The Wise Camel

In a vast and scorching desert, where the sun blazed mercilessly and the winds carried whispers of ancient wisdom, there lived a caravan of merchants. Among them was a young and careless camel named Kareem. Unlike the older, wiser camels, Kareem disliked carrying heavy loads and often grumbled about the long journeys.

One evening, as the caravan settled near an oasis, the elder camels began preparing for the next day’s journey. They chewed their food slowly, storing energy, and drank as much water as they could from the oasis. The oldest camel, a wise and gentle soul named Jabbar, noticed that Kareem was lounging lazily under a palm tree instead of drinking water.

“Kareem,” Jabbar called, “why aren’t you drinking? Tomorrow’s journey will be long, and the desert is unforgiving.”

Kareem flicked his tail dismissively. “Why should I drink now? I’m not thirsty. Besides, there will be plenty of water tomorrow.”

Jabbar shook his head. “A wise camel prepares today to avoid suffering tomorrow. The desert does not wait for the unprepared.”

But Kareem ignored the advice, confident that he would manage just fine.

The Harsh Journey

The next morning, the caravan set out under the blazing sun. The journey was even more grueling than expected—the winds were fierce, and the heat was unbearable. The older camels, having stored enough water and energy, moved steadily. But Kareem, who had barely drunk the night before, soon grew thirsty.

By midday, his mouth was dry, and his legs wobbled with exhaustion. He lagged behind, panting heavily. Jabbar turned to him. “Kareem, you must keep moving. If you stop now, you will not survive.”

“But I’m so thirsty!” Kareem groaned. “I can’t go on!”

The caravan leader, seeing Kareem’s struggle, sighed. “We cannot stop. The desert shows no mercy to those who do not prepare.”

With great effort, Kareem forced himself to keep walking, but his suffering was immense. His body ached, his throat burned, and his pride shattered as he realized his mistake.

The Lesson Learned

After what felt like an eternity, the caravan finally reached the next oasis. Kareem collapsed near the water, drinking greedily. When he had regained his strength, Jabbar approached him.

“Do you understand now, young one?” the old camel asked gently.

Kareem lowered his head in shame. “Yes, elder. I was foolish. I thought I could ignore preparation, but I only brought suffering upon myself.”

Jabbar nodded. “The desert teaches us that time is never our friend if we waste it. Those who prepare today walk with ease tomorrow. Those who delay will struggle.”

From that day on, Kareem never neglected his duties. He drank when he had the chance, carried his load without complaint, and always listened to the wisdom of his elders. When other young camels mocked him for being too cautious, he would simply say, “Preparation today prevents suffering tomorrow.”

The Wisdom Spreads

Years passed, and Kareem grew into a strong and wise camel, respected by the entire caravan. One evening, as the sun set over the golden dunes, a young camel named Faris lounged lazily by the oasis, ignoring the water.

Kareem approached him, just as Jabbar had once done for him. “Faris,” he said, “why aren’t you drinking?”

Faris scoffed. “I’ll drink later. There’s no rush.”

Kareem smiled knowingly. “Let me tell you a story…”

And so, the wisdom of the wise camel was passed down, reminding all who heard it: Preparation today prevents suffering tomorrow.

Moral of the Story

Life often rewards those who plan ahead. Whether it is saving resources, working hard in the present, or making wise choices, preparation shields us from future hardships. Laziness and procrastination may seem easy today, but they lead to regret tomorrow. Like the wise camel, we must learn to act with foresight, for the future belongs to those who prepare for it.

The End.