The Inner
Written by Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
In the country of Gedrosia, there once was a wealthy couple who, out of their superciliousness, named their son Ambrose. As Ambrose grew older, his family became even wealthier, for they owned most of the livestock, crops, and wells. However, as time passed, Ambrose’s mother and father died, leaving him to inherit all their wealth. Yet, to Ambrose, it felt as if his parents had left him poor.
Determined to amass even more riches, Ambrose sought out ways to increase his fortune. He traveled to impoverished cities, offering loans to their people. If they could not repay him, he would claim their city as payment. If a city refused to surrender, he would block all trade from coming in or out, forcing them into submission. Ambrose also bought schools, boats, garments, food, medicine, homes anything that people depended on and charged them for access. He ensured that no one could own anything without his hands in it. Because of his greedy nature, people began calling him Avaritia.
One evening, as Ambrose sat with his family enjoying a feast of khoresht-e-fesenjan and dolmeh barg, laughter filled the air. Suddenly, one of his servants burst into the room in haste and exclaimed, “My lord, I bring news from town that you will not be pleased with.”
Ambrose, annoyed by the interruption, responded, “And what news is so important that you disturb my meal?”
The servant hesitated before answering, “A man has moved into town who is wealthier than you.”
Ambrose immediately dropped his dolmeh barg and demanded, “Where did you hear this?”
“I was in your marketplace, checking on the merchants who rent from you, when I overheard them speaking of a man named Jamal,” the servant replied.
Ambrose’s face darkened. “What about this Jamal?” he bellowed.
“They call him Ghaniyu Rouhi, and they say his wealth surpasses yours in every way. Some even claim that it is you who are truly poor.”
Ambrose shot up from his seat, his heart pounding with rage. “Take me to this Jamal at once! Perhaps I can convince him to be my partner or perhaps he may suffer an accident, and I shall inherit all his wealth.”
With that, Ambrose and his servant set off to find Jamal. However, their search proved fruitless. They could not locate his palace, nor did they find any guards or lavish estates. Frustrated, Ambrose stopped an old man who was sitting on the ground and asked, “Excuse me, old man, do you know of a man named Jamal?”
The old man nodded and replied, “Yes, I know him well.”
Ambrose smirked. “I’ll give you a sack of silver if you tell me where I can find him.”
The old man chuckled softly. “I am in no need of your money.”
Ambrose frowned. “Fine, but tell me where is Jamal? I must meet him.”
The old man smiled and said, “I am Jamal. How can I help you?”
Ambrose’s expression twisted in disbelief. “Old man, this is no time for jokes. I am looking for the wealthy man who has moved into town. But you your garments are ragged, and you were just sitting on the ground like a beggar. There is no way you are the man I seek.”
Jamal sighed and looked Ambrose in the eyes. “There are two types of wealth: physical and spiritual. Physical wealth is very attractive to human nature, and thus, people desire it greatly. However, my Lord—the Creator says:
‘Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: women and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but in nearness to the Creator is the best of goals.’
“So you see, Ambrose, many people become enslaved by their wealth, consumed by greed, and wrongly assume that true prosperity lies in riches alone. Wealth is indeed a great blessing from the Creator, granted to His servants. Those who earn it honestly, spend it wisely, and give it to those in need will surely receive a great reward. However, wealth is not the greatest blessing that can be given to humankind.
“O Ambrose, money and children may bring comfort and pleasure in this life, but righteous deeds are what will endure. When we die, all of our physical wealth remains behind for others to inherit. It is only our righteous deeds that will bring us closer to the Creator and secure an eternal reward in the Hereafter. The Creator says:
‘And it is not your wealth, nor your children that bring you nearer to Us, but only he who believes and does righteous deeds. For such people, there will be a double reward for what they did, and they will reside in the high dwellings of Paradise, in peace and security.’
Upon hearing these words, Ambrose broke down in tears, weeping for several minutes. When he finally composed himself, he looked at Jamal and said, “Truly, you do possess Ghaniyu Rouhi a wealth far greater than mine. I have spent my life chasing gold and power, yet I have been the poorest man all along. Jamal, I beg you introduce me to the Creator, for this day, I turn away from Satan.”
Ambrose took a deep breath and continued, “I am grateful that the Creator sent you to this town. I came to give a beggar a bag of silver, but instead, I have received a treasure far greater than any riches. From this day forward, I will strive to live by the wisdom you have shared. Jamal, I ask you to move into my home and teach me where you have gained this knowledge.”
Jamal smiled, turned away, and walked into the distance.
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