Fasting purifying the soul: Sultaan Mahmood and the Robbers

Pearls from the Mathnawi

Sultaan Mahmood and the Robbers

Sultan Mahmood, the king of Ghaazni, would sometimes walk in the city at night dressed as a common person in order to learn about the condition of his subjects. One night, he stumbled upon a band of robbers. When they asked him who he was he replied that he was like them. They understood this to mean that he was a robber as well. It was decided that each of them should explain his own special talent. One of them said that he had a special gift of understanding what the dogs said when they barked. Another that his sight was so good that when he saw a man at night, he could recognize him without fail the next day. The second robber said that his talent was that whatever he saw in the darkness of night he would recognize it in the light of day. The third robber said that the special strength of his arms allowed him to make holes through the strongest of walls. The fourth robber said that by his sense of smell he could determine where treasure was hidden. The fifth robber said that his hands and ropes enabled him to climb up a high building quite easily. When it was the turn of the king, he told them that his talent lay in his beard. He explained that when he shook it, he could save a criminal from the executioner. The robbers were pleased with this, saying that he was the one who would save them if they were ever caught.

Incidentally, they decided to break into the king's palace, little knowing that the king was amongst them! As they proceeded a dog barked and the robber who understood this translated it as : "The king is amongst you!" But, none of the robbers paid heed as greed for wealth was more important to them now.

When they were close the robber with the gift of smell pointed out the palace treasury. The robber with the ropes helped the robbers to scale the high wall. The robber who was strong with his arms dug a tunnel in the wall and they all entered. The robbers stole plenty of gold, expensive cloth and pearls and quickly left. The king also departed but noted their paths of departure, dwelling places, dress and names. The next day the king narrated his adventure in the royal court and officers were sent to apprehend the robbers. They were brought to the court with their hands tied and they were trembling from fear of death. As they were about to be handed over to the executioner the robber who could see anyone at night and could then recognize them during the day spoke out saying : "You were our accomplice last night and you said that your talent lay in your beard! Now only you can save us. Kindly shake your beard."

The king was filled with compassion and showed his special quality, by virtue of which they were all set free.

Lessons

1. Just like king Mahmood was aware of the robbers, the King of all kings, Allah Ta'ala, is fully aware of every persons actions.
2. Allah sometimes gives respite to a sinner and delays His punishment. Eventually, justice will take place.
3. Special gifts lead a person to destruction when these gifts are used in the disobedience of Allah.
4. The only one whose talent profited him at the time of need was he who could recognize by day what he had previously seen by night. He whose eyes recognise who Allah is in the world is safe from destruction.
5. Love for acquiring wealth sometimes makes one deaf to the voices of truth.

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