“We buried Sheikh Zanko together!”
In Jabal Amel, this popular proverb is used to describe someone attempting to deceive a partner who was part of the original lie. The saying is widely known across the Arab world, reflecting the cunning schemes some people employ for personal gain.
When asked about the origins and meaning of this proverb, historian Kassem Hejeij explained:
“This saying traces back to a story believed to originate during the Fatimid era. The Fatimids, after years of Abbasid suppression of shrine-building, allowed the construction of tombs and shrines freely throughout their territories.
The story goes that two swindlers were traveling when their donkey died near a village. Seizing the opportunity, they buried the donkey, built a small dome over the grave, and declared it the tomb of a saintly figure named Sheikh Zanko, a man of miracles.
Over time, travelers and locals began to visit the tomb, seeking blessings and leaving offerings. The two swindlers claimed to serve the shrine and collected significant wealth. Years later, a dispute arose between them over dividing the earnings. One swindler swore an oath by the tomb, prompting the other to retort, ‘We buried Sheikh Zanko together!’—a blunt reminder of the fraudulent origin of their scheme.”
Hejeij added:
“This proverb illustrates the baseness and deceit some individuals resort to. The story highlights the exploitation of the simple faith of ordinary people and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of questioning and understanding the truth behind beliefs.”
