The Greedy Couple
The Courtier and His Wife
Hasan was a courtier in the service of the great Caliph of Baghdad, Haroun Al Raschid. His wife was named Fatima. Together, they formed a greedy team and employed many tricks to amass wealth.
The Merchant’s Sympathy
One day, while Hasan was away at court, Fatima approached the merchants of the city, lamenting that the Caliph had unjustly sent her husband to the dungeon, leaving her nearly destitute. Naturally, the merchants, feeling sympathetic, gave her money to help tide her over. Days passed, and this strategy continued.
The Need for Change
Eventually, the merchants told Fatima, “Look here. We can’t extend credit indefinitely. You must plead with the Caliph for the release of your husband.” Realizing that her support was dwindling, Fatima went to her relatives and shared her misfortune. While they initially helped, they, too, urged her to secure Hasan’s release.
The Plot Thickens
Meanwhile, Hasan was in on the scheme, going to the palace of the Caliph early in the morning and returning home well after midnight. However, when this source of income dried up, the couple put their heads together for fresh tricks.
Desperate Measures
Finally, Hasan stole a diamond from the palace and gave it to Fatima to sell. She took it to the market and sold it to a goldsmith. The goldsmith was baffled by how such a priceless diamond came to be in Fatima’s possession. Suspicious, he rushed to the Caliph to present the diamond.
The Consequences of Greed
The ruler recognized it as one of his possessions. After an inquiry, it was discovered that the diamond had been stolen by Hasan. He was arrested and brought before the Caliph. Upon questioning, Hasan confessed to the crime and offered to repay the goldsmith.
A Unique Punishment
In a stern voice, the Caliph said, “Hasan, you and your wife are very greedy. I am going to impose a novel punishment on you. Each of you will have a bag of gold mohurs tied around your neck. Under no circumstances must you untie the bags. Now go. Four guards will watch you constantly.”
The Weight of Regret
Inwardly, Hasan and Fatima felt relieved, expecting a harsher sentence. They returned home eagerly. Meanwhile, the Caliph commanded that no citizen should sell anything to the thieving couple.
The Lesson Learned
The bags felt like milestones around their necks, bending them double under their weight. Their necks seemed to burn from the pressure. Unable to buy anything, as no one would sell to them, they eventually went to the Caliph and pleaded, “Oh! Commander of the Faithful, forgive us our crimes. By giving us this punishment, you have cured us of our greed. We do not want this money; we shall live by what we earn.”
A New Beginning
Moved by their sincerity, the merciful Caliph released them from their torment, knowing that they had learned their lesson. From that day on, Hasan and Fatima gave up their dishonest practices and chose to live simply, but honestly.