Abu al-Hasan and the Three Apples! An Exploration of Generosity, Trickery, and the Value of Honesty in Ninth-Century Egypt.

The sands of time may have swept away much of ninth-century Egyptian life, but its vibrant folk tales endure. Echoing through generations, they offer glimpses into ancient beliefs, social norms, and the ever-relevant human condition. One such tale, “Abu al-Hasan and the Three Apples,” captures a delicate balance between generosity and cunning, reminding us that honesty, ultimately, reigns supreme.

The story revolves around Abu al-Hasan, a humble merchant renowned for his kindness. One scorching afternoon, he encounters three weary travelers seeking respite from the desert sun. Moved by their plight, Abu al-Hasan offers them shade under his awning and refreshments. As they gratefully partake of his hospitality, one traveler notices a basket filled with plump, juicy apples – a rare delicacy in those arid lands.

Intrigued, the traveler inquires about the apples’ origin. Abu al-Hasan, ever truthful, explains that he purchased them at the marketplace earlier that day. The travelers, captivated by the luscious fruit, express their desire to purchase some. Abu al-Hasan readily agrees, but there’s a catch: each apple costs a hefty sum – a price far beyond the travelers’ means.

The story takes an unexpected turn as one traveler proposes a wager. He challenges Abu al-Hasan to a riddle contest: if the traveler wins, he gets an apple for free; if Abu al-Hasan wins, the traveler pays the full price. Abu al-Hasan, known for his sharp wit, accepts the challenge.

The travelers then unleash a torrent of riddles, testing Abu al-Hasan’s knowledge and ingenuity. He struggles, but eventually, through a combination of clever thinking and resourceful deductions, he manages to solve each one. Triumphant, he collects the agreed price for each apple from the defeated travelers.

But as the travelers depart, their faces etched with disappointment, a sense of unease washes over Abu al-Hasan.

He realizes that his victory came at the expense of those in need. The travelers were clearly struggling, and his insistence on the exorbitant price felt callous, despite the wager.

Haunted by this realization, Abu al-Hasan makes a decision: he sets off after the travelers, catches up to them, and returns their money. To their astonishment, he presents them with all three apples, explaining that true generosity lies in helping those less fortunate, not in exploiting their vulnerability. The travelers, overwhelmed by his unexpected kindness, express their heartfelt gratitude.

Abu al-Hasan’s actions highlight several crucial themes embedded within the tale:

“Abu al-Hasan and the Three Apples” is more than just an entertaining tale; it serves as a moral compass, guiding us towards a path paved with kindness and integrity. It reminds us that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in our ability to connect with others, extend a helping hand, and act with honesty and compassion. In a world often driven by self-interest, this timeless story offers a refreshing reminder of the enduring power of human goodness.