1.5 Dharan
by Red MacDonald
Copyright © 2013 Red MacDonald
All Rights Reserved.
The Faithful, North African and Middle Eastern Islamic nations, are plotting to seize the oil resources of the Middle East. By controlling the earth's oil and its major trade routes, they plan to bring the world to its knees. Then, when the entire world is kneeling, the Faithful of Allah will read to them from the Koran, preaching the message of Islam, the True Faith. The Faithful will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. But how far will they go? And how many lives will it cost?
1 Beginning
1.5 Dharan
1.5.1 Ahmed's Dilemma
Ahmed ibn Yussaf was not a wealthy man, at least in terms of worldly goods. Allah, bless his name, had smiled upon Ahmed in others ways. His wife, Sefina, was the most loving, caring and wonderful woman in the world. She had blessed him with 8 children. All but his youngest had grown to adulthood, were married, with children. He was a grandfather 12 times over, all blessings be to Allah and to his servant, Mohammed. But, a shadow had fallen across his family, and he knew not what to do.
Rashied, their youngest boy, was a surprise gift from Allah. Sefina was 38 years old when she told Ahmed of the blessing that was about to befall them. Ahmed was amazed, yet grateful that Allah was blessing them with another child. However, the pregnancy was very difficult, and the birth left both Safina and the child in mortal peril for many weeks. Although they both survived, thank Allah, neither was ever healthy. Safina had little strength and tired easily. Their children often spoke of how frail she had become.
Rashied was always sickly. He did not crawl until he was nearly one year old. He crept about on all fours until he was two. He didn’t walk well, and seemed to have no energy to do anything. As a boy attending school, he never ran or played with the other boys. Instead, he sat by the gate watching the girls, until his teachers shooed him away, warning him that he should not be so interested in girls, especially at his age.
Yet, at home, he was his mother’s greatest little helper. He would assist her in cleaning the house, washing the clothes, and preparing the meals. They were always together, and it almost seemed that he was more like a daughter than a son. But, he was almost useless in the Ahmed’s food shop. He could sort the vegetables, and prepare the carts, but he was unable to move them. He was so shy that he couldn’t speak with anyone. And, more than once, a man would look askance at Ahmed, and ask why his daughter was dressed in such an inappropriate manner while on the street and in public. Once, the Imam came to his shop to learn why Ahmed was parading his daughter in public.
‘What to do?’ he wondered.
1.5.2 Ma'sum's Decree
“It is not possible, Nephew. The Imam has spoken to me. Your son my not be with you in my shop. He looks too much like a girl. It is causing problems with the other shop owners, with customers on the streets and, now, even the police are taking notice. Rashied may not work in my shop!” Ma’sum declared.
“But, Uncle, he is the only child left to me. I can not do this by myself. And, you know how frail Sefina has become. Would you consent to hire a boy to assist me?”
“Ahmed! Are you getting to old to do this yourself? What would your father, my dear brother, say to hear you now? You are but 60 years, while I am over 80, praise be to Allah and his servant, Mohammed, and I still work from dawn until after dark. If you are not capable of managing my shop, then, perhaps, it is time for you to step aside, and let a younger man run it for me.”
“No, it is not that. Your store, which I manage for you, is most prosperous. I am sure that you have seen this when you look at your accounts. I have increased your wealth greatly, Uncle, because you are my father’s brother, and patriarch of our family, whom I honor. It is because this store is so prosperous that I need help, not because I am unworthy.”
“Hmmm. Perhaps you are correct, my Nephew,” Ma’sum replied, thoughtfully. “I spoke in haste, perhaps. It might even be that my younger son should apprentice with you, to learn how to manage a shop. Would that fulfill your needs, Nephew?”
“Oh, Uncle, you are most wise. When might he start, and what wage shall an apprentice receive while he learns all there is to know about the shop, our customers, our suppliers, our police, our tax gatherers, our Imams, our competitors, our neighbors, our friends, our adversaries, the seasons to buy and to sell, and all the other myriad of details one needs to know to manage your business, my Uncle?”
“And, what would you suggest, Nephew?”
“I would suggest room and board, paid from the shop’s income, Uncle.”
“Surely, you have room in your home, Nephew, and your wife could prepare food for him.”
“No, Uncle, we live above the shop, as you know. There was room for my family, but only because we were family. I could not have your son in my home with my wife in her condition. So, your son would have to live elsewhere in the neighborhood.”
“Then, I suggest that, since everyone believes that Rashied is your daughter, that you treat him as if he were. Then, you would have your help, the Imam will stop complaining to me, and my profits will not suffer.”
“So be it, Uncle. May Allah bless you.”
1.5.3 Rashid ... Rahil
“But, Sefina, he must. It is the only way he can work in the shop. Uncle Ma’sum has decreed it, and, although I know it is wrong, it is the only way.”
“But, Ahmed, he is our son ... my baby ... the last of our children. He is sixteen years of age. How can we treat him as our daughter, when it is against the will of Allah, as is written in the Holy Koran?”
“If we do not, Uncle will worm his youngest into my store. Ikbal is not to my liking. I see in him dishonesty and greed. He has always been thus. Even when we were children, he was always sneaking after us older boys, ready to tell his father about our dealings, and thus ingratiate himself at our expense. And, I should let him into our house? Or into our shop? I would soon find myself working for him, and us living in the streets like dogs.”
“But what will Rashid do. How will he act? He will be ashamed and dishonored.”
Ahmed nodded, “But will he do it? That is the question. Call him to you, and let us speak with him.”
Sefina left, calling “Rashid!” softly.
Ahmed sat quietly, thinking. ‘What if the boy should do this? How will he ever become a man? How can I be thinking these things? Allah! Send your servant to me to guide me in my time of need!’
“Father, dear, I am here,” Rashid said, entering quietly.
Sefina sat in her comfortable chair, while Ahmed stood beside her, his hand on her shoulder. “My son, there is something we need to consider,” Ahmed mumbled, looking for the right words.
Rashid’s bright eyes searched his father’s grim face. His smile spread quickly. “Oh, Father, Mother, I seek to be a joy to both of you. What is it you would have of me?”
Ahmed’s heart melted, as it always had when one of his daughters reached out and wrapped him around their smallest finger. Shocked at his feelings, Ahmed’s words failed him.
“Rashid,” Sefina said, “We need to ask you to do something very great and very brave. Can you do such a thing?”
Rachid looked askance. Then, taking a small breath, as though making a decision, replied, “Of course, Mother dearest. I would be both brave and great, if I only knew how.”
Ahmed, taking heart, replied, “I need for you to be the person everyone thinks you are. When we are at the shop, the old women speak to you as though you were one of their grand daughters. The Imam is convinced that you are a girl, and that I am violating Shariah. The police are not convinced that you are a boy, and Uncle Ma’sum has decreed that you may not work with me in the shop unless you appear in the guise of a girl.
“This is why we are talking with you. Can you be brave enough to do this? Can you be great and protect the honor of our family?’
Rachid leapt into their arms, grasping them both about the neck. “Oh, Father! Oh, Mother! I can do this. I will be brave and great! I will protect the honor of our family with all my heart. Allah be praised! My greatest desire has been fulfilled!”
Comments
A Welcome Pause For Breath
Nicely written, with a keen understanding of how ordinary Muslims often struggle to come to terms with issues that conflict with their beliefs. The imam says this, my uncle says that...
Came at just the right time too, after the intensity of the first four chapters.
Rahil's dilemma
Yes, these are the hardest episodes to write. How does a TG person survive in such a repressive society?
I hope that I continue to represent a reality that exists, and to provide a series of events that not only shake the world, but change the futures of all humanity. Although there are many heros in this story, Rahil is the one nearest and dearest to me.
Red MacDonald
To be fair
There are actually several Muslims who I know who are LGBT. I met with a couple trans Muslims at a book signing last year, I have attended prayers from a gay Imam (he is involved with a group, Muslims for Progressive Values) and I know several lesbian or bisexual Muslims. Yes, it is a hidden part of many Muslims' lives, but they do exist. And I never had any issues being Muslim and female, including holding a fatwa from an Islamic scholar that legally declares me as such.
Samirah M. Johnstone
Ah!
The stage has been set and now the player steps into the spotlight.
Although I know little about the culture you certainly set the right tone and voice to Ahmed's dilemma.
Hugs
Grover
Now that Rachid
has made her choice, what will happen next?
May Your Light Forever Shine