The Pilgrimage (Allegory)
The protagonist is inspired by the famous medieval traveler Ibn Battuta but unlike him, Qindil’s excursion is more than a physical journey. Disillusioned by the corruption in his homeland he seeks to find a utopia in the land of perfection. The narrative is a commentary on the socio-political systems that have governed human civilization since the dawn of man. With each kingdom, it describes a stage in the evolution of organized society towards a perfect society. The journey is an allegory for the progression of human civilization and its fate in the future. The first two kingdoms represent the dawn of humanity and society where religion and social structures were still in their infancy. The next two represent the modern societies that are either liberal-minded or conservative.
Sun and Desert (Symbol)
The only two elements that are consistent through Qindil’s journey are the sun and the desert. Each is metaphorical in nature with the desert symbolizing the journey while the sun symbolizes the origin and essence of civilization. The realms orbit around the sun but in different positions which signifies they are evolving at distinct paces. The names of the kingdoms allude to the concept of from dawn to dusk as the sun rises and sets. The barrenness of the desert signifies the void the protagonist seeks to fill on a spiritual and intellectual level. The final destination is referred to as the mountain after the sunset which denotes the spiritual fulfillment and self-actualization that awaits.
War (Motif)
Conflict is a common motif throughout as the protagonist ventures into the kingdoms. Though the realms have adopted socio-political systems that suit their needs they still rely on war to solve political differences. Haira is focused on militarization unlike the primitive land of Mashriq which they later invade and occupy. Moreover, behind the dramas, there is a war looming between the kingdoms of Halba and Aman. The two kingdoms are direct opposites since their political ideologies are at conflicting ends of the spectrum.
Communism (Motif)
The novel was conceived during the Cold War, therefore, alludes to the tensions between left-wing and right-wing politics. The land of Aman is portrayed as a right-winged communist nation akin to the Soviet Union. The main focus of their socio-political system is utilitarianism where security, discipline, and order are the core principles. The rivalry between the left-winged Halba and Aman is a direct reference to the Cold War before the eruption of the eminent war. The system in Aman is restrictive as individual freedoms are not part of their policy unlike the land of Halba.
Spirituality (Motif)
In his quest, Qindil hopes to find a land where religion or spirituality is not tarnished by social vices. The motivation to leave his homeland was due to corruption despite the people adhering to the Islamic faith. In the next destination, he attempts to teach the Islamic faith to his son but he is exiled for introducing a new religion. The kingdoms have their own concept of spirituality but are mostly organized religions. Through the pilgrimage, he observes the failure of these institutions and views spirituality in a new way with the hope of finding it in Gebel.
