The Envious and the Gracious
In the small town of Ajib, the young merchant was as prosperous as he was popular. He thrived due to his honesty; people trusted him and preferred to buy from him rather than from others. Ajib was also well-liked because he empathized with others in their sorrow and actively helped to solve their problems.
The Neighbor’s Envy
However, Ajib’s neighbor, another merchant, was consumed with envy. As Ajib grew richer, the neighbor grew increasingly gaunt. Though he lacked nothing himself, he was tormented by Ajib’s popularity and success. He consistently wished ill upon Ajib, but the young merchant continued to flourish. Eventually, the neighbor lost his appetite and began to suffer from sleeplessness, overwhelmed with agony. He became tense and anxious, fearing he might hear even better news about Ajib. Consequently, he ruined his health and fell ill.
A Plea for Help
One day, the neighbor’s wife encountered Ajib in private. The distressed woman wept bitterly, revealing how her husband suffered because of his jealousy. Ajib was shocked and consoled her, saying, “I will soon find a remedy for your husband’s ailment. Go home and do not grieve anymore.”
Ajib’s Lament
Alone that night, Ajib grew reflective. Soon, he began to despise his own wealth and reputation. “Woe is me for causing such suffering to my neighbor,” he muttered. As dawn approached, he left his house, wandering without knowing his destination.
The Well Encounter
Tired by evening, he spotted a deserted old well in a meadow. He sat down there and fell asleep. The next morning, a group of merchants passed by and recognized him. They were astonished to learn that Ajib had forsaken the world. Known for his honesty, they concluded that he had become a saint.
The Village’s Response
The merchants left a couple of their servants to care for Ajib and spread the news in the nearby village about the saint’s arrival. The villagers quickly built a house for him in the meadow, eager to honor the one they believed was a holy figure.
Neighbor’s Discontent
Meanwhile, Ajib’s envious neighbor, initially pleased with Ajib’s sudden absence, fell into despair upon hearing about the revered transformation of his rival. After a year or two, unable to contain his agony, he decided to confront Ajib.
A Treacherous Meeting
Ajib was seated in a spacious hall, surrounded by his disciples when the neighbor approached him, saying, “O Master, I wish to talk to you privately.” Ajib dismissed his disciples, allowing the neighbor to lead him outside for a walk, under the pretext of discussing something important. They went to the well, where the neighbor, while pretending to show him something in the water, suddenly pushed Ajib into the depths below.
Miraculous Aid
Believing Ajib to be gone for good, the neighbor hurried home. However, Ajib, who did not know how to swim, would have surely perished if not for the helpful spirits residing in the well. They were pleased that their once-unknown location had become famous due to Ajib. Thanks to their assistance, Ajib did not sink but landed safely upon a stone slab.
The Spirits’ Plan
“The spirits are delighted to have you among us,” the leader said. “The sultan is coming tomorrow because he seeks your help to save his daughter from an evil spirit.” Ajib was taken aback, and the spirit explained that the remedy lay within his black pet cat’s whiskers. “Simply burn a pair of hairs from its mustache and hold the smoke close to the princess’s nose,” advised the head spirit.
Return to the Surface
Ajib’s disciples anxiously searched for him and, by morning, saw him emerging from the well, believing this incredible feat to be a miracle performed by their master. Shortly after, Ajib carefully plucked the needed hairs from his cat.
The Sultan’s Arrival
As dawn broke, royal bodyguards arrived to announce the sultan’s impending visit. The sultan soon arrived and, after exchanging greetings, expressed, “It is my duty to meet the great soul.” Ajib responded, “You are here because of your daughter’s plight.”
The Healing
Emotional, the sultan requested Ajib’s help to cure the possessed princess. When she was brought to him, Ajib performed the ritual using the cat hairs, and, with that, he freed the princess from her torment. The once-chaotic princess grew calm, as though awakening from a deep sleep.
A Royal Proposal
The sultan’s joy was boundless. “I don’t know how to reward this young saint,” he said, looking to his vizier for guidance. The vizier reminded him of the promise he had made: whoever cured the princess could marry her. Ajib, looking like a suitable groom, accepted the proposal without complaint, and the marriage was a grand affair.
The Change in Fortune
Not long after, the sultan passed away, leaving the throne to Ajib. When the envious neighbor learned of Ajib’s rise, he descended into madness. One day, while wandering in tatters, Ajib, now Sultan, recognized him and instructed his officers to ensure the neighbor received treatment, along with a thousand gold pieces when he recovered.
Conclusion
“I owe my sultanate to this man,” Ajib remarked to his entourage, revealing the depth of understanding and compassion he had gained through his journey.
