Sheik al Junaydi -- The Thief and The Dogs

The Thief and The Dogs was published after the Egyptian revolution, where Mahfouz intentionally provides each character with a purpose that enhances the theme of the story. From Rauf that represents betrayal to Nur that represents love, all these themes can simply be seen through their actions and dialogues. In contrary, Sheikh Al Junaydi is a character of which Mahfouz purposely creates provides vague interpretation so as to represent the theme of "fate and free-will".

Looking at the context of this novel, it can be argued that Sheikh Al Junaydi is representing the theme of free-will; when he provides necessary aid to Said. An example is where Said Mahran is released from jail and has no place to stay. Said decides to stay over Sheikh's house, which can be argued that Sheikh's house is a location that is placed outside Said's fate. The author, in this circumstance, provides an opportunity to Said to have a wisely thought and decision about his future plan; either he wants to continue to follow his fate or breaks out to his own free-will. The fact that Sheikhs provides food and shelter to Said extends Said's disaster. 

However, I believe that Sheikh Al Junaydi is also representing God and Fate because of his role in the mosque. Throughout the novel, there are many events that could be used to support the idea of Sheikh's representation of Fate. One thing that could be easily identified is that Said does not or could not actually comprehend most of the Sheikh's words. This has a correlation to Said's fate as he usually questions what happens to him. When Said receives advice from Sheikh and does not understand, it is coherent to when Said could not reflect on his own actions, and still carries on what readers easily identify as morally and physically wrong (killing innocent people for his sake of revenge).

I believe that Sheikh is created to be Said's prospect and security as he tries to lead Said's with his words of thought while provides him with aid. He is the one who provides an opportunity to escape from fate (revenge) and pursue his ordinary life (with or without his daughter). I believe that the Sheikh is added into the novel in order to enhance the theme of fate and free-will. As stated that he could represent both sides of the theme, his contribution to Said Mahran is a development of Said's character. Sheikh is represented as a bridge for Said to be used when Said has obstacles. By including Sheikh to the novel, the readers are provided with two-sided views to the theme, which might enhance understanding of the text.