Kalila and Dimna

Author: Bidpai (The Indian Philosopher)

Translated by Abdullah ibn al-Muqaffa'

Bidpai said: We found in books that after the lion killed Shturbah, and days passed, the Leopard one day—who was called Al-Mu'ajab al-Washi (the Adorned One), and was the lion's teacher, confidant, and trusted secret-keeper—went out seeking fire. The weather forced him to the dwelling of Kalila and Dimna. When he reached the door, he heard Kalila scolding Dimna and blaming him for his poor judgment and actions, and for what he had done to Shturbah without any fault from Shturbah's side. Among his words, Kalila said: "Indeed, what you have committed in terms of backbiting and deception will become apparent to the lion, and its consequences will emerge after today. You will not escape it except with a punishment greater than what wrongdoers receive. And I, too, after today, will not take you as a friend, nor confide any secret in you, nor associate with you in anything. For scholars have said: 'Distance yourself from those who have no desire for righteousness, and whose only work is backbiting and deception.' And so you incited the king against his innocent, gentle, and wise friend Shturbah, and you did not cease until he suspected him and killed him."

Cover illustration and design

Dr. Ahmed Raafat Abbas