OF TRUST in GOD
by Unknown · from Tales from the Arabic — Complete
Adapted Version
A young man was in big trouble. The King was very angry with him. Bad men told the King bad things. They wanted the young man to leave. The young man stayed calm.
The Young Man spoke to the King. "I trust only God," he said. "God helps me. I will tell you a story. It is about King Ben."
King Ben was a strong king. He had many soldiers. He had much gold. He thought he was very strong. He did not trust God. He lost a big battle.
King Ben asked a new king for help. He got a new, big army. He thought, "I will win!" But he lost. He still did not trust God.
King Ben had to leave his home. He went to a new city. He worked for King Ken. He was a helper there.
King Ken's land was in danger. King Ben helped fight for him. King Ken went to the battle too. He told King Ben, "God helps us win. Not just big armies. God is very strong."
King Ken told King Ben his story. "I once lost too," he said. "I trusted my big army. I did not trust God. A Wise Old Man taught me. He said, 'Trust only God.' I did this. Then I won!"
King Ben knew King Ken. He felt very sorry. He went to a quiet mountain. He prayed to God there. He wanted to trust God.
King Ben had a special dream. God spoke to him. God said, "I hear you. I will help you." King Ben woke happy.
King Ben went back to his city. His old friends saw him. They said, "The new king is scared. He is scared of you. Do not go near him."
King Ben said, "It is me! I am King Ben." His friends were happy. They said, "We will help you. God will help us too."
His friends helped King Ben. The bad king left. King Ben became king again. He sat on his throne. All were happy.
King Ben was a good king. He ruled his people well. He always said, "God helped me." The Young Man finished.
The King was not angry now. He said, "You are safe today." The Young Man was happy. He thanked the King.
This story teaches us to trust God. The King was not angry now. He let the young man go. The young man was very happy. He knew trusting God was best.
Original Story
OF TRUST IN GOD.
When it was the sixth day, the viziers' wrath redoubled, for that they had not compassed their desire of the youth and they feared for themselves from the king; so three of them went in to him and prostrating themselves before him, said to him, "O king, indeed we are loyal counsellors to thy dignity and tenderly solicitous for thee. Verily, thou persistest long in sparing this youth alive and we know not what is thine advantage therein. Every day findeth him yet on life and the talk redoubleth suspicions on thee; so do thou put him to death, that the talk may be made an end of." When the king heard this speech, he said, "By Allah, indeed, ye say sooth and speak rightly!" Then he let bring the young treasurer and said to him, "How long shall I look into thine affair and find no helper for thee and see them all athirst for thy blood?"
"O king," answered the youth, "I hope for succour only from God, not from created beings: if He aid me, none can avail to harm me, and if He be with me and on my side, because of the truth, who is it I shall fear, because of falsehood? Indeed, I have made my intent with God a pure and sincere intent and have severed my expectation from the help of the creature; and whoso seeketh help [of God] findeth of his desire that which Bekhtzeman found." Quoth the king, "Who was Bekhtzeman and what is his story?" "O king," replied the youth,
STORY OF KING BEKHTZEMAN.
"There was once a king of the kings, whose name was Bekhtzeman, and he was a great eater and drinker and carouser. Now enemies of his made their appearance in certain parts of his realm and threatened him; and one of his friends said to him, 'O king, the enemy maketh for thee: be on thy guard against him.' Quoth Bekhtzeman, 'I reck not of him, for that I have arms and wealth and men and am not afraid of aught.' Then said his friends to him, 'Seek aid of God, O king, for He will help thee more than thy wealth and thine arms and thy men.' But he paid no heed to the speech of his loyal counsellors, and presently the enemy came upon him and waged war upon him and got the victory over him and his trust in other than God the Most High profited him nought. So he fled from before him and seeking one of the kings, said to him, 'I come to thee and lay hold upon thy skirts and take refuge with thee, so thou mayst help me against mine enemy.'
The king gave him money and men and troops galore and Bekhtzeman said in himself, 'Now am I fortified with this army and needs must I conquer my enemy therewith and overcome him;' but he said not, 'With the aid of God the Most High.' So his enemy met him and overcame him again and he was defeated and put to the rout and fled at a venture. His troops were dispersed from him and his money lost and the enemy followed after him. So he sought the sea and passing over to the other side, saw a great city and therein a mighty citadel. He asked the name of the city and to whom it belonged and they said to him, 'It belongeth to Khedidan the king.' So he fared on till he came to the king's palace aud concealing his condition, passed himself off for a horseman[FN#120] and sought service with King Khedidan, who attached him to his household and entreated him with honour; but his heart still clave to his country and his home.
Presently, it chanced that an enemy attacked King Khedidan; so he sent out his troops to him and made Bekhtzeman head of the army. Then they went forth to the field and Khedidan also came forth and ranged his troops and took the spear and sallied out in person and fought a sore battle and overcame his enemy, who fled, he and his troops, ignominiously. When the king and his army returned in triumph, Bekhtzeman said to him, 'Harkye, O king! Meseemeth this is a strange thing of thee that thou art compassed about with this vast army, yet dost thou apply thyself in person to battle and adventurest thyself.' Quoth the king, 'Dost thou call thyself a cavalier and a man of learning and deemest that victory is in abundance of troops?' 'Ay,' answered Bekhtzeman; 'that is indeed my belief.' And Khedidan said, 'By Allah, then, thou errest in this thy belief! Woe and again woe to him whose trust is in other than God! Indeed, this army is appointed only for adornment and majesty, and victory is from God alone. I too, O Bekhtzeman, believed aforetime that victory was in the multitude of men, and an enemy came out against me with eight hundred men, whilst I had eight hundred thousand. I trusted in the number of my troops, whilst mine enemy trusted in God; so he defeated me and routed me and I was put to a shameful flight and hid myself in one of the mountains, where I met with a recluse, [who had] withdrawn [himself from the world]. So I joined myself to him and complained to him of my case and acquainted him with all that had befallen me. Quoth he, "Knowest thou why this befell thee and thou wast defeated?" "I know not," answered I, and he said, "Because thou puttest thy trust in the multitude of thy troops and reliedst not upon God the Most High. Hadst thou put thy trust in God and believed in Him that it is He [alone] who advantageth and endamageth thee, thine enemy had not availed to cope with thee. Return unto God." So I returned to myself and repented at the hands of the solitary, who said to me, "Turn back with what remaineth to thee of troops and confront thine enemies, for, if their intents be changed from God, thou wilt overcome them, wert thou alone." When I heard these words, I put my trust in God the Most High, and gathering together those who remained with me, fell upon mine enemies at unawares in the night. They deemed us many and fled on the shamefullest wise, whereupon I entered my city and repossessed myself of my place by the might of God the Most High, and now I fight not but [trusting] in His aid.'
When Bekhtzeman heard this, he awoke from his heedlessness and said, 'Extolled be the perfection of God the Great! O king, this is my case and my story, nothing added and nought diminished, for I am King Bekhtzeman and all this happened to me; wherefore I will seek the gate of God['s mercy] and repent unto Him.' So he went forth to one of the mountains and there worshipped God awhile, till one night, as he slept, one appeared to him in a dream and said to him, 'O Bekhtzeman, God accepteth thy repentance and openeth on thee [the gate of succour] and will further thee against thine enemy.' When he was certified of this in the dream, he arose and turned back, intending for his own city; and when he drew near thereunto, he saw a company of the king's retainers, who said to him, 'Whence art thou? We see that thou art a stranger and fear for thee from this king, for that every stranger who enters this city, he destroys him, of his fear of King Bekhtzeman.' Quoth Bekhtzeman, 'None shall hurt him nor advantage him save God the Most High.' And they answered, saying, 'Indeed, he hath a vast army and his heart is fortified in the multitude of his troops.'
When King Bekhtzeman heard this, his heart was comforted and he said in himself, 'I put my trust in God. If He will, I shall overcome mine enemy by the might of God the Most High.' So he said to the folk, ' Know ye not who I am?' and they answered, ' No, by Allah.' Quoth he, 'I am King Bekhtzeman.' When they heard this and knew that it was indeed he, they dismounted from their horses and kissed his stirrup, to do him honour, and said to him, 'O king, why hast thou thus adventured thyself?' Quoth he, 'Indeed, my life is a light matter to me and I put my trust in God the Most High, looking to Him for protection.' And they answered him, saying, 'May this suffice thee! We will do with thee that which is in our power and whereof thou art worthy: comfort thy heart, for we will succour thee with our goods and our lives, and we are his chief officers and the most in favour with him of all folk. So we will take thee with us and cause the folk follow after thee, for that the inclination of the people, all of them, is to thee.' Quoth he, 'Do that unto which God the Most High enableth you.'
So they carried him into the city and hid him with them. Moreover, they agreed with a company of the king's chief officers, who had aforetime been those of Bekhtzeman, and acquainted them with this; whereat they rejoiced with an exceeding joy. Then they assembled together to Bekhtzeman and made a covenant and handfast [of fealty] with him and fell upon the enemy at unawares and slew him and seated King Bekhtzeman again on the throne of his kingship. And his affairs prospered and God amended his estate and restored His bounty to him, and he ruled his subjects justly and abode in the obedience of the Most High. On this wise, O king," continued the young treasurer, "he with whom God is and whose intent is pure, meeteth nought but good. As for me, I have no helper other than God, and I am content to submit myself to His ordinance, for that He knoweth the purity of my intent."
With this the king's wrath subsided and he said, "Restore him to the prison till the morrow, so we may look into his affair."
The Seventh Day.
Story DNA
Moral
True strength and victory come from placing one's trust in God, not in worldly power or possessions.
Plot Summary
Facing execution, a young treasurer tells the king the story of King Bekhtzeman to illustrate the power of trust in God. Bekhtzeman, initially arrogant and relying on his vast armies and wealth, suffers repeated defeats. He eventually learns from another king, Khedidan, who himself was defeated until he placed his trust solely in God. Bekhtzeman repents, receives divine assurance, and is ultimately restored to his throne, ruling justly. The young treasurer's tale convinces the king to spare him, at least for a day.
Themes
Emotional Arc
pride to humility
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is part of 'The Arabian Nights' (One Thousand and One Nights), a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. The emphasis on divine providence and submission to God's will is central to Islamic theology.
Plot Beats (14)
- The viziers demand the young treasurer's execution, and the king questions the treasurer's lack of worldly support.
- The young treasurer declares his sole trust in God and offers the story of Bekhtzeman as an example.
- King Bekhtzeman, initially arrogant and trusting in his own power, is defeated by his enemy.
- Bekhtzeman seeks help from another king, but again, relying on the new army rather than God, is defeated a second time.
- Bekhtzeman flees, takes refuge in a new city, and serves King Khedidan as a horseman.
- Khedidan's kingdom is attacked, and Bekhtzeman leads the army, but Khedidan himself fights, emphasizing that victory comes from God.
- Khedidan recounts his own past defeat when he trusted in numbers, and his subsequent victory after a recluse taught him to trust in God alone.
- Bekhtzeman realizes Khedidan's story is his own, repents, and goes to worship God in the mountains.
- Bekhtzeman receives a dream confirming God's acceptance of his repentance and future aid against his enemy.
- Bekhtzeman returns towards his city and encounters his former retainers, who warn him about the current king's fear of him.
- Bekhtzeman reveals his identity, and his loyal officers pledge their support, trusting in God's plan.
- The officers conspire with other former loyalists, overthrow the enemy king, and restore Bekhtzeman to his throne.
- Bekhtzeman rules justly, attributing his success to God's aid, concluding his story to the king.
- The king's wrath subsides, and he postpones the young treasurer's execution.
Characters
The Young Treasurer
Lean and of average height, with a modest build that suggests a life of intellectual pursuit rather than physical labor. His features are likely refined, reflecting his position as a treasurer, though currently showing signs of stress from his imprisonment.
Attire: Simple, practical garments befitting a prisoner, likely a coarse, undyed linen tunic and trousers, possibly with a simple rope belt. Before imprisonment, he would have worn more refined, but still understated, robes of fine cotton or silk in muted colors, indicative of a trusted but not ostentatious official.
Wants: To survive his unjust imprisonment and to demonstrate the power of faith and trust in God, both to the king and for his own spiritual conviction.
Flaw: His unwavering faith, while his greatest strength, could be perceived as a weakness by those who do not share his spiritual conviction, making him seem naive or stubborn in the face of worldly power.
He remains steadfast in his faith throughout his ordeal, serving as a moral compass and storyteller. His arc is one of enduring and demonstrating unwavering conviction.
Pious, resolute, calm under pressure, wise, and deeply trusting in God. He is not easily swayed by fear or worldly threats.
The King (of the Young Treasurer's story)
A man of imposing presence, likely of robust build, reflecting a life of authority and perhaps indulgence. His features would convey power and a certain weariness from the burdens of kingship and political intrigue.
Attire: Richly embroidered robes of silk and brocade in deep jewel tones, possibly with gold thread, indicative of a powerful Middle Eastern monarch. He would wear a jeweled turban or crown, and fine leather slippers.
Wants: To maintain his power and authority, to ensure the stability of his kingdom, and to make just decisions, though he is often misguided.
Flaw: Easily swayed by his viziers' counsel, fear of public opinion, and a tendency towards rash judgment.
He begins as a king swayed by fear and his viziers' malicious advice, but through the Young Treasurer's story, he shows signs of reflection and a potential shift towards more just and God-fearing rule.
Initially susceptible to flattery and fear, indecisive, prone to wrath, but ultimately capable of reason and reflection. He values loyalty but struggles to discern true counsel.
The Viziers
Three men, likely of varying builds but all carrying themselves with an air of self-importance and cunning. Their features would suggest a life of political maneuvering and ambition.
Attire: Fine, but slightly less opulent than the King's, robes of silk and brocade in rich colors, perhaps with subtle patterns. They would wear small, elegant turbans or caps, signifying their status as trusted advisors.
Wants: To eliminate the Young Treasurer, whom they perceive as a threat or an obstacle, and to secure their own positions and influence with the King.
Flaw: Their fear of the King and their own ambition make them ruthless and short-sighted.
They remain static in their villainy, serving as the primary antagonists who instigate the Young Treasurer's predicament.
Malicious, envious, cunning, fearful (of the king), and self-serving. They are driven by a desire for power and the elimination of rivals.
King Bekhtzeman
Initially, a man of robust and perhaps slightly indulgent build, reflecting his past as a 'great eater and drinker and carouser.' Later, his experiences of defeat and flight might have made him leaner, but he retains a regal bearing.
Attire: Initially, opulent and perhaps slightly ostentatious robes of silk and brocade, reflecting his wealth and self-indulgence. After his defeats, his clothing would become simpler, more practical, and worn, until his restoration to power, when he would again wear royal attire, but with more humility.
Wants: Initially, to maintain his kingdom and enjoy his life through his own strength and resources. Later, his motivation shifts to seeking God's aid to reclaim his throne and rule justly.
Flaw: Overconfidence in his own wealth, arms, and men; a lack of trust in God; heedlessness of wise counsel.
He undergoes a complete transformation from an arrogant, worldly king to a humble, God-fearing ruler who trusts solely in divine aid. His story is the central parable of the narrative.
Initially arrogant, self-reliant, pleasure-seeking, and heedless of divine counsel. He undergoes a profound transformation, becoming humble, pious, and deeply trusting in God.
King Khedidan
A powerful and wise king, likely of a strong, martial build, but whose true strength comes from his faith rather than physical prowess. His features would convey wisdom and experience.
Attire: Royal robes of fine quality, perhaps less ostentatious than Bekhtzeman's initial attire, but clearly indicative of his status. He might wear practical armor or battle attire when leading his troops, but always with a sense of dignity.
Wants: To rule his kingdom justly and to always put his trust in God for victory and prosperity.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, as he has already overcome his past weakness of trusting in numbers.
He has already completed his arc of transformation before the story begins, serving as a model of righteous kingship and a mentor to Bekhtzeman.
Wise, pious, courageous, humble, and a strong believer in God's sole power. He is a mentor figure to Bekhtzeman.
The Recluse
A gaunt and ascetic figure, thin from a life of spiritual devotion and withdrawal from the world. His body would show the signs of age and hardship, but his eyes would be bright with spiritual insight.
Attire: Simple, coarse, undyed robes of rough wool or linen, perhaps patched and worn, reflecting his detachment from worldly possessions. He would wear no adornments.
Wants: To live a life of spiritual devotion and to guide others towards trust in God.
Flaw: None, as he represents pure spiritual wisdom.
He is a static character, serving as a catalyst for King Khedidan's transformation, and by extension, Bekhtzeman's.
Wise, ascetic, spiritually profound, and direct in his counsel. He is a detached observer of the world, offering guidance based on divine truth.
Locations
King Khedidan's Palace and City
A great city with a mighty citadel, featuring a king's palace. The palace likely has architectural elements typical of a Middle Eastern kingdom, such as courtyards, possibly with geometric tile mosaics and intricate archways, reflecting a sense of majesty and power.
Mood: Initially a place of refuge and new service for Bekhtzeman, later a setting for strategic discussions and a pivotal battle.
Bekhtzeman seeks refuge and serves King Khedidan, learning a crucial lesson about trusting in God rather than armies. Khedidan's own battle and subsequent counsel to Bekhtzeman occur here.
Mountain Hermitage
A secluded mountain retreat where a recluse lives, offering a quiet and isolated environment for spiritual reflection. The terrain would be rugged, possibly rocky, with sparse vegetation, emphasizing solitude.
Mood: Serene, contemplative, and spiritually significant, a place of profound realization and repentance.
King Khedidan meets a recluse here who teaches him the importance of trusting in God, leading to his change of heart. Later, Bekhtzeman also retreats to a mountain to worship and repent.
Bekhtzeman's Original City/Kingdom
The capital city of King Bekhtzeman's original realm, which he loses and later reclaims. It would feature a royal palace and likely city defenses, reflecting a prosperous Middle Eastern kingdom, now under enemy occupation.
Mood: Initially a place of misplaced confidence, then of loss and enemy occupation, and finally, of triumphant return and restoration.
Bekhtzeman's initial defeat and flight, and his eventual, divinely-aided return and re-coronation after his repentance.