Introduction
Kalila Wa Dimna is a famous fable that was written by ʿAbd Allāh Ibn Al-Muqaffaaʿ, one of the great writers of early Arabic literature. He lived in the 8th century and is known for bringing stories from other cultures into the Arabic language in a beautiful and wise way.
Kalila Wa Dimna is a collection of short stories called fables. In these stories, animals talk like humans. They argue, give advice, make mistakes, and learn lessons—just like people. Each story has a moral message that helps us understand life, leadership, friendship, or honesty.
These stories are still read today in many parts of the world. They are fun to read, easy to understand, and full of meaning. And today, we are going to enjoy one of these fables.
The King of the Forest
Once upon a time, in a wide green forest, there lived a powerful lion. All the animals in the forest called him King Lion. He was strong, brave, and proud. But sometimes, he was also quick to believe others.
King Lion was not alone. He had two close advisers—clever jackals named Kalila and Dimna. They stayed near the king, gave him advice, and helped him rule. But Dimna was not always honest. He wanted power and control.
A New Visitor
One day, something strange happened.
A loud sound came from the river near the forest. It was deep and powerful. Rooaar! The lion jumped from his sleep. Birds flew away. Monkeys screamed. Even Kalila and Dimna were afraid.
The next morning, the lion sent Dimna to investigate. Dimna followed the sound carefully. Near the river, he saw a huge ox. His name was Shatrabah. He had strong legs, long horns, and a calm face. Shatrabah was lost. He had run away from a village after getting hurt while working.
Just an Ox
Dimna returned and told the king, “It’s just an ox, Your Majesty. He’s peaceful. He makes the loud noise when he calls to the sky.”
King Lion became curious and went to meet Shatrabah. They spoke for a long time. The ox told his story. The lion listened. And slowly, the two became good friends.
They met every day. They talked about life, the stars, the rivers, and the world outside the forest. The lion started trusting the ox more than anyone else—even more than Dimna.
Dimna’s Dark Plan
But Dimna was not happy.
“Every day the lion talks to the ox,” Dimna told Kalila. “He no longer needs us. We must stop this before we lose everything.”
Kalila said, “Be careful. This is dangerous.”
But Dimna had a plan. A dark plan.
The next day, Dimna went to the lion.
He bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I must tell you something. I saw the ox walking in circles, digging the ground with his hooves. He’s getting ready to fight you. He wants to take your throne.”
The lion was shocked. “What? But he is my friend!”
The Plan Worked Very Well
To further mislead the lion, Dimna whispered, “Yes, Your Majesty, he is big and strong. He wants power. You must protect your land.”
That evening, Dimna went to the ox.
He said in a low voice, “Shatrabah, the lion is planning to attack you. He thinks you are dangerous. You should defend yourself before it’s too late.”
The ox was afraid. “Why would he want to hurt me? I did nothing wrong.”
Dimna replied, “The forest is full of lies and danger. Be ready.”
The Storm was coming.
The Great Fight
The next day, the lion walked into the forest. His eyes were red. His teeth showed. Across the field, Shatrabah was waiting, shaking with fear—but ready.
They looked at each other in silence. The wind blew. The leaves moved. Then, suddenly, they charged.
The ground shook. The animals ran. Dust rose in the air.
The fight was long and hard. Finally, the lion won. Shatrabah fell to the ground. He was badly hurt.
The Truth Revealed
When the dust cleared, Dimna smiled. But the lion cried.
He looked at his old friend and asked, “What have I done?”
Later, Kalila told the lion the truth. Dimna had lied. Shatrabah was never a threat.
The lion was full of anger and sadness.
“You destroyed a true friend,” he said. “You caused pain, fear, and death with your lies.”
The lion ordered an open trial of Dimna in the forest. All the animals came. Dimna had no good answer. He was found guilty of spreading lies and causing the death of the innocent ox.
As punishment, Dimna was banished away, far from the forest. The lion made a new rule that lies and jealousy would never again be welcome in his kingdom.
Moral of the Story
The moral of the story is very important for anyone to make it in life: Be careful who you listen to—especially when their words are full of anger, jealousy, or hate. Some people may lie to cause problems or to take power for themselves. These lies can confuse us, hurt others, and destroy even the strongest and most honest friendships. True friendship is built on trust, but one lie can tear it apart forever. Always think before you act, and never let others control your heart with fear or false words.
Now, Let’s Reflect with a Song
The story of The Lion and the Ox teaches us an important lesson: lies, jealousy, and false words can destroy even the strongest of friendships. At the same time, honesty, trust, and clear hearts bring peace and respect to all.
To help us remember this message, let’s enjoy a song that warns against lies and encourages us to speak the truth, just like a wise lion should.
Truth Is Stronger
Lyrics by Imed Sdiri
[Verse 1]
There was a lion, proud and bold,
An ox with eyes so calm and old.
A forest deep, where voices lied,
And truth was pushed so far aside.
Truth Is Stronger
[Chorus]
Speak the truth, don’t turn away,
Even when the skies turn gray.
Lies may run and lead the day,
But truth walks home and finds its way.
[Verse 2]
Dimna’s voice was sharp and sly,
He turned a friend into a lie.
The ox stood tall, the lion blind—
That’s how hearts are left behind.
Truth Is Stronger
[Chorus 1]
Speak the truth, don’t turn away,
Even when the skies turn gray.
Lies may run and lead the day,
But truth walks home and finds its way.
[Bridge]
Ibn Al-Muqaffaa, his words still live,
In stories that still teach and give.
From libraries big to every bookfair,
Truth is a crown for those who dare.
Truth Is Stronger
[Final Chorus]
Speak the truth, don’t turn away,
Even when the skies turn gray.
Lies may run and lead the day,
But truth walks home and finds its way.
[Outro]
From Arabia to all the earth,
We sing of truth, of timeless worth.
Follow the path, the stories unfold,
Truth is a pearl, more prized than gold.
Truth is honor, pure and rare—
A light for hearts that truly care.
