Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: EMBARRASS(ED) (11/03/16)
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TITLE: Blasphemy | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gary Ritter
11/07/16 -
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Abdullah gave Miriam a sorrowful look. “You are precious to me, daughter, but you know I cannot allow you to worship Allah with the men. It is prohibited, even for you as a child.”
Her face sank into a pout, but Miriam soon brightened. “I will help you however I can. There is nothing I want more than to please you and Allah.”
At the mosque Miriam took her place among the women in a separate room from the men. She had removed her shoes upon entering and followed the ritual ablutions in preparation for prayer. The loudspeaker piped in the words of her father as he led the faithful in their submission to Allah. He began: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.” “God is the greatest. God is the greatest.”
Miriam knew the words by heart and their every meaning; Papa had seen to that. She looked around at the women near her, wondering if any might be jealous of her because of the position her father held. It wouldn’t surprise her. Who wouldn’t want to be the imam’s daughter and enjoy the many privileges inherent in such a position? She smiled to herself and continued following the words flowing into the room.
Several weeks later she began to notice something different about her father. It began on their way to the mosque on a day similar to every other. In this case she saw that Abdullah held his Qur’an in a much different way. “Papa, why do you hold our holy book with only two fingers? It is almost as if it repels you and you do not wish to touch it.”
Her words seemed to startle him from his reverie. His eyes strayed to how he held the Qur’an and his face reddened. “I am sorry, my daughter. I would never think that.” He tightened his grip in the way she’d always known, and she didn’t think anything further of it.
But that wasn’t the only instance. When not at the mosque Abdullah led the family through prayers at home. Miriam had observed him at this since she could remember. Lately something had changed. “Papa, you must bow like this.” She demonstrated it for him. “It is as if you have gotten sloppy in how you approach our god.”
He accepted her rebuke and again apologized, but the inconsistencies began mounting and Miriam saw them all. Troubled, she spoke to her mother. “Why is Papa not honoring the Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him, like he used to?”
“It is your imagination. I see nothing, daughter. Do not make your father angry with your silly questions.”
Miriam’s concerns and fears came to a head not long after. It was early morning. The sun had not yet begun to lighten the day, but Miriam couldn’t sleep. She rose and wandered the house, coming finally to her father’s study. Light shown under the closed door. She’d always been welcomed by her father to this sacred place of prayer and meditation, so didn’t hesitate to slip into the room.
Abdullah sat with his back to her. She approached him silently and peered over his shoulder. The shock she had at that moment was the greatest of her life. Under Papa’s breath she heard him reading the book he held. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
She knew what he was reading. He’d spoken against the Bible many times. Unable to help herself, she blurted, “Papa, how can you read such a book? It is blasphemy!”
He started, rising to his feet, distress written on his face, as the Bible slipped to the floor. He quickly picked it up and kissed it.
“What is happening, Papa?”
“I must explain, Miriam, so that you understand. I have become a Christian. Jesus is the true Savior, and I now follow Him.”
Miriam staggered back. “What will people think? What about your position as imam? How will I face my friends if they learn of this wickedness? You must not do this!”
Abdullah reached toward her. “There are more important things, my daughter.” He held up the Bible. “This is life.”
“No!” Miriam fled, mortified at what the future held.
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I wonder if he and his family will have to flee after his new faith is found out.