Short story
Long long ago , in the lands of an arab country, there lived Isra
with her one and only young son Zain . Her husband passed away in a war 7 years back when Zain was only 12 . They had a shop of household items , which would run satisfyingly. Isra and Zain used to go to other place and bring the items which they would sell .
One day , while returning from the shop , Isra fainted . Afterwards the doctor came and checked Isra . He said that due to increasing of humidity , Isra felt uneasy. Now Isra and Zain had to go to another place to bring the items . Isra said to Zain , " Zain , I think you should go and bring the items.....or else the traders would leave in two days. I don't think I will be able to come. " "Of course ammi , I will go and take them, don't worry " .
But Isra was also worried as she heard of the dacoits, who are stopping the travellers and looting them. At the time of leaving , Isra called Zain and said , " Listen son , I know you are very strong and brave . I know if a problem comes , you can tackle it easily.....but listen to me....whatever the thing is , always speak truth . No matter what happens never take the support of lie . Now take these coins , and place them under your feet , in your shoes . If anyone asks you anything try to be quiet. And remember try to reach before sunset " .
Zain said , " Don't worry ammi , I do and will always remember you teachings. And don't worry I will be fine. You take care of yourself and inshallah I'll be back soon" . Khuda hafiz. Saying this , Zain left.
Zain started his journey . He carried some fruits , dates and water along with him . He got tired after some time. He stopped his camel , tied it under a tree and took rest . After 2 to 3 hours, he remembered that he have to reach before sunset. So he restarted his journey. The weather was okay , but the warm breezes were still touching him .
" Hey stop " , said a voice from a side. Suddenly Zain stopped to look at him. Zain thought the voice might need any kind of help , but to his surprise the man was standing in front of him , holding a big gun . It happened what Isra was worried of. "Come on young boy, handover me anything and everything you have. "I have some stuff to eat and some water to drink " , Zain said. " Oh you think we are stupid....we are talking about money or any valuable thing. " Zain stayed quiet. Why are you quite , speak up . The dacoit kept on insisting Zain , but he kept quiet.
Fed up with Zain's silence, the man took him to his leader . Zain walked with him remembering god and his mother. He thought he would never see his mother...but still was strong . He knew that god is with him.
"Boss , this boy is not listening to me . He is a bloody stubborn" , said the man to his leader . The leader , full of dirt , smell came near to Zain . " O boy , do you know who we are...... If we want we can smash you right now" said the leader. Zain got worried , but he stayed stiff.
"Come and check this boy " , ordered the leader. A man came forward and started checking Zain . "Boss , there is nothing with him " , shouted the man . The leader asked Zain , " If there is nothing with you , then why are you travelling with this camel to the city , where the trading is going on? There must be some money with you , right?" asked the leader.
Zain rememberd the words of his mother , that no matter what , speak the truth . "Yes , I do have money " said Zain . He took out his foot from the shoe , picked up the coins and gave all of them to the leader . The leader was happy but shocked simultaneously." When you hid your coins in a perfect manner and we were unable to find them , then why did you handed us the coins ?"asked the leader .
Zain said , "Sir , my mother says , always speak the truth. No matter what . Because we can achieve nothing if we take the support of lie. And also god is pleased with them who are always right ". Hearing this from a young boy , the leader's eyes teared. "You are so mature at such age . And look at us , we just loot people and enjoy there right. I am proud of you. May god always keep you happy. Sorry to trouble you , you may leave."said the leader .
With a smile of relief and happiness, Zain set off. After purchasing the items , he came back to his home . He narrated the whole incident to Isra . Isra hugged him and thanked god for bringing her son safely . Isra smiled and said to Zain , "So did you see, a truth is a powerful weapon, which does not harm us , but saves us from harm".
The end !!!
