Ramadan Arabian Nights 2025 : The Tale of Fatima,Halima and Karima “The Curious Case of Palacy Neighbour” EP.3

Ramadan Kareem.

We continue our tale for this year, the Tale of Fatima, Halima and Karima

But first, refresh your memory on what happened in last night’s episode.

Now, let’s gather around Scheherazade to listen to the third episode of our tale—or, to be precise, the 675th episode of the beloved radio show.

Episode 3: The Curious Case of Palacy Neighbour

When it was the seventy-fifth night after the six-hundredth, King Shahryar took his place as he did the night before, and Scheherazade began her tale as per their custom. She spoke:

“It is said, O wise and gracious King, that when Murjan the servant left the enchanted garden, he hurried directly to the royal court. There, he approached King Safwan, accompanied by the vizier and the prince, and recounted every detail of what he had witnessed. He described the magnificent beauty of the lady of the palace, their mysterious exchange, and handed over the golden basket containing the three clusters of grapes. The sight of the grapes stirred great astonishment among the three men.

As they examined the unusual fruit, they could not contain their wonder. One exclaimed, “I’m utterly baffled! These grapes are like nothing I’ve ever seen. Each cluster is more precious than gold.”

Another chimed in, “Look here, my lord! One cluster glows amber, like liquid sunlight; the second, green as the finest emerald; and the third, a deep, ruby red. Their sweetness lingers in the air, tempting even the most disciplined soul.”

Prince Wardan, overcome with longing, confessed, “I cannot live without her. My heart belongs to her alone. Father, I beg you to arrange my marriage to this lady of the palace!”

King Safwan, though hesitant, replied, “Son, you know I’ve always respected your wishes. If this is what you desire, I won’t oppose you. But we know nothing of her. Who is she? Where does she come from? What of her family or her origins? Before we make a formal proposal, we must uncover these mysteries.”

The vizier nodded in agreement. “Indeed, this palace and its surrounding garden are filled with riddles. Its fruits ripen out of season, its treasures are unlike anything we’ve known. We need to investigate further.”

At that, all eyes turned to Murjan. “You’ve already ventured there once. Perhaps you can return and uncover more of the truth?”

Murjan nodded resolutely. “My lord, there is a concealed opening in the wall of the garden. Through it, I can slip inside unnoticed. I will observe the palace and its inhabitants, and return with answers.”

The prince, full of eagerness, exclaimed, “Then delay no further! Go, Murjan, and may fortune guide your steps.”

That very evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Murjan crept through the hidden entrance into the garden. The world around him was eerily quiet, and the shadows of the tall trees stretched long in the moonlight. He climbed a large tree near the palace gate, carefully positioning himself among its branches. From there, he had a clear view of the palace and its surroundings.

At first, all was still. The palace loomed dark and silent, its windows like closed eyes. Murjan began to despair, thinking he might find nothing at all. But then, a flicker of light appeared. An oil lamp was lit, its glow piercing the darkness. Intrigued, Murjan stayed perfectly still, his eyes fixed on the source of the light.

Two young women emerged from the palace, their beauty unparalleled. Their elegance and grace captivated Murjan. As they approached the palace gate, the doors opened seemingly of their own accord, and suddenly, the entire palace burst into life. Lights filled every room, and the grounds were alive with activity. Servants and attendants appeared, bustling about, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

Murjan observed in amazement. “Where did all these people come from?” he wondered. “A moment ago, the palace was lifeless, and now it’s as if a festival has begun.”

He watched as the three women mingled among the servants, issuing commands and engaging in what appeared to be preparations for a grand event. Music began to play, melodies so enchanting that Murjan felt as though his very soul was being drawn into the rhythm.

As the night wore on, the women disappeared behind a large tree, and Murjan decided to follow them. But when he reached the spot where they had vanished, they were nowhere to be found. Puzzled and weary, he returned to his perch in the tree and waited until the palace fell silent once more. By dawn, all traces of life had disappeared, and the palace was as dark and still as when he first arrived.

At sunrise, Murjan returned to the court and relayed everything he had witnessed. The prince listened intently, his curiosity and desire only growing stronger. “This only deepens the mystery,” he said. “Father, we must act now. I cannot wait any longer to know the truth.”

King Safwan turned to the vizier. “Prepare for us to visit this palace ourselves. We will go in disguise, as merchants seeking shelter. Once inside, we will uncover the secrets of this enchanted place.”

The vizier bowed. “As you command, my king.”

That night, under the cover of darkness, King Safwan and his vizier disguised themselves as traveling traders. Carrying modest supplies, they approached the mysterious palace and knocked on its grand door. As the echoes of their knock faded.

And here, Scheherazade realized the dawn had come, and she fell silent, leaving the tale untold.

Here is the 3rd episode of our tale televised.

Till next night inshallah

You can check previous Ramadan Arabian Nights here.

In the spirit of Ramadan, I invite you to support UNICEF’s relief efforts in Gaza and Sudan as well as other places in the globe. Every pound, dollar, or euro can make a difference.