Bahlool and the Shoemaker

Bahlool lived in an abandoned ruin next to a shoemaker’s shop. A small window from the shoemaker’s shop opened into the ruin. Bahlool had saved a few silver coins and had buried them in the dirt within the ruin. Whenever he needed money, he would retrieve a portion and leave the rest safely buried.

One day, Bahlool needed some money, but when he dug up the spot, he found the coins missing. Immediately, he realized that the shoemaker, whose window faced the ruin, must have stolen the money. Without causing any commotion, Bahlool calmly approached the shoemaker and sat beside him.

Engaging him in friendly conversation, Bahlool cleverly steered the discussion to unrelated topics until the shoemaker was at ease. Then, Bahlool casually said, “My dear friend, could you help me calculate something?”

“Of course,” the shoemaker replied. “Tell me what you need.”

Bahlool began, “I have some money hidden in various locations. Let’s calculate the amounts. In one place, I’ve hidden this much,” and he mentioned a sum, “and in another, that much.” He continued listing different amounts and locations until he reached the final entry.

“For the ruin where I currently reside,” Bahlool added, “I’ve hidden a large amount—let’s say two thousand dinars. Can you total that for me?”

The shoemaker calculated and replied, “That makes two thousand dinars altogether.”

Bahlool nodded thoughtfully and then said, “Now, I’d like your advice. I’m considering moving all the money from these other locations and hiding it all in the ruin where I live. Do you think that’s a good idea?”

The shoemaker, sensing an opportunity, quickly encouraged him, “That’s an excellent idea! You should bring all the money to one spot—it’s much safer that way.”

Bahlool smiled and said, “Great! I’ll do as you suggest. I’ll gather the money and bring it here. Thank you for your advice!” With that, Bahlool left.

The shoemaker, greedy for the larger sum Bahlool had described, thought to himself, It’s best if I return the little bit of money I took. When Bahlool brings all his savings here, I’ll know exactly where they are and take it all at once. Acting on this plan, the shoemaker quickly returned the stolen coins to their original hiding place.

A few hours later, Bahlool returned to the ruin and checked the spot where his money had been buried. To his relief, the stolen coins were back in place. Grateful for his success, Bahlool retrieved his money, thanked God, and left the ruin for good, moving to another location.

The shoemaker waited in vain for Bahlool to return with the larger sum of money. After several days, he realized that Bahlool had outsmarted him and tricked him into returning the stolen coins. Fooled and humiliated, the shoemaker could only lament his greed and foolishness.

Once again, Bahlool’s cleverness and quick thinking had turned a potential loss into a victory, leaving a valuable lesson in his wake: greed always backfires.