a Supernatural being or spirit; in the Islamic tradition, the universe is populated by ins (humans), jinn (spirits), and other creatures.
c For a Muslim, this pledge is second in importance only to the declaration that God is one and that Muhammad is His Prophet.
d ‘Id al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice), which comes after the pilgrimage to Mecca, builds both on the tradition of Isma’il and Abraham and on the need to pray for the dead through sacrificing a cow or sheep and feeding others.
e King Sulayman of the tales, David’s son, in Islamic as in biblical tradition. God gave him the power to rule over the jinn, the wind, and the animals.
f References to Greek knowledge and science abound in the tales and echo the cultural life of Baghdad in Abbasid times (750-1258 C.E.).
g In the Abbasid period, jurists tried to differentiate between nabidh (wine) and khamr (intoxicating wine); the latter is prohibited by the Qur’an. Nevertheless, many works within the Arabic poetic tradition celebrate the pleasures of wine.
h The Qur’an, the Holy Book of Muslims.
i Dervish; wandering Sufi or other mystic who gives up the life of this world.
k In Arabic, rukhkh; legendary bird of enormous size that was often mistaken for a rock or other large object; medieval geographers mention such birds.
l In this story, mentioning Paradise helps to convey the sense of amazement at the incomparable beauty of the place.
m Dish spiced with cumin.
n Eastern money. [translator’s note]
o Second-to-last Abbasid caliph of Baghdad; he reigned from 1226 to 1242 and built the university al-Mustansiriyah Madrasah between 1227 and 1234, on the eastern side of Baghdad along the Tigris River. He also continued the tolerance and interest in youth organizations of his grandfather, the Abbasid Caliph al-Nasir, and trained in knighthood, manliness, and knowledge.
p In Islam, pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the imperatives for the able and the capable; the journey is indicative of piety and renunciation of all evil.
q Isaac al-Mawsili (died 850), from Mosul in northern Iraq, was designated as the best lute player. He inherited his musical talent from his father, the celebrated Ibrahim al-Mawsili (Ibrahim of Mosul); they were both members of the caliph’s court and were considered the best singers and musicians of their time.
r Binding royal decree. The word is of Turkish origin.
s Although patriarchal traditions included polygamy, Islam tried to limit its ill effects by stressing the condition of justice among wives, which is impossible—the Prophet, in his last speech, said as much.
t Such a parchment, often worn on or close to the body, is considered a protection from danger or evil.
u Ja’far the Barmecide was the minister and friend of Caliph Haroun Alraschid; Ja’far was eventually executed by Haroun Alraschid [Harun al-Rashid].
v Kufa is south of Baghdad and a little below Najaf. It was founded in 638 C.E. by the Muslim military leader Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas after his victory over the Sassanid empire and the capture of Ctesiphon in 637 C.E.
w The name Badroulboudour signifies “The Full Moon among full moons.” [translator’s note]