The Quest for the Precious Pearl

Long ago, a merchant traveled to Baghdad for trade. In those days, it was customary for merchants to first meet the king of the land, showcase their goods, and explain their uniqueness. Upon arriving, the merchant was presented at the king’s court.

He offered gifts and displayed his merchandise, highlighting each item’s value. “Behold this water-driven clock from Greece, this carpet from Persia made of pure silk, and this pen purchased at great expense from Japan,” he said. The king, impressed, smiled and complimented the merchant on the rare and exquisite items. Then he asked, “But tell me, did you find anything in India truly worthy of royalty?”

The merchant replied, “Your Majesty, there were many remarkable items, but one caught my eye. To acquire it, I would have needed more time than I had; I had only two days, so I could not bring it.”

The king inquired further: “What was it?”

The merchant answered, “A pearl—so unique that it grows when shared, cannot be stolen, and can be fashioned into countless ornaments to wear.” The king was captivated by this description and vowed to obtain it.

He immediately dispatched one of his ministers with supplies, instructing him to find the pearl at any cost. The minister journeyed through forests, mountains, deserts, and seas, questioning experts everywhere about this extraordinary pearl. But all agreed: no such pearl existed—one that could not be stolen yet produce countless ornaments.

People mocked the minister, calling him insane. Months passed. Hope faded, yet he could not bear the thought of returning empty-handed to the king. Exhausted and dejected, he finally decided to give up. One night, as he rested beneath a tree, a light approached. Initially frightened, he soon heard a gentle voice:

“Fear not, young man. I am a fairy. Tell me your problem.”

The minister shared his story, explaining that he had searched for the pearl in vain. The fairy listened, then laughed kindly. “Alas, you lacked wisdom. You spent months searching for a pearl without thinking.”

Confused, the minister asked for clarification.

“Dear man,” the fairy said, smiling, “the pearl you sought is the pearl of knowledge. You sought its form outwardly, yet knowledge has countless names. Sometimes it is likened to a fruitful tree, sometimes to the sun, sometimes to the vast ocean. No one can steal it, and from it, ornaments—qualities—can be fashioned. Its value comes from its essence, not its outward form.”

She continued, “Knowledge is a rare pearl. Whoever possesses it acquires the most precious ornament in existence. It cannot be stolen, and the more it is shared, the more it grows.”

The minister listened carefully and was convinced. He thanked the fairy, who vanished. Overjoyed, he returned to his kingdom, singing songs of success. He explained to the king that this “pearl” was knowledge itself, and the king understood and accepted the truth.

Children, remember: knowledge is the most precious pearl. Its brilliance spans the earth to the heavens, and through it, humans connect to the Creator and the universe. Sharing knowledge does not diminish it—it multiplies its light.

Advice

“Knowledge is the most valuable treasure one can possess. Unlike material wealth, it cannot be stolen and only grows when shared. Always seek to learn, nurture your mind, and share what you know with others, for in doing so, you illuminate not just your own path but also the lives of those around you.” nurture your mind, and share what you know with others, for in doing so, you illuminate not just your own path but also the lives of those around you.”

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