The Power of Wisdom: How Intelligence Triumphed Over Strength

Among the Muslims, there was once a king who launched an attack on the city of Samarkand and laid siege to it. Despite all his efforts, he could not succeed in capturing the city. After repeated attempts and growing frustration, he decided to personally inspect the city's surroundings along with a few of his trusted guards.

During this inspection, he happened to come across a local man. The king ordered his guards to seize the man and, instead of using force, offered him riches and rewards to win his loyalty. Gaining his trust, the king asked him about the city and how it was being run.

The man revealed, “The ruler of this city is a foolish man who is deeply engrossed in pleasures—food, drink, and women. He pays no attention to governance or state affairs. But there is one person who keeps this city standing: his daughter. She is wise, courageous, and highly capable. If it weren’t for her, this city would have crumbled long ago.”

The Muslim king, upon hearing this, came up with a cunning plan. He gifted the man with some expensive presents and sent him back into the city with a special message for the ruler’s daughter.

The message was as follows:
“I have heard of your intelligence and leadership from across the lands, even in Arabia. I have not come here for gold or riches, for I already possess immense wealth. In fact, I own four thousand coffers filled with gold and silver. What I seek is not your land, but your companionship. I wish to marry you. My only desire is to have a son with you, a son who will rule over both the Arabs and the non-Arabs. I will send these four thousand coffers to you as a gift. If I return from my journey to China, we shall marry. If I do not return, all this wealth shall be yours to keep.”

The message was conveyed to the girl. Upon reading it, she thought deeply for a moment and then sent a reply back:
“I accept your proposal. Send the coffers; I shall take care of them.”

The Muslim king wasted no time. He prepared four thousand coffers, each large enough to carry two men inside. In every coffer, two warriors were placed, along with a small bell inside each one. They were given instructions: when the signal bell was rung from outside the city, they were to immediately emerge from the coffers and take control of their assigned posts, especially the city gates.

Once the coffers arrived at the city, they were accepted without any suspicion and placed within the city’s secure quarters. That night, the signal bell was rung as planned.

In an instant, thousands of warriors emerged from the coffers and took over the city gates and key positions. Within moments, the city that had once resisted every siege fell from within. The Muslim army entered victoriously without any resistance, and the city was conquered through strategy, not brute force.

This event became a remarkable tale of wisdom, patience, and clever warfare.
(Source: Kitab al-Adhkiya)


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A similar story is narrated about Alexander the Great. On one occasion, he led his army into battle against the forces of Persia. As both armies stood facing each other, ready for battle, Alexander made a strange announcement through his messengers:

“O People of Persia! We have fulfilled our promise. Now it is time for you to fulfill yours.”

These words, though vague, caused a storm of doubt and suspicion to spread among the Persian ranks. The soldiers began looking at one another with uncertainty, wondering who among them might have secretly made a pact or betrayed their cause. The mere suggestion that there might be a traitor among them shattered their unity.

Disorder spread within the Persian army. Mistrust grew rapidly, and within no time, they were no longer a unified force. The cohesion of their army crumbled, and their discipline broke down. This psychological blow was so strong that it led directly to their defeat.

Thus, through clever tactics and psychological insight, Alexander won a battle without fighting in the traditional sense.

These two stories remind us that wars are not always won by swords or numbers; often, they are won by intelligence, planning, and the ability to understand human nature. Whether through cunning plans like the coffers filled with warriors or a few carefully chosen words that plant seeds of doubt, history has shown that the sharpness of the mind can be as deadly as the sharpness of a blade.


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Habib Chamkani