The story "بطل دون أن يدري" (A Hero Unknowingly) is a short story by Moroccan author أحمد عبدالسلام البقالي (Ahmad Abdulsalam Al-Bakkali). It tells the tale of a humble man who unknowingly foils a nefarious colonial plot during the delicate phase of Morocco's early independence.
In the early days of independence, shortly after the return of King Mohammed V, two men from the southern region visit the narrator's father. Without realizing the gravity of the situation, the father welcomes the men into their home, offers them tea, and engages in conversation. During their talk, the men reveal their involvement in a plot to destabilize the newly independent nation.
The narrator's father, through his unassuming demeanor and insightful questions, cleverly exposes the men's true intentions and subtly thwarts their plan. He does so without resorting to overt confrontation or revealing his awareness of their subversive motives.
The story highlights the importance of vigilance and the subtle ways in which ordinary individuals can make a difference in safeguarding their nation's well-being. It underscores the fact that heroism can manifest in unexpected forms and that courage can reside in the most unassuming of individuals.