# Social Inequality and Greed in The Mercy of Allah

> Theme guide for The Mercy of Allah by Hilaire Belloc.

The story highlights the moral corruption caused by extreme wealth disparity and human greed.

## Where it surfaces

- [II: Al-Durar, or "The Pearls"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/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”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/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"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/iv-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"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/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”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/vi-al-wukal-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”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/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”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/viii-al-bust-n-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”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/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"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/xi-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"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/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”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/xiii-al-ful-s-al-masn-min-al-qirt-s-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”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/chapters/xiv-itmi-n-n-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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/themes/social_inequality_and_greed
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mercy_of_allah_se/themes