Practical Matters

Haroun al-Rashid once was moving through the poor Quarters of Baghdad. His trusted servant Ja’afar was with him as always and they were in disguise.
At one place the Caliph noticed the bread seller and his staff of life: Rings of breads had become larger while bread had become smaller. He sold them from the staff he carried around. The king called up the vendor and pointed out that the weight of the bread was lesser and asked why he had kept the price same as before. The man explained the price of wheat was high and he had to reduce the quantity of bread in order to stay in business.
The ruler later sat down in a coffee house. The owner saw they were strangers and put fancy prices on the fare. Ja’afar looked at his master meaningfully and the Caliph called the owner to his side and asked quietly if the prices were not rather high.
Bowing deeply the owner explained he had to charge extra because of the name. "People from all lands, even like you sirs, when they pass by they stop here. The Name sells. So I have been constrained to ask extra.”
Al-Rashid could understand. Later as they went back to the palace Ja’afar asked, “Master you are the king of kings. Who on earth can match you in glory?. Must you then go about in disguise?”
The Caliph of Baghdad sighed and explained, “ Let us be practical. In disguise I learn what is wrong with my kingdom.”
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