The events of the story take place in ancient times, when a small merchant went to Juha to ask him for guidance on a ring maker to make a ring for him, as the price of making the ring would be cheap so he could use it in his trade. Indeed, Juha guided him to a skilled ring maker, but the price the ring maker requested was beyond the small merchant’s ability. So Juha devised a clever trick that got the merchant out of this situation, and he obtained what he wanted with ease.
The Story: It is known that Juha had many friends and acquaintances. Sometimes friends would come to him asking for services or asking him about the owner of some craft they wanted to have done. One day, a man named Hasan came to Juha and told him that he would start a new business in trade. He began explaining to him that he was a new merchant, didn’t have much money, and was trying his hand in the world of trade. So he decided to make a ring for himself to use in his dealings.
So he said to Juha: I want to make a ring, and I don’t have much money. Guide me to a skilled and cheap ring maker. Juha replied to him: No problem. I know a skilled ring maker, and we will negotiate with him. Let’s go.
The Ring Maker: Juha and Hasan set off immediately to the ring maker. On the way, Juha began asking him about his new trade and giving him some advice. Hasan didn’t want advice about trade as much as getting a ring that wouldn’t cost him much money, but he was forced to listen to Juha’s advice and showed much admiration for it.
When they reached the ring maker’s place, he welcomed them warmly and asked about his need. Juha said to him: How much does the single character on the ring cost? The ring maker answered: Ten dirhams. For you, since you are Juha, I will content myself with five dirhams, nothing more. Juha agreed immediately because he saw that the amount was very reasonable. Then he looked at Hasan and said to him: Hasan, in a sad voice: I have nothing but nine dirhams.
Juha’s Cleverness: Juha looked at him wanting to help him, but he didn’t have money at that time. Juha thought a little, then said to the ring maker: Make us a ring with the name “Has” (five). The ring maker was surprised and said to him in wonder: What is this name, Juha? Juha replied: What is your concern to you? Make what we want. Hasan wanted to object to this ring.
Juha signaled him to be silent and wait for him. The maker began making the ring. After he finished preparing it and the ring maker wrote the word “Has” for him, and when he was about to place the dot on the letter Ha to make it “Has” as Juha requested, Juha shouted in a loud voice: Stop, stop, stop. Place the dot on the last letter, the Seen.
The ring maker laughed much, having realized that what Juha wanted was the name Hasan. So the ring maker said to him laughing: That’s a clever trick, Juha. I should have been cautious of you, but I respect your cleverness. I will gift you the ring without you paying any dirham. The merchant left the ring maker’s place with Juha’s joy, having gotten the ring he wanted. His astonishment was settled, and he was amazed by Juha’s skill and cleverness.