Who’s the Greatest?

Summary

Akbar is known as one of the greatest rulers in the world. He was a good ruler; he had a vast empire, a very strong army, and untold wealth, but that was not the reason why he was liked so much. The reason is that he cared about his subjects and he had great respect for scholars, writers, poets, and artists belonging to different religions. He was not partial to anyone. He respected everyone and had his nine gems, meaning he had nine men who helped him make decisions. According to what people say, Bribal was his favourite because there was not once when he asked an insane question, and Bribal didn't have an even more insane answer. We don't know whether all the Akbar and Bribal stories have a place in history because most have been passed from generation to generation by mode of mouth. 

So, one day, the emperor Akbar walked into the court and asked an absurd question: What should be the punishment for someone who pulled my moustache? Everyone in the courtroom was stunned. They were shocked. All the courtroom men began to say, “Flog him! Give him fifty lashes of the whip !’’ exclaimed one nobleman. “That’s not enough. Put him in jail without food and water,’’ said another. Akbar asked what he thought he should do, and his bribal response was shocking. He said, “In my opinion, O Giver of Peace to the World, the offender should be given his favourite sweetmeats.’’

All the people in the courtroom asked him if he had lost his mind, and then he offered them an explanation, saying who would be bold enough to pull Akbar's moustache except his grandson, and Akbar began to laugh as that is precisely what happened. On another occasion, Akbar was in his courtyard, so his courtiers thought it would be a good time to shower him with praise and get some favours. In return, they started to compete with each other, and they began to say,

“You are the greatest of the kings !’’
“You are the greatest of the kings or emperors that ever lived on the earth !’’“You are the greatest of all the people in heaven or earth !’’
“You are as great as God Almighty !’’
“You are greater than the God Almighty !’’

Akbar was no fool. He asked if they believed what they were saying, and they all replied yes, so he said ok and to tell him one thing he could do that God could. They had until the next morning to tell him what they were supposed to do. They were all in a fix now; they all went to Bribal. He heard the story and told them not to worry about it and that he would handle it the next morning. Akbar asked, “Have you found a good answer to my question? Or are you ready to leave the court forever?’’ 

Bribal stepped forward and said, “When you want to punish someone, you can banish that person, you can throw him out of your kingdom. But God’s kingdom extends everywhere. The Almighty cannot banish anyone from his kingdom." Akbar's face lit up with a smile, and he said that was very clever. Bribal says that you show that I am superior, but you also make sure to put across that God is greater. You are all forgiven.