A Spoonful of Sugar
Al-Risala (English), October 1989, p. 24
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.
A Spoonful of Sugar
1989 10 October 24 A Spoonful of Sugar (370) Those who ‘sweeten’ the ‘milk’ of others find positions of honour for themselves. On the contrary, those who have only bitterness for others, will receive bitterness from them in return.
A historical incident published in The Times of India Supplement, the Neighbourhood Star (March 18-24, 1989) has lesson for us all. It seems that when the first batch of Parsis from Iran landed on the west coast of Gujrat, their community leader – their peshwa – went straight to the ruling monarch, Yadav Rana and requested him to allow the Parsis to stay in his state. The Raja uttered not a word in reply, but simply handed the Peshwa a glass full to the brim with milk. This was meant to show him that his state already had its full measure of population and that there was no room for any more people.
The Peshwa did not answer in words either. His response was simply to add a spoonful of sugar to the milk and to return it forthwith to the Raja. This was his way of saying that the Parsis would sweeten their milk – not take possession of it. That is to say that their presence would add sweetness to the life of the state. The Raja was pleased with this response and gave them his permission to stay in Gujrat.
One thousand years have passed since this incident took place, and history has shown how the Parsi Peshwa’s words came true. This was because the members of the Parsi community did not waste their time in launching demand and protest movements throughout the country. Instead, they contributed to the progress and development of the country by working harder than everyone else. They made advances, particularly in the fields of education and industry, thus adding to the wealth of the country. In a situation where there were so many ‘taker’ groups, they achieved, by dint of consistent striving, the status of a ‘giver’ group. They knew the secret of the good life. In this world, it is the giver who prospers. Those who ‘sweeten’ the ‘milk’ of others find positions of honour for themselves. On the contrary, those how have only bitterness for others, will receive bitterness from them in return.
