The Boy Who Learned the Value of Words

The Boy Who Learned the Value of Words

BY: Ubaid

Arsalan Ullah Khan, also known as Ahsan, was a very polite, disciplined, and righteous boy. In his class, he always topped the charts due to his intelligence and dedication. Despite these remarkable qualities, he had one major flaw—he loved to talk excessively. Once he started speaking, it seemed impossible to stop him. His friends tolerated his chatter as best as they could, but others often found it a perfect opportunity to ridicule him.

One day, a new teacher joined their school. As a way to get to know the students, the teacher asked each one to introduce themselves. When it was Ahsan’s turn, just as he was about to speak, some mischievous boys interrupted, shouting, “Sir, please don’t let him speak!”

The teacher looked puzzled. “Why not?” he asked.

One of the boys replied with a grin, “Sir, once he starts talking, it’s impossible to make him stop.”

The whole class burst into laughter. For Ahsan, this was the first time he felt true embarrassment. He tried his best to remain silent, but controlling his habit proved extremely difficult. Gradually, mocking became routine. Whenever he tried to speak, students would scatter, and even his close friends started avoiding him.

One afternoon, after Asr prayer, Ahsan knelt down and prayed earnestly to Allah, asking for help in controlling his speech. After the prayer, he went to the garden next to the mosque and sat quietly on a bench. An elderly man, a regular at the mosque, noticed him and sat beside him.

“Don’t lose heart, my child,” said the old man kindly.

Ahsan was surprised. How did the elder know about his struggles? The man continued, “I saw you praying sincerely. InshaAllah, everything will be fine. Listen to me carefully and follow my instructions.” Then he handed Ahsan two thousand rupees and said, “Close your eyes.”

Confused but obedient, Ahsan shut his eyes. Instantly, he found himself in a strange, magical world. He saw a long line of people waiting for something. Curious, he approached a man and asked, “Excuse me, what are they giving out here?”

The man replied, “Words, my child. Each word costs one rupee.”

“Words?” Ahsan asked, stunned. At that moment, he felt as though his own tongue had betrayed him—he became almost mute with fear. Hesitating, he quickly gave the two thousand rupees and purchased two thousand words.

In a blink, he was back on the bench in the mosque garden. The old man instructed, “These are your words for one day. Speak carefully. If you run out, you won’t be able to speak at all.”

Ahsan was nervous but determined. Despite his best efforts, he exhausted all two thousand words that very night. The next day at school, when the boys tried to tease him, he couldn’t respond. This left them embarrassed, and gradually, they stopped mocking him.

However, by noon, Ahsan’s patience was tested. He desperately wanted to speak but could not. After Asr prayer, he returned to the garden, eagerly waiting for the elder.

“How are you, my child?” the old man asked. “Did you manage today without trouble?”

Ahsan replied, “It’s very difficult, Baba. I can’t endure it.”

The elder smiled and handed him one thousand rupees, saying, “Close your eyes again.”

As soon as Ahsan obeyed, he returned to the magical world. This time, he bought one thousand words. He wandered the streets and saw two men arguing. One of them ran out of words and fell silent, stopping the fight. Soon, the other man’s words also ran out, ending the dispute completely. Returning to the elder, he was advised, “Now you have a thousand words. Use them wisely.”

Ahsan followed the advice carefully. The next day, only two hundred words were left, and the elder was pleased. “See? You are improving. Speak only when necessary.”

The elder handed him fifteen hundred rupees and said, “Close your eyes one more time.” In the magical world, Ahsan purchased fifteen hundred words. He marveled at the beautiful surroundings—crystal-clear lakes, lush valleys, sparkling waterfalls, and colorful birds. He realized how precious words were.

Ahsan carefully managed his words over ten days, understanding the value of speaking thoughtfully. He noticed how controlling his speech not only earned him respect but also prevented unnecessary problems and conflicts.

Finally, after ten days, the elder said, “You no longer need to buy words. You have learned the art of speaking wisely. I pray for your success always.” He hugged Ahsan, whose eyes filled with tears of joy.

From that day onward, Ahsan spoke only when necessary. His classmates respected him, teachers praised him, and even those who once mocked him had learned to admire his discipline. Ahsan realized that words were not just tools for communication but treasures to be used with care and wisdom.