Once upon a time there was a great Sheikh Ali, a holy man, who kept a holy tomb of an ancient prophet.  The tomb was on a hill under a big oak tree, and the white dome could be seen for miles around.  Lamps were kept burning day and night in the tomb, and if any one extinguished them, they were miraculously lighted again.  Men with sore eyes came to visit it and were cured.  The earth around the tomb was carried off to be used as medicine.  Women came and tied old rags on the limbs of the tree, as vows to the wonderful prophet.  Nobody knew the name of the prophet, but the tomb was called “Kobr en Nebi,” or “tomb of the prophet.”  A green cloth was spread over the tomb under the dome, and incense was sold by the sheikh to those who wished to heal their sick, or drive out evil spirits from their houses.  Pilgrims came from afar to visit the holy place, and its fame extended over all the land.  Sheikh Ali was becoming a rich man, and all the pilgrims kissed his hand and begged his blessing.  Now Sheikh Ali had a faithful servant named Mohammed, who had served him long and well.  But Mohammed was weary of living in one place, and asked permission to go and seek his fortune in distant parts.  So Sheikh Ali gave him his blessing and presented him with a donkey, which he had for many years, that he might ride when tired of walking.  Then Mohammed set out on his journey.  He went through cities and towns and villages, and at last came out on the mountains east of the Jordan in a desert place.  No village or house was in sight and night came on.  Tired, hungry and discouraged poor Mohammed lay down by his donkey on a great pile of stones and fell asleep.  In the morning he awoke, and alas his donkey was dead.  He was in despair, but his kindly nature would not let the poor brute lie there to be devoured by jackals and vultures, so he piled a mound of stones over its body and sat down to weep.

While he was weeping, a wealthy Hajji or pilgrim came along, on his return from Mecca.  He was surprised to see a man alone in this wilderness, and asked him why he was weeping?  Mohammed replied, O Hajji, I have found the tomb of a holy prophet, and I have vowed to be its keeper, but I am in great need.  The Hajji thanked him for the news, and dismounted to visit the holy place, and gave Mohammed a rich present.  After he had gone Mohammed hastened to the nearest village and bought provisions and then returned to his holy prophet’s tomb.  The Hajji spread the news, and pilgrims thronged to the spot with rich presents and offerings.  As money came in Mohammed brought masons and built a costly tomb with a tall white dome that could be seen across the Jordan.  He lived in a little room by the tomb, and soon the miraculous lights began to appear in the tomb at night, which Mohammed had kindled when no one was near.  He increased in fame and wealth, and the Prophet’s tomb became one of the great shrines of the land.