Honest Ali
A very rich
Sultan reigned in Sulu. He was well loved. He also respected by his people. He had beautiful and kind daughter who helped look after his people’s well fare. That lovely
princess loved to pick flowers and bring them to the sick to cheer them up. But one day, the princess lost her precious
necklace. The necklace could not be found. People searched for it everywhere. They could not find it and this worried the sultan. He picked six men and sent them to announce his message to his people. This was the message put out to people of the province. “The princess lost her precious necklace. Whoever returns it within thirty
days shall receive a thousand pieces of pearls. But anyone who delays and returns it after thirty days shall be put to
death. Many days later, Ali, a good and learned man glanced upon something on the bridge. He picked it up quickly and took it home. It was the Princess’s necklace. From time to time, he took a look at it. It really was a lovely thing. He was tempted to keep it. After much thought, he went to the palace. He returned the necklace to the sultan. Two guards seized him. Everyone was worried. And they asked to each other, “Does he
know that his penalty will be death?” “What do you mean by this?” asked the sultan. “Why are you
returning this necklace only now? Do you know the weight of your penalty? You will be put to death.” “Yes, I do. I know it well, your majesty,” answered Ali. “I am not here to deceive you. I am returning this necklace not for reward or for fear of death. I am returning it to obey God’s command not to steal.” “Praise is to God!” the sultan said. He thanked Ali and let him go.
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