The Golden Shoes of Hamid🔊

Once upon a time, in the ancient city of Marakesh, there lived a humble cobbler named Hamid. Hamid was known throughout the city for the beauty and durability of his shoes. Despite his talent, he lived a modest life with his devoted wife, Aisha, and their three children.

One day, a wealthy merchant named Farid visited Hamid's tiny shop. Farid was an eccentric man who was known for his peculiar sense of fashion. He demanded Hamid to make him a pair of shoes not of leather or cloth but of pure gold. Farid wanted these golden shoes to be his crowning glory at the grand feast hosted by the Sultan of Marakesh. In return for this grand request, he promised Hamid a bag of 1000 gold coins, enough to pull Hamid and his family out of poverty.

Hamid was hesitant at first, as he had never worked with gold or anything other than leather and cloth. However, the thought of a better life triumphed over his hesitation. He accepted Farid’s offer and promised to deliver the shoes in a fortnight.

Hamid worked tirelessly day and night, mastering the art of moulding and forming delicate golden threads into the shape of a shoe. After countless hours, Hamid finally held the completed pair of golden shoes in his hands. They were beautiful and grandeur, just as Farid had desired. With a sigh of relief, he called Farid to collect his golden shoes.

However, Farid was not pleased with his new shoes. 'These golden shoes, though beautiful, are not fit for a king! I cannot wear these to the Sultan's feast! I want another pair, and this time make them fit for a king,' Farid roared and stormed out of the shop leaving Hamid saddened and worried.

Determined not to disappoint, Hamid crafted another pair of shoes. The second pair was even more elegant and grand, embedded with precious stones. But Farid was still not satisfied. Hamid went on, crafting one pair after another, all the while growing progressively weary.

One day, as Hamid was working on yet another extravagant pair of shoes, a mysterious woman entered his shop. She introduced herself as Fatima, and she was the town's wise woman and known for her magical powers. Fatima had heard about Hamid's ordeal and had come to offer her assistance. She gave him a golden thread and told him to sew the next pair of shoes with it.

With renewed hope, Hamid created a new pair of golden shoes, this time with Fatima's golden thread. The shoes had an enigmatic aura, and they seemed fit for a king. Farid, this time, was finally satisfied with his shoes and handed Hamid his bag of gold.

However, Farid never got a chance to wear his shoes to the Sultan's feast. As he put on the shoes, he felt a mysterious force preventing him from taking them off. The shoes made him dance uncontrollably. When Farid pleaded for help, Hamid realized that it was Fatima's magic at work. He also understood the wise woman’s intent - to teach Farid a lesson in humility and satisfaction.

With Fatima's guidance, Hamid removed the shoes, and Farid, embarrassed and humbled, promised never to judge nor value things based on their appearances. Hamid returned to his humble life, with his shop and his family. However, now he had a magical golden thread, a bag of gold, and a lesson learnt - that the more you want, the less you appreciate what you already have.