The zakat quarrel, the move to the Kalmyk land and Barchin
Lessons 3–4 · 2 lessons · Q. Yo‘ldoshev, V. Qodirov, J. Yo‘ldoshbekov. Literature: textbook for Grade 9 of general secondary schools. Revised and expanded 4th edition. “O‘zbekiston” NMIU, Tashkent, 2019
3
“Alpomish”: the zakat quarrel and the move to the Kalmyk land
Textbook: pp. 12–17
GoalExplain the causes of the zakat quarrel, Boysari’s decision and the Qo‘ng‘irots’ move to the Kalmyk land; interpret the figure of Yartiboy.
New words
zakat (obligatory alms) · zakotjizya (heavy tax paid to a foreign, non-Muslim ruler) · juz’yaelder, respected old man · oqsoqolwealthy herder of the people · eliboy
Explanation
After Hakimbek speaks about generosity, Boybo‘ri thinks “my brother must not be called stingy” and sends his fourteen zakat envoys to Boysari. Boysari takes the words as an insult: his flocks had never been taxed before, and now that his brother has a son, it seems Boybo‘ri wants to make him dependent and remind him that he has no son. So he humiliates the envoys harshly and sends them back. He then prefers going to the Kalmyk land and paying tribute there to living by giving zakat to his brother, and asks his ten thousand households of kin for advice. The elder Yartiboy first keeps aside saying “we will not advise”, then backs Boysari: “wherever you move, we go with you”. So the ten-thousand-household Qo‘ng‘irot people leave Boybo‘ri and move towards the Kashal country of the Kalmyks; Oybarchin sets out too, in sorrow. The episode shows that a small misunderstanding and pride can split relatives apart.
Worked examples
Example: Boybo‘ri’s intention was good – he did not want his brother to get a bad name. But he sent officials as “zakat collectors” instead of someone close, and that manner hurt Boysari.
Example: the rich herders live by sheep, camels and horses and sow no crops; Boysari had “ninety thickets of horses”. The migration also fits this herding life: the whole people load their belongings and set out together.
Class activity
In pairs prepare a two-minute role play on “If you were Boybo‘ri, how would you have conveyed the zakat message to your brother?”
Practice
1
For what purpose did Boybo‘ri send the zakat collectors?
So that his brother would not fall short in generosity or be called stingy.
2
Why did Boysari take the zakat message as an insult?
Because he saw it as his brother putting him under himself and counting his wealth, and his pride was hurt.
3
How do Yartiboy’s first and second statements differ?
First he gives no advice and stays aside; then he pledges to move together with Boysari and supports him.
4
What conclusion do you draw? What should have been done to prevent the quarrel between relatives?
Even a good intention causes offence if put the wrong way; they needed open, respectful talk and the ability to set pride aside.