The Tale of Attaf

This is an absorbing medieval Arabic story of Attaf, a man living in Damascus known for his generosity. The story starts when Harun al-Rashid wakes up one night and goes to the treasury with his vizier, Ja'far, to read a book. While reading, he cries three times and laughs three times. When Ja'far asks the reason behind it, the caliph sends him away and tells him to return when he knows the answer. Ja'far's father, Yahya, suggests he go to Damascus, where he meets Attaf, and exciting series of events follow.