Often, a person’s intelligence, wisdom, trust, and honesty become the reasons for jealousy and enmity. Ayaz, a loyal servant of Sultan Mahmud, possessed all these qualities. His loyalty and wisdom had earned him many enemies among the nobles, whose hearts were filled with jealousy and hatred for him. On the other hand, Sultan Mahmud trusted Ayaz deeply and kept him close.
One day, a nobleman, consumed with jealousy, asked Sultan Mahmud, “Your Majesty, why do you hold Ayaz, a mere servant, in such high regard? We do not understand how a lowly slave like him can possess the wisdom of noblemen.”
Sultan Mahmud remained silent and didn’t respond. A few days later, the Sultan set out on a hunting trip with his nobles. On the way, they spotted a caravan, and the Sultan seized the opportunity to teach a lesson to his jealous courtiers.
He ordered one of his noblemen, “Go to that caravan and inquire where they have come from.” The nobleman approached the caravan and, after some time, returned saying, “The caravan has come from the city.”
Sultan Mahmud then asked, “Where is the caravan heading?” The nobleman was at a loss for words, as he had not asked that question. So, the Sultan sent another nobleman to find out the destination of the caravan. After some time, the second nobleman returned, saying, “They are heading to Yemen.”
The Sultan then asked, “What supplies do they carry for the journey?” The second nobleman also failed to answer this question. The Sultan sent a third nobleman to gather the details, but he too could not provide complete information.
One after another, the noblemen returned with incomplete answers. Each had asked only one question and failed to gather all the necessary information.
Finally, Sultan Mahmud turned to his nobles and said, “You all wondered why I value Ayaz so highly. Before I sent any of you, I had already secretly sent Ayaz to the caravan. He returned and gave me all the answers—where the caravan came from, where it was heading, what supplies they had, and even when they had left the city. Ayaz asked everything at once.”
The nobles hung their heads in shame, realizing that they had underestimated Ayaz’s intelligence and ability. They apologized for their jealousy, acknowledging that Ayaz’s wisdom and talents were truly unique and a blessing from God.
Life Lesson:
In Thanks to Jealousy True wisdom and intelligence are invaluable and cannot be overshadowed by jealousy or envy. Those with clear minds and keen insight often rise above their detractors.
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