The Donkey that Wanted to Be Like the Horses

 

The Donkey that Wanted to Be Like the Horses 

In the past, cities didn't have running water, so a water carrier would deliver water to people's homes. In one city, there was an old water carrier who owned a donkey. The donkey had spent its entire life pulling the heavy water cart, which left its back bent and its body covered in wounds. 

The owner didn't treat the donkey well. He could only feed it old hay and often beat it with a whip to make it walk faster. The donkey, though patient and gentle, wished every day for God to end its suffering. 

One day, the water carrier met a friend who worked in the sultan's stables. Shocked by the donkey's condition, the friend offered to take it to the stables to feed and care for it. The water carrier gladly agreed, hoping the donkey would recover and be ready to work again soon. 

At the stables, the donkey found itself among beautiful, strong Arabian horses. Seeing their luxurious life, the donkey felt sad. He realized what a great difference there was between himself and his new stablemates, he became disheartened and turned to God:

“Even if I’m a lowly donkey, I’m still one of Your creations! Why should there be such a difference between me and these other four-legged relatives of mine? Why should I suffer hunger all the time? Why should I endure pain all night long, able to sleep only fitfully, wishing every day that I were dead? How is it fair that these horses should live in such luxury and I be demeaned to such misery?”

But suddenly, the sound of a trumpet announced a war. Soldiers rushed into the stable, saddled the Arabian horses and rode them into battle. The next morning, the horses returned injured and exhausted, their bodies covered in wounds. The donkey realized how hard the horses' lives actually were.

Feeling ashamed, the donkey prayed to God, thanking Him for its simple, safe life. It decided it was better to endure hunger and hardship than face the dangers the horses faced. 

When the water carrier came to take the donkey back, the donkey was relieved. It now understood that not everything is as it seems and even a difficult life can have hidden blessings. 

Moral: Never curse your fate simply because others around you seem temporarily happier than you.

(An Extract from the Masnavi of Maul

ana Rumi)