What was the motivation behind the grocers' refusal to give Baba oil, and how did they react after witnessing his miracle?

The grocers' refusal was driven by a collective, wicked idea to stop what they considered a nuisance. As Chapter 5 explains, Baba would get oil for free every day, and the shopkeepers conspired to end this practice. However, their attitude shifted dramatically after the miracle. Upon seeing the water-filled lamps burn brightly all night without any oil, the grocers were utterly amazed, putting their fingers in their mouths in shock. They immediately felt repentance, realizing they had sinned by lying and had given Baba needless trouble. The text states they began to tremble, acknowledging the immense power of Baba.