Welcome back to 'Arabic Vocabulary In Use,' with me, Veysel Özel.

Today, we delve into another captivating tale from

"The Book of Kalila and Dimna,"

a collection of fables and moral anecdotes
originating from India,
renowned for their deep insights and enduring lessons.
Our featured story for today is titled:

اللِّصُّ المُتَرَدِّدُ
The Hesitant Thief 

Together, let's delve into this tale and uncover its valuable teachings.

First, I'll introduce the story in English,
giving a glimpse of the theme we'll be exploring.
Then, we'll transition into the Arabic version,
delving deeper into its essence and significance.
Without delay, let's get started!


هيا نبدأ!
اللِّصُّ المُتَرَدِّدُ
The Hesitant Thief
 
The Hesitant Thief

Once upon a time, there was a man who worked as a servant in the house of a very rich man. He made a secret plan with one of his friends to steal things from that house. Every time the family went out, the friend would come over, and together they would steal items and sell them, splitting the money equally between them. One night, when the family was away, the friend arrived, and they began collecting things to steal. While they were busy, the homeowner knocked on the front door. There was another door, but the friend didn't know about it.

The servant whispered to him, "Escape through the door near the well," pointing his finger towards it. The friend found the door, but he couldn't find the well. Confused, he returned to the servant and said, "I found the door, but where's the well?" The servant replied, "I mentioned the well so you'd know where the door is. If you find the door, run away quickly before the homeowner returns." The friend asked, "But why did you mention the well if it's not here?" The servant scolded him, "Just run if you find the door! You don't need the well." The friend protested, "But how can I escape if you confused me by mentioning a well that isn't here?" He kept searching for the well until the homeowner returned, caught him, and took him to the city's ruler.