming exemplary human-beings. The episode hereunder discusses the quality of selflessness & sacrifice by a wealthy king.

Abdul Aziz had a pearl of great beauty and value set in a ring. Shortly thereafter, a severe drought occurred in the land, causing distress among the people. Moved by compassion, the king ordered the pearl to be sold and the money that it fetched to be given to the poor.
Someone chided him for doing this, saying, “Never again will such a stone come into your hands.”
Weeping, the king replied, “Ugly is an ornament upon the person of a king when the hearts of his people are distressed by want. Better for me is a stoneless ring than a sorrowing people.”

True happiness is found by he who sets the ease of others above his own. True leaders never desire their own pleasure at the expense of others. The path of becoming an exemplary human-being requires us to sacrifice a little of that which we have & love so that we may acquire the lasting treasures of peace & contentment. Bear in mind that giving today leads to receiving tomorrow,as the principle states “Give away that which you wish to receive”. Undoubtedly, we can all share a little of our time,knowledge & wealth to bring joy to the heart of another.

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