The Trial of Zaal
English Story by Dr.Muhammad Iqbal Saqib
Translated by Hassaan Ahmad Awan
The Trial of Zaal
Written, Compiled & Researched by Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Saqib
News reached Zaal and Mehrab that the Iranian armies were marching toward Kabul. Mehrab was terrified upon hearing this, while Zaal was filled with rage. Without wasting a moment, he mounted his horse and rode towards the Iranian army, whose commander was none other than his own father, Sam Nariman.
When news of Zaal’s arrival spread through the army, some chiefs went out to receive him and brought him to Sam’s tent. Sam was astonished to see his son and did not know the reason for his arrival. Zaal greeted him and began to speak:
“O brave warrior! Your treatment of your friends is unmatched, but why do you treat your own son as an enemy? When I was born, you abandoned me in the mountains to die. Yet when God saved me, you realized you had done wrong. Now, after promising to fulfill my every wish, why are you attacking Rudabah’s father to stop our marriage? You even wrote to me that you would come to seek Rudabah’s hand for me. But instead, you joined hands with King Manuchehr to plot against her family so our union would be impossible. Remember! Truth and goodness never lose. As long as I live, I will not allow you to attack Kabul!”
Saying this, Zaal knelt before his father and cried:
“Father! Cut me into pieces with a saw, but do not attack Kabul.”
Sam was deeply moved by his son’s words. He realized obeying the king’s orders would be difficult. Filled with regret, he lifted his son with affection and said:
“Yes, my son, you are right. I have never treated you well. But do not worry now. I have a plan. I will write a letter to King Manuchehr and demand he respect your wish and abandon the attack on Kabul.”
Zaal rejoiced at these words. Sam summoned his scribe and dictated:
“O King! I make a humble request. You know how much I have sacrificed for you and your land. I have defeated mighty warriors of Mazandaran and Gorgsar, slain deadly dragons whose venom terrified the world. But now I am old, and my only support is my son, Zaal. He wishes to marry Rudabah, the daughter of Mehrab. I plead with you to allow this union and abandon the invasion of Kabul. Do not make me break my promise to my son.”
With the letter in hand, Zaal set off towards King Manuchehr.
Mehrab’s Fury
Meanwhile, Mehrab grew restless upon hearing of the approaching army. Calling Rudabah’s mother, he shouted angrily:
“Foolish woman! What I feared has come true. You misjudged Sam and misled me. Now the Iranians will destroy us. There is only one solution: Rudabah must be killed and her head sent to King Manuchehr!”
Rudabah’s mother trembled at these words. She knew Mehrab had forgotten his fatherly love in his rage. Quickly she thought of a plan and said:
“O ruler of Kabul! Let me go to Sam. Perhaps he will abandon the war. But promise me two things: do not harm Rudabah until I return, and give me treasures to present to Sam as gifts.”
With no other option, Mehrab agreed. Rudabah’s mother departed with precious gifts, escorted by eight horsemen.
The Meeting of Sam and Rudabah’s Mother
Sam’s soldiers stopped the caravan and asked who they were. She replied:
“I am Mehrab’s wife and Rudabah’s mother, here to negotiate peace.”
Sam, surprised, ordered her to be brought before him.
He asked her:
“Have you seen Rudabah? What kind of girl is she?”
She answered cautiously:
“O brave warrior, first promise me no harm will come to me or my companions, then I will speak.”
Sam promised safety. She continued:
“I am from Zahhak’s lineage, wife of Mehrab and mother of Rudabah. My daughter is both beautiful and virtuous. People praise her chastity. If you feel ashamed of this alliance, we will not insist. But if you wish, let the hearts of two lovers unite. Do not waste lives in war and bloodshed.”
Sam admired her wisdom and replied:
“O noble lady! Return to Kabul and tell all that Sam Nariman too desires peace. I want Zaal and Rudabah to be married. Whether Manuchehr consents or not, this marriage will happen. The gifts you brought will also be given to Zaal and Rudabah.”
Joyful, she sent a rider ahead to deliver the good news to Mehrab and herself returned.
The Happy News
A few days later, Zaal returned with King Manuchehr’s reply:
“Father, rejoice! The King is regretful. He has recalled his army and promised not to obstruct my marriage with Rudabah.”
Sam’s joy knew no bounds. He ordered his army to march to Kabul, not for war, but for peace and celebration.
When they reached Kabul, festivities began. The wedding lasted nearly two weeks, with friends and family offering congratulations. Zaal and Rudabah rejoiced that their true love had brought two rival powers together.
Soon, God blessed Zaal with a son, named Rustam. Astrologers foretold that this child would one day become a mighty warrior before whom no champion in the world could stand.
