Among the ancient coastal villages of the United Arab Emirates, where the scent of salt and pearls fills the air, the legend of Baba Darya meaning “Father of the Sea” is one that every sailor knows by heart. It is a tale woven from waves, whispered between the crash of oars and the creak of wooden dhows. It is a tale of pride, fear, and respect for the unseen powers that dwell beneath the surface of the sea.
Long before the bright lights of modern harbours, Emirati pearl divers and fishermen lived by the rhythm of the sea. Every journey began with a prayer and ended with a tale, but none struck more fear into their hearts than the story of Baba Darya. The elders warned: “When the sky turns dark and the waves grow quiet, beware, for Baba Darya walks the waters.”
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They said Baba Darya was no ordinary spirit. He was a jinni of the sea, ancient as the first tide. Some described him as tall and shadowed, his body glistening like wet coral, his eyes like sunken lanterns lost in the deep. Others claimed he was formless a ripple in the water, a shadow beneath the moon whose presence could be felt but not seen. His voice, however, was unmistakable. It drifted across the sea in a low, sorrowful call, sometimes mistaken for a man drowning. And that was how the unwary were caught.
The Lure of the Sea Demon
Baba Darya’s favourite hour was between Isha (night prayer) and Fajr (dawn), when the ocean lay still and human eyes were heavy with sleep. He would slip silently onto the boats, his presence bringing a sudden chill. Sometimes, he would whisper like a man pleading for help, “Save me! I am drowning!” and compassionate sailors would rush to his aid. But those who leaned over the edge never returned. The waves would close above them with no sound, and only an empty spot on the deck would tell the tale.
Sailors learned quickly that mercy could be dangerous. They began to leave men awake at night, guarding their boats and reciting verses to keep Baba Darya at bay. Whenever they heard a strange noise or voice, they would shout:
“Hatou al-mishara wal-jaddoum!”
“Bring the knife and the axe!”
At this, the spirit would vanish into the mist, his eerie laughter echoing through the wind. It was said that Baba Darya feared iron, the weapon of men, and the strength of faith that often accompanied those words.
A Test of Vigilance
One night, a group of young pearl divers set out to sea, laughing at the old tales. “There is no demon,” said their leader, Rashid. “The old men use Baba Darya’s name to frighten us from sleeping.” They cast their nets and sang songs until the stars grew faint. But when midnight came, the sea fell silent.
A strange mist rolled in from the horizon, and through it came a voice, soft, trembling, and human.
“Help me! Brothers, save me! I am drowning!”
The youngest diver, moved by pity, leaned over the side. Rashid caught his arm. “Wait,” he whispered. But the boy shook free and reached out his hand. At that moment, a cold wind rushed through the boat, the nets twisted like serpents, and the boy was gone. Only the sound of the sea remained, and the faint echo of laughter.
Rashid fell to his knees. With trembling lips he cried, “Hatou al-mishara wal-jaddoum!” The men repeated the chant, their voices shaking. Slowly, the mist lifted, and the sea grew calm once more. They returned home at dawn, pale and silent, the memory of Baba Darya forever burned into their hearts.
The Legend Lives On
Since then, no sailor from the Emirates dared ignore the warnings. Every crew appointed watchmen for the night, keeping lamps lit and tools near at hand. Some even hung small charms of iron on the mast, believing it would keep the jinni away. Others whispered prayers before setting sail, trusting not in strength, but in humility before the power of the sea.
Even today, in seaside towns like Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, the story of Baba Darya survives, a reminder that the ocean, though generous, demands respect. Fishermen still speak his name in hushed tones when the waters turn still, and the younger ones, though skeptical, keep a lantern burning “just in case.”
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Moral of the Story
The legend of Baba Darya teaches that respect and vigilance are the sailor’s greatest protection. The sea may appear calm, but unseen forces dwell beneath. In life, as at sea, pride and carelessness invite danger, while humility and alertness keep one safe.
Knowledge Check
1. Who is Baba Darya in Emirati folklore?
Baba Darya, meaning “Father of the Sea,” is a jinni or sea demon from Emirati folklore who preys on careless sailors at night.
2. What time is Baba Darya believed to appear?
He is said to appear between the Isha (night) and Fajr (dawn) prayers, when sailors are most likely to fall asleep.
3. How do sailors protect themselves from Baba Darya?
They stay awake in shifts, keep iron tools like knives or axes nearby, and chant “Hatou al-mishara wal-jaddoum” to drive him away.
4. What is the moral lesson of the Baba Darya folktale?
The story warns against pride, carelessness, and disrespect for nature’s power, reminding people to stay vigilant and humble.
5. Why is Baba Darya important in UAE culture?
He represents the fears and beliefs of traditional seafaring communities, reflecting the dangers of life at sea and the spiritual respect for nature.
6. What symbolism does the sea hold in this folktale?
The sea symbolizes both livelihood and danger, a force that sustains and punishes, mirroring the balance of life and divine power.
Source: Adapted from the Emirati folktale “Baba Darya,” as shared in UAE folk traditions and educational archives (Amin’s English Corner).
Cultural Origin: United Arab Emirates (Emirati coastal folklore)
