Story of ox and donkey

The Landowner Who Understood Animals

In a village lived a wealthy landowner. God had blessed him with vast farmlands, large houses, and beautiful orchards where different kinds of fruits grew in their proper seasons. He owned cows and buffaloes, a strong ox used for plowing fields, and a fine Arabian donkey on which he would ride for leisure trips.

Once, a wandering beggar came to his house. The landowner was kind-hearted, so he welcomed the beggar warmly, arranged good food for him, and allowed him to rest comfortably. After a few days, when the beggar was about to leave, he said to the landowner, “You treated me with great kindness, which I will never forget. I am a poor man and have nothing material to give you. However, I possess a special knowledge: I can understand the language of animals. If you wish, I can teach you this secret—but on one condition. You must promise never to reveal it to anyone. If you ever do, you will die.”

The landowner promised solemnly. The beggar taught him the secret and left.

The ox worked hard from morning until evening, pulling the plow in the fields. In the evening, it received only dry fodder, while the donkey enjoyed green grass and grain. The ox silently endured this injustice.

One day, the donkey noticed the ox limping and asked what had happened. The ox replied sadly that the servant had beaten him badly while working. Feeling pity, the donkey later suggested a plan so the ox could rest for a few days by pretending to be ill. The ox agreed.

Unbeknownst to them, the landowner overheard the entire conversation and smiled quietly.

The next day, when the servant came to take the ox to the field, he found it weak and refusing to eat. He reported this to the landowner and asked permission to bring another ox. The landowner replied calmly, “Why bring another ox? Take the donkey instead and use it for plowing.”

The donkey was horrified. That day, it was forced to work in the fields from morning till sunset, beaten and exhausted. When it returned, it realized its mistake. The next day, the donkey warned the ox that the owner was planning to slaughter it if it did not recover. Terrified, the ox immediately began eating and regained its strength. Soon, it was back to work as usual.

The landowner observed everything silently and found the situation amusing.

One morning, the landowner went with his wife to check the animals. Seeing the ox energetic and healthy, he laughed. His wife noticed and asked why he was laughing. He replied vaguely that he had heard something amusing. When his wife insisted on knowing the reason, he refused, saying that revealing it would cost him his life.

The wife became stubborn and accused him of lying. She demanded that he tell her the secret. Despite his repeated refusals, she would not give up. Finally, the landowner gathered the neighbors and explained the situation, but even they could not convince his wife.

Left helpless, the landowner prepared himself for death and went to perform ablution and pray.

At home, he overheard a conversation between his rooster and dog. The dog complained that their master was about to die because he could not control his wife. The rooster laughed and said, “Our master is a fool. He should discipline his wife properly. Look at me—none of my hens dare disobey me.”

The landowner, having understood this conversation, took a few mulberry branches and hid them in the basement.

When his wife again demanded the secret, he said calmly, “Come to the basement. I will tell you there, so no one else hears—and I may die in peace.” As soon as they entered, he locked the door and beat her until she begged for forgiveness and promised never to insist again.

After that, peace returned to the household. The landowner lived a long and comfortable life, having learned that wisdom, restraint, and authority are necessary to maintain balance.

Moral:

Wisdom is powerful, but revealing secrets without caution can destroy lives. Intelligence must be accompanied by self-control and sound judgment.

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