The biblical story of Jacob and his marriage to Laban’s daughters became all too familiar to one Arab diplomat. If you recall, Jacob was required to work seven years for Laban in order to marry his daughter Rachel. However, after the marriage ceremony was complete, Jacob realized he had been tricked and had actually married Laban’s daughter Leah. Leah was not as beautiful as Rachel and her eyes were described as “weak” in some biblical translations.

Perhaps this Arab diplomat would not have been so angered had he just discovered that his new wife had “weak” eyes, or in her case, crossed eyes. Instead, what made this man so upset was the fact that not only were her eyes crossed, but she also had a beard.

The bride had wore a niqab, or veil, over her face throughout the entire courtship. The groom thought he knew what she looked like based on pictures given to him, which in turn were actually of her beautiful sister. Horrified and angered at the fact he had been tricked, he quickly annulled the marriage and sued the bride’s parents.

Unlike Jacob however, it is unlikely the ambassador will seek to marry the bride’s sister.