From Beggar to King

Introduction to Kamaal

Long ago, in the city of Cairo, lived a young man named Kamaal. His father, a humble water carrier, had died a penniless man. Unable to continue his father’s traditional occupation due to a lack of strength or inclination for the arduous work of water carrying, Kamaal became a beggar, relying on the alms kind-hearted people offered him. At night, he would retire to a mosque wall, using leather water bags as his pillow.

The Kind Merchant

One day, a generous merchant dropped five silver coins into his bag before continuing on his way. Kamaal envisioned purchasing a good meal with his newfound money and made his way to the marketplace. On his journey, he encountered a small crowd captivated by the antics of a tiny monkey. Fascinated, Kamaal decided to buy the monkey and exchanged his silver coins for it.

A Magical Transformation

However, after acquiring the monkey, Kamaal faced the dilemma of how to house and feed it. As he contemplated this, he walked towards a deserted cottage he had seen earlier. The moment he stepped inside, the monkey transformed into a handsome young man. Frightened, Kamaal was reassured when the young man softly said, “Kamaal, don’t be afraid. Take these gold mohurs and buy us some food. I’ll explain everything later.”

A New Life

Obeying his command, Kamaal soon returned with food, and they slept in the cottage. The following morning, the young man suggested, “Why live in this humble cottage? Let us rent a nice house and live comfortably. Don’t worry about money; I have plenty for both of us. First, let’s buy ourselves some decent clothes.”

Meeting the Sultan

Kamaal accepted the money offered and purchased fashionable clothes. After enjoying a pleasant bath at a public bathhouse, he adorned himself with the new attire. The young man remarked, “How nice you look! You resemble a prince. It would be even better if you had a princess by your side, and that can be arranged.” He handed Kamaal a small parcel and instructed him, “Go to the Sultan, and if he asks what you want, say you wish to marry his daughter, for it is decreed by God.”

The Royal Proposal

Surprised but intrigued, Kamaal presented himself before the Sultan. The Sultan was astonished to find a dazzling set of jewels in the parcel Kamaal brought. When Kamaal boldly asked for the hand of the princess in marriage, the Sultan nearly fell off his throne. After a whispered conversation with his minister, a magnificent pair of diamonds was brought before Kamaal. The Sultan inquired, “Can you match these diamonds?”

The Rivalry of Jewels

Kamaal confidently replied, “No problem. Tomorrow I’ll get you a pair.” That evening, he shared his palace experiences with his new friend. The young man assured him, “Do not worry. I will provide you with diamonds more splendid than the king’s jewels. Give the Sultan five of these.” Surprised but accustomed to the extraordinary by now, Kamaal watched as his friend produced flawless diamonds from nowhere.

The Wedding

When Kamaal presented the stunning gems to the Sultan, the monarch could hardly believe his eyes, as the diamonds shone brighter than any jewels in his kingdom. Thus, the Sultan consented to the marriage between the princess and Kamaal. Following the law, a wedding contract was drawn up.

The Amulet’s Secret

Kamaal took the document and eagerly returned it to his friend, who stated, “For all I have done for you, you must do me a small favour. After your marriage, ask your wife for the amulet she wears on her arm and bring it to me.” Kamaal promised to complete this task, and that night, without hesitation, his bride removed the amulet from her arm and handed it to him. He hurried back to his former dwelling to return it to his friend.

The Dark Turn

However, upon entering the bridal chamber, Kamaal suddenly fell unconscious. When he regained consciousness, he found himself in tattered clothing, and the royal palace, along with the lovely princess, had vanished. His friend, too, had disappeared.

A Desperate Search

Kamaal lamented and searched for answers. He eventually encountered a local voodoo man, who revealed, “You’ve been deceived. The monkey you bought is a genie who desired the princess. He manipulated you and spirited her away. But I can help you find the genie. Here, take this letter and go to this location. You will find a group of people with torches. Give this letter to their leader, and your wife will be restored to you.”

The Confrontation

With zeal, Kamaal raced to the specified spot. As midnight approached, he observed dancing lights and a throne, upon which sat a fearsome creature. Assuming this was the leader, Kamaal stepped forward and respectfully presented the letter. The King of the Genies, as it turned out, read the letter and summoned the thief, saying, “Adam, you took this man’s bride. Come forth so that we may confront you.”

The Duel of Genies

Reluctantly, a fierce-looking genie named Adam stepped forward and muttered, “But she’s mine; I found her.” The Genie King demanded, “Give me her amulet.” Adam, unwilling to part with it, attempted to swallow the amulet, but the King swiftly drew his sword, cleaving Adam in two. The Genie King retrieved the amulet and handed it to Kamaal.

Return to Happiness

As soon as Kamaal grasped the amulet, he was transported back to the royal chamber, finding his princess peacefully sleeping. He tied the amulet around her arm and lay beside her. When woke the next morning, the muezzin’s call awakened him, but neither he nor anyone else acknowledged the princess’s brief disappearance.

Conclusion

From that day onward, Kamaal lived happily. When the old Sultan passed away, Kamaal ascended the throne and ruled justly for many years.