In the city of Baghdad, during the reign of Caliph Harun Rashid, there lived a man named Sinbad. This man was humble and poor, earning his livelihood as a porter, carrying goods from one place to another for a fee. One day, Sinbad was burdened with the weight of heavy cargo, and as he toiled under the scorching sun, he found himself drenched in sweat.
As the day wore on, before he could reach his destination, he was overcome by exhaustion. Seeking respite from the unforgiving sun, he spotted a grand and opulent house. This house, he presumed, belonged to a wealthy and prosperous owner who knew the value of wealth.
In front of the house, the ground was cleared, and lush plants were thoughtfully watered, providing a soothing and refreshing atmosphere, even amidst the day’s relentless heat. Sindbad noticed a platform set up beneath the shade, and he thought to himself, “Let me rest here for a while and cool down.”
He carefully set down his cargo, seated himself on the platform, and reveled in the pleasant breeze wafting through the surroundings. His ears were met with a symphony of delightful sounds, as melodious music and the sweet tunes of flutes filled the air. Amidst this harmony, he could also discern the joyous voices of people singing songs, even though the words eluded him due to the distance.
From the garden, a multitude of birds added their voices to this musical ensemble, each species singing its unique song over the blossoming flowers. His gaze turned downward, and he observed the fascinating world of tiny insects busy amongst the grass and the flowers’ intricate blooms. Sindbad was truly captivated by the beauty of it all and marveled at how God Almighty had meticulously crafted each aspect of this scene. His heart filled with wonder and awe at the magnificence of creation.
However, a sobering thought soon returned him to the reality of his own poverty, which weighed heavily on his soul. Regretfully, he stood and peered into the garden, where he beheld servants working diligently. Their tasks ranged from tending to plants and trees, to the harvesting of fruits. The tantalizing aroma of succulent, grilled meat wafted through the air, further piquing his senses.
Moved by the stark contrast between his impoverished existence and the splendor of this household, Sindbad raised his hands to the heavens and offered a heartfelt prayer. He expressed his gratitude to the Lord of the worlds, the One who bestows wealth as He wills, and He impoverishes whom He pleases. In his prayer, he sought forgiveness for his sins, acknowledging that God is the One who dispenses riches and honor. He recognized that God’s plan is beyond anyone’s counsel, and there is none who can question His divine will.
Sinbad’s heartfelt supplication reflected his understanding of God’s supreme authority over all creation. With verses that expressed his humility and deep faith, he acknowledged God’s exalted position and beseeched His guidance and mercy. In his humble prayer, he recognized God’s ability to elevate the lowly, just as the owner of the grand house had been favored.
As Sindbad recited these verses, he reflected on the multitude of hardships that life had thrust upon him as a humble porter. Yet, in this brief respite beneath the cool shade of that splendid house, he couldn’t help but yearn for the kind of fortune that had smiled upon its owner.