The Tale of Ma'aruf the Cobbler

Ma'aruf was a humble cobbler in Cairo, burdened by poverty and a shrewish wife named Fatima who made his life a misery. After a particularly cruel dispute, Ma'aruf fled the city and was magically transported by a jinni to a distant land. There, he encountered an old friend who advised him to pose as a fabulously wealthy merchant whose massive caravan was merely delayed. This deception grew so large that the local King, hoping to join his wealth with Ma'aruf’s, offered him his daughter’s hand in marriage. Ma'aruf lived in luxury on the King's credit, but his conscience eventually weighed heavy. He confessed his poverty to the Princess, who, moved by his gentle soul and honesty, helped him escape. While wandering the desert, Ma'aruf discovered a magical ring that controlled a powerful jinni. With this magic, he conjured the very caravan he had once lied about, returning to the kingdom with actual riches. He proved his worth not through his original lie, but through his kind heart, eventually ascending to the throne as a wise and generous ruler.

“A man's true wealth is not the gold in his caravan, but the peace in his heart and the truth on his tongue.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Tale of Ma'aruf the Cobbler?

The moral is that integrity and kindness are more valuable than deception. Although Ma'aruf begins with a lie, it is his ultimate honesty to the princess and his generous spirit that lead to his true success.

Why did Ma'aruf flee from Cairo?

Ma'aruf fled Cairo to escape his abusive and demanding wife, Fatima, whose constant cruelty and impossible financial demands made his life unbearable. He sought a fresh start away from her reach.

How did Ma'aruf become a king?

Ma'aruf initially gained status by pretending to be a wealthy merchant, but he later discovered a magic ring that summoned a jinni. This jinni provided him with actual wealth, and after the old King passed away, Ma'aruf was chosen to lead.

Who helps Ma'aruf when his lie is almost discovered?

The Princess, who has become his wife, helps him. When he confesses the truth about his poverty to her, she chooses to protect him and help him escape because she loves his kind nature more than his supposed wealth.

What role does the magical ring play in the story?

The magical ring is the turning point of the tale; it allows Ma'aruf to manifest the wealth he once lied about. It serves as a reward for his humility and the suffering he endured.

Is Ma'aruf the Cobbler the final story of the Arabian Nights?

Yes, many scholars and versions of the 1,001 Nights place this story as the very last tale Scheherazade tells, serving as a grand finale to her long cycle of storytelling.