VALUE OF GIFT

There was once a villager who was also a farmer. He didn’t know much about other people, as he spent all his time working in his field.
 One day, while grazing his cattle in the field, he found an unusual rock.
 He was amazed by it, because he had never seen a rock like that before. “This must be a diamond! I can give it to the Sultan,” he murmured.

The next day, he went to the Sultan’s palace to present the dazzling rock. He was very happy and excited to show it to him.
 He said, “Honourable Majesty, Sultan, this is an exclusive diamond rock that I found in my field.”

The Sultan examined the rock closely, which he had received from Ahmed as a gift. After observing it carefully, the Sultan began to laugh and said, “My good friend, this is not a diamond or anything precious. It is just an ordinary rock.”

Ahmed felt upset and saddened by the Sultan’s words.
 Seeing Ahmed’s downcast face, the Sultan placed his hand on Ahmed’s shoulder and said, “My friend, the value of a gift does not matter. What matters is the heart that offers it. Your intention makes this gift very precious to me. May God bless you.”

The Sultan’s words touched Ahmed’s heart. The Sultan then hugged him, gave him many gifts, and sent him back with honour.