The Rooster, the Dog, and the Donkey A Lesson in Contentment

The Rooster, the Dog, and the Donkey: A Lesson in Contentment

BY: Ubaid

Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a washerman named Professor Dr. F.H. Farooqi. Despite his distinguished title, he led a simple life and had three loyal companions: a donkey, a dog, and a rooster. Each of them had their own routines and roles, yet they shared a peaceful existence under the care of their master.

Every day, the washerman would load the donkey with baskets full of dirty clothes and head toward the riverbank to wash them. The dog, being a loyal companion, always followed along. Upon reaching the riverbank, the washerman would tie the donkey to a long rope and start working with the clothes. The dog would settle nearby, lying on the grass, keeping a quiet watch over the donkey and the surroundings.

The rooster, however, lived a different life. He spent his days wandering freely in the small courtyard of their home. He often felt that he was being left out and longed to join the others on their trips. One day, he expressed his feelings to the dog.

“Look at yourselves,” said the rooster, “you and the donkey are friends and go out together every day, but I am never considered a friend. I stay in the small courtyard all day, while you see the world, explore the village, and enjoy your freedom.”

The dog, wise and understanding, replied calmly, “Dear friend, you are also part of our family. We all live under the same roof, and we all belong to the same master. You may not travel with us, but that doesn’t mean you are not our friend.”

The rooster, still dissatisfied, said, “Yes, I live under the same roof, but I don’t go anywhere. I stay in this tiny courtyard. I wish I could leave the house and see the world like you two do.”

The dog gently explained, “Every creature has its own duty, and every duty has its own importance. The donkey carries heavy loads and works tirelessly. I stay awake all night to guard the house. You, however, get to spend your days resting, moving freely without any burdens. You should be thankful to Allah for this ease and freedom.”

Despite the dog’s reasoning, the rooster remained unconvinced. He was determined to experience the freedom of leaving the house. “Tomorrow, I will come with you to the riverbank,” he declared. “Then we will all return home together in the evening.”

The following day, as usual, the washerman loaded the donkey with the day’s dirty clothes. The dog, as always, walked alongside him. To the washerman’s surprise, the rooster quietly followed them without anyone noticing. The donkey carried the load, the dog lay under the shade of a tree, and the rooster wandered a little further away, curious about the world beyond the courtyard.

Suddenly, an aggressive stray dog roaming nearby spotted the rooster. Its mouth watering at the sight of a potential target, the stray lunged at the rooster. The rooster, quick and alert, leapt onto a nearby wall to escape the attack.

Seeing the commotion, the loyal dog immediately recognized the danger. He started barking loudly, warning both the rooster and the washerman. Hearing the dog’s urgent barking, the washerman rushed over, astonished to discover that the rooster had accompanied them that day.

Furious at the rooster for disobeying his advice, the washerman caught him and put him into a basket, scolding him for his disobedience. When they returned home, he instructed his wife, “Don’t let this rooster roam freely anymore. Keep him confined.” From that day onward, the rooster’s freedom was restricted. He spent his days trapped in the basket, unable to wander in the courtyard as he had once done.

One day, the rooster, reflecting on what had happened, spoke to the dog. “I realize now that I did not follow your advice,” he admitted. “Because of my stubbornness, I have lost my freedom and am now confined all day in the basket. I understand my mistake, and I am deeply regretful.”

The dog, patient and understanding, replied, “You must understand that those who see others’ work as burdensome while regarding their own as easy or trivial are never truly happy. Every person and animal has a duty assigned by nature. Some duties may seem difficult, while others appear effortless, but every role is important in its own way. The donkey carries loads so others may live comfortably. I guard the house so you and the donkey remain safe. Your freedom is a blessing, even though it may seem idle to you. Accept your duties with diligence and find satisfaction in your work.”

The rooster, realizing the wisdom in the dog’s words, thanked him sincerely. “I am grateful for your guidance,” he said. “From now on, I will focus on my own work and responsibilities. I will not envy others or think of their roles as better than mine. I have learned that contentment lies in performing one’s own duties with dedication and respect.”

From that day onward, the rooster embraced his responsibilities and no longer longed for what others had. He spent his days cheerfully in the courtyard, finding joy in his freedom and safety while appreciating the efforts of his friends, the donkey and the dog. The donkey continued to carry loads diligently, and the dog kept the household safe with unwavering loyalty. Together, they maintained a harmonious life, each playing their part in the grand balance of their small world.

This simple yet profound experience taught the rooster an important lesson: happiness comes not from imitating others or yearning for what they have but from valuing one’s own responsibilities and performing them sincerely. The rooster learned that every role, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, has its own importance, and understanding this is the key to peace and contentment.