The Bedouin and the Arab

One man set out on a journey for trade purposes. However, luck was not on his side, and he decided to return home. On the way, he took out a bag of food and stopped to eat. A hungry Bedouin passed by. He bowed to the Arab and said:

"I am from your country, and I am heading to Iraq."

The Arab asked:
"Do you have any news about my family?"
"I do," replied the Bedouin.
"How is my son's health?"
"He is in good health, praise Allah."
"And his mother?"
"Her health is so good that one could not wish for better."
"And how is my house?"
"Oh, it is as magnificent as you know it to be."
"And how did you find my camel?"
"A very well-fed camel."
"And the dog?"
"As always, guarding the house."

Hearing all this, the merchant cheered up and continued his meal without offering anything to the Bedouin who had brought him such joyful news.

Suddenly, a wild goat appeared in the distance and then quickly disappeared into the sands.

The Bedouin decided to resort to a trick to make the Arab give him something to eat and remarked:
"Prosperity passes quickly and disappears forever, like that goat. What I told you about your family, your house, and your property—it was all true. But that was yesterday. As for today... That goat wouldn't have run away if your dog were still alive."
"What? Is my dog dead?" the Arab became anxious.
"Yes, it overate on your camel's meat," replied the Bedouin.
"What are you saying! Is my camel gone too?"
"Yes. It was slaughtered for your wife's funeral."
"My wife died?"
"She took her own life out of grief for your son."
"What, my son is dead too? Curse you!"
"Alas, the roof of your house collapsed and crushed him."

At this point, the Arab could no longer contain himself. He screamed, rushed to his camel, jumped on it, and galloped away, forgetting his bag with the remaining food.

The Bedouin took the bag, ate everything in it, and said:
"What joy the Arab will have when he returns home..."

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The Bedouin and the Arab

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