The Mercy of Allah · Theme
Social Inequality and Greed
How The Mercy of Allah develops Social Inequality and Greed.
The story highlights the moral corruption caused by extreme wealth disparity and human greed.
Where it surfaces
- II: Al-Durar, or "The Pearls"
Mahmoud's scheme exploits the magistrate's greed and the stranger's innocence, highlighting the ruthless pursuit of wealth.
- III: Al-Tawajin, or “The Pipkins”
Mahmoud's manipulation of the pipkin market and his exploitation of the widow and other potters highlight greed and the creation of inequality.
- Al-Kantara, or "The Bridge"
The old man's manipulation of the bridge tolls and his exploitation of the ferryman highlight the greed and inequality inherent in his pursuit of wealth.
- V: Milh, or "Salt"
Mahmoud criticizes those who hoard wealth for idle leisure instead of using it productively, and he himself falls into the trap of seeking secure income without risk.
- VI: Al-Wukalá, or “The Lawyers”
The legal system exploits Mahmoud's misfortune, with lawyers and pleaders profiting from the lengthy case while the poor plaintiff bears the cost.
- VII: Ghanamat, or “The Sheep”
Mahmoud's past as a wealthy merchant contrasts with his current poverty, and his schemes reveal a focus on profit and deception.
- Al-Bustán, or “The Orchard”
The old man exploits the stranger's wealth and naivety, driven by his own greed and the inequality between them.
- IX: Al-Jamal Wa’l-Nakhl, or “Camels and Dates”
Mahmoud's admiration for Yusouff's wealth and his own determination to monopolize the camel market highlight the pursuit of riches and the disparities between rich and poor.
- Al-Wali, or "The Holy One"
Mahmoud exploits the pilgrims' devotion for financial gain, and the Holy Man recounts failed attempts to commercialize the shrine.
- XII: Al-Mahallat al-Jadida, or "The New Quarter of the City"
Mahmoud's scheme exploits the labor of the poor and the greed of the wealthy elite, highlighting systemic inequality.
- XIII: Al-Fulús al-Masnú Min al-Qirtás, or “The Money Made of Paper”
Mahmoud's war profiteering and the description of Dirak's legal system, where the rich are immune to punishment and the poor are oppressed, highlight extreme social inequality and greed.
- XIV: Itmi’nán al-Nafs, or “The Peace of the Soul”
Mahmoud's detailed account of his exploitative business methods illustrates the vast gap between the wealthy and the poor.
