Once upon a time in the magnificent city of Baghdad, the illustrious King of Islam, Caliph Haruna Rashid, held court from his opulent throne, surrounded by grand palaces. In the midst of the regal proceedings, a young servant entered the chambers, bearing in his hands a majestic headpiece worn only by rulers, known as the royal crown. This particular crown was crafted from radiant red gold and adorned with lustrous pearls and precious gems, save for one spot left conspicuously vacant. In this era, it was an unmatched emblem of prestige, a crown beyond the reach of mere wealth.
With reverence, the servant approached the Caliph and paid his respects, presenting the crown. He spoke, “O King of Islam, Lady Zubaydatu has sent me with this crown, commissioned especially for her. She now seeks a jewel to crown its pinnacle, but within her vast treasure, none proved fitting, as each one examined was deemed too small.”
The Caliph scrutinized the servants and dispatched them to investigate the specific gemstone Zubaydatu required. The servants hurriedly departed and soon returned with disheartening news, declaring, “Your Majesty, we scoured every treasure within your dominion, yet we could not find a jewel befitting this headpiece.”
Caliph Haruna Rashid, vexed by the predicament, lamented, “For a ruler who possesses the treasures of countless kings, it is unthinkable to be thwarted by such a trifling matter. Alas! Go forth to the markets, inquire among traders, explore the stores and bazaars, seek high and low until you obtain the gem Lady Zubaydatu desires.”
The servants embarked on their quest, traversing the bustling markets of Baghdad, imploring for the jewel, yet their efforts remained fruitless. Eventually, they returned to the Caliph and reported, “O King of Islam, this quest confounds the city’s wealthiest and the merchants who traverse its markets. It appears that the required jewel can only be found in the possession of a wealthy man residing in Basra, by the name of Abu Muhammad Kasala.”
Upon hearing this, Caliph Haruna Rashid immediately tasked his vizier, Ja’afar al-Barmaki, with drafting a letter to Basra’s Governor, Muhammad al-Zubaidi, instructing him to dispatch men to bring Abu Muhammad Kasala to Baghdad.
Ja’afar swiftly inscribed the royal message, affixed the seal, and handed it over to Masrur as-Siyafi, the Caliph’s trusted chief of guards. With his companions, Masrur hastened to Basra, where they were received warmly by the city’s leader. Following a sumptuous meal, Masrur presented the Caliph’s message to Governor Muhammad al-Zubaidi.
Governor al-Zubaidi nodded in understanding and promptly organized a party to accompany Masrur. They proceeded to the residence of the affluent Abu Muhammad.
Upon reaching the house, they knocked on the door, and a servant answered. Peering outside, the servant inquired about their presence. Masrur instructed him, saying, “Convey our message to your master that the Commander of the Faithful desires his presence in Baghdad.”
The servant returned inside, and after a brief interval, a richly dressed man emerged. Upon sight of Masrur and Governor al-Zubaidi’s delegation, he humbly prostrated himself and extended greetings. He acknowledged, “I have heard and heed the call of the Sultan of Islam. However, I have not had the opportunity to receive you within, nor have I prepared myself to present in such haste. Might I request a short respite, to refresh and to gather sustenance to bring with us to the Caliph’s court?”
Masrur responded, “Time is of the essence. Delay not, for the Caliph awaits us anxiously. Nevertheless, if it pleases you, we may enter your abode, and we can partake in some hospitality. As the saying goes, ‘Sitting is superior to standing.’ I shall be grateful if you allow us to rest momentarily, while you make the necessary preparations.”
Abu Muhammad’s graciousness ultimately persuaded them to enter his home, where they marveled at the luxurious surroundings. The walls were adorned with silk curtains interwoven with pure gold, embellished with glistening gemstones of diverse hues. Abu Muhammad summoned one of his servants to guide Masrur and his companions to baths where they could cleanse themselves of travel dust.
In the opulent bath, they were attended by diligent servants who ensured their comfort. Following their baths, they were presented with garments adorned with intricate gold embroidery, which they donned.
Once they were ready, they joined Abu Muhammad Kasala, who awaited them on a dais, reclining upon an ornate chair resembling a royal bed. The chair was cushioned with plush mattresses, draped in silk sheets. The wall behind him, where the chair was situated, was festooned with silk curtains woven with golden threads, studded with radiant gemstones of various colors.
