Abu al-Qasim al-Tanburi
Abu al-Qasim al-Tanburi was a merchant who lived in Baghdad, renowned for his extreme frugality despite being wealthy and possessing considerable wealth. This peculiar characteristic led many storytellers to craft various tales and anecdotes regarding his stinginess. The story of Abu al-Qasim al-Tanburi has been adapted into numerous artistic works and television series over time.
The Tale of Abu al-Qasim al-Tanburi
Abu al-Qasim al-Tanburi owned a pair of slippers that he wore for seven consecutive years. Whenever they became worn, torn, or otherwise damaged, he would rush to repair them with patches, giving the slippers an unusual and cumbersome appearance. This peculiar habit became so well-known that it turned into a popular proverb. One day, while wandering through the glass market, a broker approached him and said, “O Abu al-Qasim, a merchant from Aleppo has brought with him a load of gilded glass that has not sold. Purchase it from him, and I shall buy it from you later at a profit.”
Without hesitation, Abu al-Qasim agreed to this deal and purchased the glass for sixty dinars. He then proceeded to the spice market, where he encountered another broker who informed him, “O Abu al-Qasim, today we have a merchant from Nisibis who carries rose water. Due to his urgent travel needs, you could buy it at a low price; I will resell it to you shortly for double the gain.”
Abu al-Qasim accepted the offer and bought the rose water for another sixty dinars. After placing it on a shelf in his home, he decided one day to visit the bathhouse. His friends suggested that he replace his old slippers, which had seen better days. Abu al-Qasim agreed, saying, “You are right. I shall heed your advice.” Upon leaving the bathhouse, he discovered a beautiful slipper next to his old one. Assuming it was a gift from a friend, he wore it home, not realizing it belonged to the judge. When the judge learned of this, he reprimanded Abu al-Qasim, punishing him and imposing a fine before releasing him.
Furious after his release, Abu al-Qasim took his remaining slipper and threw it into the Tigris River. A fisherman eventually retrieved it, recognizing it as belonging to Abu al-Qasim. Attempting to return it, the fisherman found Abu al-Qasim absent and decided to toss the slipper back through his window, hoping it would land safely inside. Unfortunately, it fell onto a shelf holding a collection of glassware, shattering it, and ruining the rose water. Upon witnessing this destruction, Abu al-Qasim struck his face in despair, lamenting his loss, exclaiming, “Woe is me! This cursed slipper has left me in poverty!” This incident, among many others, contributed to the slipper’s reputation as an ill omen, becoming a proverbial symbol of misfortune.