Abdullah the Fisherman and Abdullah the Merman

A Tale of Cultural Clash, Mystical Creatures, and the Perils of Misunderstanding Between Land and Sea

Abdullah si Nelayan dan Abdullah si Merman | Edisi Indonesia

Story Introduction

Among the wonders and mysteries contained within the tales of 1001 Nights, there exists a story that reveals the beauty and power of the underwater world. In ancient records filled with wisdom and magic, there is a tale that unfolds the encounter between a fisherman named Abdullah and a majestic merman, also named Abdullah.

On a serene shore where crystal-clear waters shimmer under the sunlight, this story begins with a fishing net that not only catches fish but also draws Abdullah the Fisherman into a realm he has never seen before. This encounter unveils a world of sea creatures and deeper mysteries, far beyond what he could have imagined.

The Tale of Abdullah the Fisherman and Abdullah the Merman is a journey into a different dimension of maritime culture, revealing the contrasts and connections between the human world and the underwater realm. This story paints a picture of the beauty and tension that exists between two divergent worlds, teaching us about the diversity of perspectives and cultures that surround us.

The Net that Changed Destiny: Abdullah and the Enchanted Merman

In a small coastal village, where the ocean's whispers filled the air, lived a humble fisherman named Abdullah. His net cast out each morning, not in search of wealth, but for enough to feed his large family just for that day. Abdullah had always embraced his simple life, content with what the sea provided. But on this particular day, the waters remained barren, and not a single fish found its way into his empty nets.

With heavy steps and an even heavier heart, Abdullah wandered through the bustling streets of the city. His empty hands weighed on him like a burden, and his mind raced with the fear that his family would go hungry that day.

As Abdullah passed by the bakery, the rich scent of fresh bread filled the air. His friend, the baker, noticed the sorrow etched on Abdullah’s face and, without a second thought, pressed a few coins into his hand. "Take this," he said kindly, "enough to feed your family today." Abdullah, deeply moved by the gesture, vowed to repay the baker’s kindness as soon as he could.

The following day, Abdullah cast his nets again, but the sea remained unforgiving, refusing to yield even a single fish. Despair weighed heavier on him, yet when he returned to the bakery, his friend once more offered him enough money to provide for his family—this time without a word, only a reassuring smile. The baker asked for nothing in return, though Abdullah’s heart grew heavy with the debt of his kindness.

In the quiet of their modest home, Abdullah broke down in tears, his heart heavy with guilt and frustration over his inability to provide for his family. His wife, with a gentle touch and unwavering faith, comforted him. “Do not despair,” she said softly, “for God will provide for us. Trust in His grace, and we will find our way.” Her words, though simple, wrapped around him like a balm, soothing his troubled soul.

On the 40th day, as Abdullah dragged his net from the water, he was stunned to find a most extraordinary sight. Caught within the mesh was a merman—a mystical creature with the upper body of a man and the lower body of a fish. The merman’s scales shimmered in the sunlight, and his eyes held a glint of ancient wisdom.

Abdullah’s heart pounded with fear as he stared at the merman trapped in his net. Yet, with a calm and soothing voice, the merman spoke, “Do not be afraid. I am a humble servant of the faith and mean no harm to you.” As he introduced himself, he revealed that his name was also Abdullah. The fisherman’s eyes widened in astonishment. The merman’s joy was evident as he proclaimed, “How wondrous! We share the same name—it must be a sign of God’s will and favor.”

Seeing the opportunity for mutual benefit, Abdullah of the Sea proposed a partnership. “I desire the rich fruits that flourish on land,” he said, “and in exchange, I can offer you the precious jewels that lie hidden beneath the waves.” Abdullah of the Land’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect. Delighted by the offer, he agreed to the arrangement. Thus, a remarkable partnership was forged between Abdullah of the Land and Abdullah of the Sea, each enriching the other’s world.

With his newfound wealth in valuable jewelry, Abdullah of the Land was finally able to repay the baker’s kindness and provide for his family comfortably. Each day, he followed a well-worn routine: he would bring a basket of fresh fruits to the edge of the sea or his boat, where he met the merman. In return, he received a basket filled with gleaming jewels. Laden with his precious cargo, Abdullah would then head to the local jewelry store, where he sold his treasures, ensuring his family was well-supported and grateful for the fortune that had turned their lives around.

One day, disaster struck when the Queen’s precious jewelry was stolen from the royal vault. A stern sheikh was dispatched to the town, tasked with uncovering the thief. He stationed himself at the local jewelry store, watching intently for the criminal who might attempt to sell the stolen goods. As Abdullah, with his basket of glittering jewels, arrived at the store, the sheikh’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. Without a moment’s hesitation, he accused the humble fisherman of being the thief, believing the timing of Abdullah’s appearance was no mere coincidence.

Abdullah of the Land was swiftly arrested and taken before the King. The Queen scrutinized the confiscated jewelry, and to her astonishment, she discovered that its craftsmanship was far superior to her own collection. Realizing the grave mistake, the King immediately ordered Abdullah’s release and issued a formal apology. To make amends, the King not only purchased all of Abdullah’s jewelry but also honored him with a royal decree: Abdullah was permitted to marry the Princess, the King’s daughter. Abdullah’s family moved into the palace, where they lived in magnificent splendor. As the King’s son-in-law, Abdullah was celebrated and respected throughout the land, his fortunes transformed from humble beginnings to royal grandeur.

Abdullah the fisherman and Abdullah the merman continued their fruitful partnership, and their conversations grew deeper with time. One day, as they enjoyed their routine exchange of fruits and jewels, their talk meandered to the subject of faith. With genuine curiosity, the merman asked, “Have you ever made a pilgrimage to the tomb of the prophet?” Abdullah of the Land lowered his gaze, his voice tinged with regret. “I have not,” he confessed. “In the past, my poverty made such a journey impossible.”

Seeing an opportunity, Abdullah of the Land asked if he could pause their trade while he undertook the pilgrimage. Abdullah of the Sea was pleased to grant him this time off but made one request: “Please take this deposit with you,” he said, handing over a small, symbolic item. “Although I cannot travel to land myself, knowing that you fulfill this wish would bring me great peace.” The merman was saddened by his inability to make the pilgrimage but found comfort in the thought that his friend would represent him on this sacred journey.

Abdullah of the Land graciously accepted his friend's request and expressed his heartfelt thanks. In return, the merman extended an invitation to a grand feast at his underwater home. Abdullah of the Land was eager to accept but regrettably explained that he could not join the festivities because he could not breathe underwater. With a thoughtful nod, the merman vanished beneath the waves, reappearing moments later with a shimmering golden ointment. This special ointment, made from the liver fat of the formidable Dandan fish, was renowned for its rich, pleasant aroma and was larger than any land animal. The merman offered it to Abdullah, explaining that it would allow him to breathe underwater and partake in the celebration.

Once the golden ointment was generously applied to Abdullah, he found himself able to breathe and swim effortlessly beneath the waves. As he explored the underwater realm, he was awestruck by the vibrant marine life and breathtaking scenery. Coral gardens burst with color, schools of exotic fish darted playfully around him, and shimmering aquatic plants swayed gently in the current. Abdullah marveled at the beauty of this hidden world, a realm full of wonders he had never imagined.

As the afternoon sun dipped below the horizon, Abdullah of the Land was escorted to the merman’s splendid underwater abode for the grand celebration. The underwater palace was adorned with radiant sea anemones and bioluminescent lights, creating a magical ambiance. Although Abdullah felt deeply honored by the extravagant feast, he found himself somewhat uneasy. The banquet was lavishly spread with an array of raw fish and marine delicacies, as cooking was impossible in the underwater realm. Despite his discomfort, Abdullah appreciated the merman’s generous hospitality and the effort put into the grand affair.

As the merman shared insights into underwater culture, Abdullah of the Land began to feel increasingly uneasy. Noticing his guest’s discomfort, Abdullah of the Sea inquired about what was troubling him. With some hesitation, the fisherman voiced his concern: “I must admit, I’m finding it difficult to adjust. It’s just that everyone here is unclothed, which feels quite improper to me.” The merman, understanding the cultural differences, listened with empathy, recognizing the challenge of bridging their disparate worlds.

As the merman showed Abdullah of the Land around his underwater world, they happened upon a rather unusual sight. A funeral was underway, but contrary to Abdullah’s expectations, the scene was filled with laughter and celebration. The so-called mourners were cheering and dancing with joy. Abdullah was deeply unsettled by this stark contrast to the somber funerals he was accustomed to, struggling to understand this unfamiliar expression of grief.

The merman, puzzled by Abdullah’s reaction, inquired about human customs surrounding death. “What do humans do when someone dies?” he asked. Abdullah of the Land, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, explained, “In our world, when someone passes away, we mourn deeply. We cry and feel a profound sadness over the loss of our loved ones. It’s a time of grief and reflection.”

Feeling increasingly frustrated by the cultural misunderstandings, Abdullah of the Sea decided it was time to end the visit. He escorted Abdullah of the Land back to the shore with a stern expression.

"Return the deposit!" he demanded sharply. The fisherman, taken aback by the sudden change, quickly handed over the precious deposit. The mood between them had shifted, reflecting the strain of their differing worldviews.

With a stern expression, the merman declared, "Our relationship is now severed. From this day forth, you will not see me, and I will not see you."

Abdullah of the Land was bewildered, unable to grasp his mistake. The merman, with a note of anger, elaborated, "I cannot trust someone who does not understand the joy of a soul returning to God."

"Is it so grievous to you that God takes back His deposit, causing you to mourn? How can I trust you to deliver my deposit to the Prophet when you struggle to accept the return of what God has entrusted? When a child is born, you rejoice because you know the soul is a deposit from the Almighty. Yet, when the soul is taken back, you grieve as if it were a loss. If you find it difficult to relinquish what God has given, how can you be trusted to handle my deposit? Therefore, our friendship is no longer needed," the merman concluded, his voice tinged with disappointment.

Afterward, the merman bade farewell and vanished beneath the waves, marking the end of their relationship. Abdullah of the Land returned to his palace in despair. Though his family continued to live in prosperity, Abdullah of the Land often visited the sea, hoping in vain to summon his lost friend, even though he knew the merman was gone forever.

Moral Message:

1. Understanding and Acceptance: Bridging cultural gaps requires deep understanding and empathy. The story highlights how different perspectives on life and death can lead to misunderstandings and conflict, emphasizing the importance of embracing and respecting diverse viewpoints.

2. The Challenge of Acceptance: Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may struggle to accept differences, especially regarding spiritual beliefs and customs. The story shows that not all relationships can overcome these challenges, and accepting this can be a difficult but important lesson.

3. Learning from Conflict: The story teaches that conflicts arising from cultural differences can be valuable learning experiences. They help us reflect on our own beliefs and how we interact with others, fostering growth and understanding.

Did you know?

Dandan is a mythical sea creature featured in Volume 9 of One Thousand and One Nights. In the story "Abdullah the Fisherman and Abdullah the Merman," it is mentioned that Dandan is the largest and most ferocious of all mermaid foes. It is said to be larger than any wild beast and would swallow a camel or an elephant whole if it encountered one. Dandan preys on weaker sea creatures, such as other fish.

However, Dandan is afraid of humans, or Children of Adam. If Dandan eats a human, it will die because human fat is a deadly poison for such creatures. Mermaids collect the liver fat of dead Dandans. When a human drowns and their body is decayed, Dandan might consume it thinking it is a sea creature. As a result, Dandan dies from the poison in the human fat. The mermaids then use the liver fat of the Dandan to anoint their bodies, allowing them to navigate the ocean safely.

Additionally, Dandan will die upon hearing a human voice. Even if there are hundreds or thousands of Dandans in one place, they will all die and be unable to move upon hearing a human sound. Therefore, if a human falls into the sea, mermaids will anoint them with Dandan liver fat and ask them to shout if they encounter a Dandan. With just one shout, the Dandan will die instantly.