THE THREE CLEVER BROTHERS
Long ago, in a mountain village, there lived a poor farmer and his three sons—Murad, Farrukh, and Shahzad. Their mother had died when they were young, so their father raised them with great love.
He often advised them, “We may not have wealth, but always keep your eyes and ears open. Observe everything carefully. Sharp thinking will help you more than money.”
After some years, the farmer passed away. The three brothers decided to leave their village and explore the world. They travelled for many days, facing hunger and hardship, until they finally reached a big city.
On the way, Murad noticed footprints and said, “A large camel passed this way.”
Farrukh added, “It was blind in one eye.”
Shahzad said, “A woman and a child were riding it.”
Soon, they met a man who had lost his camel. When the brothers described it, he became angry and accused them of stealing it. He took them to the Sultan.
In the court, the Sultan also suspected them. But the brothers said they were innocent and had only used their observation skills.
To test them, the Sultan brought a closed chest and asked what was inside.
Murad said, “There is a small round object.”
Farrukh said, “It is a pomegranate.”
Shahzad added, “It is not ripe.”
When the chest was opened, it was true! Everyone was surprised.
The Sultan then asked how they knew everything.
Murad explained he saw big footprints of the camel.
Farrukh noticed grass eaten only on one side, so the camel was blind in one eye.
Shahzad saw footprints of a woman and a child near where the camel had knelt.
For the chest, they used careful observation—the sound, the place it came from, and the season.
The Sultan was impressed and said, “You are not rich in money, but rich in wisdom.” He invited them to stay and work as his advisers.
Thus, the three brothers became successful, just as their father had predicted.
Observation, intelligence, and presence of mind are more valuable than wealth.
