Naguib Mahfouz's 'The Beggar' (Al-Shahhad) is a profound philosophical novel delving into the existential crisis of Omar Hamzawi, a successful lawyer and intellectual. Disillusioned with his life, career, and the superficiality of society, Omar embarks on a desperate quest for meaning, exploring art, philosophy, and spirituality. Mahfouz masterfully portrays his internal struggles, questioning the purpose of existence, the nature of happiness, and the futility of human endeavors. The novel is a poignant exploration of despair, artistic paralysis, and the yearning for authentic connection, making it a timeless work reflecting universal human concerns about life's ultimate purpose.