The Mercy of Allah · Character

Mahmoud

Mahmoud is an elderly merchant of enormous wealth whose casual opinions make markets tremble, and whose brother El-Hakim he cheerfully promises to disinherit.

major

Also known as old Mahmoud, The excellent Mahmoud

First appearance: The Mercy of Allah

As a major figure in The Mercy of Allah, Mahmoud is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Central figure whose actions and fate illustrate the chapter's moral lessons.

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Mahmoud is an elderly merchant of enormous wealth whose casual opinions make markets tremble, and whose brother El-Hakim he cheerfully promises to disinherit. He agrees to instruct his seven nephews in the art of getting rich, then confesses he knows no rule for it — only the accidents and reversals of his own career. His complacent vanity and his conviction that fortune is a moral test set the tone for the whole tale.

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Character Web

6 connections

A slice of how Mahmoud sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Rivalry
Professional
Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Diverse Minor and Symbolic Characters
Authority and Judgment Figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the story’s dramatic climax because it marks the absolute peak of the merchant’s worldly success and e…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

The old man
psychological · ambivalent
Mahmoud is deeply influenced and possibly manipulated by the old man, who serves as a… How this plays out →
His master
rivalry · negative
The judge
professional · ambivalent
The stranger
social · ambivalent

The old man
Mahmoud is deeply influenced and possibly manipulated by the old man, who serves as a mentor or tempter figure.
His master
His master and Mahmoud are competitors, likely vying for influence or resources.
The judge
Mahmoud and the judge have a formal, transactional relationship based on legal or business matters.
The stranger
Mahmoud and the stranger have only a single, fleeting encounter with no lasting impact.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Mahmoud appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Mercy of Allah
Central figure whose actions and fate illustrate the chapter's moral lessons.
I: Al-Rafsat, or 'The Kick'
The elderly merchant who narrates his early life to his nephews.
II: Al-Durar, or "The Pearls"
The merchant uncle narrating his past adventure, now possessing 12,000 dinars after the pearl swindle.
III: Al-Tawajin, or “The Pipkins”
The narrator and protagonist, who recounts his rise to wealth and power through the pipkin monopoly.
Al-Kantara, or "The Bridge"
Referenced as the uncle telling the story to his nephews; the narrative is his life story.
V: Milh, or "Salt"
The old merchant narrates his error of seeking ease and his subsequent loan to the king of Izmar.
VI: Al-Wukalá, or “The Lawyers”
The narrator and plaintiff, who reluctantly pursues legal action against the king after losing his salt tax fortune.
VII: Ghanamat, or “The Sheep”
Narrates his past poverty and proposes a partnership with the shepherd to sell sheep.
Al-Bustán, or “The Orchard”
Referenced as the uncle whose misfortunes are being recounted; the nephews listen to his story.
IX: Al-Jamal Wa’l-Nakhl, or “Camels and Dates”
The narrator and merchant, who tells his nephews of his adventures and his resolve to imitate Yusouff ben Ahmed.
X: Al-Hisān, or “The Horse”
Narrates his latest adventure, describing how he stole a grey horse and sold it to rebuild his fortune.
Al-Wali, or "The Holy One"
The aged millionaire narrating his past exploits; he poses as a devout pilgrim and engages in profitable trade at the shrine.
XII: Al-Mahallat al-Jadida, or "The New Quarter of the City"
The narrator and protagonist, who reflects on past fortunes and executes a calculated scheme to build wealth in the new quarter.
XIII: Al-Fulús al-Masnú Min al-Qirtás, or “The Money Made of Paper”
The aged financier narrates his scheme of financing both sides of a war, then plots to move his wealth to Dirak, a state where the rich rule.
XIV: Itmi’nán al-Nafs, or “The Peace of the Soul”
The elderly merchant who narrates his life story and is tricked by his youngest nephew.

Chapter companion notes

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