Abu Hassan the Wag
The merchant who played dead, and the Caliph who loved a joke
Page 1
In the magnificent city of Baghdad, where tales were told and wonders unfolded, lived a man named Abu Hassan. He was once a wealthy merchant, but through a series of misfortunes, his fortune had dwindled. Yet, Abu Hassan remained cheerful and beloved by all who knew him. He was known not for his riches, but for his quick wit and his love for a good joke. Every evening, he would gather his friends, and they would feast and tell stories, filling his modest home with laughter. Though his purse was lighter, his heart was full, and his reputation for cleverness grew with each passing day. He often walked through the lively streets, observing the world with a twinkle in his eye, always ready for a new adventure.
Page 2
One evening, Abu Hassan hosted a special dinner, a joyous occasion where laughter flowed as freely as the wine. Among his guests were two distinguished men dressed as wealthy merchants, though in truth, they were the wise Caliph Harun al-Rashid and his loyal Grand Vizier, Ja'far, travelling in disguise to learn about their people. The conversation was lively and engaging, and Abu Hassan, in high spirits from the good company and good food, leaned forward conspiratorially. He shared his latest, most audacious jest with the 'merchant,' completely unaware of his guest's true, exalted identity. “I have a wonderful trick, my friends!” he declared with a gleam in his eye. “My clever wife and I will pretend to be dead, one after the other. The generous Caliph, out of kindness, will surely send money for our funerals. We will then revive ourselves, much richer for our cleverness and quick thinking!” The Caliph, highly amused by Abu Hassan’s bold and playful plan, chuckled deeply to himself, finding the merchant’s audacious spirit truly delightful and quite unexpected.
Page 3
After the grand meal and lively conversation, the company retired to Abu Hassan’s charming inner garden to enjoy the cool, fragrant evening air beneath the stars. The Caliph, still expertly disguised as a merchant, seized an opportune moment to privately call his loyal Vizier aside, speaking in a low, conspiratorial whisper. “This Abu Hassan is a true treasure,” he chuckled softly. “His wit is as sharp as his jests. He has given me a wonderful idea for a trick of my own to play upon him!” He then instructed his Vizier to prepare a special, harmless sleeping potion, to be secretly added to Abu Hassan’s next refreshing drink. Soon after, as Abu Hassan was enjoying a sweet beverage, he began to feel an unusual drowsiness creep over him. His eyelids grew heavier with each passing moment, and despite his best efforts to stay awake and continue the conversation, he soon slumped peacefully onto his cushions, fast asleep, completely unaware of the Caliph's playful plot now fully unfolding around him.
Page 4
Abu Hassan awoke to a sight that made his jaw drop. He was no longer in his humble home, but in a bed of silk and gold, surrounded by velvet curtains. Servants, dressed in the finest livery, bowed low before him, calling him “Commander of the Faithful” – the title of the Caliph himself! At first, he was utterly bewildered, believing he was still dreaming. He pinched himself, but the luxurious surroundings remained. Slowly, a wild idea took root in his mind: perhaps he *was* the Caliph! He remembered his trick, and thought, “This must be the Caliph’s generosity!” Gaining confidence, he began to issue commands, testing his new-found power with a mischievous grin. The servants, having been instructed by the real Caliph, obeyed his every word, adding to his growing conviction.
Page 5
Throughout the day, Abu Hassan reveled in his role as Caliph. He sat upon the throne, listened to petitions, and held court, all the while convinced he was the true ruler. He held a magnificent feast in the grand banqueting hall, surrounded by musicians playing enchanting melodies and dancers performing graceful movements. He ordered elaborate dishes and fine wines, enjoying every moment of the royal treatment. As evening approached, feeling weary from his day of 'rule,' he was offered another drink, which, unbeknownst to him, contained another sleeping draught. He drank it happily, believing it was a special elixir for the Caliph, and soon, he fell into a deep, peaceful sleep, ready for another day in his imagined kingdom. The Caliph’s men then carefully carried him back to his own home.
Page 6
Abu Hassan awoke once more, but this time, he was back in his own familiar bed. The silk and gold were gone, replaced by his humble blankets. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, convinced it had all been the most magnificent dream. His wife, Nour-al-Ain, saw him stirring and, with a playful smile, greeted him. “Welcome back, my dear Caliph!” she teased. Abu Hassan’s brow furrowed. “Caliph? Are you mocking me, wife? It was but a dream!” Nour-al-Ain, thinking he was still playing their earlier game, insisted, “No, no, you were the Caliph!” But Abu Hassan grew genuinely angry, believing she was ridiculing him. “If you call me Caliph again,” he declared, his voice rising, “I swear I will divorce you!” He was utterly confused, unable to tell dream from reality, and frustrated by her playful persistence.
Page 7
To calm her distressed husband, Nour-al-Ain suggested they play their original trick. “Let us pretend to die, as we planned,” she said, hoping to prove his Caliph dream was truly a dream. Abu Hassan agreed, and he lay down, covered with a shroud, pretending to be dead. Nour-al-Ain began to wail loudly, calling for neighbors. Soon, the Caliph and his Vizier, still in disguise, arrived, having heard the commotion. Seeing the 'dead' Abu Hassan, the Caliph feigned sorrow. “Poor Abu Hassan!” he exclaimed. “He was a good man. Give his widow a bag of a thousand gold pieces for his funeral expenses.” Abu Hassan, hearing the generous sum, couldn’t help himself. A small, involuntary chuckle escaped his lips, giving away his clever trick and his 'death'!
Page 8
The Caliph and his Vizier departed from Abu Hassan’s house, greatly amused by the merchant’s transparent trickery. Back in his private study, the Caliph discussed the situation with his loyal Vizier. “This Abu Hassan is truly entertaining,” he mused, a thoughtful smile on his face. “He is a man of rare spirit. I have not laughed so much in years! We must continue this delightful game.” He decided to play the prank again, having Abu Hassan brought back to the palace, dressed once more as the Caliph, and enjoying another day of 'rule.' Then, just as before, another sleeping draught would ensure his return home, leaving him even more perplexed. The Caliph relished the thought of Abu Hassan’s continued confusion, knowing it would lead to more amusing antics.
Page 9
Back home, Abu Hassan awoke for the third time, once again perplexed. This time, Nour-al-Ain decided to play the 'dead' role. She lay still, covered in a shroud, as Abu Hassan wept dramatically beside her, convinced he had dreamed the entire palace experience. The Caliph and Vizier, now in their royal robes and no longer disguised, arrived once more, offering another bag of gold. The Caliph sighed, “Alas, poor Nour-al-Ain! She was a witty woman. Here, a thousand gold pieces for her burial.” Abu Hassan, hearing the gold and remembering his wife’s quick wit, cried out, “Oh, you are mistaken, Commander of the Faithful! She is not dead, she is only playing dead to get your money!” At this, the Caliph burst into hearty laughter, revealing his own identity and explaining his magnificent trick, much to Abu Hassan’s astonishment and relief.
Page 10
The Caliph, truly delighted by Abu Hassan's unique humor and Nour-al-Ain's quick-witted cleverness, declared them his personal friends and honored members of his court. He ordered that they be given a life of luxury and a prominent place of honor within his palace, ensuring their comfort and happiness for all their days. No longer would they ever need to resort to clever tricks for money; their natural wit and playful spirit had earned them a true fortune and the Caliph’s lasting, generous favor. Abu Hassan and Nour-al-Ain were then paraded through the grand, bustling streets of Baghdad in a magnificent procession, celebrated by the joyful people who cheered their names. They lived out their days in profound happiness and comfort, always ready with a witty remark or a clever jest to entertain the Caliph and his entire court. Their remarkable tale became one of Baghdad’s most beloved stories, passed down through generations, a testament to the enduring power of laughter and the wisdom of a truly generous ruler.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
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