العراقي والمروزي

A man from Marv often travels for trade and pilgrimage. Whenever he visits Iraq, a generous man welcomes him and pays for his stay. The visitor repeatedly says that he hopes to receive his host in Marv and repay his kindness.

Years later, the Iraqi has business in that region. Knowing someone there makes the difficult journey seem easier. He goes straight to his old guest and embraces him, but the man acts as though they have never met.

The Iraqi thinks his travelling clothes must be hiding his identity. He removes his face covering, then the cloth wrapped around his head, and gives his name. Each attempt meets with stronger denial. He begins to wonder whether his small cap is the problem.

The other man finally declares that he would not recognise him even if he came out of his own skin. His refusal is deliberate: changing his appearance cannot solve it.