KS

Zaabalawi Notes

Initial Encounter and Zaabalawi's Reputation

  • Introduction to Zaabalawi

    • The narrator first learns about Sheikh Zaabalawi through childhood stories and family discussions.

  • Zaabalawi's Transformative Qualities

    • He is portrayed as someone who can significantly change one's perception and experience of the world.

  • Father's Reverence

    • The narrator's father deeply respects Zaabalawi, considering him a saint blessed by God, capable of easing worries and solving problems.

    • The father always wished for Zaabalawi's blessing.

  • Reputation for Miracles

    • Zaabalawi is known for performing miracles, earning him admiration, especially from the narrator's father, who often spoke of these wonders.

The Narrator's Affliction and Quest

  • Unexplained Illness

    • The narrator suffers from a persistent illness that does not respond to standard medical treatments.

  • Seeking Zaabalawi

    • Inspired by stories of Zaabalawi, the narrator seeks him out as a potential healer, viewing him as a last resort.

  • Recollection of Khan Gaafar

    • The narrator recalls his father mentioning an encounter with Zaabalawi in Khan Gaafar, at the home of Sheikh Qamar, a legal expert in religious courts.

  • Beginning the Quest

    • The narrator starts his search at Sheikh Qamar's residence, hoping to find information about Zaabalawi's whereabouts.

Encounters and Disappointments

  • Search for Sheikh Qamar

    • The narrator learns from a vendor that Sheikh Qamar has moved to Garden City, with his office now in al-Azhar Square.

  • Meeting Sheikh Qamar

    • Upon arriving at Sheikh Qamar's office, the narrator is greeted with a formal reception, typical for prospective clients.

  • Sheikh Qamar's Vague Recollection

    • Sheikh Qamar remembers the narrator's father and his past connection with Zaabalawi, but claims it was long ago and his memory of Zaabalawi is unclear.

  • Direction to Birgawi Residence

    • When asked about Zaabalawi's current location, Sheikh Qamar directs the narrator to the Birgawi Residence, located in a densely populated area of the city.

  • The Dilapidated Residence

    • The Birgawi Residence is run-down, and the caretaker vaguely remembers Zaabalawi but doesn't know where he is now.

  • Caretaker's Reminiscence

    • The caretaker recalls Zaabalawi's visits and conversations about the past, noting the sense of blessing his presence brought.

  • Inquiries in the District

    • The narrator asks shopkeepers about Zaabalawi, receiving mixed responses: some are unfamiliar, others recall him nostalgically but don't know his current location; some dismiss him as a fraud.

  • Disheartened Return

    • The narrator returns home discouraged, his hope fading after the unsuccessful encounters.

A Glimmer of Hope and Further Inquiry

  • Seeking Help from a District Officer

    • The narrator seeks help from a district officer, noticing he wears a European jacket with a traditional robe.

  • Officer's Acknowledgment

    • The officer admits Zaabalawi is hard to find and doesn't have a permanent address.

  • Detailed Map

    • The officer shows a detailed map of the district, marking houses, the Quarter of Perfumes, the Quarter of the Coppersmiths, the Mouski, police and fire stations, cafes, mosques, prayer-rooms, and the Green Gate.

  • Systematic Search

    • The officer advises a thorough search but admits he hasn't seen Zaabalawi recently.

  • Guidance to Hassanein

    • Guided by the officer, the narrator seeks Hassanein, a calligrapher in Umm al-Ghulam, known to be friends with Zaabalawi.

  • Hassanein's Description

    • Hassanein confirms Zaabalawi was his teacher, describing him as mysterious, often visiting and disappearing without warning.

  • Zaabalawi's Qualities

    • Hassanein mentions Zaabalawi's impeccable taste and unforgettable beauty.

The Musician's Tale

  • Information from a Vendor

    • The narrator learns from a lupine vendor that Zaabalawi was recently at the house of Sheikh Gad, a composer in Tabakshiyya.

  • Arrival at Sheikh Gad's House

    • Sheikh Gad welcomes the narrator into his traditionally decorated home.

  • Zaabalawi's Visit

    • Sheikh Gad recounts that Zaabalawi spent the entire night during the Lesser Bairam and chose the poem to be played.

  • Zaabalawi's Influence

    • Sheikh Gad shares stories of how Zaabalawi inspired his music, joking with the children and playfully punching Gad when he lacked inspiration.

  • Musical Essence

    • Sheikh Gad describes Zaabalawi as the essence of music, noting even a brief encounter could stir deep emotions.

  • Jasmine Petals

    • Sheikh Gad remembers Zaabalawi playing with a string of jasmine petals.

  • Direction to Hagg Wanas

    • Inquiring about Zaabalawi's location, Sheikh Gad directs the narrator to Hagg Wanas al-Damanhouri, a man of independent means who frequents the Negma Bar in Ali Street.

The Encounter with the Drunkard

  • Finding Wanas al-Damanhouri

    • The narrator finds Wanas al-Damanhouri at the Negma Bar, sitting behind a pillar surrounded by mirrors and alcohol.

  • Wanas's Intoxication

    • Wanas is absorbed in his drunken state and initially unaware of the narrator.

  • Demand for Indulgence

    • Wanas insists the narrator must drink alcohol to have a meaningful conversation, threatening a lack of understanding otherwise.

  • Compliance

    • The narrator hesitantly drinks the wine, feeling a burning sensation in his stomach and the need to get drunk.

The Dream and Disappearance

  • Dreamlike Vision

    • The narrator blacks out and has a dream of a garden with fragrant branches, filled with serenity and harmony, with the universe in a rapturous dance.

  • Revelation

    • Waking up, the narrator is told by Wanas al-Damanhouri that Zaabalawi was there, playing with jasmine petals.

  • Search for the Sheikh

    • Wanas had sent a vendor to find and bring back the sheikh

  • Zaabalawi's Departure

    • The narrator learns that Zaabalawi has left and won't return to Cairo until the cotton harvest, prompting street boys to seek shelter.

Lingering Hope and Acceptance

  • Commitment to Wait

    • The narrator decides to wait patiently, hoping to eventually meet Zaabalawi.

  • Steadfast Conviction

    • Despite despair and no updates from Wanas, the narrator remains convinced of the need to find Zaabalawi.

  • Universal Knowledge

    • The narrator acknowledges that many weary people know of Zaabalawi.

  • Loss of Contact

    • The narrator stops getting updates and learns W