Ramadan Arabian Nights 2025: The Tale of Fatima, Halima and Karima “He is just Mishkah ” EP.21

Ramadan Karim

Tonight, we will know what happened to Halima and Fatima after the return of Reema, without knowing what she had done to get rid of their sister Karima in the realm of Jinn.

But first, our little chitchat.

Tonight, we’ll speak about Mishkah and his history. Some believe it was Taher Abu Fasha who created the infamous duo of Mishkah and Reema. Interestingly, however, he did not invent them—both Mishkah and Reema already existed in Arab folklore.

There’s an old Egyptian proverb that says, “Run, Mishkah, for the one sitting in comfort.” The term Mishkah (with a kasra under the “m”) refers to someone constantly on the move, usually working hard for the benefit of someone else who remains idle. It echoes the sentiment of the saying: “Many strive for the comfort of another.” This appears in the 1949 book The Encyclopedia of Egyptian Folk Proverbs, described as the most important guide to Egyptian proverbs.

In a way, this describes our Mishkah exactly—always striving to please Reema.

The duo of Mishkah and Reema already existed in the world of proverbs and folklore. Taher Abu Fasha didn’t invent them; he revived them, giving them new life in 20th-century Egypt, where they came to represent a cunning, evil pair in modern Egyptian pop culture.

Even earlier, in Al-Mustatraf by the 14th-century Egyptian writer Mohamed Al-Abshihi—yes, you read that right—Mishkah appears alongside Reema as a couple: “They married Mishkah to Rima—neither of them is worth much.”

I also found references to this couple in Levantine folklore, where they were portrayed as equally deceitful. In one tale—unfortunately without a clearly traceable source—Mishkah asks Reema for money to buy his favorite grilled meat. Instead, her wicked side emerges: she roasts a rat and serves it to him, then urges him to falsely accuse the kind restaurant owner of serving it.

Mishkah, after eating his fill, screams publicly, drawing a crowd—and successfully extorts both meat and money.

That, indeed, is Mishkah and Reema.

Anyhow, let’s stop speaking about Mishkah and let’s see what he is going to do tonight.

And without further delay, here is the 693rd episode of our Arabian Nights Egyptian radio show—or the 21st night in this year’s tale, The Tale of Fatima, Halima, and Karima

Episode 21^st: Mishkah, who loves pretty girls

And when it was the six hundred and ninety-third night, and the following evening had come, King Shahryar once again took his seat as he had the night before.
Scheherazade approached at the usual hour—the king rose with joy to meet her, took her by the hands, and seated her in the place of storytelling, then listened with wonder and curiosity
As she began to say:

"It has reached me, O wise and fortunate king,
That when Reema had rid herself of Karima and secured the precious jewel,
She returned to her old habits.
She buried the gem deep within her chamber,
Fearing it might be stolen,
And resolved to wait until enough time had passed—
Time that might veil the memory of Karima's disappearance,
And cause people to forget all that had transpired.
Only then, she thought, would she decide what to do with the jewel.

And so, things continued, moving as fate had written.
Time flowed forward as if nothing had happened.

As for Mishkah,
He busied himself with mourning and lamentation—
Marching before funerals,
And robbing the shrouded dead.

The two orphaned sisters, Halima and Fatima,
Were brokenhearted over their sister’s vanishing.
They continued searching for her—again and again—
Until despair finally settled in their hearts.

One day, as they sat together, talking and weeping,
Reema suddenly entered.
She turned to them with a scolding tone and began—

Reema: "You're just sitting here?"

Halima and Fatima, in sorrowful unison:
"Auntie Reema…"

Reema: "What are you two doing here, then?"

Halima: "It's God’s will, what can we do?"

Reema: "The spinning? The thread you two were supposed to be working on?"

Fatima: "Thread?"

Reema: "What—you thought this was a lounge?
I don’t have the strength anymore to carry you both on my back."

Halima: "We’re not a burden, Auntie.
We spin, and by day's end we give you everything we earn."

Reema: "And what am I supposed to do with you, then?"

Fatima: "But—"

Reema: "Enough out of you!"

Fatima: "Auntie, these past couple of days we’ve been out searching for our sister—"

Reema: "Searching? For your sister?
And where exactly do you expect me to find her?
Do you know how much it costs just to feed you both?"

Halima: "Alright, Auntie, we’ll start spinning right away.
And as for our sister—God will care for her."

Reema: "Good—yes, yes. Both of you, inside now."

Fatima: "Can’t you speak to us a little more kindly?"

Reema: "Can you tell me where your sister Karima is?
Karima—who spent a night outside the house,
And the next thing we know, strange men are showing up at our door!"

Fatima: "Auntie, that’s not fair…"

Reema: "Disgrace—it’s disgrace that came right to our doorstep!"

Halima (sobbing): "Please, Auntie, don’t say such things about our sister…"

Reema, snapping: "You, girl—"

Halima: "You want us to spin, Auntie? We’ll spin. We’ll start right now."

Reema: "And from now on, each day one of you will go out—
Sell the thread,
Buy what you need,
And come back with the wool, the bread, and the oil.
Understood?"

The sisters: "Understood."

Reema: "Alright, I’m off now."

And later that day, Fatima went to open the door after hearing a knock, only to find Mishkah standing before her.

Mishkah (singing):
Mishkah, Mishkah, prancer and chancer—
Whether he comes or goes, he dies for the rosy-cheeked girls!

Halima: What now, Uncle Mishkah?

Mishkah: What do you mean what now, Halima?

Halima: We still haven’t found any trace of Karima.

Mishkah: May God deal with that one called Reema.

Halima: Aunt Reema may be harsh, but just like us, she’s grieving our sister’s disappearance.

Mishkah: Oh, my heart, my baby chicks… You see and stay silent…

Halima: Can’t you help us, Uncle Mishkah?

Mishkah: Your Uncle Mishkah would give his soul for rosy-cheeked girls like you.

Halima: That kind of talk, Uncle Mishkah, would get you in trouble with Aunt Reema.

Mishkah: Reema? You think I care about Reema? That old bat with the face of a barn owl?

Halima: You’re angry at her?

Mishkah: For what she’s done and the tricks she’s pulled!

Halima: I don’t understand your story or hers.

Mishkah: It’s enough that I have to wake up to her face every day. God protect me—ever since she married me…

Halima (laughing): She married you?

Mishkah: Of course! She married me, then divorced me.

Halima: And then?

Mishkah: And then took me back just to make me work for her and hand over the money. That’s why she sends me to funerals to steal shrouds! But, but—

Halima: But what?

Mishkah: Isn’t your sister Fatima here?

Halima: Why?

Mishkah: Just answer me.

Halima: Today it’s her turn—she went out carrying the yarn to sell, buy bread and oil, then come back.

Mishkah: Let’s hope that happens.

Halima: Hope what?

Mishkah: That what you said comes true.

Halima: What did I say?

Mishkah: Oh… if only you were here alone, so I could tell you…

Halima: Tell me what?

Mishkah: Tell you about your beauty… your charm…

Halima: Oh, come on now.

Mishkah: Your hair—I could get lost in it…

Halima: What’s gotten into you?

Mishkah: Your cheeks, like apples…

Halima: Uncle Mishkah!

Mishkah: Your Uncle Mishkah lives for rosy-cheeked girls!

Halima: Back off!

Mishkah: Why turn me away, beauty?

Halima: Are you out of your mind?!

Mishkah (trying to grab her arm): You've stolen my heart and mind!

Halima: Let go of me! Let me go!

Mishkah: You’re not getting away!

Halima: Help! Someone help me!

Mishkah: Don’t scream, Halima!

Reema (storming in): Leave her alone, you owl-faced creep!

Mishkah (terrified): Reema!

Halima: Aunt Reema!

Reema: You dog! Eyeing up young girls like that?

Mishkah (shaking): N-no, I didn’t! I wasn’t doing anything!

Reema: I just saw you flirting with her!

Mishkah: No, no, she’s the one who was flirting with me!

Halima and Reema (together): What?!

Mishkah: She’s always teasing me!

Halima (furious): I was flirting with you?!

Reema (laughing sarcastically): Because of her beauty and charm, right?

Mishkah: Yes! She was flirting with me and when she saw you, she pretended to be afraid!

Halima (on the verge of tears): Did it really come to this, Aunt Reema?

Reema: That’s enough now, Halima. Are you going to start a whole war over this?

Mishkah: Yeah, what’s with the war?

Reema: And you! You have the nerve to talk?!

(She slaps him hard.)

Reema: I’ll show you what war really looks like!

Mishkah (screaming): Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!

Reema: And that one—Fatima—she’s still not back?

Halima: No, not yet.

Reema: What’s taking her so long?

Halima: I don’t know.

Reema: You don’t know? What do you mean you don’t know?

Halima: I wasn’t with her.

Reema: And that’s something you say to me?

Halima: When she gets back, ask her yourself.

Reema: I’m afraid of what might come next. I fear what I’ll see from you two. Oh, the disgrace… the disgrace…

There’s a knock at the door.

Rima (to Halima): Ah, she’s back safe and sound. Go open the door for her.

Fatima (from outside): Open up, Halima.

Halima: Alright, Fatima.

Fatima (entering): Peace be upon you, Auntie Rima. Good evening, Halima.

Halima (in a sad tone): Good evening, Fatima.

Fatima (noticing): What’s wrong, Halima?

Halima: Nothing.

Fatima: Nothing? What do you mean nothing?

Reema (interjecting): Did you bring the bread and oil?

Fatima: Here’s the bread... and here’s the oil.

Reema: And where’s the rest of the money, you little sneak?

Fatima: Here you go—five Sahtoot exactly.

Reema: Good. Now light the lamp so you can spin yarn tonight. Divide the dinner among yourselves—it's all you’re getting till tomorrow's breakfast and lunch.
(turning to Mishkah)
And you—go on, Mishkah, get out.

Mishkah:No-no-no... I’m not going anywhere.

Fatima: What’s the matter, Uncle Mishkah? Are you scared?

Mishkah: Terrified… to death!

Reema: Then get in already!

Mishkah (reluctantly): Alright, alright… walking in like I’m heading to my own funeral.

In the world of jinn, on the Island of Forgetfulness, Karima sits alone with the Jinn Guard, Matouq.

Matouq: What are you crying about now?

Karima: I’m crying over my fate, and I’m crying for my siblings who don’t know where I am or who threw this curse upon me. Rima wronged me and had the Sultan imprison me instead of helping me.

Matouq: What’s with you, human girl?

Karima: I’m crying, and what’s it to you? Do you feel sorry for me?

Matouq: Pull yourself together, human.

Karima: I swear, the world doesn’t believe me. I’m not mad—I’m not crazy!

Matouq: Is there anyone who's mad and actually knows they're mad?

Karima: I’m not crazy. The criminal, the cursed one, is Rima!

Matouq: Alright, alright, calm down, daughter of Adam and Eve.

Karima: I told you, my name is Karima!

Matouq: You need to understand, Karima, we’re treating you with honor because of your aunt Rima. The Sultan himself gave orders for your treatment—he’s been instructed about you.

Karima: If you really want to honor me, get me out of this prison.

Matouq: Why, human? You’ve got food, drink, and clothes here. Whatever you need, we can provide. What is it you want? What’s missing?

Karima: What’s missing is my freedom. I can feel my humanity slipping away. You could lock a bird in a golden cage, but if it can escape, it will.

Matouq: If that’s your state, I can’t do much.

Karima: What do you mean, Matouq?

Matouq: God help you.

Karima: Please, please believe me! I’m not crazy! Believe me—today’s a day of opportunity, tomorrow is a day of destiny, and yesterday was a day of strength. You can talk to me. Ask me. Ask me anything, and maybe the Sultan will meet with me.

Matouq: I’ve gone to him, but he scolded me. But wait...

Karima: Yes?

Matouq: I’ll make sure Prince Zahran meets with you. Maybe he’s the one who can help.

Karima: Prince Zahran?

Matouq: If not the Sultan, then Prince Zahran.

The following night, in the house of the late Spindle, Reema and Mishkah are having a conversation.

Mishkah: Why do you get upset over this talk?

Reema: What do you mean by that?

Mishkah: Haven’t you gotten rid of Karima?

Reema:Yes.

Mishkah: What about Halima and Fatima?

Reema: You fool!

Mishkah: I deserve it.

Reema: This isn’t something simple. These matters require careful planning and arrangement—everything is connected.

Mishkah: Well then, let’s get back to the matter at hand.

Reema: Mishkah.

Mishkah: Reema.

Reema: Don’t even mention the precious jewel, Karima.

Mishkah: So, we live like beggars, Reema, when we own this great revolution?

Reema:What are you talking about?

Mishkah: Let’s just wait a few days. We’ve got ourselves trapped, caught in the dirt and stolen coffins.

Reema: Why don’t you understand? Are you trying to expose us? This jewel can’t be shown today—it has to wait.

Mishkah: For how long?

At this moment, the door knocks.

Reema:Wait—this must be Halima.

Mishkah: It’s her turn to go today.

Reema: Who is it, Fatima?

Fatima: It’s my sister, Halima.

Halima: Aunt Reema, Fatima?

Reema: Yes? What’s wrong, Halima?

Halima: You won’t believe what I saw with my own eyes.

Reema: What?

Mishkah: What did you see?

Fatima: What happened?

Halima: Sit down, I’ve got something to tell you that will surprise you.

Reema, Fatima, and Mishkah: Yes?

Halima: Wait until we all praise God together.

Reema, Fatima, and Mishkah: There is no god but God.

And then Halima began to tell Mishkah, Karima, and Fatima everything she had witnessed. Everyone gathered around her as she spoke, repeating the name of God.

At this moment, Shahrazad realized that the morning had arrived, so she fell silent, leaving the story unfinished.

Here is the 21st episode of our tale, televised

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 elsewhere on the globe. Every pound, dollar, or euro can make a difference.

Till next night inshallah