“The Jealous Minister”

“The Jealous Minister

Dear children, you must have heard of Mullah Nasiruddin. He was a cheerful man, famous for his wit and humorous remarks. Most of his life was spent in royal courts, where kings enjoyed his company greatly. Because of this closeness, many courtiers, ministers, and merchants became jealous of him.

Once, Mullah needed money. The king ordered the finance minister to give him a certain number of dinars. Mullah promised to return the money on a fixed date, but unfortunately, he could not keep his promise. Out of embarrassment, he stopped coming to court. The king disliked his absence, as Mullah’s presence always kept him cheerful.

The jealous ministers began to provoke the king. Messengers were sent to ask why Mullah no longer came to court, but Mullah’s son kept making excuses. Eventually, the king ordered the police chief (Kotwal) to bring Mullah to court at any cost.

When Mullah saw the Kotwal approaching, he hid under a bed and told his son to say that he had died. When the Kotwal knocked, the son tearfully claimed Mullah had passed away. Suspicious, the Kotwal insisted on coming inside to offer condolences. While sitting on the very bed under which Mullah was hiding, the Kotwal heard a noise, looked underneath, and pulled Mullah out. Mullah sadly said, “What kind of life is this—hiding under a bed and coming out in shame?”

The Kotwal laughed and took Mullah, in his dusty clothes, to the king. Hearing the whole story, the king and courtiers burst into laughter and forgave him.

Later, Mullah fell ill. Visitors came to see him, often eating food at his house. Mullah cleverly told his son to say that visitors should bring fruit, otherwise his condition might worsen. So friends and relatives brought fruit, which Mullah and his family happily enjoyed.

When the king heard Mullah was seriously ill, he came with his courtiers. Mullah knew that one minister was extremely jealous of him. He first called that minister to his bedside. When the king found out, he became upset. Mullah explained that if he died, he might meet the king in heaven, but the jealous minister, destined for hell, would never meet him again. The king smiled and agreed that jealousy leads to ruin.

Later, the jealous minister tried to turn the king against Mullah and even suggested killing him. When Mullah learned this, he went to court himself and respectfully said that he had heard of the king’s order to execute him. He accepted the order but requested permission to first kill the jealous minister, so that Mullah’s own execution would then be justified as lawful revenge. The king laughed and asked the minister’s opinion. Terrified, the minister begged for mercy. The king forgave Mullah, and the jealous minister repented from envy.

Dear children, this story teaches us that jealousy harms no one but the jealous person. As Rumi says, when you shoot an arrow at someone, remember that you too are within its reach.

Always be honest and kind, even when it feels difficult. Small acts of truthfulness and compassion build trust, respect, and strong relationships. Avoid jealousy and envy, because comparing yourself to others only brings unhappiness. Instead, focus on your own growth, help those around you, and celebrate the success of others. Life becomes calmer, happier, and more meaningful when you act with integrity and a generous heart.

Avoid jealousy and envy, because comparing yourself to others only brings unhappiness. Instead, focus on your own growth, help those around you, and celebrate the success of others. Life becomes calmer, happier, and more meaningful when you act with integrity and a generous heart.