Misusing God given powers leads to misery.Discuss the validity of this statement using Naguib Mahfouz story A man of Awesome Power.

In A Man of Awesome Power, Naguib Mahfouz masterfully explores the theme of moral decay brought about by the possession of supernatural abilities. The central character, Tayyib al-Mahdi, is initially portrayed as a deeply pious and ethically grounded individual. However, the power bestowed upon him—miraculously and without warning—becomes the very thing that exposes his hidden vanity, suppressed anger, and eventual descent into regret. Through Tayyib’s rise and fall, Mahfouz presents the chilling truth that even the most righteous person is vulnerable to corruption when granted unchecked authority.

 Tayyib’s Righteous Beginning and Divine Selection

At the outset, Tayyib is described as a devout man, “a lover of virtue” and “pious and observant.” He lives a quiet life in Nasr City, content and humble, and the power he receives seems to be a divine reward for his moral life. In a dream, a luminous figure declares that he has been chosen, and that the power to command the world using the divine phrase “Be!” is now his. This premise sets the stage for a story not of empowerment, but of testing—the power is less a gift and more a trial of character.

Early Benevolent Intentions

Initially, Tayyib is overwhelmed with joy and amazement at his new abilities. He tests them playfully—changing television channels with his mind and levitating objects in his apartment. These acts are innocent, and he believes he can now act out his long-held ideals. As the narrator notes, “He recalled his benevolent dreams for his country and the planet… he would reform reality with his own hands.” This reflects an idealistic and sincere desire to improve society, a desire born of frustration with inefficiency, corruption, and social injustice.

The Taxi Incident – First Abuse of Power

The first sign of moral erosion occurs when a taxi driver refuses to stop for him.Although this was not the first time such a thing had occured, Tayyib's irritation now was greater than in the past.He considered for a moment that he could make the dri er suffer an accident on the road.He even reminded himself that whoever has power like hom must use it only for good. Instead of dismissing the insult, Tayyib succumbs to anger. “His anger got the better of him,” and he bursts the vehicle’s tires. He even pretends to help afterward, asking the driver, “Can I be of any help?” This irony is bitter: the man who claimed to love virtue uses divine power to exact petty revenge. This incident signals a critical shift—the emergence of ego and entitlement now empowered by limitless ability.(page 2)

The Brute on the Bus – Anger Unleashed

Tayyib’s use of power soon escalates. While on a bus, he targets a disruptive brute whose rude behavior irritates him. He watched an argument erupt between the man and the woman but he could not hear what was going on between them.When the man suddenly slapped the woman's face Tayib was irritated The text says, “He focused all his anger” and caused the man to experience intense pain.Tayyib observed all this with satisfaction. Here, Tayyib becomes the sole judge and executioner, inflicting punishment without pause for mercy or proportionality. The line between justice and vengeance blurs, revealing a man losing control over his emotions and assuming the role of a self-righteous enforcer.( page 3)

 Controlling the media and Public Opinion – The Radio Presenter

The descent continues when Tayyib listens to a radio announcer expounding on promising developments expected in the future.He was annoyed. He commands him to tell the people what has already been accomplished. Frustrated, “his chest tightening in fury,” he causes the presenter to sneeze uncontrollably until the voice is silenced and replaced with a recorded song,'Walk Around and See'.Tayyib was intoxicated with a rapture of happiness and victory.He would terminate any talk that displeased him by making the speaker sneeze spontaneously. This moment reveals Tayyib’s authoritarian impulse—using power to eliminate dissent or annoyance. Rather than reforming the system through compassion or reason, he seeks comfort through control. The irony is that, instead of liberating society, he begins to suppress it by censoring the media of mass communication.

Sulayman Bey – Humiliation of the Powerful

Tayyib does attempt to tackle genuine corruption when he targets Sulayman Bey al-Hamalawi, a man known for tax evasion. Tayyib orders him to “go straight to the tax prosecutor’s office” and confess. He even visualizes the man’s public humiliation and “rubs his hands with glee.” While the goal might seem noble, Tayyib’s delight in Sulayman’s despair as he will be beating his head against the wall wondering what had befallen him is telling. Justice, in his hands, is tainted by personal satisfaction, suggesting his moral compass is steadily deteriorating.

 Sensual Temptation – The Tea Garden Woman

The final, most damning moment comes when Tayyib uses his power to satisfy his carnal desire. While at a tea garden, he sees a beautiful woman and is “swept by a surge of delight… his desire now ecstasy, he gave way to it in spite of himself.” This act crosses a clear ethical boundary. The divine power, once intended for the betterment of humanity, is now reduced to a tool for self-gratification. This is the climax of his fall—from benevolent reformer to indulgent manipulator.

Fall from Grace and Eternal Regret

After this final misuse, the power vanishes. Tayyib tries to change the TV channel once more, but nothing happens. It is gone. The narrator concludes: “An awesome sadness will haunt Tayyib al-Mahdi until the day of his death.” The punishment is deeply internal. He is condemned to live with the memory of what he was and what he did. The power was awesome, but its loss—and the guilt it leaves behind—is even more so.

In conclusion Mahfouz's story warns us that power does not change people; it reveals who they really are.Tayyib begins with good intentions, but unchecked power exposes his suppressed pride, anger, and lust. Tayyib’s tragic journey reminds us that real strength lies not in the ability to change the world at a whim, but in the wisdom and humility to resist the impulse to misuse such power.