The Story of Haiqar the Philosopher, Minister of King Sennacherib, and Nadan, his nephew.

It is mentioned that during the days of King Sennacherib, the son of Sarhadum, king of Assyria and Nineveh, there was a wise man named Haqar who was the king's minister and scribe, known for his great wealth and abundant provisions, and he was skilled, wise, a philosopher, knowledgeable, insightful, and resourceful. He had married sixty women and had built a palace for each one of them. Despite all this, he did not have a son to inherit from him, and he was burdened with worries because of that.

One day, he gathered the astrologers, diviners, and sorcerers and told them about his situation and his infertility. So they said to him, 'Sacrifice to the gods and ask them, perhaps they will grant you a child.' And he did as they advised him and offered sacrifices to the idols, beseeching and supplicating them for a child, but they did not answer him with a single word. He came out sad and went away with a grieved heart, and he returned to beseech God Almighty and believed in Him and sought His help with a heart full of pain, saying: 'O God of the heavens and the earth, O Creator of all creatures, I ask You to grant me a child so that I may find solace in him, and he may attend my death, inherit me, close my eyes, and bury me.' At that moment, a voice came to him, saying, 'Because you first placed your trust in carved idols and offered them sacrifices, for this reason, you remain without a child, neither a son nor a daughter. Instead, take Nadan, the son of your sister, and make him your own son. Teach him your knowledge, manners, and wisdom, and he will inherit from you after your death.' At that time, he took Nadan, his sister's son who was a young child, and entrusted him to eight nursing women to breastfeed and raise him. Nadan was raised with good food and gentle upbringing. He was dressed in silk, purple and crimson clothes and sat on silk cushions.

When Nadan grew up and walked and stood tall like a lofty cedar tree, his uncle taught him writing, reading, discipline, and philosophy. And on some days, King Sennacherib looked at Haiqar and saw that he had become an old man. He said to him, 'O, noble and honored friend, skilled and wise, my scribe, minister, keeper of my secrets, and administrator of my state. Look, you have grown old and your end is near. Tell me, who will serve me after you?' So Haiqar answered him, 'My lord the king, may your head live forever. Behold, this is Nadan, the son of my sister, whom I have taken as my own son, raised, and taught him my wisdom and knowledge.' Then the king said, 'Bring him before me so that I may see him, and if I find him suitable, I will appoint him in your place. And you, go free to rest and spend your old age with honor and a good life.' So Haiqar went and brought Nadan, the son of his sister, before the king. Nadan prostrated himself before the king and showed him respect and modesty. The king looked at him, was pleased with him, and rejoiced. He said to Haiqar, 'This is your son, O Haiqar. Ask God to protect him for you. Just as you served me and my father Sarhadum before me, so may this be your son who serves me and takes care of my affairs and needs until I honor and dignify him for your sake.'

So, Haiqar prostrated himself before the king and said to him, 'May you live forever, my lord. I ask you to be patient with Nadan, my son, and to overlook his mistakes so that he may serve you as he should.' At that moment, the king swore to make him the dearest of his beloved ones and the greatest of his friends, and to be with him in honor and dignity. Haiqar then kissed the king's hand and prayed for him. And Haiqar took Nadan, his nephew, with him and sat with him in seclusion, teaching him day and night until he filled his mind with wisdom, knowledge, and satisfied him with more learning than bread and water. Thus, he taught him and said to him:

O my son, listen to my words and follow my advice, and remember my saying.

O my son, if you hear a word, let it die in your heart and do not reveal it to others, lest it becomes a burning coal and burns your tongue, causes pain in your body, brings you shame from God and people.

O my son, if you hear news, do not divulge it, and if you see something, do not talk about it.

O my son, make your speech easy to hear and do not hasten to respond.

O my son, do not desire superficial beauty, for it fades away and passes, but righteous remembrance lasts forever.

O my son, do not be deceived by the foolish woman's words, lest you suffer a terrible fate and be trapped in a snare or a trap, and she ensnares you with them.

O my son, do not desire a woman adorned with clothes and perfumes, while she is arrogant and foolish in herself, and beware of giving her anything that is in your hand or entrusting her with anything, lest you be ensnared in sin and incur the wrath of God upon you.

O my son, do not be like the almond tree, for it blooms before all the trees and bears fruit last. Rather, be like the mulberry tree, which bears fruit before all the trees and blooms last.

O my son, lower your head and soften your voice, and be polite.

Walk on the path of righteousness and do not be foolish.

Do not raise your voice when you laugh or speak, for if loudness could build a house, the donkey would have built many houses every day.

O my son, carrying stones with a wise man is better than drinking wine with a wicked man.

O my son, pour your wine on the tombs of the righteous, and do not drink it with impudent and wicked people.

O my son, stick with wise people who fear God and be like them, and do not get close to the ignorant lest you become like them.

O my son, if you have acquired a friend or a companion, try him first and then rely on him. Be sincere and loyal to him, but do not praise him without trying him.

Do not explain your words to an unwise man.

O my son, as long as you are wearing shoes, walk upon thorns and pave the way for your children and your children's children.

Adjust your sails before the storm hits, lest you sink and be unable to escape its waves.

O my son, be content with what you have, and do not desire what belongs to others.

O my son, when a rich man eats a snake, people say he did it out of wisdom, but when a poor man eats it, they say he did it out of hunger.

O my son, do not befriend a fool, nor eat bread with him.

Do not rejoice in the misfortunes of your neighbors, and if your enemy treats you badly, repay him with kindness.

O my son, if you come across a man who fears God, then fear him and honor him.

O my son, the ignorant man stumbles and falls, while the wise man, even if he stumbles, does not fall. And if he falls, he quickly gets up, and if he gets sick, he can heal his soul. But as for the ignorant fool, there is no cure for his sickness.

O my son, if a man lower than you in status greets you, receive him while standing. If he does not compensate you, his Lord will compensate you instead.

O my son, do not spare the rod on your child, for the punishment of a child is like manure for the garden, like tying the mouth of a bag, like tying a beast, and like closing a door.

O my son, discipline your child from evil deeds and teach him manners before he grows up and rebels against you, humiliates you among your peers, lowers your head in the streets and gatherings, and you are held responsible for his despicable deeds.

O my son, do not let words come out of your mouth until you consult your heart.

Do not involve yourself between disputants, for from bad words enmity arises; from enmity, war emerges; and from war, battles ensue, which would then require you to bear witness. This would require you to bear witness. Instead, flee from there and find rest.

O my son, do not confront those who are stronger than you, but rather acquire for yourself a patient spirit, endurance, and good conduct, for there is nothing better than it.

O my son, do not rejoice in the death of your enemy, for soon you may become his neighbor.

If someone looks down upon you, treat them with respect, show them honor and dignity, and greet them first.

O my son, if the water stops flowing in the stream, the birds fly up to the sky, the black crow turns white, and the bitter becomes sweet like honey, then the ignorant and foolish will understand, learn, and behave wisely.

O my son, if you want to be wise, restrain your tongue from lying, your hand from stealing, and your eyes from looking at indecency. By doing so, you will be called wise.

O my son, let the wise man strike you with his staff, but do not let the ignorant anoint you with sweet oil.

O my son, be humble in your youth, and you will be honored in your old age.

O my son, do not confront a man in a time of his power, and do not cross a river during its flood.

Do not enter into a marriage proposal, for if it brings good, people will not praise you, and if it brings hardship, they will curse and insult you.

O my son, befriend the one whose hand is full and satisfied, and do not befriend the one whose hand is withheld and stingy.

There are four things in which neither a king nor a military can establish their power: the failure of a minister, a bad plan, a malicious intention, and oppressing the people. And there are four things that do not disappear: a wise person, a foolish person, a rich person, and a poor person.

Once Haiqar finished these sayings and proverbs to Nadan, his nephew, he thought that Nadan had comprehended them all and memorized them, unaware that Nadan was actually pretending the opposite. At that point, Haiqar sat in his house and handed over to Nadan all his possessions, including slaves, maids, horses, cattle, and other belongings that he owned. The matter remained in Nadan’s hands, and he had authority over all affairs concerning the king's household and Haiqar. Nadan advanced in the presence of the king, equaling his uncle Haiqar and surpassing him. And Haiqar rested in his house, and once in a while he would go to the king to pay his respects and then return. When Nadan knew that he had control over the affairs and orders related to the king's household and Haiqar, he disrespected his uncle, mocked him, insulted him wherever he went, and said that Haiqar had grown old and senile and no longer knew anything. And he began to beat the maids and slaves, sell the horses and camels, and dispose of everything that belonged to his uncle. When Haiqar saw that Nadan had no mercy on his servants and his house, he drove him out of his house and sent word to the king that Nadan had wasted his possessions and wealth. The king summoned Nadan and said to him, 'As long as Haiqar is alive, no one should have control over his house or his possessions.' Subsequently, Nadan withdrew his hand from Haiqar and his belongings. He no longer entered or left Haiqar's house and ceased to greet him.

Upon that, Haiqar regretted his toil with Nadan and was deeply saddened by it. Nadan had a younger brother named Bnūḏrdān, so Haiqar took him as a replacement for Nadan. He raised him with utmost generosity, handed over all his possessions to him, and made him the manager of his house and all his belongings. When Nadan witnessed what had occurred, he was consumed with envy and jealousy. He began to complain to anyone who asked him and slander his uncle, claiming that he had been expelled from his house and that his younger brother was favored over him. However, if God Almighty allowed it, he vowed to seek revenge and bring his uncle to his demise. And Nadan started to think of a trap to set up for his uncle Haiqar. After a period of time had passed, Nadan wrote a letter addressed to Akish, the son of Shahakim, the king of Persians and non-Arabs. The letter read as follows: 'Complete peace, greetings, and honor from Sennacherib, king of Assyria and Nineveh, and his minister and scribe Haiqar, to you, O great king. May there be peace between you and me. When this letter reaches you, come to the land of Assyria and Nineveh, to the plain of Nissrin, to submit to you the kingdom without war or battle.' Nadan's handwriting was similar to that of his uncle, Haiqar. He then folded the letters, sealed them with Haiqar's seal, and threw them into the palace.

Then Nadan went and wrote a letter to Haiqar from the king, saying: 'Complete peace upon you, my minister and scribe, my keeper of secrets, Haiqar. And in the event that this letter reaches you, gather all the troops you have, fully equipped with weapons, clothing, and numbers, and bring them to me on Thursday at the plain of Nissrin. And when you see me, have the troops riled up in front of me like an enemy ready to fight, so that I can show the messengers of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, the strength of our army, and make them afraid of us, as they are our enemies and haters.' Then Nadan sealed the letter and sent it to Haiqar with one of the king's servants. He also took the letter he had written and presented it to the king, who read it and examined the seal. Upon understanding the contents of the letter, the king became extremely puzzled and angered, and he said, 'What have I done with Haiqar that he would betray me like this by writing letters to my enemies? Is this his reward for my kindness towards him?' Then Nadan said to him, 'Do not be angry, O king, and do not let your heart be troubled. We will go to the plain of Nissrin and see whether the news is true or not.' Thus, on Thursday Nadan got up and took the king, the soldiers, and the ministers, and they set out to the desert to the plain of Nissrin. The king looked and saw Haiqar and all the troops arranged in formation.

When Haiqar saw that the king had approached, he signaled to the soldiers to prepare for war and to line up with the king, as was found in the letter. And he did not know which well Nadan had dug for him. When the king saw what Haiqar had done, he became very anxious and extremely angry with him. Nadan said to him, 'Look, my lord, what this wicked man has done to you, but do not be angry and let there be nothing but good. Go to your house, sit on your throne, and I will bring Haiqar to you bound and chained, and I will drive your enemies away from you without any effort.' The king returned to his throne, furious about what Haiqar had done to him. Nadan went to Haiqar and said to him, 'The king has rejoiced greatly today and praised you for doing what he commanded. Now he sends me to you so that we may set the army on its way, and you will go to him bound and chained, so that the messengers of Pharaoh may see it, and the king remains respected by them and by their king.' Then Haiqar answered with obedience and compliance. Nadan then shouldered him, tied his feet, and took him to the king.

When Haiqar came before the king, he prostrated himself before him. The king had also seen the letters and said to Haiqar, 'O Haiqar, my scribe, my governor, my confidential adviser, and the administrator of my affairs, tell me what wrong I did to you that you would repay me with such base actions?' Then the king showed him the documents with his seal. When Haiqar saw that, his bones trembled, his tongue faltered, and he was unable to speak a single word from all his knowledge and wisdom. He was unable to respond and instead lowered his gaze to the ground in silence. When the king saw this, Nadan shouted, 'O Haiqar, you black-faced one, what benefit did your deceit and treachery bring you? What led you to commit this act against the king?' The executioner, whose name was Abu Samik and who was poor, was present. The king commanded him, 'Go, cut off Haiqar's head and place it in the doorway of his house, and keep his head one hundred cubits away from his body.' At that, Haiqar fell before the king and said, 'May my lord the king live forever. If you want to kill me, it is your choice. I know that I am not guilty, but God demands retribution for wrongdoing. So I ask for your mercy, kindness, and friendship. Please allow the executioner to give my body to my servants to bury, and I will be your devoted servant.'

Then the king commanded the executioner to do with Haiqar as he pleased. They took him and led him away naked to be killed. Upon realizing that his death was imminent, Haiqar sent a message to his wife, whose name was Shaghafnah, saying, 'Come out to meet me, bringing with you a thousand virgin girls dressed in purple and silk, so that they may weep over me before my death. Prepare a banquet and provide wine for the executioner and his servants to drink.' She did everything he commanded her to do, and she was wise, intelligent, and skilled in etiquette and knowledge. When the soldiers, servants, and the executioner arrived and found the food and drink prepared, they ate, drank, and became drunk. Then Haiqar took the executioner aside and said, 'O Abu Samik, do you not know that when Sarhadum the king, the father of Sennacherib, intended to kill you, I took you and hid you away until his anger subsided and he sought you? When I brought you back, he was very pleased with you. Now, remember the kindness I showed you. I know the king will regret and be greatly angered by my execution, as I am innocent. And know that Nadan, my nephew, deceived me and committed this bad deed with me. And when the king regrets my execution, if you bring me before him, you will be in a great position of honor.'

'And here, I have a hidden chamber in my house that nobody knows about. You can hide me there with the help of my wife Ashfaghna. I also have a slave who deserves to be executed, whom I have imprisoned. Take him out, dress him in my clothes, and order the drunken servants to kill him without knowing whom they are killing. Then, keep his head one hundred cubits away from his body, and give his body to my servants to bury. This way, you will have stored a treasure with me and with the king.' The executioner did as Haiqar commanded and went to the king, saying, 'Long live the king forever!' Haiqar's wife, Shafaghni, used to bring him enough food and drink every Friday to the hidden chamber, and made sure nobody else knew about him except for her. The news spread and appeared in Assyria and Nineveh that Haiqar the wise had been killed. The people of those lands lamented and mourned for him, saying, 'We are sorry for you, Haiqar. Woe to us for your knowledge, your manners, and your expertise. Where can we find someone like you now? Can we find someone to take your place?' The king regretted Haiqar, but regret did not benefit him. He summoned Nadan and said to him, 'Go and take your loved ones with you, and perform a great lamentation for your uncle Haiqar, mourning for him as is customary to honor him.' Upon arriving at his uncle's house, the heartless and foolish Nadan showed no signs of grief or lament. Instead, he gathered a group of immoral, dissolute people like himself, and together they indulged in eating and drinking.

After that, Nadan began to severely beat Haiqar's slaves and maidservants and torture them. He did not even feel ashamed to ask his uncle's wife, who had raised him since he was a child like her own son, to commit a sin with him. And as for Haiqar, he was lying in the hidden chamber, hearing the crying of his slaves and maidservants, thanking and praising the merciful God, and he did not stop praying, praising, and supplicating his Creator. And during every period, the executioner would secretly visit him and comfort him, easing his mind and soul, and he would leave while praying for his salvation. When the news spread to the neighboring countries that the wise Haiqar had been killed, all the kings rejoiced and mocked King Sennacherib, while grieving for Haiqar, the one who used to solve the problems. Afterwards, the king of Egypt rose and wrote a letter to King Sennacherib, in which he said: 'Full peace, greetings, and honor to my brother and dear King Sennacherib. I desire a palace for myself that would be built between heaven and earth, and I request that you send me a wise and skilled man to build it for me and to resolve all my issues. In return, I will give you an abundant tribute and taxes of Assyria for three years.' Then he sealed the letter and sent it to King Sennacherib.

When the letter reached Sennacherib and he read it in front of his ministers and high officials, they were all puzzled about what to do. The king was very angry and confused about what to do. Then he gathered the elders, scholars, wise men, philosophers, diviners, and astrologers and read the letter to them. He asked them, 'Which one of you will go to the Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and give him a response?' They said to him, 'O our lord the king, know that there is no one who can solve these problems like Haiqar, your vizier, except for his nephew Nadan. He knows all his wisdom, knowledge and expertise. Send for him and bring him to you, perhaps he can solve this difficult knot.' At that, the king summoned him and said, 'Look at this letter, O Nadan, and understand what is in it.' Upon reading it, Nadan said to the king, 'My lord the king, let people jest as they please, for no one is able to build a palace between heaven and earth.' When the king heard his words, he was filled with great sadness. He descended from his throne and sat on the ashes, beginning to lament and weep for Haiqar, saying, 'Woe to you, Haiqar, the one who knows the secrets and mysteries, the one who taught and managed my kingdom. Where can I find someone like you? Where can I search for you, Haiqar? Alas, I destroyed you and disowned you because of the words of an ignorant, foolish, and irreligious boy. Oh, woe to me, who would give you to me or inform me that Haiqar is still alive? I would have given him half of my kingdom, but where can I find him now?'

'Oh Haiqar, who would see you alive and be satisfied with seeing you and apologizing to you. I am sorry for you throughout time, and how regretful it is that I killed you without giving you a chance so that I could see the outcome of the matter.' The king continued to weep day and night. When the executioner saw the king's anger and sorrow, he felt sorry for him, knelt before him, and said, 'My lord, command your servants to cut off my head.' The king said to him, 'Woe to you, what is your fault?' The executioner replied, 'My lord, any servant who disobeys his master's command shall be killed, and I have disobeyed your order.' The king asked him, 'What have you done, Abu Samik, that goes against my command?' He answered, 'My lord, you ordered me to kill Haiqar, but I knew that you would regret it and that he was innocent. So I hid him in a place and killed one of his slaves instead, and Haiqar is still alive. If you order your servant, then bring him before you, and after that, if you decide to, release or kill me.' The king said, 'Woe to you, Abu Samik! You mock me while I am your king.' The executioner replied, 'I swear by your life, my lord, that Haiqar is alive and well.' When the king heard this and confirmed it, he became very happy and almost fainted from the intensity of his joy. He ordered for Haiqar to be brought to him, and said to the executioner, 'O righteous servant, if what you say is true, I want to enrich and elevate your status above all my companions.' The executioner went on […].

'[...] for years. The decision of kings has been a steadfast obligation. If I am defeated and unable to answer you, my lord will send you the tribute, whom you have mentioned. But if I can answer what you seek, you will send the tribute to my lord.' When Pharaoh heard this, he was amazed and puzzled by the eloquence of Haiqar's speech. He said to him, 'What is your name, man?' Haiqar replied, 'Your servant Abiqaam, and I am an ant from the ants of King Sennacherib.' Pharaoh said to him, 'Does your master not have someone who can raise your status, so that he can send me an ant that can answer and speak to me?' Haiqar said to him, 'I hope in God Almighty that I can fulfill what you have in mind, my lord. Indeed, God is with the weak, so that the strong may marvel.' At that time, Pharaoh ordered that Abiqaam and those with him be provided with houses, and that they be given provisions, food, drink, and everything they needed to the highest degree. After three days, Pharaoh dressed in red-purple and sat on his throne. His ministers and dignitaries of the state were seated with folded hands and feet. He then sent for Abiqaam to be brought to him. When Abiqaam entered, he prostrated before Pharaoh and stood up. Pharaoh said to him, 'O Abiqaam, to whom do I resemble, and to whom do my ministers and dignitaries resemble?' Haiqar replied, 'Oh my lord, you resemble the idol Bel, and your ministers resemble his servants.' Pharaoh said to him, 'Go, and come here tomorrow.' So Haiqar departed, and the next day he came before Pharaoh, prostrated, and stood before him.

Pharaoh was dressed in colorful red attire, while his dignitaries were dressed in white. Pharaoh said to him, 'O Abiqaam, to whom do I resemble, and to whom do my dignitaries resemble?' Abiqaam replied, 'O my lord, you resemble the sun, and your servants resemble its rays.' Pharaoh said to him, 'Go to your dwelling, and return here tomorrow.' Then he instructed his dignitaries to wear pure white attire, and he himself also dressed in white. He sat on his throne and ordered for Abiqaam to be brought before him. Abiqaam entered, prostrated before Pharaoh, and stood before him. Pharaoh said, 'To whom do I resemble, and to whom do my dignitaries resemble?' Abiqaam replied, 'O my lord, you resemble the moon, and your servants resemble the planets and stars.' Pharaoh said to him, 'Go, and return here tomorrow.' Then Pharaoh commanded his dignitaries to wear garments of various colors, while he himself wore a red velvet robe. He sat on his throne and ordered for Abiqaam to be brought before him. Abiqaam entered and prostrated himself before Pharaoh, then stood up. Pharaoh said to him, 'O Abiqaam, to whom do I resemble, and to whom do my soldiers resemble?' Abiqaam replied, 'O my lord, you resemble the month of Nisan, and your soldiers resemble its blossoms and flowers.' When Pharaoh heard that, he rejoiced greatly and said, 'O Abiqaam, in the first instance, you compared me to the idol Bel, in the second instance, you compared me to the sun, in the third instance, you compared me to the moon, and in the fourth instance, you compared me to the month of Nisan, while my soldiers resemble its blossoms and flowers. Now, I want you to tell me, to whom does your master, King Sennacherib, resemble, and to whom do his soldiers resemble?'

Haiqar shouted with a loud voice and said, 'Far be it from me to mention my lord the king while you are seated on your throne, O king. Instead, rise to your feet so that I may tell you to whom my lord resembles and to whom his dignitaries resemble.' Pharaoh was astonished by the audacity of Haiqar's tongue and his courage in speaking. Then he rose from his throne and stood facing Haiqar, saying to him, 'Speak now, so that I may see to whom your lord resembles and to whom his dignitaries resemble.' He said to him, 'My lord resembles the God of the heavens, and his dignitaries resemble lightning and thunder. If he commands, the wind blows, the rain falls, and thunder strikes. He can command the sun not to shine, and the moon and stars to cease their movement. He can summon storms to rage and bring forth rainfall. He can make the month of Nisan blossom with flowers and bear fruits.' Upon hearing these words, Pharaoh was astonished and greatly puzzled, and he became extremely angry. He said to him, 'O man, tell me the truth and reveal to me who you are.' He said to him, 'I am Haiqar, the scribe and the highest advisor of King Sennacherib. I am his minister, the administrator of his kingdom, and the keeper of his secrets.' Pharaoh said to him, 'You speak the truth, O wise one, in this matter. However, we have heard that Haiqar has died, and yet here you are, alive and well.'

Haiqar replied, 'Yes, that was indeed the case, but praise be to the Knower of the hidden matters, for my lord the king ordered my execution and believed the words of corrupt conspirators. However, the Lord saved me. Blessed is the one who puts their trust in Him.' Pharaoh said to him, 'Go, and tomorrow return here and tell me a word that I have never heard before from my dignitaries or from the people of my state and kingdom.' So Haiqar went to his house and wrote a letter saying the following: 'From Sennacherib, the king of Assyria and Nineveh, to Pharaoh the king, peace be upon you, my brother. We know that a brother needs his brother, and kings need one another. I kindly request that you lend me nine hundred talents of gold, as I require it for food and sustenance for the soldiers. After a short while, I will return it to you.' Then he folded the letter and brought it with him the next day in front of Pharaoh. When Pharaoh read it, he was puzzled and said, 'By truth, I have never heard this word from anyone before.' Haiqar replied, 'Indeed, this will be a portion for my lord the king.' Pharaoh accepted that and said, 'O Haiqar, someone like you is fit for the service of the king and kings. Blessed be God, who adorned you and completed you with wisdom, philosophy, and knowledge. And now, our remaining request from you is to build for us a palace between the heavens and the earth.' Haiqar said, 'Your command, my lord, is obeyed. I will build the structure as you desire and choose. However, please provide me with lime, stone, clay, and workers, and I have skilled builders who will construct everything you desire.'

The king prepared all of that, and they went to a spacious location. Haiqar and his servants were present, and he took the eagles and boys with him. The king, along with all the nobles of his state, proceeded, and the people of the city gathered in their entirety to witness what Haiqar would do. At that moment, Haiqar brought out the eagles from the cages and tied the boys onto their backs. He fastened ribbons to their legs and released them into the sky, and they soared up between the heavens and the earth. They began to shout, saying, 'Bring us stone, lime, and clay, so that we may build a palace for the king, for we stand idle.' The king and all those with him were astonished and bewildered. Haiqar and his servants started to strike the workers and shout at the king's soldiers, telling them, 'Bring what the craftsmen need and do not impede their work!' Pharaoh said, 'Oh Haiqar, you are mad! Who can lift a stone or anything else to such heights?' Haiqar replied, 'My lord, how can a palace be built in the air? If my lord the king were present here, he could construct two palaces in a single day.' Pharaoh said to him, 'Go, Haiqar, to your house and rest today, for we have changed our plans regarding the palace construction. Come to me tomorrow.'

Haiqar went to his house, and the next day he appeared before Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to him, 'Haiqar, how did your lord's horse fare? For when it neighs in the land of Assyria and Nineveh, our horses hear its sound and they cast their young.' Haiqar left him and went to fetch a cat. He tied it up and began to whip it severely until the Egyptians heard its sound. They went and informed the king about it. Pharaoh summoned him and said, 'Oh Haiqar, for what reason do you whip this cat and strike this mute animal?' Haiqar replied, 'Oh my lord the king, this cat has committed a wrongdoing, and it warranted this beating and whipping. For my lord, King Sennacherib, had gifted me a good rooster with a soothing voice that knew how to mark the hours of the night. However, this wretched cat came during this night, severed its head, and returned, so I began punishing it for this reason.' Pharaoh said to him, 'Oh Haiqar, the older you become, the more your madness increases. For between Egypt and Nineveh, there are sixty-eight miles. How could this cat have traveled such a distance in one night, severed the rooster's head, and returned?' Haiqar replied, 'Oh my lord, if this distance exists between Egypt and Nineveh, then how is it that when my lord the king's horse neighs from there, your horses hear it and cast their young? And how does its sound reach all the way to Egypt?' When Pharaoh heard this, he realized that Haiqar had responded to him. He said to him, 'Oh Haiqar, I want you to make two ropes for me out of sea sand.'

Haiqar said to him, 'My lord, instruct them to bring a rope from the treasury so that I can make one similar to it.' Then Haiqar went to the corner of the house and made two holes resembling the thickness of the rope. He took a handful of sea sand in his hand. When the sun rose and entered the holes, he poured the sand onto the sun, which transformed into something resembling a rope. Haiqar said to Pharaoh, 'Command your servants to take these ropes, and whenever you need more, I will make the same for you.' Pharaoh said, 'Oh Haiqar, we have a grinding stone here that has been broken, and I want you to mend it.' Haiqar looked around and found another stone, then he said to Pharaoh, 'My lord, I am a stranger here, and I don't have a sewing tool with me. However, I request that you command your cobblers to make awls, a pestle, and nippers for me from this stone, so that I can mend the grinding stone for you.' Pharaoh, the king, and all his nobles laughed and said, 'Blessed be God, who has bestowed upon you such cleverness and knowledge!' When Pharaoh saw that Haiqar had answered him and resolved his questions, he became furious at that moment. He ordered the collection of taxes for three years and presented them to Haiqar, along with the written debt. Pharaoh bestowed upon Haiqar, his soldiers, and servants gifts and provided them with provisions for the journey.

Pharaoh said to him, 'Go in peace, O pride of your lord and his support, for someone like you is befitting in the service of kings and the administration of sultans. Convey my greetings to your lord Sennacherib and tell him not to be troubled by what we have presented, for kings are content with little.' Haiqar accepted that from him and then he prostrated himself before Pharaoh and said, 'My lord, I desire that none of the Assyrians remain in Egypt. Rather, let it be commanded that everyone present from Nineveh and Assyria returns with me to my lord's land.' Pharaoh sent out a herald and fulfilled Haiqar's request, proclaiming throughout his entire kingdom that no one should remain. At that time, Haiqar departed after bidding farewell to the king, embarking on a journey to the land of Assyria and Nineveh. He carried with him numerous treasures and wealth from the treasuries. When the news reached King Sennacherib, he went out to meet him and was overjoyed. He said to him, 'Welcome, my father, the pride and glory of my kingdom. Ask of me whatever you desire, even if it is half my kingdom and all my possessions.' Haiqar said to him, 'May my lord live forever. Whatever you wish to bestow upon your servant, bestow it upon Abu Samik, the executioner, for it is through his agreement and with the will of the Almighty God that my life was restored.' He said, 'May you be honored, my dear.' Then he started asking him about Pharaoh and what happened to him in terms of proverbs and symbols, and how the money, gifts, taxes, and offerings were presented to him. King Sennacherib rejoiced greatly and said to Haiqar, 'Take whatever you desire from all of this, as it is within the grasp of your hand.' Haiqar said, 'May my lord the king live forever. I desire nothing except for your well-being and the perpetuity of your kingdom. If you are willing to grant me a favor, please deliver my nephew Nadan to me, so that I may exact retribution for what he has done to me. Give me his blood and hold me innocent in this matter.'

Pharaoh said to him, 'Take him, for I have granted him to you.' So Haiqar took Nadan and bound his hands and feet. He brought him to his house and placed a heavy chain on his feet. He severely beat him on his feet, back, abdomen, and the soles of his feet. After the beating, he threw him into a dark place beside the latrine. He assigned a guard named Neuhal to watch over him and ordered him to give him a loaf of bread and a small amount of water each day. And whenever Haiqar entered or left, he would punish Nadan and say to him wisely:

O my son, I have done nothing but good and mercy towards you, yet you have responded with ugliness, wickedness, and murder.

O my son, it has been said in proverbs: 'Whoever does not listen with their ears, they will be made to listen through their neck.'

Nadan said to him, 'O my uncle, for what reason are you angry with me?' Haiqar answered him, saying, 'It is because I cared for you, honored you, elevated you, and raised you with the best upbringing. I taught you so that you would become my heir in knowledge, wisdom, and wealth. Yet you responded to me with intent to kill me and plotted my destruction. But the Lord knows that I am innocent and unjustly treated. He delivered me from your evil, for the Lord strengthens the broken hearts and humbles the arrogant and envious.'

O my son, you have become like a scorpion that, when it strikes copper, pierces it.

O my son, you have become to me like a partridge trapped in a net, unable to free itself, but calling the partridges to be thrown with him.

O my son, you have become to me like a dog seeking warmth, so it entered the pottery house. But when it warmed up, it began to bark at those present, and they drove it out, lest it bites them.

O my son, you have become like a pig that entered the bathhouse with the noble people. But when it came out, it saw a muddy puddle and wallowed in it.

O my son, you have become like the goat that leads its companions to slaughter and cannot save itself.

O my son, the dog that doesn't feed on its own catch becomes food for other dogs.

O my son, a hand that doesn't work hard, succeed, and remain diligent, will be cut off from its roots.

O my son, you have become like a tree whose branches have been cut off, and it says to those who cut it: If it weren't for what you have in your hands from me, you wouldn't have been able to cut me.

O my son, you are like the cat they said to: 'Stop stealing so that we may feed you and make golden necklaces for you and give you sweet drinks.' And she responded to them, 'The work of my father and mother, I will not abandon it.'

O my son, you have become like a serpent riding on a snake in the middle of the river. A wolf sees them and says, 'Evil upon evil, and the one who is more evil among you will guide both of you.'

O my son, I fed you good food, and you didn't even feed me with a plain bread.

I offered you sugar and good drink, but you did not quench me even with water from the well.

I taught you, raised you, and brought you into existence, yet you dug an underground cellar for me and hid me.

I raised you like the tall cedar, and you bent me and broke me with your evils.

O my son, I had hoped you would build for me a fortified tower to seek refuge from my enemies, yet you have become to me like a burial in the belly of the earth. But the Lord has shown me mercy.

O my son, I intended good for you, yet you rewarded me with evil. Now, I desire to pluck out your eyes, making you a meal for the wolves, sever your tongue, take your head with the sword, and repay you for your heinous deeds.

Then Nadan answered and said to Haiqar, 'Do with me according to your knowledge, and forgive my sins, for it is you who forgives just as one like me errs. Accept me now to serve in your house, to groom your horses, to sweep away the manure of your animals, or tend to your pigs, for I am the wicked one and you are the righteous one, you are the forgiver and I am the guilty one.'

Then Haiqar said to him, 'O my son, you are like the tree that stood by the water but bore no fruit. Its owner wanted to cut it down, and it said to him, 'Transplant me to another place, and if I do not bear fruit, then you may cut me down.' And the owner said, 'You were by the water, yet you did not bear fruit, so how can you bear fruit when you are in a different place?'

O my son, the aging of an eagle is better than the youthfulness of a crow.

O my son, they said to the wolf, 'Stay away from the sheep, lest their dust harm you.' He replied, 'Their dust is beneficial for my eyes.'

O my son, they let the wolf enter the school to learn how to read. They said to him, 'Say 'Alif, Ba, Ta, Tha'.' He responded, 'Lamb, goat, kid, just as they are in my stomach.'

O my son, they placed the head of the donkey on the table, and it fell down and started wallowing in the dirt. They said, 'Let it wallow, for its nature does not change.'

O my son, the saying of the one who said, 'When you give birth to a child, call him your son, and when you raise a child, call him your servant,' has been proven true.

O my son, the one who does good will receive good, and the one who does evil will receive evil, for the Lord rewards each person according to their deeds.

O my son, what more can I say to you than these words? For God is the Knower of the unseen and He knows the secrets and the intentions. He will reward you and judge between me and you, and He will suffice you with what you deserve.

When Nadan heard these words from his uncle Haiqar, he immediately swelled up and became like a bloated bag. His limbs, body, legs, feet, and sides swelled, his belly tore apart and split open, and his intestines scattered. He perished and died, and his fate became one of destruction. He went to hell, and what a terrible end it was. As it is said in the book, whoever digs a hole for his brother will fall into it, and whoever sets a trap for others will be caught in it themselves. This is what we have found in the story of the wise Haiqar, complete in its account. Perfection belongs to God.

Done, this is a poem: