The Wise Minister and the Mirror of Truth

The Wise Minister and the Test of Companionship

BY: Ubaid

Centuries ago, in the ancient kingdom of Yemen, there ruled a just and noble king. He was kind-hearted, fair in his judgments, and deeply loved by his people. His most trusted companion was an old, wise minister who had served not only him but also his late father. The minister’s wisdom was legendary, and his advice always brought peace and prosperity to the land.

However, age had begun to take its toll. One day, the minister appeared before the king and said gently,
“Your Majesty, I have grown old and weak. My health no longer allows me to serve you as before. I suggest you appoint a young, intelligent minister in my place.”

The king immediately protested. “My dear friend,” he said, “how could I even think of replacing you? There is no one as wise and loyal as you in this entire kingdom.”

The minister smiled. “Your Majesty, wisdom is not meant to die with one man. I wish to leave behind a worthy successor—someone who will serve you and the people with honesty and intellect. Please, announce a search across the land. I will test the candidates myself.”

Reluctantly, the king agreed. A royal announcement spread throughout Yemen: “The King seeks a young and intelligent man to serve as his new minister. Those who believe they are worthy should appear at the royal court.”

Dozens of hopefuls gathered at the palace. The old minister met each of them and gave them three gold coins.
“These coins,” he said, “are part of your test. I will ask two questions. Find the answers and return with them. If you cannot, do not waste your time coming back.”

Then he asked the two riddles:

1. “In human life, which has a greater influence—blood or companionship?”


2. “What is: now is, then will be, and neither now nor then?”



The questions left everyone puzzled. They returned to their homes, scratching their heads.

A month passed. Then, one morning, a young man entered the palace and said confidently, “Your Majesty, I have the answers to both of your questions.”

The court was astonished. Many had failed even to understand the riddles, yet this man claimed to have solved them. The minister smiled. “Let’s hear them.”

The young man bowed. “I will answer the second question first,” he said. “I used the three coins to discover the meaning of now, then, and neither. With one coin, I bought sweet cheese—taste it, and you will know it exists now. The second coin I donated to the mosque—that reward will come then, in the hereafter. The third coin I gave to a juggler—it benefits neither now nor then.”

The court murmured in admiration. Even the old minister nodded with approval. “You may answer the first question tomorrow,” he said.

The next morning, as the king slept, he was awakened by a parrot calling out, “Wake up, Your Majesty! It’s time for prayer!” The king smiled, wondering where this intelligent bird had come from. For ten days, the parrot woke him up for prayers. The king grew fond of it.

But on the eleventh day, the parrot shouted, “Wake up, you lazy ones! Play the drums and the sitar!” The king was furious. “Who taught this bird such nonsense?” he roared.

The servant brought the parrot before the court. The king demanded, “Explain yourself! Why does this bird speak both good and bad words?”

The young man stepped forward. “Your Majesty, this is the answer to your first question. These are two parrots—brothers, of the same blood. One was raised by a pious scholar; the other by a musician. The first speaks of prayer, the second of music and leisure. Blood may be the same, but companionship shapes character.”

The king smiled, deeply impressed. The minister said, “Your Majesty, I have found your next minister.”

A few months later, the wise old minister passed away, leaving the young man in charge.

Not long after, a neighboring king declared war on Yemen. The new minister advised, “Your Majesty, either lead the army yourself or send a skilled general.”

But the king ignored his advice and sent his young son, the prince, instead. The prince stayed in his tent while the soldiers fought without passion or leadership. The army suffered a humiliating defeat.

The king was heartbroken and ordered the minister to find out why the army had failed. A few days later, the minister announced, “The man responsible for our defeat has died. Whoever wishes to see him may come to the army camp.”

Everyone—including the king and prince—rushed to the camp, eager to see who the culprit was. In a tent, a white shroud lay on the ground. When the king lifted the cloth, he found a large mirror beneath it. His own reflection stared back at him.

Beside it was a note: “Your Majesty, we are often the makers of our own defeat. You ignored my counsel and sent the prince instead of a trained commander. He rested in his tent, and the soldiers followed his example. You all became your own enemies.”

The king was humbled. Realizing his mistake, he took command of the next battle himself. Inspired by his courage, the army fought bravely and won a glorious victory.

From that day on, the king ruled with renewed wisdom. He often reminded his people:
“Good company leads to goodness, and laziness leads to failure. Work hard, seek wisdom, and choose your companions wisely.”

And so, the kingdom of Yemen prospered again—guided by the lessons of a wise minister and the power of good companionship.

Moral: Our company shapes our destiny. Just as the parrot learns from its master, so do we become what we surround ourselves with.