Story of when Emperor Mahmood Ghaznavi left his throne to his slave Ayaz

Story of when Emperor Mahmood Ghaznavi left his throne to his slave Ayaz, from Fariduddin Attar’s book ‘The Conference of Birds’

The affections and reverence that Mahmood Ghaznavi had for his slave Ayaaz is legendary.

One day Mahmood called him in court and said, “You are no longer my slave, Ayaz. You can take all my Kingdom. Be the ruler of my entire empire as I retire from worldly duties. Tear off your slavery collar and bury it forever”.

Such reward and graciousness made all the courtiers red with envy.

However, Ayaz started crying when he heard such gracious honour from the king.

“Are you insane, Ayaz, as you should be happy over such amazing prize”, exclaimed the courtiers.

Ayaz replied, “You don’t understand that by giving me throne, King Mahmood Ghaznavi will make me separate from himself. All I ever wished was to br with my master. How can I be happy with all Kingdom when it detaches with my beloved master”.