The Truthful Child

In a very far away land, lived a boy named Ahmed. Ahmed was a 10 year old boy. He lived with his widowed mother in a small house which belonged to his maternal grandfather. It was very difficult for them to find a meagre meal for a day.

One day, Ahmed’s mother decided to send Ahmed to learn business from his only uncle, who lived in another country. She sold some of her ornaments to collect money for Ahmed’s journey. On the following day, Ahmed got ready for the journey with lots of excitement. As Ahmed was very small, his mother worried that he would be easily fooled and the money would get stolen by somebody. Hence, she stitched a small pocket beneath the right sleeve of his shirt near his underarm and hid the money there. She caressed him with love and said, ” Whatever be the situation, tell truth and be brave”.

She also warned him to beware of strangers and use the money only when needed. Keeping in mind, all the advice given by his mother, Ahmed set out for the journey through ship with a small bag containing his clothes and few snacks. It was the first time he was travelling alone. Stuck in deep thoughts, admiring the beauty of the nature and the beautiful creatures within in the sea, he gazed the blue sea beneath him.

Suddenly, there was a great hustle-bustle in the ship behind him. He turned back and noticed that a group of robbers had jumped in through a small boat next to the ship. Thrilled and frightened, he looked around. The robbers were snatching money, jewellery and other items from the passengers. The leader of the gang was very dark and scary looking man. He was looking at everybody and ordering his companions to rob the passengers quickly. He suddenly saw Ahmed. Ahmed tried to stand firm as his legs started to shiver. The leader approached Ahmed and laughed aloud and said, “Afraid little brat! Let’s see what have you got.”

Saying this, he snatched the bag from Ahmed and dropped all the contains down on the floor. All the clothes and snacks fell on the floor. “No money?”, asked the leader. He thought as the boy is small, he must not have carried any money with himy and turned to leave. Suddenly, Ahmed cried out loudly and bravely, “I do have money. It’s here.”

He directed his fingers beneath his right sleeve. Amazed and shocked by Ahmed’s reaction, the leader checked beneath his underarm. Of course, there was money. The leader was amused by Ahmed. He fell over his knees on the floor, and said, “Why O young lad, did you tell me about the money? I wouldn’t have figured it out by myself and you could have been left with your money.”

Ahmed, with a very innocent face and disciplined manner, replied, “Sir, my mother has taught me to be honest, truthful and brave in every situation. I couldn’t let my mother down by lieing to you.”

Tears rolled down in the eyes of the leader. He said, “Being a 9-10 year boy, you are so truthful and honest. I feel ashamed of robbing you. I have been so wrong by becoming quality thief for so long”.

Saying this, he apologized to everyone present in the ship, returned their belongings and left with his companions. The passengers praised Ahmed and thanked him. The journey was commenced. Ahmed became a very well-known and respected businessman. His mother was very proud of him.