Alvira climbed over the gate and quietly climbed the stairs to her flat. "Damn neighbors, damn neighborhood' she mumbled as she reached for her cell phone. She didn't want to ring the door bell at 3.00 am in the morning in case the neighbors woke up. Her boyfriend Ritesh has dropped her around the corner so that her neighbors wouldn't hear the bike. "Pick up your phone", Alvira sweared beneath her breath.
"Hello" came a sleepy soft voice. "Hey, it's me!! Open the door, I am outside" Alvira whispered to Sakina, her roommate. She could feel Sakina jumping out of her slumber- partly from surprise and partly from shock. "What time is it?” Sakina asked. "First open the door. Quick!" Alvira replied exasperated. Sakina got up and opened the door.
Alvira came in quietly and closed the door. "Thanks and sorry to disturb you" She threw her bag on the sofa and walked to her room removing her jacket. Sakina could smell smoke and perfume and she knew Alvira would be coming from her club parties. "It's three in the morning! You've gone too far now!" She told Alvira in a stern voice.
Alvira turned and laughed, throwing the hair over her shoulder. "Just chill babe. We had a new DJ playing and wooooooo", Alvira twirled around "It was fun. Sad you don't come" Alvira gave Sakina a look of pity.
Alvira and Sakina had met at the University campus on their first day of school. Alvira recognized Sakina as a Muslim because of her scarf and she went and introduced herself. Sakina had become over zealous to know that Alvira was also in her class. Sakina came from a small town somewhere in the middle of India. Alvira was from Dubai. She had come back to India to do her degree studies. At least that is what she told her parents. The fact was, she wanted her freedom away from home and that was why she chose to study away from home. She and Sakina had agreed to be roommates and the best part was; Alvira's parents were happy. They liked Sakina and thought Alvira would be safe with a good Muslim friend.
In the first year itself, Alvira found herself a boyfriend. She was pretty, confident and everyone loved to be around her. When she entered the room, it became fun and everyone wanted to be with her. Sakina on the other hand was quite and a serious student. She went to college, attended the classes and went back home to continue studying. Sakina and Alvira had little in common. Alvira studied fours hours before the exams and scored eighty percent. Sakina studied twelve hours a day and scored ninety and above.
The only common thing which they shared was - they belonged to the same faith. Islam. Alvira never thought about it while Sakina lived it. For Alvira, Sakina was a nice hassle free alibi for her parents. Since she was staying with such a responsible girl, her parents felt at rest.
Sakina had realized within a month that Alvira was a flirt. She saw her in class, the way she would talk to boys and laugh. While Sakina prayed all her prayers, Alvira didn't believe in praying. Sakina had asked her many times to pray, indirectly and politely but Alvira was not interested. At times Sakina saw a guilty look in Alvira's eyes and at times, just darkness. Alvira did fast though during the month of Ramadan but as soon as the month was over, she was back to being the carefree or rather careless teenager. The choice of clothes were designer tank tops, cut jeans, and many revealing dresses. There was no doubt that Alvira was beautiful. She has flawless fair skin, lovely hazel eyes, beautiful hair and she stood out on her five feet six inches. Sakina had seen at least ten guys fall for her within a year of college.
To her dismay, Alvira decided to make Ritesh, a spoilt rich boy her boyfriend. It had been now a year since Alvira had started going out with him, to clubs, parties and at times they'd spend the weekend at vacation spots like Goa and Ooty. Sakina was now beyond shock. She had contemplated many times to tell Alvira's parents and once she did. She called up Alvira's parents and explained that she was going out with a guy.
All hell had broken loose then. Alvira's father came down from Dubai and threatened to take her away if she did not stop. Alvira had given a betrayed look to Sakina and Sakina looked away. She loved Alvira in her strange way. No matter how many times she ignored Sakina and used her for her personal gain, Sakina loved Alvira, her spirit, her intelligence and at the end of the day, no matter how she was, she was her Muslim sister.
Alvira's dad left after two days. Alvira promised him she would break up with her boyfriend and try to 'become like Sakina' as her father mentioned. For the next week, Alvira did not talk to Sakina. Alvira gave Sakina a cold shoulder and her nights out increased even further. "You have no right to interfere in my business. As you say, God gave us a mind to think and a will to choose. I have thought and I have chosen. This is my life so mind your own business".
That night Sakina had cried to sleep. She had gone out to help a friend, a friend who was not realizing what she was doing only to be hurt by her words. She decided then that she would not interfere, advice or say anything to Alvira. She would remain her loyal friend, from heart and from faith but like Alvira said - she had chosen her life and it was her right.
But there was one thing she never stopped doing. She never stopped praying for Alvira. After every Salaat, she would pray to God to help her friend come back to the right path.
Days past after the night Alvira came late. Exams were approaching and as usual Sakina helped Alvira understand all the subjects within a week of the examinations. When the results came out, Alvira had got 85% while Sakina 92%. "You study twelve hours a day and I just four hours before exam yet we have only a difference of 7%" Alvira smirked at her friend. Sakina smiled "Actually, I should thank you. It's by teaching you that I achieve such high marks. Not only do I understand the concepts well but they are reinforced by explaining them to you. You also make me think when you ask your smart questions. I don't think I would have achieved 92% without you." Sakina smiled at Alvira. "So thank you" she said shyly.
Alvira was speechless. She had intended to be mean and her friend was actually thanking her. "That's ok" she said dismissingly and looked away. "I've got to go. Ritesh is taking me for dinner. It's a surprise. I think it's going to be The Leela. I always wanted to go there" she gushed on excitedly. Sakina kept quite. She kept her face neutral. Alvira knew Sakina did not approve but she cared nothing for it. She was happy and her happiness meant everything to her.
That night Sakina decided to read the at least three chapters of the Holy Quran, the book of Allah Taala. Sakina found great peace in reading Quran. She did not understand Arabic so she read the translation in English along with Arabic. That way she understood what her Lord was telling her and many a times she would weep over the love that Allah showed for her through His book. Yes for her. For Sakina. Sakina knew that Allah Taala had sent the book as guidance to mankind and what amazed her was as she read, she felt that God was talking to her personally. Addressing her, guiding her, admonishing her, showing his Signs and narrating about the great prophets of aforetime, May peace be on all of them. Sakina looked forward every evening to read the Holy Quran. She was not a strong woman but rather, through her own niceness which she couldn't see, she was a woman of strength, strength that she derived from the Holy Quran.
"I'm going! I'm taking the keys so I won't disturb you if I come late", Alvira cried out as she ran down the staircase. Sakina was at that time bowing down and said a small prayer to protect Alvira. She finished her prayers and sat down to read the Quran Shariff. She read for over an hour and then felt sleepy. She still wanted to read more so she decided to take a small nap and continue reading. She left her bookmark on the page and lied down on her bed. Before she knew it, she was fast asleep.
Alvira came back at 11.30 p.m. As she had guessed, Ritesh had taken her out to the Leela's and she had loved it. Everything was perfect for her. She never thought of tomorrow or the future. It was foolish to do so. Enjoy the present. That was her motto. When she entered the house, she saw Sakina's room light was on. She went in and saw Sakina peacefully sleeping. Her prayer mat was laid out and the Holy Quran was on the stool on her mat. Alvira went forward to fold the prayer mat. She guessed that Sakina would have slept while reading the Quran. As she was about to pick the Holy Quran, she hesitated. A million thoughts ran over her mind.
"You are unclean"
"You are not a good woman. Only the good touch the Holy Book"
"You are an evil woman"
Alvira stepped back. She didn't know where the thoughts came from. She didn't like them. She felt suffocated. She looked at the prayer mat, the Holy Quran; she couldn't leave them there lying open. She got up, went to her room, and changed into one of the decent salwar suits she had which she used only for Eid. She went to the bathroom and did ablution. She didn't remember when she had done it last. She washed her hands, her face, her arms, she wiped her head, her ears, neck and legs. She was surprised to find she had not forgotten the duas to pray. She walked into Sakina's room, put the dupatta, the long scarf around her head and kneeled down to pick the Holy Quran. As she held it in her hands, she sat down and without a thought opened it. Sakina had kept her book mark at Surat-ul-Al-Imran. The chapter on the family of Imran.
She sat... and read... she read the whole Chapter. Her face changed from curiosity to deep thought to fear to regret to hope to amazement. She went through a bundle of emotions. Her heart filled up and she felt her throat becoming clogged. One by one, tears started flowing from her eyes. She didn't know why she was crying. Was it at the truth that was before her eyes, or that she had gone by life without any direction and here she found one or that she had never thought of her Creator and how much He loved her. Yes HER. As bad and as many mistakes as she had done, she did not find condemnation but rather a guiding hand. She had found... a treasure.
After she finished reading the chapter, she held the Quran to her chest and cried and cried.
"Oh my Lord, forgive me. Forgive me. Forgive me. Oh my Lord, I acknowledge you as my God. My one and only God and Mohammed your Messenger. I come to you with regret for what I have done. For all the years I have lived never acknowledging you, for all the evil I have done. I beg forgiveness from you my Lord and I beg of you to guide me to your rightful path, to your promised heaven and protect me from hell. I come to you Lord with hope in my heart that you are the most merciful."
With that prayer on her lips, Alvira bowed down her head and cried for a long time. Her crying woke up Sakina and as she focused her eyes, she could not believe that she was seeing Alvira bowing down to God. She felt her eyes mist as she got up and sat next to Alvira. When Alvira got up, Sakina handed her her handkerchief and they hugged. They were both crying. There was no need of words. The heart of one believer can understand each and every heart beat of another believer.
That night changed Alvira forever. It was not easy for her. But an inner light, strength, a faith she had not anticipated gave her courage. She first broke off with Ritesh. She told him about her experienced and how she realized she was on a lost path. Ritesh did not understand. He thought she had gone mad. After many accusations, pleadings, Ritesh realized that Alvira was firm in her decision. He left and though Alvira felt her heart was breaking, she did not shake from her belief.
The days that came saw Alvira turn from a flirt to a respectful girl, she covered her self, her confidence grew more, she studied more now with Sakina and even enrolled in Islamic studies. She went home and had a heart-to-heart talk with her parents. Her parents were speechless. Partly from disbelief at the sudden change in Alvira and partly from immense happiness.
As for Alvira and Sakina, their friendship grew even stronger. When they parted at the end of their degree studies, Alvira gave Sakina a beautiful prayer mat and a thank you note:
"To my friend, who did not give up on me"
"Hello" came a sleepy soft voice. "Hey, it's me!! Open the door, I am outside" Alvira whispered to Sakina, her roommate. She could feel Sakina jumping out of her slumber- partly from surprise and partly from shock. "What time is it?” Sakina asked. "First open the door. Quick!" Alvira replied exasperated. Sakina got up and opened the door.
Alvira came in quietly and closed the door. "Thanks and sorry to disturb you" She threw her bag on the sofa and walked to her room removing her jacket. Sakina could smell smoke and perfume and she knew Alvira would be coming from her club parties. "It's three in the morning! You've gone too far now!" She told Alvira in a stern voice.
Alvira turned and laughed, throwing the hair over her shoulder. "Just chill babe. We had a new DJ playing and wooooooo", Alvira twirled around "It was fun. Sad you don't come" Alvira gave Sakina a look of pity.
Alvira and Sakina had met at the University campus on their first day of school. Alvira recognized Sakina as a Muslim because of her scarf and she went and introduced herself. Sakina had become over zealous to know that Alvira was also in her class. Sakina came from a small town somewhere in the middle of India. Alvira was from Dubai. She had come back to India to do her degree studies. At least that is what she told her parents. The fact was, she wanted her freedom away from home and that was why she chose to study away from home. She and Sakina had agreed to be roommates and the best part was; Alvira's parents were happy. They liked Sakina and thought Alvira would be safe with a good Muslim friend.
In the first year itself, Alvira found herself a boyfriend. She was pretty, confident and everyone loved to be around her. When she entered the room, it became fun and everyone wanted to be with her. Sakina on the other hand was quite and a serious student. She went to college, attended the classes and went back home to continue studying. Sakina and Alvira had little in common. Alvira studied fours hours before the exams and scored eighty percent. Sakina studied twelve hours a day and scored ninety and above.
The only common thing which they shared was - they belonged to the same faith. Islam. Alvira never thought about it while Sakina lived it. For Alvira, Sakina was a nice hassle free alibi for her parents. Since she was staying with such a responsible girl, her parents felt at rest.
Sakina had realized within a month that Alvira was a flirt. She saw her in class, the way she would talk to boys and laugh. While Sakina prayed all her prayers, Alvira didn't believe in praying. Sakina had asked her many times to pray, indirectly and politely but Alvira was not interested. At times Sakina saw a guilty look in Alvira's eyes and at times, just darkness. Alvira did fast though during the month of Ramadan but as soon as the month was over, she was back to being the carefree or rather careless teenager. The choice of clothes were designer tank tops, cut jeans, and many revealing dresses. There was no doubt that Alvira was beautiful. She has flawless fair skin, lovely hazel eyes, beautiful hair and she stood out on her five feet six inches. Sakina had seen at least ten guys fall for her within a year of college.
To her dismay, Alvira decided to make Ritesh, a spoilt rich boy her boyfriend. It had been now a year since Alvira had started going out with him, to clubs, parties and at times they'd spend the weekend at vacation spots like Goa and Ooty. Sakina was now beyond shock. She had contemplated many times to tell Alvira's parents and once she did. She called up Alvira's parents and explained that she was going out with a guy.
All hell had broken loose then. Alvira's father came down from Dubai and threatened to take her away if she did not stop. Alvira had given a betrayed look to Sakina and Sakina looked away. She loved Alvira in her strange way. No matter how many times she ignored Sakina and used her for her personal gain, Sakina loved Alvira, her spirit, her intelligence and at the end of the day, no matter how she was, she was her Muslim sister.
Alvira's dad left after two days. Alvira promised him she would break up with her boyfriend and try to 'become like Sakina' as her father mentioned. For the next week, Alvira did not talk to Sakina. Alvira gave Sakina a cold shoulder and her nights out increased even further. "You have no right to interfere in my business. As you say, God gave us a mind to think and a will to choose. I have thought and I have chosen. This is my life so mind your own business".
That night Sakina had cried to sleep. She had gone out to help a friend, a friend who was not realizing what she was doing only to be hurt by her words. She decided then that she would not interfere, advice or say anything to Alvira. She would remain her loyal friend, from heart and from faith but like Alvira said - she had chosen her life and it was her right.
But there was one thing she never stopped doing. She never stopped praying for Alvira. After every Salaat, she would pray to God to help her friend come back to the right path.
Days past after the night Alvira came late. Exams were approaching and as usual Sakina helped Alvira understand all the subjects within a week of the examinations. When the results came out, Alvira had got 85% while Sakina 92%. "You study twelve hours a day and I just four hours before exam yet we have only a difference of 7%" Alvira smirked at her friend. Sakina smiled "Actually, I should thank you. It's by teaching you that I achieve such high marks. Not only do I understand the concepts well but they are reinforced by explaining them to you. You also make me think when you ask your smart questions. I don't think I would have achieved 92% without you." Sakina smiled at Alvira. "So thank you" she said shyly.
Alvira was speechless. She had intended to be mean and her friend was actually thanking her. "That's ok" she said dismissingly and looked away. "I've got to go. Ritesh is taking me for dinner. It's a surprise. I think it's going to be The Leela. I always wanted to go there" she gushed on excitedly. Sakina kept quite. She kept her face neutral. Alvira knew Sakina did not approve but she cared nothing for it. She was happy and her happiness meant everything to her.
That night Sakina decided to read the at least three chapters of the Holy Quran, the book of Allah Taala. Sakina found great peace in reading Quran. She did not understand Arabic so she read the translation in English along with Arabic. That way she understood what her Lord was telling her and many a times she would weep over the love that Allah showed for her through His book. Yes for her. For Sakina. Sakina knew that Allah Taala had sent the book as guidance to mankind and what amazed her was as she read, she felt that God was talking to her personally. Addressing her, guiding her, admonishing her, showing his Signs and narrating about the great prophets of aforetime, May peace be on all of them. Sakina looked forward every evening to read the Holy Quran. She was not a strong woman but rather, through her own niceness which she couldn't see, she was a woman of strength, strength that she derived from the Holy Quran.
"I'm going! I'm taking the keys so I won't disturb you if I come late", Alvira cried out as she ran down the staircase. Sakina was at that time bowing down and said a small prayer to protect Alvira. She finished her prayers and sat down to read the Quran Shariff. She read for over an hour and then felt sleepy. She still wanted to read more so she decided to take a small nap and continue reading. She left her bookmark on the page and lied down on her bed. Before she knew it, she was fast asleep.
Alvira came back at 11.30 p.m. As she had guessed, Ritesh had taken her out to the Leela's and she had loved it. Everything was perfect for her. She never thought of tomorrow or the future. It was foolish to do so. Enjoy the present. That was her motto. When she entered the house, she saw Sakina's room light was on. She went in and saw Sakina peacefully sleeping. Her prayer mat was laid out and the Holy Quran was on the stool on her mat. Alvira went forward to fold the prayer mat. She guessed that Sakina would have slept while reading the Quran. As she was about to pick the Holy Quran, she hesitated. A million thoughts ran over her mind.
"You are unclean"
"You are not a good woman. Only the good touch the Holy Book"
"You are an evil woman"
Alvira stepped back. She didn't know where the thoughts came from. She didn't like them. She felt suffocated. She looked at the prayer mat, the Holy Quran; she couldn't leave them there lying open. She got up, went to her room, and changed into one of the decent salwar suits she had which she used only for Eid. She went to the bathroom and did ablution. She didn't remember when she had done it last. She washed her hands, her face, her arms, she wiped her head, her ears, neck and legs. She was surprised to find she had not forgotten the duas to pray. She walked into Sakina's room, put the dupatta, the long scarf around her head and kneeled down to pick the Holy Quran. As she held it in her hands, she sat down and without a thought opened it. Sakina had kept her book mark at Surat-ul-Al-Imran. The chapter on the family of Imran.
She sat... and read... she read the whole Chapter. Her face changed from curiosity to deep thought to fear to regret to hope to amazement. She went through a bundle of emotions. Her heart filled up and she felt her throat becoming clogged. One by one, tears started flowing from her eyes. She didn't know why she was crying. Was it at the truth that was before her eyes, or that she had gone by life without any direction and here she found one or that she had never thought of her Creator and how much He loved her. Yes HER. As bad and as many mistakes as she had done, she did not find condemnation but rather a guiding hand. She had found... a treasure.
After she finished reading the chapter, she held the Quran to her chest and cried and cried.
"Oh my Lord, forgive me. Forgive me. Forgive me. Oh my Lord, I acknowledge you as my God. My one and only God and Mohammed your Messenger. I come to you with regret for what I have done. For all the years I have lived never acknowledging you, for all the evil I have done. I beg forgiveness from you my Lord and I beg of you to guide me to your rightful path, to your promised heaven and protect me from hell. I come to you Lord with hope in my heart that you are the most merciful."
With that prayer on her lips, Alvira bowed down her head and cried for a long time. Her crying woke up Sakina and as she focused her eyes, she could not believe that she was seeing Alvira bowing down to God. She felt her eyes mist as she got up and sat next to Alvira. When Alvira got up, Sakina handed her her handkerchief and they hugged. They were both crying. There was no need of words. The heart of one believer can understand each and every heart beat of another believer.
That night changed Alvira forever. It was not easy for her. But an inner light, strength, a faith she had not anticipated gave her courage. She first broke off with Ritesh. She told him about her experienced and how she realized she was on a lost path. Ritesh did not understand. He thought she had gone mad. After many accusations, pleadings, Ritesh realized that Alvira was firm in her decision. He left and though Alvira felt her heart was breaking, she did not shake from her belief.
The days that came saw Alvira turn from a flirt to a respectful girl, she covered her self, her confidence grew more, she studied more now with Sakina and even enrolled in Islamic studies. She went home and had a heart-to-heart talk with her parents. Her parents were speechless. Partly from disbelief at the sudden change in Alvira and partly from immense happiness.
As for Alvira and Sakina, their friendship grew even stronger. When they parted at the end of their degree studies, Alvira gave Sakina a beautiful prayer mat and a thank you note:
"To my friend, who did not give up on me"
6 comments:
Assalamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah
Yey! I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for a story! :)
Jazakallah khair for another great read, masha'Allah.
If only everyone had a friend like Sakina... i did! :) Alhamdulillah.
Wa'salam
Assalamoalaikum!
Masha Allah, it's a beautiful story. It is an eye-opener to all our Muslim brothers & sisters who are trying to imitate the Western culture and neglecting the teachings of Islam. I'm very much impressed by the story.
I wish everyone had a friend like Sakina.
Khuda Hafiz.
Imuslim- Walaykum Salam :)
Thank you very much
Shahid - Walaykum Salam. I am glad you liked it :)
Team Ijtema - Walaykum Salam
Thank you very much for considering my entry worthy :)
Welcome back, Alefyah!
finallyyyyyyyyyyyyyy :))
mashaallah beautiful piece of your work, as always!
p.s. you have been tagged!!! :D
(check my blog)
Manas- Thank you!
Leila- Thanks you and I am glad you liked it... :)
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