The Mercy of Allah · Chapter
XIV: Itmi’nán al-Nafs, or “The Peace of the Soul” explained
Mahmoud recounts his life story to his nephews, detailing his rise through ruthless business practices including insurance schemes, land speculation, and share manipulation, culminating in his timely escape to Baghdad before a barbarian inv
What happens
Mahmoud recounts his life story to his nephews, detailing his rise through ruthless business practices including insurance schemes, land speculation, and share manipulation, culminating in his timely escape to Baghdad before a barbarian invasion destroys his former country. He warns his nephews that only the most cunning can succeed, and ends by giving each a dried fig, while the youngest nephew tricks him into signing a promissory note for 20,000 dinars.
Themes in this chapter
Social Inequality and Greed
Mahmoud's detailed account of his exploitative business methods illustrates the vast gap between the wealthy and the poor.
Divine Mercy and Justice
Mahmoud repeatedly attributes his success to divine providence, yet his actions are morally questionable, highlighting a tension between religious piety and worldly greed.
Suffering and Redemption
Mahmoud's escape from the barbarian invasion and his peaceful old age suggest a form of redemption, though his past suffering is minimal compared to his victims.
Characters to notice
- Mahmoud
The elderly merchant who narrates his life story and is tricked by his youngest nephew.
- The old man
Mahmoud himself, referred to as the old man in the narrative.
- Yusouff the Blessed
Mentioned as a reference point but not directly appearing.
- Eblis
Mentioned as a reference point but not directly appearing.
Key passages
“I was not so selfish as to retain these properties in my own hands. I would offer them to the public for sale, and being in a position to pay many poets, scribes, and public story tellers who should make general the praises of the estates in question, an active competition among many thousands would arise to become part purchasers.”
Mahmoud explains that he sold shares in his dubious land ventures, using paid promoters to drive up demand, so that early investors profited while later buyers were left with worthless assets.
This passage describes a classic speculative bubble, reminiscent of modern financial scams.
“I was but just in time! Within a week of my departure an insolent message was received by the sultan of my former habitation from the Robber King of the Hills demanding tribute.”
Mahmoud claims he fled his former country just before a barbarian invasion destroyed the economy and confiscated all property.
This event serves as a narrative justification for Mahmoud's relocation to Baghdad and his accumulation of wealth.