Which reflections of Islam are in the tale of Maruf the Cobbler Essay - 1

Which reflections of Islam are in the tale of Maruf the Cobbler - Essay Example One of the most important Islamic teaching that the story entails is the trait of being steadfast and patient, which in Islam every person is supposed to practice, as it is a characteristic loved by God. Ma’aruf is a humble man, who is constantly tormented by his wife and taken advantage of his meek nature. However, despite the problems and hardships that he is put through, he continues to remain steadfast and patient. As a matter of fact, he shows great strength of his moral character, which is reflected when his wife commands him to get a vermicelli cake drenched in bee honey and Ma’aruf is unable to earn enough money to get her what she desires. Despite the turmoil he is in, Ma’aruf continues to pray to Allah and eventually he was given help after one of his neighboring shop owner decides to give him food and the cake for free. Therefore, this event reinforces the belief that regardless of what calamity that may afflict a person, he is supposed to stay patient and ask Allah for help. (Kritzeck 1964, p. 299) This aspect of the Islamic faith is demonstrated and reinforced through several incidents within the story. Even to the extent that it is implied that after Ma’aruf invokes God for help, he even get it through supernatural entities like djinns (Kritzeck 1964, p. 302, 318). Moreover, Ma’aruf is often known for giving alms to the poor and needy, and helping others out which is another fundamental Islamic practice that pleases God and gets his protection granted to the individual. Therefore, Ma’aruf was always protected, even when there was a serious threat to his life, he was able to get away with the help of the people and even supernatural beings. Various aspects of Ma’aruf’s life is also reminiscent and takes heavy inspirations from the life of the Prophet Muhammad. For instance, when Ma’aruf is completely tired of his wife’s trickery and retreats to a cave