A Year’s Earning
In the olden days, there was a merchant in Turkey named Abdul Hamid. He owned an exceptional Arab horse and cherished it deeply. However, due to his old age, he could no longer ride it. He announced that he would sell the horse for three hundred mohurs, but no one stepped forward to pay such a steep price.
A Young Man’s Plea
One day, a young man named Ajij approached Abdul Hamid and said, “Sir! I come from an aristocratic family, but we have fallen on hard times. If you give me your horse, I will travel to distant lands to seek my fortune. I promise to return after a year and pay you for the horse.”
Promise Made
“Do you promise to give me whatever you earn during the year?” asked Abdul Hamid. After a moment of thought, Ajij replied, “Yes, sir, I promise my word of honor.” The old man then handed over his horse to Ajij, watching as he galloped away.
A Royal Encounter
Months later, Ajij wandered into a faraway kingdom and found himself passing by the Sultan’s palace. The Sultan saw the horse and immediately took a liking to it, sending for Ajij. When Ajij was brought before him, the Sultan said, “I admire your horse greatly. I would be grateful if you would sell it to me.”
Negotiation
Though reluctant to part with the horse, Ajij did not dare refuse the Sultan. He remained silent. “What price would please you?” the Sultan inquired. Ajij decided to quote a high price and replied, “Nine hundred mohurs!”
A Devious Plan
The Sultan was taken aback by such a high demand. After some thought, he said, “This is a substantial price. Let me consider it; meet me again tomorrow.” After Ajij left, the Sultan shared the news with his minister, who suggested a cunning plan to teach Ajij a lesson for his audacity to demand such a price.
The Princess’s Dilemma
The next day, the princess was instructed to sit in the garden and pretend to be enamored with Ajij. However, upon seeing him, she felt pity. Hating to betray the innocent young man, she whispered to him, “Your life is in danger. But do not fear. We can escape together.”
The Escape
Ajij trusted the princess. He called out, “Can I trouble you for a glass of water?” The princess fetched both water and her hidden coat, then leaped onto the horse. Ajij urged the horse forward, and they sped away, leaving the Sultan and the minister bewildered.
Facing the Consequences
Their adventurous journey took them through many lands, but as the year was approaching its end, Ajij grew somber. When the princess noticed his sadness, Ajij explained, “My heart breaks to say this, but I cannot keep you. I promised Abdul Hamid that whatever I earn in a year would be his. I must return you and the coat filled with a thousand gold mohurs.”
A Flourishing Resolution
The princess cried, “I left my palace and family for you, not for money!” Ajij insisted, “But I must honor my promise.” When the twelve months were up, he took the princess to Abdul Hamid’s house and stated, “This is all I have earned now.”
Unexpected Blessings
After hearing Ajij’s story of adventure, Abdul Hamid responded, “Excellent! I will accept the princess as my daughter and give her to you as your wife. The coat, the mohurs, and the horse will be gifts accompanying my daughter. Go and live happily. God bless you.”
