With perfect intention, I browsed through the article of Mr. Sayban Samat that was published in "The Island" on 28th December 2008. Even though I have not met him, I truly consider him to be a God-fearing Muslim, because of his interesting articles published in the papers. In the 3rd paragraph of his article, he has stated pertaining to "Persian Carpets". Obviously, this reminds me of the story of "The Demon and the Seven Bridegrooms" which is considered to be the most popular tale narrated in Persia even to this day. Hence I decided to present this article to enable the readers to realise the deep-rooted notion involved in this.

Nearly 500 years B.C., Raguel of Neneveh received a loan of ten talents of silver from Tobit a wealthy merchant in Neneveh and went to Persia to do business in "Carpets". His only daughter, Sarah, was young, attractive and beautiful. Demon Asmodeous fell in love with her. Truly a demon can’t marry a lady.

Hence Asmodeus once said to Sarah; "well if you can’t no one else will". Mind you, poor Sarah had been married seven times. On the wedding night, her new husband had been strangled by the demon. Assuredly Heavenly Father had assiduously witnessed this lamentable episode and sent his tall Archangel Raphael on a special mission to solve this painful pathetic problem. The "Holy Bibile" says this. During the period when blind Tobit, his wife Anna and Tobias, their only son, were starving, the angel Raphael entered Tobit’s small hut with a basket of food. After lowering the basket, the angel uttered peace to Tobit, Tobias and to you Anna. Really Anna, a talkative lady, said, yes God knows we need this. Who are you? How do you know all our names? Truly the angel was compelled to tell a lie in order to safeguard their interest. The stranger then told Anna, that his name was Azarias, son of Ananias of Nephtha. In a jiffy blind Tobit said, dear Anna I knew his father very well, he will certainly stay for dinner. Therefore, I consider telling a lie to safeguard a genuine person is not a sin. However, to safeguard a criminal, telling a lie is a grievous sin. After dinner when Azarias saw a leather chest in a corner, the stranger uttered oh! This leather chest is very beautiful. Immediately Anna said, this is the only thing that is left behind. Once we had a lovely home with servants and comforts. Now we have only a candle stick and a box full of rubbish. In a moment blind Tobit said, not rubbish, dear Anna, your wedding veil, my prayer shawl and some nice paintings of Tobias. Show this to our friend.

While rummaging the chest, Anna was surprised to find a small parchment, truly a receipt for a loan of ten talents of silver given to Raguel. Who is this Raguel? Tobit said, Raguel is indeed a nice man. He wanted to move his business to Persia. He was in Carpets; thought he’d do better there. Really ten talents of silver, is lot of money and we truly need it. Where does he live in Persia? I have no idea said Tobit. In a jiffy Azarias said Ecbatana. Then Tobias asked, how do you know? Azarias said, it may not be the right one, but there is a firm called "Raguel Carpets" in Ecbatana. I travel a lot and I was in Ecbatana recently.

I am told that Raguel is from Neneveh. Then Tobit said he is the person. Anna then said, to send even a paid messenger we haven’t a bean. Send Tobias perhaps, said Azarias. Oh Tobias! said Anna, he is a timid youngish man who had never been beyond the city gates. What if I went with him; truly I have to go in that direction tomorrow, good experience for Tobias and ideal company for me.

Then Azarias turned to Tobias, what do you say? Chance to help your parents, an ideal opportunity to prove your capability to your dad and mum, for them to know that you are a valiant boy now. Within a few seconds, Tobias gave his consent to go with Azarias. However Anna was against her only chick rushing off to an unknown place with an unknown man. Immediately, Azarias said, do not worry mother, your son is in good hands and of course he was. On the following day, Azarias and Tobias commenced their journey to Persia. When they came near a river, Tobias was eager to swim a little and went into the water. After a few minutes Tobias yelled, come on Azarias help me, a very big fish.

Azarias stood up advised Tobias, take the fish by the gills and hold its head out of water, do not be a coward, we will have it for our supper. Within a moment, Tobias dragged that big fish and proudly uttered Azarias, I fought him with my bare hands, look at the size of it? Then Azarias with a mild smile said, oh! timid Tobias today you have certainly proved to be brave beyond words. Now get your knife, do what I say, cut out its liver and the gall bladder and put them carefully into your bag. After a splended supper both slept well and on the following day reached Raguel’s place in Ecbatana and gave the receipt for ten talents of silver to Raguel. When Tobias saw Sarath, Raguel’s young beautiful daughter, immediately he fell in love with her. Without undue delay they got married. On the wedding night, Azarias instructed Tobias, when you two go to your room tonight light a small brazier outside your door and on it put the fish liver not the gall-bladder.

When the demon arrived at the door of the bridal chamber, it got mad because of the unbearable stench produced by the burning liver. Then Archangel Raphial stepped out and the fight was on. After nearly three hours Raphial subdued the demon and cast it down into the deep pit.

Truly, it was supposed to be the richest wedding party ever known in Persia. After a week the new bride and bridegroom went to Neneveh to get the blessings of Tobit and Anna with gifts and riches beyond description. Azarias told Tobias, get the gall-bladder and apply three drops of bile to a new handkerchief and give it to your father.

When Tobit wiped his face with that handkie, he joyfully shouted, what a wonderful handkerchief because I have re-gained my sight. Then Tobit told his son Tobias, when I was blind I could not see the face of Azarias, now I can see hence it is my duty to thank him profusely.

Immediately Tobias said we must give him the most generous gift. Azarias looked at them one by one with great great affection and told them, tipping is not allowed in my job, but doing the job is enough. Then Azarias muttered, I am not Azarias, I am Archangel Raphial. When Heavenly Father had clearly witnessed your past pathetic predicaments, he sent me to solve your problems. I am untenable help. Obviously this fascinating story is an ideal one to help the proud obstinate disbelievers of Our Merciful God to realise their folly and believe in him. To present this article, I obtained valuable data from the book of "BIBLE STORIES" authored by David Kossoff.