In the name of God, the Ever-Living, the Eternal. In Him, we seek assistance.

This is the story of Haiqar, the skilled Persian philosopher, and what happened to him with Nadan, his nephew, during the days of King Sennacherib, the son of Sarhadum, the king of the land of Mosul, Assyria, and Nineveh. Here is the beginning.

In the days of King Sennacherib, the son of Sarhadum, the king of Assyria, Nineveh, and Mosul, there was a man named Haiqar. This man was the king's minister, his scribe, and the administrator of his affairs. He was a skilled philosopher, a wise man, and a knowledgeable scholar in various matters. He was extremely wealthy, possessing vast amounts of money, slaves, maidservants, horses, mules, camels, livestock, soldiers, and much more that cannot be described. He had sixty wives, each of whom had her own separate palace. However, he was not blessed with a child from any of them to inherit his knowledge, wisdom, and wealth. And on some days, he gathered the magicians, astrologers, and seers and complained to them about his infertility. They advised him to go to the idols, offer sacrifices and incense to them, and beseech them, hoping that they might grant him a child to bring joy to his heart.

So, he did as they advised, offering sacrifices to the idols and supplicating to them, but they did not assist him in any way. He remained perplexed, lost in thought, and sorrowful in heart. Then he turned back to God, the Exalted and Mighty, with weeping, humility, and sighing, saying, 'O God of the heavens and the earth, O Creator of all creatures, I beseech You to bestow upon me a child, so that I may take comfort in him, and he may attend to my burial and inherit from me.' At that moment, a voice came to him in his dream, saying, 'Because you first relied on the impure idols and offered sacrifices to them, hence you remained without sons or daughters. But now, take Nadan, the son of your sister, and make him your substitute for a son. Teach him your knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, and he will inherit from you.' Then he took Nadan to him, still a young child. He entrusted him to wet nurses and nannies to raise him. He was nurtured with modesty, pampering, and exquisite, fine foods. They dressed him in silk, purple garments, velvet, and various fineries. When Nadan grew up, walked, and matured like the cedars of Lebanon, he was taught etiquette, knowledge, reading, and philosophy.

Then, on some days, the king summoned Haiqar and said to him, 'O esteemed friend, the honored one, my esteemed minister, my scribe, the keeper of my secrets, and the administrator of my state, behold, you have grown old, weakened, and your time of departure approaches. Tell me now, who will take your place after you and serve me and manage my affairs?' Haiqar replied to him, 'May you live forever, O my lord the king. Behold, there is my nephew, Nadan. I have adopted him as my own son and imparted to him all the wisdom, philosophy, and literature that I possess. He shall serve you.' The king said to him, 'Bring him to me so that I may see him. If I find him suitable, I will appoint him in your place and release you so that you may rest and let your old age pass in honor.' At that moment, Haiqar went to his home, dressed Nadan in fine attire, and took him with him to the presence of King Sennacherib. When Nadan entered before the king, he kissed the ground, greeted the king respectfully, approached, kissed the king's hand, and stood upright on the side. When the king looked at him, he was greatly pleased and said to Haiqar, 'I pray to God Almighty that just as you were a servant and administrator for my father Sarhadum and for me after him. May your son, Nadan, serve me, take care of my affairs, and manage my kingdom, so that I may honor and dignify him for your sake.'

Haiqar prostrated before the king and said, 'May you live forever, my lord. I humbly request that you extend your spirit upon my son Nadan and be patient with him in his mistakes so that he may serve you as he should.' The king swore to make him among his greatest admirers and to honor him above all his companions in every dignity and respect. Haiqar the wise kissed the king's hand, took Nadan, and brought him to his home, placing him in a secluded place. He began to teach him day and night until he filled him with knowledge, wisdom, understanding, literature, and philosophy more than eating bread and drinking water. He would teach him like this and say to him:

My son, Nadan, listen to my words, follow my advice, and remember my teachings.

My son, if you hear a word, let it die in your heart, and do not reveal it to others, lest it become a burning coal that scorches your tongue, causes pain in your body, brings you shame before God and people.

My son, make your speech easy on the listener, and do not rush to respond hastily.

My son, do not desire worldly beauty, for it fades and passes away. Righteousness endures and remains forever.

My son, do not take a foolish woman with her words, lest you die a shameful death, and she ensnares you in a trap, and you are caught in the snare.

My son, do not desire a woman adorned with clothing and perfumes while she is in herself insolent and foolish. Beware of obeying her in any matter or surrendering to her what is in your possession, for you will bear a sin, and God will be displeased with you.

My son, do not be like the almond tree that blossoms before all other trees but feeds others last. Instead, be like the mulberry tree that feeds others before all and blossoms last.

My son, lower your head and let your voice be gentle when you laugh and speak. Be well-mannered, walk in the paths of righteousness, and do not be foolish. For if building a house were done by a loud voice, the donkey would have built many houses every day because of its braying.

My son, carrying stones with a wise man is better than drinking wine with a vile one.

My son, pour your wine over the graves of the righteous, and do not drink it with foolish and ignorant people.

My son, associate with wise people who fear God, be like them, and do not draw near to the ignorant, lest you become like them in character.

My son, if you acquire a friend or companion, test him first, and only after that befriend him. Do not praise him without testing, and do not spoil your conversation with an unwise man.

My son, as long as you have a shoe, walk upon thorns to create a path for your children and the sons of your household. Repair your ship before the sea and its waves become fierce and drown you.

My son, when a rich man eats a snake, people say it is his wisdom, but when a poor man eats it, they say it is out of hunger.

My son, consume your own provision and wealth, and do not covet the sustenance of others.

Do not associate with the foolish, do not share bread with him, and do not confide in him.

Do not rejoice in the misfortunes of your neighbors, and when your enemy treats you ill, respond with kindness and generosity.

My son, a fool stumbles and falls, but a wise man remains steady. If he falls, he knows how to heal himself. As for the ignorant fool, he has no remedy.

My son, when a man of lower status greets you, stand up to greet him. If he does not repay you, his Lord will repay you instead.

My son, do not spare [the rod] with your child, for disciplining a child is like manure for a garden, like tying a bag, like harnessing a beast, like closing a door.

My son, discipline your child, guide him away from evil, and teach him manners before he grows up, rebels against you, disgraces you among your peers, and humiliates you in the streets and public places, causing you to bear the consequences of his bad actions.

My son, acquire for yourself a square-shaped bull with strong hooves and a donkey with large hooves. Do not acquire a horned bull, do not associate with a bearded man, do not hire a runaway slave or a thieving maid, for if you entrust anything to them, they will ruin it.

My son, do not make your parents [supplicate against you] in their need, for it is said that whoever curses their father and mother incurs a death, the death of transgression. But those who honor their parents will prolong their life on Earth and encounter every goodness.

My son, do not walk on the road without a weapon, for you do not know where the enemy may encounter you.

My son, be like a tree adorned with its branches and leaves, for such is a man with his wife, children, and siblings. As for a man who has neither children, nor a wife, nor siblings, he is in this world like a target for his enemies, and he is despised by them, like a tree without leaves or fruit.

My son, do not say that your master is foolish, lest you become despicable in his eyes.

My son, do not be like the servants who are told by their masters to leave, but be like those who are told to come closer and join us.

My son, do not curse your Lord, for He may become angry with you.

My son, a goat that wanders too much becomes prey for wolves.

My son, improve your speech and adorn your tongue. Do not let your companion tread on your foot, lest he treads on your chest.

My son, strike the wise with words of wisdom, and it will find a dwelling in his heart. But the ignorant, if you strike him with a stick, will neither understand nor know.

My son, if you send a wise person to take care of your deeds, do not burden him with excessive instructions. And if you send a fool, do not instruct him at all; instead, handle the matter yourself.

My son, when you are sent on an errand, hasten to fulfill it promptly.

Beware of opposing a man stronger than you, for he may outweigh you and seek revenge against you.

My son, test your son and your servant before entrusting them with your wealth and property, for one with a full hand is called a wise person, and one with an empty hand is called a poor man.

My son, I have eaten colocynth and swallowed aloes, but I have not found anything more difficult than poverty and scarcity.

My son, teach your son about hardship and hunger, so he may learn to manage his household well.

My son, do not teach the fool the words of wisdom.

If you are in need and facing hardship, do not disclose your situation to your companion, lest you become diminished in their eyes, viewed as lacking.

My son, the blindness of the eye is better than the blindness of the heart, for the blind can find their way, albeit slowly, but the one with a blind heart neither understands nor finds guidance. They forsake the straight path and wander into crookedness, and a man's stumbling with his foot is better than his stumbling with his tongue.

My son, a close companion is better than a distant brother, and a good name is better than precious gold, for gold can be spent, but a good name endures and remains forever. Beauty fades, knowledge perishes, the world passes away and becomes void, but a good name neither crosses nor fades.

My son, a man who has no rest in his life, death is better for him than life, and the sound of weeping is better than the sound of singing, for in them is the fear of God.

My son, a small wealth saved is better than abundant wealth wasted. A live dog is better than a dead lion. And a poor man who does good is better than a rich man who dies in his sins.

My son, bury a word in your heart, and it will become your virtue. Do not reveal your friend's secret, and do not speak a word from your lips until you consult your heart. When you hear a word from someone, bury it in your heart, for the more you leave it, the better it is for you.

My son, do not intervene between those who quarrel, for from an evil word, disputes arise; from disputes, wars emerge; from wars, battles ensue, and then you'll be compelled to testify. So, flee from there and find peace.

My son, do not confront those who are stronger than you. Instead, acquire a long spirit, patience, and a righteous path, for there is nothing better than these.

My son, do not despise your first friend, for the second has no stability.

My son, seek out the poor in his distress, speak up for him before the sultan, and strive to rescue him from the lion's mouth.

My son, do not rejoice in the death of your enemy, for shortly you will be his neighbor. Whoever dishonors you, befriend him, honor him, and greet him first with peace.

My son, if water stands in the trenches, birds fly to the sky, the black crow turns white, and bitter things become as sweet as honey, then perhaps even the ignorant and the foolish can understand and behave wisely.

My son, if you wish to be wise, control your tongue from speaking lies, your hand from stealing, and your eyes from looking at what is forbidden. By doing so, you will be called wise.

My son, be humble and meek in your youth, so you will be honored in your old age.

My son, do not confront a man in the prime of his power, and do not contend with a river in its swelling.

Do not meddle in matters of marriage, for if it is good, they wo not thank you, and if it is bad, they will blame and curse you.

My son, if you commit theft and the sultan becomes aware of it, give him a portion of it until you clear yourself. If you do not give it, you will taste bitterness.

My son, befriend those whose hands are generous and full, and do not befriend those whose hands are miserly and empty.

My son, there are four things that do not establish a kingdom or an army: the difficulty of a minister, bad management, ill-intentions, and the injustice of the subjects. And there are four things that do not disappear: the wise person, the fool, the rich, and the poor.

So, when Haiqar the wise had completed his advice and teachings to Nadan, the son of his sister, and he thought that he had learned everything and did not know that he would respond to these teachings with insults and curses.

Nadan, wherever he went, continued to curse his uncle Haiqar and spoke ill of him among the people. He claimed that Haiqar had grown old and senile, no longer knowing anything. Nadan began squandering his uncle Haiqar's wealth, selling horses and camels, and mistreating the servants and maids, and disposing of all that his uncle owned. When Haiqar saw that Nadan had no compassion for him or his possessions, he expelled him from his house and informed King Sennacherib. The king summoned Nadan and said to him, 'You have no authority over anything that belongs to your uncle Haiqar as long as he is alive.' After these events, Haiqar remained with a heavy heart due to the toil he had endured with Nadan. Nadan had a younger brother named Nabuzardan, so Haiqar took him in as a replacement for Nadan. He honored Nabuzardan greatly, handing over his entire house and possessions to him, making him the manager of his household and affairs. Nadan, the fool, was consumed by envy and jealousy when he saw how Haiqar had taken in Nabuzardan. He began to complain to everyone he met, speaking ill of his uncle and saying, 'My uncle has expelled me from his house and favored my brother instead. But if God grants me the opportunity, I will harm him to the point of death.'

Then, after a few days and years had passed, Nadan wrote a letter. In it, he said the following: 'From Sennacherib, the king of Atur and Nineveh, to Akis, son of Salim Shah, the king of Persia and the non-Arabs. Peace be between you and me, O honorable king. Upon receiving this letter, come to the place of Atur and Nineveh, and I will surrender the kingdom to you without war or conflict.' And he also wrote another letter to Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, in the name of his uncle Haiqar, saying the following: 'Peace, greetings, and respect to you, O honorable king. Upon the arrival of this message to you, assemble your troops and come to the location of Nissrin, so that I may surrender Atur and Nineveh to you without war or conflict.' Nadan's handwriting resembled that of his uncle Haiqar. Then he sealed both letters with Haiqar's seal and threw them into the palace of the king, for them to be found and shown to the king.

Then, he also wrote a letter in the name of King Sennacherib to his uncle Haiqar, saying: 'Complete peace to my minister, scribe, and keeper of my secrets, Haiqar. Upon receiving this letter, gather all the soldiers you have, equip them with full armor and fine clothing, and bring them out on Thursday to the location of Nissrin. When you see me approaching, command the soldiers to march as if going to battle, for I have messengers from Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, so that they may see the strength of our soldiers. This will make them feel our power and respect us, for they are our enemies.' Then he sealed the letter and sent it to Haiqar with one of the king's servants. He took the two letters and entered them to King Sennacherib and presented them to him. When the king read them and saw the seal, he became extremely angry and was greatly puzzled. He said, 'What have I done wrong to Haiqar that he wrote these letters to my enemies? Instead of honor and respect, he rewards me with this evil reward?' Nadan said to him, 'Do not be angered, O my lord the king, and do not be troubled. Let us verify the truth of this matter by going to the location of Nissrin on Thursday and seeing how things unfold.' Then the king, Nadan, and the rest of the soldiers mounted [their horses] and set out, just as they had found it written. They encountered the troops, arrayed as if they were preparing for war, armed with complete equipment. Haiqar was riding at the forefront of the soldiers, as described in the letter.

Upon seeing this, the king became extremely angry and greatly distressed. Nadan said to him, 'Do not be upset or saddened, my lord the king. I know how to deal with this situation. You can return to your palace in peace, and I will bring Haiqar before you in chains. You can decide what to do with him as you wish.' Then the king returned, confused and pondering what Haiqar had done to him. Nadan went to his uncle Haiqar and told him, 'The king is pleased with what you have done, and he is joyful about it. He sent me to tell you to release the army so they can return, and you should come to his presence in chains so that Pharaoh's servants may witness the king's power.' Haiqar responded with obedience and dismissed the army. He then went in chains to the presence of Sennacherib, his lord. Upon entering, he kissed the ground and prostrated before the king. The king said to him, 'O Haiqar, my scribe, my minister, and my confidant, what have I done to you that is so ugly that you would repay me with these evil deeds?' Then he showed him the letters in his handwriting and seal. When Haiqar saw them and read them, he felt ashamed, and his limbs trembled. His tongue was tied for a moment, and he could not speak.

At that, the king ordered them to bind him and behead him outside the city. Then Nadan shouted and said to Haiqar, 'You, with the darkened face, what good did your cunning and malice do for you now?' Haiqar prostrated himself before the king and said to him, 'My lord the king, if this is your choice, may your head live forever. However, I request that you command the executioner to cut off my neck at the door of my house and give my body to my servants to bury me. Let me be your sacrifice.' At that, the king ordered the executioner to cut off Haiqar's head at the door of his house and to remove his head from him by one hundred cubits. The executioner and the king's servants took him to his house. So Haiqar sent some of his servants with a message to his wife, whose name was Ashfaghni. She was known for her wisdom, intelligence, and discretion. He instructed her to bring along a thousand young virgin girls and dress them in fine attire so that they could mourn and weep for me before my death. He also ordered her to prepare a feast and provide food and drink for the executioner and the king's servants until they have eaten and drunk. Ashfaghni carried out Haiqar's instructions as her husband had commanded.

Then Haiqar turned to the executioner as they walked along the road and said to him, 'O Bu Samik, look to God Almighty and recognize the true meaning of friendship, bread, and salt that we have shared. Remember the kindness I showed you when Sarhadum, the king, wanted to kill you and ordered me to do so. I hid you until his anger subsided, then I released you, and he rejoiced. I also know that I am innocent, and it was my nephew Nadan who falsely accused me and deceived me. I know that the king regrets his actions against me and will be pleased when he finds me again and bestows favor upon you. So, act with me as I acted with you. Know that I have a small cave in the threshold of my house that no one knows of except my wife. Hide me there. I also have a young servant in prison who is condemned to death. Release him, dress him in my clothes. I have set a table and provided food and drink for the king's servants. Let them eat and drink. When you kill my slave, they will not know who was actually executed. Leave me in the pit because I know that the king will regret his decision, and this will elevate your position with him.'

So the executioner did as Haiqar had instructed him. He placed Haiqar in the pit, severed the slave's head, and placed it a hundred cubits away from the body. Meanwhile, the king's servants ate and drank. Then they went to the king and informed him of the killing of Haiqar the wise, saying to him, 'May the king live forever.' So the king became angry because of that and regretted when regret was of no use to him. Then he called Nadan and said to him, 'Go, take your companions with you, and make a lamentation, weep for your uncle Haiqar as is customary to honor him.' When Nadan, the cruel-hearted fool, went to his uncle Haiqar’s house, he did not cry, lament, or feel sad. Instead, he gathered immoral and corrupt people like himself, and began to eat, drink, dance, and sing with them. He also mistreated his uncle’s male and female servants, stripping them naked, flogging them, and beating them. He was not ashamed of his uncle’s wife, who raised him like her own son. He wanted to fall into sin with her. As for Haiqar, he was in the pit, listening to the weeping of his male and female servants, and he praised God and thanked Him, enduring it all patiently. And his wife, every Friday, would prepare for him enough food and water to sustain him, and no one else knew about it except her and Bu Samik the executioner.

And the executioner would come to him from time to time, checking on him and offering him comfort. Then, after a few days, the news spread throughout the lands of Atur and Nineveh that Haiqar the wise had been killed and had passed away. They lamented and wept for him, and the people of the land said, 'Oh, what a loss for you, Haiqar, the skilled and astute sage! Where can we find another like you, so just and fair in judgment? Alas for your wisdom and knowledge!' When the king of Egypt heard about the killing of Haiqar the wise, he rejoiced greatly, for he was an enemy of King Sennacherib. He sent a message to Sennacherib, saying, 'Complete peace, greetings, and honor from Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, to Sennacherib, the king of Atur and Nineveh. Know, my brother, that I have desired to build a palace that reaches between the heavens and the earth, and I wish for you to send a skilled and wise man to construct it for me and provide answers to all my inquiries. If you do this, you shall receive Egypt's tribute and taxes for three years. But if you do not send what I have requested, you will send me Atur's tribute and taxes for three years, or else the sword shall be between us.'

When the message reached King Sennacherib and he read it, understanding its contents, he became greatly perplexed and distressed. Then he gathered the dignitaries of his kingdom, along with all the elders, philosophers, sorcerers, and astrologers within his realm. He read the message to them and asked, 'Who among you will go to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and deliver his response and address his inquiries?' They said to him, 'Know, O great king, that these messages, problems, and issues were such that no one could solve and explain them except for your vizier Haiqar. As for us, we have no knowledge of them. However, his nephew Nadan possessed some of his wisdom and knowledge. Summon him to you so that he might solve this matter.' At that moment, Nadan was summoned, and he was shown the message. After reading it, he responded and said to the king, 'My lord, let people talk nonsense. Who can build a palace that reaches between the heavens and the earth?'

When the king heard Nadan's words, he became profoundly saddened. He descended from his throne, weeping and lamenting, saying, 'Woe to me, my dear Haiqar, the wise one, my minister and counselor, the keeper of my secrets, the solver of problems, and the one who settles matters. Woe to me, my land’s teacher, the administrator of my state. Where can I find someone like you? Where can I search for you, and where can I find you? What a regret it is that I lost you and destroyed you because of the words of an ignorant, irreligious, and shameless boy. Oh, then, oh, for whoever gave you to me or who would have told me that Haiqar was alive, I would have given him half of my wealth. But how can I fulfill this?' He wept and mourned for him with a heavy heart. When the executioner saw the king's profound grief for Haiqar, he stepped forward, prostrated himself before the king, and said, 'My lord, command your servants to sever my head.' The king asked him, 'What have you done to deserve execution?' The executioner replied, 'My lord, any slave who disobeys his master's orders should be put to death.' The king inquired further, 'What is your fault, O Bu Samik?' He answered, 'My lord, you ordered me to kill Haiqar, but I concealed him and did not kill him. Instead, I killed another one of his servants. And Haiqar, your vizier, is alive. If you wish, kill me. If you wish, free me.' When the king heard those words, his heart pounded, and he trembled. He said to the executioner, 'Are you mocking your master?'

The executioner said, 'Far be it from me to do such a thing, my lord. But if you command, I will bring him before you this very hour.' The king said to him, 'O righteous servant, if your words are true, I will grant you whatever you desire, wish, or ask for.' The executioner mounted his horse immediately and went to Haiqar's house. He opened the pit, descended to him, and found him sitting, praising and thanking God. He greeted him and said, 'Rejoice, my lord Haiqar, for God Almighty has commanded joy. The king has sought you, and he could not believe that he would see you.' Haiqar stood up, mounted a horse, and came with the executioner to the king. He entered the presence of the king, prostrated himself before him, and kissed his hand. When the king beheld him, his mind was overwhelmed with joy, and he was overcome with tears. He began to kiss Haiqar and weep for what he saw in his state of deprivation. Haiqar's appearance had changed; his body had withered, his complexion had turned pale as ashes, his hair had grown long like a wild creature, and his nails resembled an eagle's talons. The king was profoundly bewildered about how Haiqar, whom he believed to be dead, was now alive. He thanked God Almighty and said to Haiqar, 'What do you wish for, my dear, and my vizier?'

Haiqar said to him, 'May you live forever, my lord the king. I wish for you to bestow blessings upon Bu Samik the executioner because he heeded my advice, which brought you great joy and granted me my life through him. Shower him with a great favor, and promise him that you will grant him whatever he desires.' Then the king said to Haiqar, 'Blessed be God who brought you back to me and knew that you were innocent, delivering you from death.' Haiqar replied, 'My lord, these are the actions of illegitimate children. I raised a palm tree for myself to lean on, but it bent and threw me down. But now, my master, since I stand before you, let no worries trouble you, and may nothing vex you, with God Almighty's help.' The king said to him, 'Go, my dear, to your house. Take a bath, trim your nails, shave your hair, and pamper yourself for a period of forty days. After that, come to me, and I will speak with you.' At that moment, Haiqar prostrated himself before the king, kissed his hand, and then mounted his horse to return to his home with great honor and abundant gifts. He lived in comfort and luxury for forty days, during which his strength and color were fully restored.

Then he came to the king's presence, greeted him, and the king returned the salutation, making him feel comfortable. Then, after that, the king presented to him the messages that Pharaoh had sent, saying, 'My dear Haiqar, look at what the Egyptians have sent us after your death. They have defeated and conquered us, and the people of our land have fled to Egypt out of fear of the tribute demanded by the King of Egypt.' When Haiqar read the messages and the issues, he smiled and said to the king, 'May your heart be comforted, my lord, and your worries be eased. I will go to Egypt to meet with Pharaoh, the king, and give him his answer, responding to all his questions. I will secure for you Egypt's tribute and taxes, bring back all the people who have fled from your land, and disgrace all your enemies with the help of God Almighty.' The king was overjoyed and bestowed great blessings upon him and the executioner. Haiqar said to the king, 'My lord, grant me forty days to take care of my affairs,' and the king allowed him to do so.

Then Haiqar went to his house and ordered the hunters to catch two young eagles for him. He also ordered to spin two ropes of cotton, each measuring two thousand cubits in length, and to make them thick as a thumb. He summoned the carpenters, and they crafted two large boxes for him. Additionally, he had two young boys with him, one named Nabuhal and the other Tabshlm. Every day, he would slaughter two sheep and feed them to the young eagles and the boys. He would tie the boys to the backs of the eagles and gradually raise them higher in the air each day, going higher than the day before. Eventually, they reached an altitude of two thousand cubits in the sky. He had taught and educated them about this, instructing the boys that when they reached that height, they should request stone, lime, bricks, and clay to build Pharaoh's palace in the sky. He continued instructing them until they became proficient in achieving his desired task, and then he brought them back down.

Haiqar went to King Sennacherib and said to him, 'My lord, I have finished all my work. Please order that I may go to Egypt, to the court of Pharaoh the king.' Sennacherib replied, 'Go in peace, O honored teacher.' Then he presented Haiqar with gifts for the king, along with servants and attendants, bid him farewell, and Haiqar departed with those in his company. He took the chests, eagles, and the boys and set out for the land of Egypt. When, after a few days, he arrived in Egypt and entered the land, he headed towards the palace of King Pharaoh. The people of Egypt heard of this and informed Pharaoh that a man from the court of King Sennacherib had arrived. Pharaoh ordered that the man be brought before him. When Haiqar entered, he kissed the ground and greeted Pharaoh with courteous words. Pharaoh welcomed him and said, 'Welcome, O wise one.' Haiqar said to him, 'My lord, King Sennacherib sends you abundant greetings. He has dispatched me to converse with you, fulfill your tasks, and create whatever you desire and long for.' Then, he presented the gifts, and Pharaoh accepted them with delight. Pharaoh asked him, 'Who are you, and what is your name in the court of King Sennacherib?'

Haiqar replied, 'I am your servant, Abiqam, and I am an ant from the ants of King Sennacherib.' Pharaoh responded, 'There was no one more honorable than you in your master's court to the extent that he sent me an ant to speak with me?' Haiqar replied, 'My lord, with the help of God and for your happiness and the happiness of my lord King Sennacherib, I will resolve all the matters and more. You have desired to build a palace in the sky, and my lord sent me to fulfill your wish. However, on the condition of the agreement that has been made between you and the tribute and taxes for three years that you owe, because the decisions of kings are binding. If I fail, my lord will send you the tribute and taxes for three years.' When Pharaoh heard this response, he was astonished by the eloquence and fluency of Haiqar's speech. He immediately ordered a place to be prepared for Haiqar and those with him among his servants and soldiers. He provided them with sufficient food, drink, clothing, and other necessities. He also ordered fodder and provision for their horses.

When it was three days later, Pharaoh, the king, sent for Haiqar and brought him before him. He said to him, 'O Abiqam, I want to ask you a question.' Pharaoh was sitting on a jewel-studded throne, proud and adorned, with all his nobles standing before him, wearing crimson robes. He said to him, 'O Abiqam, to whom do I and my soldiers resemble?' Haiqar replied, 'My lord, you resemble the sun, and your nobles resemble the sun's rays.' Pharaoh then said to him, 'Go, Abiqam, to your house, and tomorrow come to my palace.' So he did as he was told, and the next day he came before him. The king was dressed in white silk robes and sat on his throne, and his soldiers were likewise dressed. Pharaoh said, 'O Abiqam, to whom do I and my soldiers resemble?' Haiqar replied, 'My lord, you resemble the moon, and your soldiers resemble the planets and the stars.' So the king said to him, 'Go, Abiqam, and come to me tomorrow.' He left, and on the next day, he appeared before the king.

The king was dressed in red and black silk robes, and his soldiers were likewise dressed. Pharaoh asked him, 'O Abiqam, to whom do I and my soldiers resemble?' Haiqar replied, 'My lord, you resemble Bel, the greatest idol, and your soldiers resemble its servants.' So the king said, 'Go, Abiqam, and come to me tomorrow.' He went to his home, and on the next day, he appeared before the king. The king was dressed in gilded, multi-coloured garments, and his nobles were wearing distinguished clothing in various colors. Pharaoh asked him, 'O Abiqam, to whom do I and my soldiers resemble?' Haiqar replied, 'My lord, you resemble the month of April, and your soldiers resemble its flowers and blossoms.' The king's delight grew upon hearing these words. He said, 'O Abiqam, you likened me once to the sun and my soldiers to its rays, then you likened me to the moon, and my soldiers to the stars and planets. Thirdly, you likened me to Bel, the idol, and my soldiers to its servants, and fourthly, you likened me to the month of April, and my soldiers to its flowers and blossoms. Tell me now, your lord King Sennacherib, to whom does he liken and to whom do his nobles resemble?'

Haiqar spoke loudly and said, 'Far be it from me to mention my lord the king while you are sitting on your throne. Instead, stand on your feet so I can tell you to whom my lord resembles and to whom his soldiers resemble.' Pharaoh was astonished by Haiqar and stood up on his feet, saying, 'Now, liken your lord so I may see.' Haiqar said, 'My lord the king resembles the god of the sky. When he desires it, the winds blow, the rains fall, thunder roars, lightning flashes, the sun and moon eclipse, the idol Bel trembles and weakens, and the month of Nisan crumbles, shedding its flowers, blossoms, and leaves.' When Pharaoh heard this, he became greatly agitated and was confounded by the eloquence of the wise man's speech, the strength of his heart, and his unwavering confidence in his master. He could do nothing but ask, 'Tell me the truth, who are you and what is your name?' Haiqar replied, 'I am your servant Haiqar, the scribe of King Sennacherib, his minister, and his chief counselors.' Pharaoh said to him, 'You have spoken the truth, O man, with these words. However, we have heard that Haiqar was killed by his master, and yet here I see you are alive.'

Haiqar then said, 'Yes, my lord, he ordered my execution, but the Lord saved me because my master had listened to the words of the corrupt. Blessed is the one who places their trust in God, the Most High.' Pharaoh said to Haiqar, 'Go to your home, and come to me tomorrow, and tell me a word I have never heard from anyone in my entire life.' Haiqar went, wrote a letter, folded it, and brought it to the king the next day. He handed it to Pharaoh, and when Pharaoh read it, he found it written as follows: 'From Sennacherib, the king of Atur and Nineveh, to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, peace, well-being, and honor. Please be informed, my brother, that I have supplied the army with their provisions, but I am still short of a small amount. I request that you lend me nine hundred talents of gold so that I may fulfill the provision, and shortly, I will send it back to you.' When Pharaoh read the letter, he marveled and said, 'By truth, I have never heard such words before.' He said to Haiqar, 'Indeed, someone like you, who serves kings and manages their affairs. Blessed be God who endowed you with wisdom, sagacity, and knowledge, and adorned you with philosophy. Now, my hope is that you, Haiqar, will build for me a towering palace in the sky.'

Haiqar then said to him, 'Hearing and obedience, my lord. I will build it for you as you wish, but provide me with lime, stones, clay, and workers. I have skilled craftsmen at my disposal.' The king made all of that available to him. At that moment, Haiqar brought out the eagles and the boys. The king, his soldiers, and the people of the kingdom all gathered. The boys were tied to the backs of the eagles and released into the sky with the ropes. They ascended into the heavens, shouting and saying, 'Send us clay, lime, and stones so that we can build the palace of King Pharaoh, for we are standing here idle.' The people and the king were amazed and perplexed by this matter. Haiqar and his servants started beating the workers and Pharaoh's soldiers, saying, 'Provide them with what they need and do not obstruct them from their work.'

When Pharaoh saw this, he said to Haiqar, 'Are you mad or deluded to think anything can be built at such a height?' Haiqar replied, 'My lord, how can a palace be built in the air? If my lord Sennacherib were here, he would have built two palaces in one day.' Pharaoh said to Haiqar, 'Haiqar, we have gone beyond the construction of the palace. Go back to your home, and come to me tomorrow.' Haiqar then went, and the next day, he returned to Pharaoh. The king said to him, 'Haiqar, how strange it is that when your lord Sennacherib's horse neighs in the land of Atur and Nineveh, our horses here in Egypt can hear it and cast their young.' Haiqar went and took a large cat from the king's house, and he started whipping and beating it severely. The Egyptians saw this and informed the king about it. He sent for Haiqar and asked, 'Haiqar, for what reason are you beating this animal and subjecting it to such severe punishment?'

Haiqar said to him, 'My lord, this cat made a grave mistake with me.' The king asked, 'And what is it?' Haiqar replied, 'My lord, I had a great and beautiful rooster in my house, a gift from my lord the king, and it possessed a remarkable, keen sense of distinguishing between day and night. However, on that night, this wicked one (the cat) entered my house, beheaded the rooster, and then returned. So, it was for this reason that I subjected it to this painful punishment.' The king said to him, 'I believe you've gone mad, Haiqar, and your mind has become feeble. There are three hundred miles between Egypt and Nineveh. How could this cat have gone to your land, beheaded the rooster, and returned all in one night?' Haiqar said to him, 'My lord the king, how is it that even with such a great distance between Egypt and Atur, your horses can hear the sound of Sennacherib's horse and cast their young, and how can its voice reach from there to here?' When Pharaoh heard that, he knew that his problem was solved.

He said to him, 'O Haiqar, what do you say about a builder who built a cylinder made of eight thousand seven hundred and sixty-three bricks and bound it with three hundred and sixty-five stones and planted twelve cedar trees in the middle of it, and each cedar tree bore thirty branches, and each branch bore two clusters, one white and the other black?' Haiqar said to him, 'This parable is known to the cattle herders of Atur and Nineveh. The builder is God, the cylinder represents the year, the eight thousand seven hundred and sixty-three bricks are the hours of the year, the twelve cedar trees are the twelve months, the thirty branches symbolize the days of the month, and the white and black clusters represent the night and the day.' Pharaoh said to him, 'O Haiqar, I want you to make me two ropes of sand.' So Haiqar went to a corner by the king's wall and made two holes in it with thick ropes. He took a handful of sand, and when the sun rose and entered the holes, he rubbed the sand in the sunlight, and it began to twist like ropes. He said to Pharaoh, 'Order your servants to take these ropes, and whenever you wish, I will twist others for you.'

The king said, 'Haiqar, we have a millstone that has broken, and I want you to sew it back together for us. ' Haiqar said, 'Your Majesty, I am a stranger here, and I do not have the tools of a cobbler. However, let the people of your city bring me threads from this other stone, and I will sew it back together for you.' The king and his nobles laughed and marveled at the quickness of his response and his wisdom. They said, 'Blessed is God, Haiqar, who has endowed you with intelligence and wisdom.' Pharaoh ordered his ministers to gather the taxes and tributes for three years, and they collected them. He then announced throughout the kingdom of Egypt that all those who were from Atur and Nineveh should return to their homeland with Haiqar. He presented gifts to Haiqar and his troops and provided offerings for King Sennacherib. Then, he bid Haiqar farewell. And he said to him, 'Go, Haiqar, O esteemed one. People like you are fit to serve kings. Convey our regards to your master, the king, and tell him not to hold us accountable for what we have offered him.' At that moment, he kissed his hand, prayed for him, and expressed his gratitude. He returned to Atur and Nineveh. When he approached the city, King Sennacherib came out to meet him, embraced him warmly, and rejoiced greatly.

Haiqar then prostrated before the king, kissed his hands, presented the gifts and greetings. He also gave him all the treasures. The king said to him, 'Welcome, my dear, my minister, the pride of my kingdom, and the honor of my realm. Now, express your desires and wishes; choose whatever you want.' Haiqar then said, 'May you live eternally, my lord. If you wish to bestow further kindness upon me, grant your mercy to Bu Samik the executioner, for I owe my life to God and to him, and it was through that your victory and triumph were achieved.' Then he began to tell him about what had happened between him and King Pharaoh regarding various matters and more. The king was delighted by this and brought money and gifts, saying to Haiqar, 'All that you see is under your command; take whatever you choose and desire.' He kissed his hand and said, 'My lord, all I desire is for you to be kind. If you wish to bestow further kindness upon me, give me Nadan, my nephew, so that I can seek revenge on him for the harm he did to me, shed his blood, and clear myself from it.' Sennacherib the king ordered, and he gave him Nadan, saying, 'I have granted him to you.' So, Haiqar took him and went with him to his house.

They all went out to meet him, his soldiers, his army, his family, his people, his tribe, and they rejoiced greatly. Then he securely bound Nadan with chains around his neck, tied his hands and feet, and shackled him tightly. He whipped him severely on his back, abdomen, legs, and the soles of his feet. After the beating, he cast him into a dark, foul-smelly place next to the latrine and assigned Nabuhal, the young boy, to look after him. Every day, he was given a piece of bread and a small amount of water. Haiqar, whenever he came and went, would reprimand Nadan, saying, 'Despite all the good and kindness I showed you, you repaid me with attempted murder.' O my son, it is said in proverbs that whoever does not listen with his ears, he will end up listening from the base of his neck. Nadan said to him, 'O my uncle, for what reason are you angry with me?' Haiqar said to him, 'Because I raised you, educated you, and taught you wisdom. I raised you in the best way possible so that you would be my heir and sit in my place. But you tried to kill me, insult me, and curse me. You threw me towards death with a sword. But the Lord saved me and delivered me, and He knew that I was wronged. For the Lord mends broken hearts and humbles the haughty and envious.'

My son, you have become to me like the scorpion that strikes its sting in the rock, so it breaks and pierces it.

My son, you have become to me like the madder eaten by the she-goat, which said to it, 'Your skin must be tanned in my veins.'

My son, you have become to me like a person who took a stone and threw it toward the sky to stone his Lord, but the stone neither reached its target nor hit anything; instead, it incurred anger and sin.

My son, you have become to me like a person who looked at his naked friend on a cold and snowy day, then took cold water and poured it over him.

My son, if you had respected me, you would have inherited from me. Know, my son, that if the pig's tail were ten cubits long, it would not be as valuable as a horse, even if its hair were softer than silk and finer than linen.

My son, I used to harbor the thought that you would become my heir after my death, but your envy consumed you, and you sought my immediate death. Yet, the Lord saved me from your evil intentions.

My son, you have become to me like the lion that befriended a donkey. When the donkey grew fat, the lion pounced on him and devoured him.

My son, you have become to me like a trap buried in the ground. A sparrow came to it and greeted it, and it returned the greeting and said to it, 'Eat of what God has provided for you from this wheat that I have.' When it began to peck at the trap, it turned the trap over it and caught it. The sparrow said to it, 'If this is your charity, God will not accept it from you.'

My son, you have become to me like a wheat weevil that spoils it and is never good for anything.

My son, you have become to me like a man who planted ten measures of wheat. When he worked hard to sow it, harvest it, thresh it, and grind it, it turned out to be only eight measures. He said to it, 'I wish you had not grown or become what you are.'

My son, you have become to me like a partridge that is tied in the hunter's net, it throws its companions into the air and cannot save itself.

My son, you have become to me like the dog that felt cold and entered the pottery house to warm itself. But when it became warm, it started barking at them, so they drove it away and chased it, fearing it might bite them.

My son, you have become to me like the pig that entered the bath with the nobles. When it came out, it saw a hole filled with foul-smelling mud in it, so it descended and wallowed in it, as everything returns to its origin.

My son, you have become like the cat they told, 'Stop stealing, and we will make golden earrings, a necklace, bracelets, and anklets for you.' She replied, 'I will not forsake my father's craft.'

My son, you have become to me like the tree they wanted to cut down. It said to them, 'If you did not have something of me in your hands, you would not be able to cut me.'

My son, a hand that does not succeed, work, and be careful will be cut from the inside.

My son, I fed you with delicious food while you fed me with stale bread. I gave you a good drink and quenched your thirst with sweet water, while you offered me saltwater. I raised you, nurtured you, and honored you in royal assemblies. However, you belittled and humiliated me, burying me underground. I nurtured and educated you, like a tall cedar tree, but you bent me down and hunched me over, hiding me in a pit.

My son, my hope was that you would build for me a strong tower so I could seek refuge in it. Instead, you buried me in the depths of the earth. But the Lord had mercy on me and delivered me from your evil.

My son, I intended good for you, but you have rewarded me with ugliness and all kinds of evil. Now, I want to gouge out your eyes, cut off your tongue, and take your head with a sword to repay your wicked and disgraceful deeds.

Nadan replied and said to Haiqar, 'O my uncle, deal with me as you are known for kindness, and forgive my sins and what I did to you with wickedness. For people like me commit sins, and people like you pardon them. Accept me now so I can serve your house, tend to your horses, and take care of your pigs. I will sweep the dung of your house, for I am the wicked one, and you are the righteous one. I am the sinner, and you are the forgiver.'

Haiqar replied, "O my son, you are like a tree that was planted by the water but did not bear fruit. Its owner wanted to cut it down, but it said to him, 'Move me to another place so that I may bear fruit.' He said to her, 'You have been by the water all your life and did not bear fruit, so how can you bear fruit if I move you away from the water?'"

My son, the old age of an eagle is better than the youth of a crow.

My son, they bring the wolf to the school so that it can learn to read. The teacher said to him, 'Say 'alif, ba, ta.' The wolf replied, ' she-goats, kid, sheep.'

My son, it is true what they say, that the one you father, you may call your son, and the one you nurture, you may call your servant.

My son, the one who does good will encounter good, and the one who does evil will also encounter it because the Lord rewards people according to their deeds and actions.

My son, why should I say more than these words? For the Lord knows the secrets and mysteries, and He will reward you and judge between you and me, giving you what you deserve.

When Nadan heard this speech from his uncle Haiqar, he realized that there was no more forgiveness for him. He became furious, fumed, and his stomach swelled like a bag, and his organs and bowels swelled. Due to the pressure, they tore apart and disintegrated. He died and perished and went to hell and the misery of fate. According to what the scripture says, whoever digs a pit for his brother will fall into it, and whoever sets a snare will be caught in it. This is what we found and wrote. All thanks to God forever. Amen.