In a time long past, there reigned a king named Shahruzzaman. He ruled over the Kalidan Islands, which bordered the land of Persia. Shahruzzaman was well-respected and had gathered formidable forces to defend his kingdom. However, despite having four wives, all princesses in their own right, and a concubine, Shahruzzaman had not been blessed with a child to inherit his throne.
As he grew older, the absence of an heir began to weigh heavily on the king’s mind. Troubled by this, he discussed his concerns with his ministers. The king’s advisors suggested that he should turn to God in prayer and seek His blessings for a child, as only the Almighty could grant this divine gift.
Following his counsel, Shahruzzaman engaged in fervent prayer and supplication. One night, after returning from a battle, he performed ablution and prayed, humbling himself before God. As he raised his hands in prayer, he beseeched the Lord to grant him a child. And that night, God heard his plea, and the king’s wife became pregnant.
Months passed, and as the queen’s pregnancy advanced, King Shahruzzaman’s joy knew no bounds. When the day of the child’s birth arrived, it was a day as beautiful as a full moon. The king and his kingdom celebrated this remarkable event with great pomp and grandeur. Kings and rulers from far and wide were invited, along with renowned singers from around the world. The festivities continued for seven days, and the people rejoiced.
The king ensured that the wet nurses and attendants were given a special place in the palace, and they lovingly cared for the newborn, who was named Kamaruzzaman. The child’s growth and well-being were of utmost importance, and he was cherished by his father day and night.
As Kamaruzzaman grew older, he was entrusted to the care of great scholars, who began his education. He flourished under their guidance, and his extraordinary beauty became renowned throughout the land. King Shahruzzaman was wholeheartedly devoted to his son and spent every moment in his company, protecting him from any harm or discomfort.
However, as time passed, the king’s thoughts turned to his son’s future. He confided in his vizier, expressing his desire to see Kamaruzzaman married before it was too late. The king’s age was advancing, and he wanted to ensure his son’s happiness and secure his future before his own time came to an end. The vizier agreed, emphasizing the benefits of marriage and how it would elevate Kamaruzzaman’s status.
The king summoned his son, Kamaruzzaman, and shared his wish for him to marry while he was still alive. Kamaruzzaman, however, had a different perspective. He had read about the treacherous nature of women in books, and it had instilled a deep aversion to marriage. He expressed his concerns about the devious schemes and behaviors of women, suggesting that they were driven by wealth and not genuine affection. Kamaruzzaman believed that women would test a man’s love by manipulating him, especially when they saw signs of aging.
To illustrate his point, he shared a poem with his father, emphasizing the challenges that men faced in understanding the nature of women. He concluded that he would never marry, even if he were presented with all the treasures in the world, as he had no faith in the sincerity of women’s affections.
Though the king was disheartened by his son’s words, he masked his true feelings and chose to let the matter rest. Kamaruzzaman’s strong resolve and aversion to marriage had caught him by surprise, but he didn’t wish to push the issue further. With a smile, he dismissed his son, concealing the sadness in his heart. King Shahruzzaman continued to observe Kamaruzzaman’s growth, noticing his increasing beauty and the strength of his character.