Characterism And Symbolism Of Zaabalwi By Nagub Mahfouz

Zaabalawi

The story "Zaabalwi", written by Nagub Mahfouz, is about a narrator 's quest for the Islamic mystic Zaabalwi. The story takes place in Cairo and the narrator looks high and low to find this mysterious character. The people of Cairo see Zaabalwi as a saint of sorts, who possesses physical healing and religious salvation. In all regards, it is an obvious symbol that has significance relating to spirituality. The narrator of the story has an incurable disease and believes that Zaabalwi can heal him because of what his father told him as a young boy. His father said "he 's a true saint of God, a remover of worries and troubles, were it not for him I would have died miserably. This remark had stuck in his mind for years but became

The narrator humors his request which results in him falling asleep and dreaming about an amazing garden where he found peace and contentment in his heart. Once he woke up, he has been told that Zaabalawi was with him but he left. Even thought the sick man was disappointed about missing Zaabalawi, his was encouraged by his dream and energized to continue following his objective which was finding the saint Zaabalawi. One important aspect of the story is the fact that the narrator mentions his father told him the story as a child. This suggests that it is a story or believe system that is passed down from one generation to to the next, much like a religious believe. Zaabalawi is a man of miracles, just like Christ and Mohammed, both who improved people 's lives by spreading love and hope and offering healing powers. Just like the man in the story, many of us seek for religion when we are ill and become dedicated to asking for healing from the spirit world or at least seeking answers to what our afterlife

Those whom had wealth, such as the lawyer, had knowledge of Zaabalawi but had set aside the need for it. Suggesting that due to his good fortune, he had forgotten the need for God and become more consumed with selfish and judgmental behaviors. The book seller, whom is selling books about wisdom and truth is full of greed. This represents that true “higher understanding” has nothing to do with material items. Those with civil authority, like the local district shiekh, try to rationally plan and control the search but it still did not guarantee their relationship with the Great Divine. The shiekh admits, "I myself haven’t seen him for years, having been somewhat preoccupied with the cares of the world”. The book seller, whom is selling books about wisdom and truth is full of greed. The calligrapher and the musician have a deeper connection with the mystic. Gad admits he owes his greatest moments of musical inspiration to the saint but reminds the narrator that no one can control the comings and goings of Zaabalawi, for saints and/or God refuses to operate on our timetables: "He might well come right now; on the other hand I mightn’t see him till death". He gets close to finding him when he meets the artist. By explaining the fact that time is never wasted when you are able to get to know someone, he is symbolizing that religion is focused on the relationships between