Unique Condition

The King of Iran had been worried for many days. Although his kingdom was prosperous and peaceful, his only concern was his beloved and only daughter, Princess Sana. Like every father, the king wanted to fulfill his duty by marrying off his daughter, but Princess Sana had made a very unusual declaration: she would only marry the person who correctly answered her questions.

Many princes from nearby states attempted the challenge but all returned unsuccessful.

In the same kingdom lived a young scholar named Azam. He told his father that he wished to try his luck and participate. Azam’s father was a respected teacher who had been spreading the light of knowledge for many years. Even the Prime Minister, top courtiers, and the city judge were among his students. Obsrving his son’s determination, he said, “Son, if you fail, nothing will be lost. But people might talk about a teacher’s son failing.”

Azam replied confidently, “Father, great princes have already tried and failed. If I fail too, so be it. This is a competition—may the luckiest succeed.” Eventually, his father agreed, and Azam happily proceeded toward the palace. The news of a learned man’s son attempting the challenge spread throughout the city like wildfire.

At the appointed time, the palace hall was packed with people. The king sat on his throne, Queen Aliya was present, and ministers, nobles, courtiers, and citizens filled the court. Princess Sana presented her first question, raising her index finger. Azam paused briefly and then raised the next finger alongside it. Seeing this, the princess smiled, and Queen Aliya exclaimed, “Well done, young man! You have successfully passed the first stage.”

For the second question, the princess rose from her seat, waved a sword in the air, and then returned to sit. All eyes in the court were on Azam. He took out a pen from his pocket and raised it in the air. “Well done, young man! This answer is also correct,” praised Queen Aliya. The court erupted with applause and cheers, but no one knew what the questions or answers were—it remained a mystery.

Finally, Princess Sana asked the third question. She ran up and down the palace stairs quickly and returned to her seat. The hall fell silent; everyone held their breath. Azam’s hands and feet went cold with nervousness. Standing firmly, he placed his hand over his heart and looked at the princess. “Bravo, young man! Congratulations!” the princess said, showing she had approved him. Queen Aliya’s voice added to the celebration, and the palace echoed with joy.

Azam thanked Allah in his heart for granting him this honor. The king asked him, “Young man, you have pleased Queen Aliya. Now tell us, what were the questions, and what did you answer?”

Azam confidently replied: “Your Majesty, the princess first asked if I believed in Allah. I raised two fingers to show that my faith in Allah and His Messenger is firm. The second question involved the sword: she asked if there is a greater weapon than this. I replied that the pen is mightier than the sword, which impressed her greatly. The third question was about the stairs: Princess Sana asked about her fatigue after running up and down the palace stairs. I replied that the heart never tires; it beats continuously from birth to death.”

The king embraced Azam and announced to all, “People, witness this! I have given my daughter to the rightful person. She is marrying a man with the wealth of knowledge, which no one can steal or diminish.” In joy, the king immediately arranged the marriage of Azam and Princess Sana.