Chapter 7, The Hermit Summary

A hermit lives on a mountain where he survives on the milk and wool of flocks of sheep. Allah tests the hermit by sending him a beautiful angel in the form of a woman. The woman angel tries to tempt the man into a relationship, but the hermit refuses the advances of the angel and sends her away. Allah sends the man a servant, a fellow who also believes in Allah, and the two men worship and live in purity until the end of their days.

Chapter 7, The Hermit Analysis

The hermit and the man sent to serve him live in harmony with Allah and with his creatures so they live simple lives of peace. Shahrazad masterfully suggests through this story that there is another way to retain a man's honor other than killing unfaithful wives. To kill in...