Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalifahs/El-Hajjaj and the Arab

by Muhammad Diyab al-Atlidi

EL-HAJJÂJ AND THE ARAB.

AN Arab was once in presence of el-Hajjâj when a repast was brought in. And people ate thereof; and afterwards some sweet fruits were produced. And el-Hajjâj took no notice of the Arab until he had eaten one mouthful, but then exclaimed, "Whoever eats of the sweet fruits shall lose his head!" So all the people refused to eat any, and only the Arab was left. He looked once at el-Hajjâj, and once at the sweet fruits, and then cried, "O Prince! I willingly leave thee the legacy of my children"—and plunged his hand into the dish. Then el-Hajjâj laughed till he rolled over on the back of his head, and ordered the man a reward.