Overview

In Section 17 of the Hadiqat al-Haqiqah, Sanai utilizes an allegory involving King Anushirvan (traditionally revered in Persian literature as the archetype of justice) to highlight the ethical obligation of absolute justice and compassion toward speechless animals.

The Allegory

When a drunken constable (shahnah) breaks the leg of a teacher's chicken, King Anushirvan summons both parties. He demands justice for the defenseless bird, famously declaring:

'He who possesses a soul but has no tongue, How do you know that his soul is not in pain?'

Key Themes

1. Universal Compassion: Justice and empathy are not limited to humans; they must extend to all living, sentient beings, particularly those who cannot speak to defend themselves.
2. The Just Ruler: A truly just leader's duty is to protect the vulnerable and ensure that even the smallest injustice against a harmless creature is redressed.