**~~My story~~**
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Na7lah
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We went home after praying the Isha and Taraweeh. I had only one thing in my mind. Check my Email. My curiosity of what Yunus sent me was growing every second. Then I remembered that Khalid had wanted to listen to Ahmed Jibril’s lectures.
"Are you going to listen to those lectures?” I asked
“Nah. I’m going to sleep.” He said as he plopped down on his bed. I signed on to my email. 3 New Messages. I clicked on the one from Yunus.
Hey Khalil, I know we really chat but I really need someone 2 talk 2 right now. I feel like I have this huge load on my chest and I really got 2 get rid of it. I don’t wana talk wit my bro cuz I feel like he’ll never understand. And dad well he’ll jus get mad. Really mad after what I did. I know dat you know. I saw Yusuf telling u today. I jus hope u wont tell my dad. I know he’ll find out but I wana be da one 2 tell him k? can u reply back? I seriously don’t know wat 2 do. If I leave dem they’ll… forget dat part. Can u advise me? Cya tomorrow. –Yunus.
Wow! I didn’t know what to right back. I’ll just talk to him tomorrow face to face I thought. I clicked on the other messages. One was from Yusuf. The other one was another advertisement thing.
I turned of my laptop then I put it away. After a while was I fast asleep. In the morning we went to the ‘’school’’.
There were more people then I expected. Our first class was Quran, Then we had History. History class was by far the most boring one I was half asleep through the whole class.
Then we had a break. I saw Yunus standing alone in the hall. I walked over to him.
“Hey Yunus.” I said. He seemed startled.
“Oh. Hi Khalil. I guess you got my email huh?”
“Yeah. God. I never even thought of you doing something like this man.” I said shaking my head. We headed outside.
“I wish I could change the past. I don’t want to have anything to do with this anymore.” He said sadly.
“Then don’t. How hard is it to…”
“You have no idea Khalil. It’s easier getting in then getting out of a gang.” He said cutting me of.
“Gang? It’s only the two of them.”
“No actually… you know maybe I should just keep quite.” He said turning away. I stopped him.
“Wait! You’re not gona benefit anything by keeping quite bout this Yunus.”
“Yeah I know but I won’t benefit by talking either.”
“Yes you will. Tell someone, maybe they’ll be able to help you in some way…” he shook his head and left. I stood there watching him walk away. He didn’t have that exciting mood anymore. He looked depressed and worried. I wish I could help him but how can I when he doesn’t want to even open his mouth about what’s happening to him?
I went back to class. We were having math class now.
I sat down on a desk. Simultaneously Amin took the one on my left.
Just great. We all waited for the teacher to come in.
Mr. Hussein came in and greeted us. We replied back.
He placed his coffee on his table then started writing some problems on the board.
“Open your book to page 243.” He ordered.
I flipped my pages till I got there. He then explained the lesson to us. Then he gave us some work. After a while everyone was hunched down on their problems.
All of a sudden I heard Mr. Hussein coughing. They weren’t just ordinary coughs though, it sounded like he was choking on something. He grasped his throat and started wheezing. I heard a couple of gasps. A couple of students jumped up from their seats and rushed to the teacher. I stood up. Mr. Hussein was pale white now.
“He’s not breathing!” a boy shouted.
“Call an ambulance.”
Someone ran to call the Principal. Mr. Aziz rushed into the class with a couple of policemen. I could here an ambulance’s siren wailing as it came closer. Khalid walked over to me as they took Mr. Hussein away. Mr. Aziz tried his best to calm down the class.
“Please take your seats. Mr. Hussein will be ok Inshallah.”
I watched the police leave with Mr. Hussein’s stuff.
“Why do you think he wasn’t fasting?” someone asked pointing to the coffee.
“Mr. Hussein has some medicine that he has to take daily so he fasts every other day.” Mr. Aziz answered calmly but he looked anxious. At an impulse I glanced at Hasan.
He was shaking with fright. Was he shaken up by what happened or was it something else? :? When I looked at Amin he had a huge smirk on his face. Something is going on I thought.
After school was finished we waited outside for dad to pick us up. Ahmed joined us. “Are you guys planning on coming to the party tonight?” he asked.
“I don’t know I think I want to go to the Masjid instead.” I answered.
“Yeah, I was mad that I missed out on the first day.” He said. Suddenly I felt someone grab my arm. I turned and saw Yusuf.
“What?” I asked.
He pulled me away from the crowd.
“Do you know what I heard? The police guys said that Mr. Hussein appears to have been drugged.” He said answering his question.
“Does Yunus have anything to do with it this time?” I asked.
“I don’t know.” He said biting his lip in frustration.
“Are you going to ask?”
“No. I mean he wouldn’t tell me anything anyways.”
“I’m gona go find out. I’m tired of all this.” I said as I walked away.
“Well you cant ask now.” Yusuf said. I turned around.
“Why?”
“First of all, Yunus left. Second of all, your dad’s here.” He said pointing to my dad’s car.
“Oh well. I’ll email him then.” I said as I headed towards our car.
“Ok. Cya at the Masjid. Don’t forget that we’re going to the airport.” We went home and I emailed Yunus. After that Khalid, Ahmed, and I went to the Masjid.
Zaki was there. He waved at us when he saw us coming closer.
“Hey! Are you guys going to the Airport too?” he asked.
“Yeah.” We answered.
After a while Sheikh Muhammad came with Shiekh Fiez behind him
“Assalamu Alaykum boys.” They said.
“Wa Alaykum Assalam”
“Is Amu Jihad here yet?” Shiekh Muhammad asked.
“Not yet.” Khalid said. After a while they were sunk in a conversation. I went outside. I sat on the steps and thought about everything that happened. Pictures and thought of the old Yunus went in and out of my mind. He was always so cheerful and happy. I don’t understand some people when they say they enjoy getting “high” on drugs. It’s totally not fun. I’ve never heard of anyone who uses drugs and is happy and content with himself.
I remember something my dad told us once when we were watching a documentary about the effects of drugs. We were about twelve and I asked him what was so bad about drugs.
He said. “Allah has made them haram. And Allah doesn’t make anything haram unless it’s bad for us. He’s the one who made us and he knows what’s good for us and what’s bad. And if drugs were useful and beneficial he would have allowed us to use them. Allah has given us so many things that we can do and He has prohibited only a few but people only focus on the few things that he made Haram. They don’t think about all those things that you are allowed to do.”
My thought flashed back to Amin. He had seemed so innocent and good that day we were playing soccer. What had gone wrong? Sometimes I just wish there was no such thing as “BAD”. But I guess then there would be no reason for hell then. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. Surprised I looked up. Sheikh Muhammad was sitting next to me.
“You have a habit of getting lost in thought Khalil.” He chuckled. I forced a smile.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“Come on, I can tell something’s bothering you. You and Yusuf and Yunus. You guys aren’t yourselves these days.”
I didn’t answer. He seems to notice everything I thought.
“You don’t want to talk about it?”
I shook my head. He stood up.
“Ok then, but if you need someone to talk to, you know where to find me.” He said walking back to the Masjid. I saw Yusuf and Amu Jihad walking towards me.
“Hello Khalil.” Amu Jihad said as he went inside.
Yusuf sat on the steps next to me. We didn’t talk.
He broke the silence after a while.
“Yunus swears that he has nothing to do with this drugging thing.” He said quietly. I perked up a bit.
“That’s great. But why are you still sad?” I said noticing his sad expression.
“I seriously don’t know.” He said shaking his head.
“You know this secret of yours is getting on my nerves.” I said.
He looked up quizzing.
“I mean, it’ll just get worse if someone doesn’t do anything about it. Yunus says he didn’t do anything these days so why not just back out. Why is he still staying with them?”
“I’m not Yunus Khalil and I have asked him that and he says it’s too hard. I cant do anything about it. Or are you saying I should tell someone about it?”
“That would work.” I said absentmindedly.
“No it wouldn’t. It would just get him into more trouble.”
“Who?”
“Yunus. If I tell dad he’d… I don’t know.”
“Yunus would get in trouble right? Not you. And even if he does it wouldn’t be a big deal right? I mean he hasn’t done anything serious. And besides I’m not telling you to tell your dad. Maybe someone else whom you trust that could help your brother out of this. Those guys are getting really serious. Dealing with drugs secretly is one thing but drugging a teacher that not forgivable. Seriously, what if that poor guy had died? They would’ve been charged with murder. And if they weren’t minors, they would’ve been charged with attempt murder. Tell your brother to stay away from them if he knows what’s good for him.”
“Some one like who?”
“You decide. I don’t know who you trust. If you ask me I’d tell Sheikh Muhammad.”
“What!?”
I shrugged. “Your choice Yusuf. You can tell him or you can keep it to yourself but I don’t want to have anything to do with this anymore. If you need help I’m here but I don’t want to be involved. And I suggest that you shouldn’t either.”
“Khalil he’s my brother. You’re telling me that I should just ignore this and not do anything about it?!” he said standing up. I could tell he was getting a bit angry and so was I.
“Listen, I’m not telling you that you shouldn’t do anything about it. You’re the one who’s choosing to keep quite.” I answered getting up.
“About what?” someone asked. We turned around. Amu Jihad was standing behind us with Sheikh Muhammad.
"Are you going to listen to those lectures?” I asked
“Nah. I’m going to sleep.” He said as he plopped down on his bed. I signed on to my email. 3 New Messages. I clicked on the one from Yunus.
Hey Khalil, I know we really chat but I really need someone 2 talk 2 right now. I feel like I have this huge load on my chest and I really got 2 get rid of it. I don’t wana talk wit my bro cuz I feel like he’ll never understand. And dad well he’ll jus get mad. Really mad after what I did. I know dat you know. I saw Yusuf telling u today. I jus hope u wont tell my dad. I know he’ll find out but I wana be da one 2 tell him k? can u reply back? I seriously don’t know wat 2 do. If I leave dem they’ll… forget dat part. Can u advise me? Cya tomorrow. –Yunus.
Wow! I didn’t know what to right back. I’ll just talk to him tomorrow face to face I thought. I clicked on the other messages. One was from Yusuf. The other one was another advertisement thing.
I turned of my laptop then I put it away. After a while was I fast asleep. In the morning we went to the ‘’school’’.
There were more people then I expected. Our first class was Quran, Then we had History. History class was by far the most boring one I was half asleep through the whole class.
Then we had a break. I saw Yunus standing alone in the hall. I walked over to him.
“Hey Yunus.” I said. He seemed startled.
“Oh. Hi Khalil. I guess you got my email huh?”
“Yeah. God. I never even thought of you doing something like this man.” I said shaking my head. We headed outside.
“I wish I could change the past. I don’t want to have anything to do with this anymore.” He said sadly.
“Then don’t. How hard is it to…”
“You have no idea Khalil. It’s easier getting in then getting out of a gang.” He said cutting me of.
“Gang? It’s only the two of them.”
“No actually… you know maybe I should just keep quite.” He said turning away. I stopped him.
“Wait! You’re not gona benefit anything by keeping quite bout this Yunus.”
“Yeah I know but I won’t benefit by talking either.”
“Yes you will. Tell someone, maybe they’ll be able to help you in some way…” he shook his head and left. I stood there watching him walk away. He didn’t have that exciting mood anymore. He looked depressed and worried. I wish I could help him but how can I when he doesn’t want to even open his mouth about what’s happening to him?
I went back to class. We were having math class now.
I sat down on a desk. Simultaneously Amin took the one on my left.
Just great. We all waited for the teacher to come in.
Mr. Hussein came in and greeted us. We replied back.
He placed his coffee on his table then started writing some problems on the board.
“Open your book to page 243.” He ordered.
I flipped my pages till I got there. He then explained the lesson to us. Then he gave us some work. After a while everyone was hunched down on their problems.
All of a sudden I heard Mr. Hussein coughing. They weren’t just ordinary coughs though, it sounded like he was choking on something. He grasped his throat and started wheezing. I heard a couple of gasps. A couple of students jumped up from their seats and rushed to the teacher. I stood up. Mr. Hussein was pale white now.
“He’s not breathing!” a boy shouted.
“Call an ambulance.”
Someone ran to call the Principal. Mr. Aziz rushed into the class with a couple of policemen. I could here an ambulance’s siren wailing as it came closer. Khalid walked over to me as they took Mr. Hussein away. Mr. Aziz tried his best to calm down the class.
“Please take your seats. Mr. Hussein will be ok Inshallah.”
I watched the police leave with Mr. Hussein’s stuff.
“Why do you think he wasn’t fasting?” someone asked pointing to the coffee.
“Mr. Hussein has some medicine that he has to take daily so he fasts every other day.” Mr. Aziz answered calmly but he looked anxious. At an impulse I glanced at Hasan.
He was shaking with fright. Was he shaken up by what happened or was it something else? :? When I looked at Amin he had a huge smirk on his face. Something is going on I thought.
After school was finished we waited outside for dad to pick us up. Ahmed joined us. “Are you guys planning on coming to the party tonight?” he asked.
“I don’t know I think I want to go to the Masjid instead.” I answered.
“Yeah, I was mad that I missed out on the first day.” He said. Suddenly I felt someone grab my arm. I turned and saw Yusuf.
“What?” I asked.
He pulled me away from the crowd.
“Do you know what I heard? The police guys said that Mr. Hussein appears to have been drugged.” He said answering his question.
“Does Yunus have anything to do with it this time?” I asked.
“I don’t know.” He said biting his lip in frustration.
“Are you going to ask?”
“No. I mean he wouldn’t tell me anything anyways.”
“I’m gona go find out. I’m tired of all this.” I said as I walked away.
“Well you cant ask now.” Yusuf said. I turned around.
“Why?”
“First of all, Yunus left. Second of all, your dad’s here.” He said pointing to my dad’s car.
“Oh well. I’ll email him then.” I said as I headed towards our car.
“Ok. Cya at the Masjid. Don’t forget that we’re going to the airport.” We went home and I emailed Yunus. After that Khalid, Ahmed, and I went to the Masjid.
Zaki was there. He waved at us when he saw us coming closer.
“Hey! Are you guys going to the Airport too?” he asked.
“Yeah.” We answered.
After a while Sheikh Muhammad came with Shiekh Fiez behind him
“Assalamu Alaykum boys.” They said.
“Wa Alaykum Assalam”
“Is Amu Jihad here yet?” Shiekh Muhammad asked.
“Not yet.” Khalid said. After a while they were sunk in a conversation. I went outside. I sat on the steps and thought about everything that happened. Pictures and thought of the old Yunus went in and out of my mind. He was always so cheerful and happy. I don’t understand some people when they say they enjoy getting “high” on drugs. It’s totally not fun. I’ve never heard of anyone who uses drugs and is happy and content with himself.
I remember something my dad told us once when we were watching a documentary about the effects of drugs. We were about twelve and I asked him what was so bad about drugs.
He said. “Allah has made them haram. And Allah doesn’t make anything haram unless it’s bad for us. He’s the one who made us and he knows what’s good for us and what’s bad. And if drugs were useful and beneficial he would have allowed us to use them. Allah has given us so many things that we can do and He has prohibited only a few but people only focus on the few things that he made Haram. They don’t think about all those things that you are allowed to do.”
My thought flashed back to Amin. He had seemed so innocent and good that day we were playing soccer. What had gone wrong? Sometimes I just wish there was no such thing as “BAD”. But I guess then there would be no reason for hell then. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. Surprised I looked up. Sheikh Muhammad was sitting next to me.
“You have a habit of getting lost in thought Khalil.” He chuckled. I forced a smile.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“Come on, I can tell something’s bothering you. You and Yusuf and Yunus. You guys aren’t yourselves these days.”
I didn’t answer. He seems to notice everything I thought.
“You don’t want to talk about it?”
I shook my head. He stood up.
“Ok then, but if you need someone to talk to, you know where to find me.” He said walking back to the Masjid. I saw Yusuf and Amu Jihad walking towards me.
“Hello Khalil.” Amu Jihad said as he went inside.
Yusuf sat on the steps next to me. We didn’t talk.
He broke the silence after a while.
“Yunus swears that he has nothing to do with this drugging thing.” He said quietly. I perked up a bit.
“That’s great. But why are you still sad?” I said noticing his sad expression.
“I seriously don’t know.” He said shaking his head.
“You know this secret of yours is getting on my nerves.” I said.
He looked up quizzing.
“I mean, it’ll just get worse if someone doesn’t do anything about it. Yunus says he didn’t do anything these days so why not just back out. Why is he still staying with them?”
“I’m not Yunus Khalil and I have asked him that and he says it’s too hard. I cant do anything about it. Or are you saying I should tell someone about it?”
“That would work.” I said absentmindedly.
“No it wouldn’t. It would just get him into more trouble.”
“Who?”
“Yunus. If I tell dad he’d… I don’t know.”
“Yunus would get in trouble right? Not you. And even if he does it wouldn’t be a big deal right? I mean he hasn’t done anything serious. And besides I’m not telling you to tell your dad. Maybe someone else whom you trust that could help your brother out of this. Those guys are getting really serious. Dealing with drugs secretly is one thing but drugging a teacher that not forgivable. Seriously, what if that poor guy had died? They would’ve been charged with murder. And if they weren’t minors, they would’ve been charged with attempt murder. Tell your brother to stay away from them if he knows what’s good for him.”
“Some one like who?”
“You decide. I don’t know who you trust. If you ask me I’d tell Sheikh Muhammad.”
“What!?”
I shrugged. “Your choice Yusuf. You can tell him or you can keep it to yourself but I don’t want to have anything to do with this anymore. If you need help I’m here but I don’t want to be involved. And I suggest that you shouldn’t either.”
“Khalil he’s my brother. You’re telling me that I should just ignore this and not do anything about it?!” he said standing up. I could tell he was getting a bit angry and so was I.
“Listen, I’m not telling you that you shouldn’t do anything about it. You’re the one who’s choosing to keep quite.” I answered getting up.
“About what?” someone asked. We turned around. Amu Jihad was standing behind us with Sheikh Muhammad.
Na7lah
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“Nothing.” Yusuf murmured. Amu Jihad didn’t look convinced.
Sheikh Muhammad glanced at me but I turned away.
“Are you two ready to leave?” he asked changing the subject.
We both nodded. After a while we were all on the road. We took three cars. Amu Jihad, Yusuf, and Ahmed went in one. Zaki, his dad Amu Nadir, and Zaki’s brother Zakir went in the other. I went with Khalid, Sheikh Muhammad, and Shiekh Fiez.
Sheikh Fiez was driving and I sat in the back with Khalid.
“Are you two excited about meeting the other Sheikhs?” Sheikh Muhammad asked.
“Yeah. I still can’t believe we’re going to be in the Halaqahs of Yusuf Estes. He’s so cool!” Khalid shouted out. I stared outside of the window.
“How about you Khalil?” Sheikh Fiez asked me startling me from my thoughts.
“What?” I asked.
“Are you excited about meeting the other Sheikhs?”
“Yeah.” I answered halfheartedly.
“Is there something bothering you?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“No.”
“No? You’re not sure?” Sheikh Muhammad joked.
I didn’t answer. Khalid stared at me for a second then turned away. After a while we were at the Airport. We all got out and waited at the gate.
“Their plane is scheduled to land in fifteen minutes.” Shiekh Muhammad announced. They all sat down on some chairs.
I sat on one a couple of yards away. Yusuf sat on the one next to me, and Khalid, Ahmed, Zakir, and Zaki followed.
“You boys trying to get away from us old people?” Amu jihad joked. We were silent as the grownups talked together.
I saw that Amu Jihad was eying Yusuf and me suspiciously.
“I’m so hungry.” Zakir complained. He was about fifteen, two years younger then us. He and Zaki were really close.
“That’s what happens when you don’t eat Suhuur.” Zaki taunted.
“There’s only about an hour and half left.” Khalid assured him.
“It feels like a whole year to me.” Zakir said.
Sheikh Muhammad glanced at me but I turned away.
“Are you two ready to leave?” he asked changing the subject.
We both nodded. After a while we were all on the road. We took three cars. Amu Jihad, Yusuf, and Ahmed went in one. Zaki, his dad Amu Nadir, and Zaki’s brother Zakir went in the other. I went with Khalid, Sheikh Muhammad, and Shiekh Fiez.
Sheikh Fiez was driving and I sat in the back with Khalid.
“Are you two excited about meeting the other Sheikhs?” Sheikh Muhammad asked.
“Yeah. I still can’t believe we’re going to be in the Halaqahs of Yusuf Estes. He’s so cool!” Khalid shouted out. I stared outside of the window.
“How about you Khalil?” Sheikh Fiez asked me startling me from my thoughts.
“What?” I asked.
“Are you excited about meeting the other Sheikhs?”
“Yeah.” I answered halfheartedly.
“Is there something bothering you?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“No.”
“No? You’re not sure?” Sheikh Muhammad joked.
I didn’t answer. Khalid stared at me for a second then turned away. After a while we were at the Airport. We all got out and waited at the gate.
“Their plane is scheduled to land in fifteen minutes.” Shiekh Muhammad announced. They all sat down on some chairs.
I sat on one a couple of yards away. Yusuf sat on the one next to me, and Khalid, Ahmed, Zakir, and Zaki followed.
“You boys trying to get away from us old people?” Amu jihad joked. We were silent as the grownups talked together.
I saw that Amu Jihad was eying Yusuf and me suspiciously.
“I’m so hungry.” Zakir complained. He was about fifteen, two years younger then us. He and Zaki were really close.
“That’s what happens when you don’t eat Suhuur.” Zaki taunted.
“There’s only about an hour and half left.” Khalid assured him.
“It feels like a whole year to me.” Zakir said.
Nσσя'υℓ Jαииαн
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Me too Inshallah lol. Its very interessstinnggggggggggggggggg!! Lol
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Inshallah...will wait =]
Na7lah
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“Hey what’s going on with them?” Ahmed asked referring to the uncles. I glanced at them they were all running to a nearby window. A lot of people were watching what was going on out of it. I followed the others to the window.
“What’s going on?” I asked Khalid.
“They’re gona have a crash land.” He said worriedly.
“Why?”
“One of the wheels is stuck.” I watched as they sprayed foam on the runway to prevent a fire. A couple of firefighters had hoses in their hands ready to fight any fire. They cleared the runway and the plane slowed down for a landing. An old lady that was standing next to us started crying. A couple of other women consoled her. I heard the Uncles pray for a safe landing.
The plane landed with minus one wheel and it wobbled slightly but somehow it managed to come to a stop. Then a man went and got the wheel unstuck. We watched as the passengers come out with pale faces. We headed back to the gate where the passengers would meet there families. Many of them started crying. Why? I asked myself. They’re safe now, why do you need to be crying. Then I saw Yusuf Estes walk towards us, Sheikh Ahmed was right behind him. They exchanged hugs with everyone.
Everyone that is except me. I’m not really found of hugging other people so I stood in the background trying to be unnoticed but it didn’t work… Sheikh Yusuf walked towards me and handed out his hand. “Assalamu Alaykum” he said enthusiastically.
“Wa Alaykum Assalam” I answered and I did the same with Sheikh Ahmed. No hugs. Perfect.
We were soon waiting for the luggage to be unloaded. When everything was finished we hurried back to our cars. Sheikh Yusuf ended going with us. And Sheikh Ahmed went with Yusuf and them. Khalid spent the whole rest of the ride talking to the other Shiekhs.
“This is just great.” Sheikh Fiez sighed referring to the traffic.
“It isn’t too bad. I just hope we’re not late for Iftaar, but we have forty-five minutes. Inshallah we can make it.”
I sat in the window seat half listening half thinking. I was thinking when Sheikh Yusuf spoke to me. Khalid nudged me to get my attention.
“Did you hear what I said?” Shiekh Yusuf asked.
“Obviously not.” Khalid teased.
Shiekh Yusuf chuckled. “Seems like you like to daydream a lot.”
“He loves it.” Khalid said. I ignored him.
“You haven’t actually uttered one word since I came here, except Wa Alaykum Assalam.”
“You know Khalil, if there’s something wrong with you, you should talk about it to someone.” He continued. Come on. I’ve been lecturing someone bout that a couple of hours ago.
But I just said ‘I know.”
“So there’s nothing wrong with you?”
“Physically, no.” He didn’t ask me any more questions. He probably sensed that I totally didn’t feel like talking. Don’t ask me why? I find myself like that, especially if I get in a fight with someone, or if I argue with someone. Dad says that I’ve always been like this; I keep my feelings in me, whereas Khalid is more of a social type. Sometimes.
“Which one of you came p with the idea of the Halaqahs?” I heard Sheikh Yusuf ask.
“Khalil did.” Sheikh Muhammad answered for us.
“Yeah, you won’t believe how excited he was yesterday.” Khalid finished.
“So what happened today?”
I looked up. “What do you mean?”
“You don’t seem enthusiastic or anything.”
“It’s not that…” I held myself. God. Keeping a “secret” was so hard. If only I didn’t promise… wait I can’t say if. Arghh. I was getting a headache. Was it from this secret that was burdening me or was it from something else? I don’t know. I just wish I could… I don’t know escape? Scream? Shout? I just want some tranquility I I’m not gona get it if I have this stupid secret flashing in and off in my mind.
We finally got to the Masjid with twenty minutes to spare.
I went straight home without waiting for anyone. They were all busy talking anyway and my head hurt too much to join in.
I knocked on the door of our house and waited for someone to open. It was starting raining and I was getting wetter every second. Khawla opened the door then hurried back to the kitchen where she, Khadeejah, Mom, Khala Hala, and a couple of my aunts were cooking. I don’t know how they manage to work with so many people crowded around them. I wanted to avoid them but if you want to get to the family room you have to pass by the kitchen and of course they saw me.
It’s not that I don’t like my family but they tend to be annoying sometimes, specially my aunts. One of them Khala Rawdhah came up to me and pinched my cheek like I was still a young kid!
“Oh! You grow so fast I can hardly keep up with you Mashallah!” she exclaimed. I forced a smile and tried to go to the family room.
“Why are you running away Khalid?” Another one, Khala Hanan asked.
“I don’t think that’s Khalid, he would’ve been more cheerful. That’s definitely Khalil.” Yet another one, Khala Najah said. That ticked me of and I tried my best to not explode.
“On second thought I’m going to my room.” I said as I walked away from them.
“Khalil where’s your brother?” Mom asked.
“He’s at the Masjid with Ahmed.” I said turning around.
“Oh, that’s a good boy. He’s always at the Masjid. Why aren’t you there Khalil?” Khala Najah asked.
“Where do you think I came back from?” I retorted.
“Khalil! Don’t ever talk back to your elders! Do you hear me?” Khala Rawdhah scolded me. I glanced at mom expecting her to tell me to say “I’m sorry Khala. I’ll never talk back to again.” Like when I was younger but I was surprised to see her holding back from laughing.
“You should discipline these boys.” Khala Najah said to mom. Khawla snickered as I went pass her. I went upstairs and laid on my bed thinking. If I weren’t fasting I would’ve taken some aspirin or something. The pain in my head was killing me. I didn’t want o fall asleep otherwise I would sleep through Iftaar. I heard some feet marching up the steps. Great. Khalid and Ahmed were back.
They came into the room.
“Oh. Hello Khalil.” Ahmed said.
“You are the rudest person I have seen in my life.” Khalid said to me. I ignored him and turned my back to him.
“Come on get up. I don’t feel like talking to your back.”
“Would you just leave me alone. If I’m rude then that’s my problem not yours. Ok?” I said loosing my temper. I’ve had enough of people trying to set me straight. It’s my life why do they care? Khalid seemed surprised.
“Ok. Let it be your problem but cant you at least be nice a little bit?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Today when we were heading back from the airport, the way that you were acting if you ask me was mean. I mean you even left the Masjid without saying bye or anything…”
“What difference would it make. I come up to you guys and say bye. What would you benefit?” I said interrupting him.
“You don’t have to get mad Khalil, I’m just…”
“Ok I wont get mad as long as you just leave me alone!” I glanced at my watch five minutes. I went to the bathroom and washed my face to cool down. I don’t know why I’m getting this angry and it wasn’t helping my head, it’s just making it hurt more. I made wudu then I went downstairs to the dining room. Khalid and Ahmed were already there, so was dad and the rest of the people. The women took their plates and disappeared in the family room.
“Great. There gona go eat in there, make a mess on the floor, then expect us to clean up.” Khawla murmered. Mom took her plate and went to the family room also. We all prayed then we sat down. Dad, Ahmed, Khalid, me, Khawla, Khadeejah, Aisha, and Amu Rami were left at the table. I pecked at my food then I went to the kitchen and got one Tylenol pill. I went to the dining room and ate a little more. Then I went upstairs again.
I lay on my bed for what seemed like an hour. Until dad came in anyway. He closed the door behind him softly. He sat down on my bed and I sat up.
“Ok Khalil, I’ve known you since you were born ok? And I know when some things wrong with you. So I suggest you tell me what’s wrong right now before I find out myself.” He said in a tone that showed that he wasn’t kidding. And knowing dad I’m sure he would’ve went out and found out one way or another. But I had promised didn’t I? And I can’t break a promise. Right?
“Dad, I just had a head ache.”
“Yeah, today, but for the past two days you’ve been awfully quite. You’re not yourself. The Sheikh has realized it and so has Amu Jihad. You, Yusuf, and Yunus. So are you going to tell me what’s going on?” I felt a sharp pang in my stomach as if I was bitten by something. I wish I hadn’t gotten into this. But wishes don’t come true. Do they?
“Dad…I cant.” That’s all I said and I’m sure he’s not gona accept it. Dad’s patient and cool but you don’t wana mess with him when he’s angry. And right now he was fuming.
“What do you mean you can’t?” he asked.
“I can’t I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone.” I sighed and leaned my head on the bed post.
“Listen Khalil. What you’re concealing from us, is it bad.”
“What do you mean bad?”
“Bad as in is it something that could harm you guys, something dangerous.” I looked at his face he was calmer now. I considered blurting everything out again. And I would have if I didn’t stop myself.
“Yes.” That’s it. I thought. I’m over with, dad’s gona blow up. But he didn’t. He remained calm.
“Khalil, do you have anything to do with it? I mean what ever it is, are you seriously deep in it.”
“No dad.”
“I hope you’re telling me the truth.”
“Dad seriously. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“You are right now.”
“What?!”
He nodded. “Come on now. Don’t you remember the Prophet’s Hadith when the prophet told us, he who sees something wrong should change it with his hand. If he cant then with his tongue, and if he cant then he should atlest know in his heart that the thing is wrong…”
“I did that dad. If I hadn’t…”I inturupted him.
“Wait Khalil I’m not finished with the Hadith. If you cant change it with your tongue then you should know in your heart thet it’s wrong. But the one that does that has the lowest of faith. Meaning he’s in the lowest rank of believers. Do you get it.”
“Yeah.”
“So what are you going to do about it?”
“Dad, I don’t know. There isn’t much that I can do. I spoke to both of them Yunus refused and Yusuf, well he’s afraid that they’ll get in trouble.”
“Khalil, let me ask you something. Which one in your eyes do you think is worse. I mean right now. Which one would be worse, breaking your promise, or keeping quite about it?”
I pondered over that a bit. If I break my promise, Yusuf wouldn’t trust me anymore, but maybe it might help them if I told dad or someone. Maybe they can help them get out of their problem. But if I kept quite about it, then Yunus might get worse, Amin and them might do something dangerous that could effect everyone. Should I tell? I decided I will. Even if Yusuf never talks to me again. Even if we get into trouble. Even if dad gets mad.
“So?” dad said waiting for an answer. “Which one is worse?”
“Keeping quite.” I said quietly.
“So are you going to tell me?” I nodded hesitantly.
“You know Khalil, even if you tell me, It’s not like I’m gona go around telling the whole world that my son told me this and that. I promise you I’ll try my best to keep your name out. Ok?”
I nodded feeling a bit assured. I glanced at my watch three minutes till the Halaqah. Just then Khalid and Ahmed opened the door. “Are you going to the Halaqah tonight?” Khalid asked me.
I glanced at dad and shook my head. Khalid seemed surprised.
“Well…ok then. Cya.” He said as they both left.
Dad sat down in a more comfortable position.
“I’m all ears.” He joked. I smiled and told him the whole story. Everything. I didn’t leave anything out even about Mr. Hussein getting drugged. And surprisingly dad didn’t get mad like I thought. He sat for a long time tugging at his beard which he normally did when he was thinking hard.
“Well?” I asked.
“Hmm. This is serious Khalil.” Dad said staring at me.
I sighed. “I should’ve just kept quite.” I murmured to myself.
“Why? You think I’m gona get mad?”
“You’re not?”
“Well. Of course I am disappointed that you and Yusuf didn’t come to me or Amu Jihad or even one of the Sheikhs. Khalil we’re not here to get mad and punish. I’m here to help you and guide you. Ok?” I nodded.
“One more thing. How about trying to avoid Yusuf and Yunus till we get this settled.” He said.
“Avoid them? But…”
“Believe me Khalil this is for your own good.” I just nodded. That was going to be hard. Yusuf was everywhere I went.
Dad glanced at his watch.
“If we hurry. We can make it in time for Isha.” He said and after three minutes we were in the car heading towards the Masjid.
“Dad?” I asked when we got there.
“Yeah?” he said turning towards me.
“Can you not tell anyone that I told you please?”
“Of course. You can count on that.” He said.
I was happy to see that I didn’t miss the whole Halaqah but I only got to here the last five or four minutes. I sat down next to Zaki remembering dad’s advice about avoiding Yusuf. Dad sat down next to me. I guess he’s going to be keeping an eye on me. I don’t blame him. And I didn’t get mad. Probably it’s because I knew what I got my self into wasn’t a small thing. Drugs? I hope my mom doesn’t hear bout this.
“I forgot to ask you something. Does your brother know about this?” dad whispered in my ear.
“Kind of. A little bit.” I whispered back. For some reason I didn’t want to get Khalid involved.
I was half listening to the lecture which Sheikh Muhammad was giving. He was talking a little on Abu Bakr’s life story. But I missed most of it. Atleast my head ache went away. And the burden that was on my chest was gone now. I kind of felt a bit more…happier.
When the Halaqah was done I tried getting up but dad pulled me back down.
“Sorry Khalil. But I don’t want you anywhere with out my supervision.” He said softly.
I sat back down and leaned against the wall.
“Don’t get mad Khalil. It’s like I said. It’s for your own good.” He repeated.
“I know dad. I’m not mad. I totally understand why you’re supervising me but cant I atleast go appoligize to Shiekh Yusuf.”
“What did you do?”
“Umm…nothing but…I think I was kind of impolite to him today.”
“What did you do?” Dad was always about good manners. And he totally doesn’t allow us to be rude to someone older then us.
“Nothing I just didn’t talk because I was mad.” I said looking away.
“Ok but come back. Ok?”
“Sure.” I said as I got up and went to the library. Sheikh Yusuf was there alone reading. He placed his book down when he saw me.
“Hello.” He said cheerfully.
“Hi Sheikh.” I answered.
“Ok you’re going to have to tell me if you’re Khalil or Khalid.” He joked. I chuckled.
“I’m Khalil.”
“How am I suppose to tell you two apart?” he laughed.
“Khalid has a scar near his eye.”
“Oh. Ok. Did you need anything. Or are you just looking for a book. I must say this is a really good library.”
“Actually Sheikh, I wanted to apologize to you.” I said feeling my face go hot. I admit it I’m not use to apologizing.
“Oh…what for?” he asked confused.
“For today when we were picking you up. I wasn’t really nice.”
He waved his hand to show it was nothing. “Aw just forget about that. I sensed you had something on your mind. I was once a teen you know. And I know how you guys feel sometimes. Don’t worry bout it.”
“Thanks.”
“It’s no problem. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll carry on with my reading.” I went back to the Musallah and collided with Yusuf on my way. Great! How am I suppose to avoid him when he keeps popping up from nowhere.
“Hey, I’m glad I found you. How come you were late. Your brother was on time.” I shrugged.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“No. I had something I had to do.” I said mater of factly.
“Ok…are you sure?”
“Yeah. I have to get back to my dad.” I said walking past him.
I sat down next to dad.
“I thought I told you to avoid him.” He teased.
“Dad. He’s everywhere.” I said hoping for sympathy.
He ignored me. “What did Sheikh Yusuf say?”
“He said not to worry bout it.”
“Ok… but I don’t want you doing that again ok?”
“Sure.” I said leaning my head against the wall. I closed my eyes.
“Assalamu Alaykum” I heard someone say. I opened my eyes.
Amu Salman was standing in front of us.
“Wa Alaykum Assalam” we both answered.
He sat down next to us. “This your son?” he asked dad.
“Yeah, this is Khalil.” Dad answered.
“Why you no outside with your brother and friend?” he asked me.
I shrugged.
“He’s staying here with me tonight.” Dad said looking at me.
“How’s your headache by the way?” dad asked me.
“It’s ok.” I answered.
“Your head hurt you?” Amu Salman asked.
“Not anymore.”
“Say Alhadmulillah. You complain from head ache. Some people suffer greatly. People get shot, people get sick, but some they no complain. They keep quite and have patience. Patience is key to success you know?” he said.
Dad nodded. Then they started along conversation patience.
If I hadn’t told dad about the drugs I would have been outside with my friends right now. After a while Amu Salman left. He said he had something else he had to do.
“He’s not that bad is he?” dad asked. I kept quite.
After a while someone called the Adhan. Everyone repeated after it quietly. Then we prayed the Isha and Taraweeh. We were about to get up to leave when Shiekh Muhammad came up to us.
“Assalamu Alaykum.” He said. We answered his greeting.
“I’m surprised to see that you’re not with your friends Khalil.” He said. I just shrugged.
“I’m going to go to the bathroom. Wait for me here Khalil.” Dad said as he headed towards the bathrooms.
“You seem more cheerful then you were today.” The Shiekh said as he sat down in front of me.
“Yeah.” I said watching the other people leave the Musallah one by one.
“Did you like the lecture tonight?” he asked.
I turned back to him. “Well I kind of missed the first part.”
“Yeah I noticed. Where were you?”
“You can say I had a meeting.” I joked.
He chuckled. “With your dad?” I nodded.
“Shiekh Ahmed is holding the Halaqah tomorrow.” He said getting up. “I should be on my way. I’ll see you tomorrow Inshallah.” He said going outside. I saw dad coming so I got up.
“Let’s go.” He said putting his shoes on.
I followed him outside. Khalid, Ahmed, and Yusuf were talking together. Amu Jihad and Amu Rami were with them. Dad walked over to them and I followed slowly.
“Hello Ali.” Amu Rami greeted my dad. “I wanted to take the boys out for Ice Cream before I left.” He said.
“Right now? In this weather?” dad asked doubtfully.
“Sure. I promised them remember?”
“Well…ok if they want.”
“How bout it boys? Do you guys want to go?”
“Yeah!” Ahmed and Khalid exclaimed.
“How bout you Khalil?” Amu asked.
“Ok.” I said.
“You can come along too, Yusuf.” Amu invited him. I saw Dad get tense but he didn’t say anything.
“Ok, we’ll tag along but we’ll take our car and follow you guys” Amu Jihad said. Dad looked a bit happier when he said that. So we piled into Amu Rami’s van. We went to the ice cream shop and everyone got something. After that we went home and everyone fell asleep.
We got up to go to school in the morning.
I was headed towards the bathroom when mom stopped me.
“You can go back to sleep Khalil. Your dad said you’re not going to school today.” She said.
“What?” I asked surprised. Just then dad came out of his room.
“Sorry champ. I’m not letting you get out of my sight.” He said as he headed downstairs.
“What?” I asked again. “Dad, it’s like I’m under house arrest or something.”
“Sorry, but you’re not going.” He said quietly. Knowing that he wouldn’t change his mind I went back to my room. Half of me was angry but I was kind of relieved, but I knew it would be really boring today. I went back to my bed. Khalid was getting ready to leave.
“Why are you going back to sleep?” he asked.
“I’m not going to school.” I answered.
“Why not?”
“I don’t know. But dad said I’m not.”
He shrugged and went downstairs. Later that day I went with dad to the Dhuhr prayer. After that we took Ahmed’s parents to the airport.
“Good bye!” Amu waved.
“Bye.” We answered. Then we drove back home.
“Khalil you do know why I didn’t let you go to school right?” dad asked me later when we got home. Mom had gone shopping and we were the only ones home.
“Yeah dad I know.” I said gluing my eyes to the TV.
“It might hurt you, and you might feel like I’m being to strict on you, but it really hurts me more then it hurts you. I don’t like to see any of you guys sad or angry with me but right now I couldn’t think of any other solution.”
I didn’t answer. I acted to be really interested on the TV.
I got bored of watching TV so I went upstairs and got on my laptop.
I got a new message from Yusuf. It was short.
Hey man. Why aren’t you in school? Khalid’s here but you aren’t??
And how come you came late last night? And how come u’r ignoring me??
How am I suppose to answer that? I didn’t. I logged off and played a couple of games then I surfed the web until it was time for Asr.
“Khalil let’s go!” dad called from downstairs.
“What’s going on?” I asked Khalid.
“They’re gona have a crash land.” He said worriedly.
“Why?”
“One of the wheels is stuck.” I watched as they sprayed foam on the runway to prevent a fire. A couple of firefighters had hoses in their hands ready to fight any fire. They cleared the runway and the plane slowed down for a landing. An old lady that was standing next to us started crying. A couple of other women consoled her. I heard the Uncles pray for a safe landing.
The plane landed with minus one wheel and it wobbled slightly but somehow it managed to come to a stop. Then a man went and got the wheel unstuck. We watched as the passengers come out with pale faces. We headed back to the gate where the passengers would meet there families. Many of them started crying. Why? I asked myself. They’re safe now, why do you need to be crying. Then I saw Yusuf Estes walk towards us, Sheikh Ahmed was right behind him. They exchanged hugs with everyone.
Everyone that is except me. I’m not really found of hugging other people so I stood in the background trying to be unnoticed but it didn’t work… Sheikh Yusuf walked towards me and handed out his hand. “Assalamu Alaykum” he said enthusiastically.
“Wa Alaykum Assalam” I answered and I did the same with Sheikh Ahmed. No hugs. Perfect.
We were soon waiting for the luggage to be unloaded. When everything was finished we hurried back to our cars. Sheikh Yusuf ended going with us. And Sheikh Ahmed went with Yusuf and them. Khalid spent the whole rest of the ride talking to the other Shiekhs.
“This is just great.” Sheikh Fiez sighed referring to the traffic.
“It isn’t too bad. I just hope we’re not late for Iftaar, but we have forty-five minutes. Inshallah we can make it.”
I sat in the window seat half listening half thinking. I was thinking when Sheikh Yusuf spoke to me. Khalid nudged me to get my attention.
“Did you hear what I said?” Shiekh Yusuf asked.
“Obviously not.” Khalid teased.
Shiekh Yusuf chuckled. “Seems like you like to daydream a lot.”
“He loves it.” Khalid said. I ignored him.
“You haven’t actually uttered one word since I came here, except Wa Alaykum Assalam.”
“You know Khalil, if there’s something wrong with you, you should talk about it to someone.” He continued. Come on. I’ve been lecturing someone bout that a couple of hours ago.
But I just said ‘I know.”
“So there’s nothing wrong with you?”
“Physically, no.” He didn’t ask me any more questions. He probably sensed that I totally didn’t feel like talking. Don’t ask me why? I find myself like that, especially if I get in a fight with someone, or if I argue with someone. Dad says that I’ve always been like this; I keep my feelings in me, whereas Khalid is more of a social type. Sometimes.
“Which one of you came p with the idea of the Halaqahs?” I heard Sheikh Yusuf ask.
“Khalil did.” Sheikh Muhammad answered for us.
“Yeah, you won’t believe how excited he was yesterday.” Khalid finished.
“So what happened today?”
I looked up. “What do you mean?”
“You don’t seem enthusiastic or anything.”
“It’s not that…” I held myself. God. Keeping a “secret” was so hard. If only I didn’t promise… wait I can’t say if. Arghh. I was getting a headache. Was it from this secret that was burdening me or was it from something else? I don’t know. I just wish I could… I don’t know escape? Scream? Shout? I just want some tranquility I I’m not gona get it if I have this stupid secret flashing in and off in my mind.
We finally got to the Masjid with twenty minutes to spare.
I went straight home without waiting for anyone. They were all busy talking anyway and my head hurt too much to join in.
I knocked on the door of our house and waited for someone to open. It was starting raining and I was getting wetter every second. Khawla opened the door then hurried back to the kitchen where she, Khadeejah, Mom, Khala Hala, and a couple of my aunts were cooking. I don’t know how they manage to work with so many people crowded around them. I wanted to avoid them but if you want to get to the family room you have to pass by the kitchen and of course they saw me.
It’s not that I don’t like my family but they tend to be annoying sometimes, specially my aunts. One of them Khala Rawdhah came up to me and pinched my cheek like I was still a young kid!
“Oh! You grow so fast I can hardly keep up with you Mashallah!” she exclaimed. I forced a smile and tried to go to the family room.
“Why are you running away Khalid?” Another one, Khala Hanan asked.
“I don’t think that’s Khalid, he would’ve been more cheerful. That’s definitely Khalil.” Yet another one, Khala Najah said. That ticked me of and I tried my best to not explode.
“On second thought I’m going to my room.” I said as I walked away from them.
“Khalil where’s your brother?” Mom asked.
“He’s at the Masjid with Ahmed.” I said turning around.
“Oh, that’s a good boy. He’s always at the Masjid. Why aren’t you there Khalil?” Khala Najah asked.
“Where do you think I came back from?” I retorted.
“Khalil! Don’t ever talk back to your elders! Do you hear me?” Khala Rawdhah scolded me. I glanced at mom expecting her to tell me to say “I’m sorry Khala. I’ll never talk back to again.” Like when I was younger but I was surprised to see her holding back from laughing.
“You should discipline these boys.” Khala Najah said to mom. Khawla snickered as I went pass her. I went upstairs and laid on my bed thinking. If I weren’t fasting I would’ve taken some aspirin or something. The pain in my head was killing me. I didn’t want o fall asleep otherwise I would sleep through Iftaar. I heard some feet marching up the steps. Great. Khalid and Ahmed were back.
They came into the room.
“Oh. Hello Khalil.” Ahmed said.
“You are the rudest person I have seen in my life.” Khalid said to me. I ignored him and turned my back to him.
“Come on get up. I don’t feel like talking to your back.”
“Would you just leave me alone. If I’m rude then that’s my problem not yours. Ok?” I said loosing my temper. I’ve had enough of people trying to set me straight. It’s my life why do they care? Khalid seemed surprised.
“Ok. Let it be your problem but cant you at least be nice a little bit?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Today when we were heading back from the airport, the way that you were acting if you ask me was mean. I mean you even left the Masjid without saying bye or anything…”
“What difference would it make. I come up to you guys and say bye. What would you benefit?” I said interrupting him.
“You don’t have to get mad Khalil, I’m just…”
“Ok I wont get mad as long as you just leave me alone!” I glanced at my watch five minutes. I went to the bathroom and washed my face to cool down. I don’t know why I’m getting this angry and it wasn’t helping my head, it’s just making it hurt more. I made wudu then I went downstairs to the dining room. Khalid and Ahmed were already there, so was dad and the rest of the people. The women took their plates and disappeared in the family room.
“Great. There gona go eat in there, make a mess on the floor, then expect us to clean up.” Khawla murmered. Mom took her plate and went to the family room also. We all prayed then we sat down. Dad, Ahmed, Khalid, me, Khawla, Khadeejah, Aisha, and Amu Rami were left at the table. I pecked at my food then I went to the kitchen and got one Tylenol pill. I went to the dining room and ate a little more. Then I went upstairs again.
I lay on my bed for what seemed like an hour. Until dad came in anyway. He closed the door behind him softly. He sat down on my bed and I sat up.
“Ok Khalil, I’ve known you since you were born ok? And I know when some things wrong with you. So I suggest you tell me what’s wrong right now before I find out myself.” He said in a tone that showed that he wasn’t kidding. And knowing dad I’m sure he would’ve went out and found out one way or another. But I had promised didn’t I? And I can’t break a promise. Right?
“Dad, I just had a head ache.”
“Yeah, today, but for the past two days you’ve been awfully quite. You’re not yourself. The Sheikh has realized it and so has Amu Jihad. You, Yusuf, and Yunus. So are you going to tell me what’s going on?” I felt a sharp pang in my stomach as if I was bitten by something. I wish I hadn’t gotten into this. But wishes don’t come true. Do they?
“Dad…I cant.” That’s all I said and I’m sure he’s not gona accept it. Dad’s patient and cool but you don’t wana mess with him when he’s angry. And right now he was fuming.
“What do you mean you can’t?” he asked.
“I can’t I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone.” I sighed and leaned my head on the bed post.
“Listen Khalil. What you’re concealing from us, is it bad.”
“What do you mean bad?”
“Bad as in is it something that could harm you guys, something dangerous.” I looked at his face he was calmer now. I considered blurting everything out again. And I would have if I didn’t stop myself.
“Yes.” That’s it. I thought. I’m over with, dad’s gona blow up. But he didn’t. He remained calm.
“Khalil, do you have anything to do with it? I mean what ever it is, are you seriously deep in it.”
“No dad.”
“I hope you’re telling me the truth.”
“Dad seriously. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“You are right now.”
“What?!”
He nodded. “Come on now. Don’t you remember the Prophet’s Hadith when the prophet told us, he who sees something wrong should change it with his hand. If he cant then with his tongue, and if he cant then he should atlest know in his heart that the thing is wrong…”
“I did that dad. If I hadn’t…”I inturupted him.
“Wait Khalil I’m not finished with the Hadith. If you cant change it with your tongue then you should know in your heart thet it’s wrong. But the one that does that has the lowest of faith. Meaning he’s in the lowest rank of believers. Do you get it.”
“Yeah.”
“So what are you going to do about it?”
“Dad, I don’t know. There isn’t much that I can do. I spoke to both of them Yunus refused and Yusuf, well he’s afraid that they’ll get in trouble.”
“Khalil, let me ask you something. Which one in your eyes do you think is worse. I mean right now. Which one would be worse, breaking your promise, or keeping quite about it?”
I pondered over that a bit. If I break my promise, Yusuf wouldn’t trust me anymore, but maybe it might help them if I told dad or someone. Maybe they can help them get out of their problem. But if I kept quite about it, then Yunus might get worse, Amin and them might do something dangerous that could effect everyone. Should I tell? I decided I will. Even if Yusuf never talks to me again. Even if we get into trouble. Even if dad gets mad.
“So?” dad said waiting for an answer. “Which one is worse?”
“Keeping quite.” I said quietly.
“So are you going to tell me?” I nodded hesitantly.
“You know Khalil, even if you tell me, It’s not like I’m gona go around telling the whole world that my son told me this and that. I promise you I’ll try my best to keep your name out. Ok?”
I nodded feeling a bit assured. I glanced at my watch three minutes till the Halaqah. Just then Khalid and Ahmed opened the door. “Are you going to the Halaqah tonight?” Khalid asked me.
I glanced at dad and shook my head. Khalid seemed surprised.
“Well…ok then. Cya.” He said as they both left.
Dad sat down in a more comfortable position.
“I’m all ears.” He joked. I smiled and told him the whole story. Everything. I didn’t leave anything out even about Mr. Hussein getting drugged. And surprisingly dad didn’t get mad like I thought. He sat for a long time tugging at his beard which he normally did when he was thinking hard.
“Well?” I asked.
“Hmm. This is serious Khalil.” Dad said staring at me.
I sighed. “I should’ve just kept quite.” I murmured to myself.
“Why? You think I’m gona get mad?”
“You’re not?”
“Well. Of course I am disappointed that you and Yusuf didn’t come to me or Amu Jihad or even one of the Sheikhs. Khalil we’re not here to get mad and punish. I’m here to help you and guide you. Ok?” I nodded.
“One more thing. How about trying to avoid Yusuf and Yunus till we get this settled.” He said.
“Avoid them? But…”
“Believe me Khalil this is for your own good.” I just nodded. That was going to be hard. Yusuf was everywhere I went.
Dad glanced at his watch.
“If we hurry. We can make it in time for Isha.” He said and after three minutes we were in the car heading towards the Masjid.
“Dad?” I asked when we got there.
“Yeah?” he said turning towards me.
“Can you not tell anyone that I told you please?”
“Of course. You can count on that.” He said.
I was happy to see that I didn’t miss the whole Halaqah but I only got to here the last five or four minutes. I sat down next to Zaki remembering dad’s advice about avoiding Yusuf. Dad sat down next to me. I guess he’s going to be keeping an eye on me. I don’t blame him. And I didn’t get mad. Probably it’s because I knew what I got my self into wasn’t a small thing. Drugs? I hope my mom doesn’t hear bout this.
“I forgot to ask you something. Does your brother know about this?” dad whispered in my ear.
“Kind of. A little bit.” I whispered back. For some reason I didn’t want to get Khalid involved.
I was half listening to the lecture which Sheikh Muhammad was giving. He was talking a little on Abu Bakr’s life story. But I missed most of it. Atleast my head ache went away. And the burden that was on my chest was gone now. I kind of felt a bit more…happier.
When the Halaqah was done I tried getting up but dad pulled me back down.
“Sorry Khalil. But I don’t want you anywhere with out my supervision.” He said softly.
I sat back down and leaned against the wall.
“Don’t get mad Khalil. It’s like I said. It’s for your own good.” He repeated.
“I know dad. I’m not mad. I totally understand why you’re supervising me but cant I atleast go appoligize to Shiekh Yusuf.”
“What did you do?”
“Umm…nothing but…I think I was kind of impolite to him today.”
“What did you do?” Dad was always about good manners. And he totally doesn’t allow us to be rude to someone older then us.
“Nothing I just didn’t talk because I was mad.” I said looking away.
“Ok but come back. Ok?”
“Sure.” I said as I got up and went to the library. Sheikh Yusuf was there alone reading. He placed his book down when he saw me.
“Hello.” He said cheerfully.
“Hi Sheikh.” I answered.
“Ok you’re going to have to tell me if you’re Khalil or Khalid.” He joked. I chuckled.
“I’m Khalil.”
“How am I suppose to tell you two apart?” he laughed.
“Khalid has a scar near his eye.”
“Oh. Ok. Did you need anything. Or are you just looking for a book. I must say this is a really good library.”
“Actually Sheikh, I wanted to apologize to you.” I said feeling my face go hot. I admit it I’m not use to apologizing.
“Oh…what for?” he asked confused.
“For today when we were picking you up. I wasn’t really nice.”
He waved his hand to show it was nothing. “Aw just forget about that. I sensed you had something on your mind. I was once a teen you know. And I know how you guys feel sometimes. Don’t worry bout it.”
“Thanks.”
“It’s no problem. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll carry on with my reading.” I went back to the Musallah and collided with Yusuf on my way. Great! How am I suppose to avoid him when he keeps popping up from nowhere.
“Hey, I’m glad I found you. How come you were late. Your brother was on time.” I shrugged.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“No. I had something I had to do.” I said mater of factly.
“Ok…are you sure?”
“Yeah. I have to get back to my dad.” I said walking past him.
I sat down next to dad.
“I thought I told you to avoid him.” He teased.
“Dad. He’s everywhere.” I said hoping for sympathy.
He ignored me. “What did Sheikh Yusuf say?”
“He said not to worry bout it.”
“Ok… but I don’t want you doing that again ok?”
“Sure.” I said leaning my head against the wall. I closed my eyes.
“Assalamu Alaykum” I heard someone say. I opened my eyes.
Amu Salman was standing in front of us.
“Wa Alaykum Assalam” we both answered.
He sat down next to us. “This your son?” he asked dad.
“Yeah, this is Khalil.” Dad answered.
“Why you no outside with your brother and friend?” he asked me.
I shrugged.
“He’s staying here with me tonight.” Dad said looking at me.
“How’s your headache by the way?” dad asked me.
“It’s ok.” I answered.
“Your head hurt you?” Amu Salman asked.
“Not anymore.”
“Say Alhadmulillah. You complain from head ache. Some people suffer greatly. People get shot, people get sick, but some they no complain. They keep quite and have patience. Patience is key to success you know?” he said.
Dad nodded. Then they started along conversation patience.
If I hadn’t told dad about the drugs I would have been outside with my friends right now. After a while Amu Salman left. He said he had something else he had to do.
“He’s not that bad is he?” dad asked. I kept quite.
After a while someone called the Adhan. Everyone repeated after it quietly. Then we prayed the Isha and Taraweeh. We were about to get up to leave when Shiekh Muhammad came up to us.
“Assalamu Alaykum.” He said. We answered his greeting.
“I’m surprised to see that you’re not with your friends Khalil.” He said. I just shrugged.
“I’m going to go to the bathroom. Wait for me here Khalil.” Dad said as he headed towards the bathrooms.
“You seem more cheerful then you were today.” The Shiekh said as he sat down in front of me.
“Yeah.” I said watching the other people leave the Musallah one by one.
“Did you like the lecture tonight?” he asked.
I turned back to him. “Well I kind of missed the first part.”
“Yeah I noticed. Where were you?”
“You can say I had a meeting.” I joked.
He chuckled. “With your dad?” I nodded.
“Shiekh Ahmed is holding the Halaqah tomorrow.” He said getting up. “I should be on my way. I’ll see you tomorrow Inshallah.” He said going outside. I saw dad coming so I got up.
“Let’s go.” He said putting his shoes on.
I followed him outside. Khalid, Ahmed, and Yusuf were talking together. Amu Jihad and Amu Rami were with them. Dad walked over to them and I followed slowly.
“Hello Ali.” Amu Rami greeted my dad. “I wanted to take the boys out for Ice Cream before I left.” He said.
“Right now? In this weather?” dad asked doubtfully.
“Sure. I promised them remember?”
“Well…ok if they want.”
“How bout it boys? Do you guys want to go?”
“Yeah!” Ahmed and Khalid exclaimed.
“How bout you Khalil?” Amu asked.
“Ok.” I said.
“You can come along too, Yusuf.” Amu invited him. I saw Dad get tense but he didn’t say anything.
“Ok, we’ll tag along but we’ll take our car and follow you guys” Amu Jihad said. Dad looked a bit happier when he said that. So we piled into Amu Rami’s van. We went to the ice cream shop and everyone got something. After that we went home and everyone fell asleep.
We got up to go to school in the morning.
I was headed towards the bathroom when mom stopped me.
“You can go back to sleep Khalil. Your dad said you’re not going to school today.” She said.
“What?” I asked surprised. Just then dad came out of his room.
“Sorry champ. I’m not letting you get out of my sight.” He said as he headed downstairs.
“What?” I asked again. “Dad, it’s like I’m under house arrest or something.”
“Sorry, but you’re not going.” He said quietly. Knowing that he wouldn’t change his mind I went back to my room. Half of me was angry but I was kind of relieved, but I knew it would be really boring today. I went back to my bed. Khalid was getting ready to leave.
“Why are you going back to sleep?” he asked.
“I’m not going to school.” I answered.
“Why not?”
“I don’t know. But dad said I’m not.”
He shrugged and went downstairs. Later that day I went with dad to the Dhuhr prayer. After that we took Ahmed’s parents to the airport.
“Good bye!” Amu waved.
“Bye.” We answered. Then we drove back home.
“Khalil you do know why I didn’t let you go to school right?” dad asked me later when we got home. Mom had gone shopping and we were the only ones home.
“Yeah dad I know.” I said gluing my eyes to the TV.
“It might hurt you, and you might feel like I’m being to strict on you, but it really hurts me more then it hurts you. I don’t like to see any of you guys sad or angry with me but right now I couldn’t think of any other solution.”
I didn’t answer. I acted to be really interested on the TV.
I got bored of watching TV so I went upstairs and got on my laptop.
I got a new message from Yusuf. It was short.
Hey man. Why aren’t you in school? Khalid’s here but you aren’t??
And how come you came late last night? And how come u’r ignoring me??
How am I suppose to answer that? I didn’t. I logged off and played a couple of games then I surfed the web until it was time for Asr.
“Khalil let’s go!” dad called from downstairs.
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Man I totally feel bad for Khalil 
Inshallah imma wait...=]
Inshallah imma wait...=]
Na7lah
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After praying the Asr, dad dropped me off at home then went back to pick them up from school. I was playing a little bit of basketball when they came. Ahmed and Khalid joined me.
“How come you didn’t come today?” Ahmed asked. I shrugged as I passed him the ball.
“Yusuf asked you to meet him at the Masjid at Maghrib.” Khalid told me.
“But we pray here at Maghrib.” I said dunking the ball.
“Then call him.” He said simply.
The rest of Ramadan was the same for me, wake up for Suhuur, pray Fajr, go with dad to Dhuhr, Asr, break my fast at Maghrib, then go to the Halaqah’s. Dad still wouldn’t let me go to the School.
“Not until we fix this problem.” He would say. I actually didn’t really mind. I liked staying home by my self and going to the Masjid.
Yusuf would email and phone me for the first few days then he stopped. I guess he got tired of calling me and not getting any answer.
I don’t see why dad doesn’t want me to be with him, but I don’t have a choice. Ever since we were little our parents taught us to obey and not question. Sometimes I think this is not fair but unfortunately I don’t choose the rules.
We were all excited on the day before Eid. Aisha was the most excited one from the whole family. She locked herself in the room yesterday for more than two hours.
“What is she doing?” I asked Khadeejah.
“She said she’s making presents for everyone.” She answered.
When we went to the Taraweeh that night the whole Masjid was filled.
“Assalamu Alaykum!” we heard someone say behind us as we got out of the car. We returned the greetings. It was Amu Salman. He seemed to be nicer these days. He and my dad were becoming good friends.
kinda short i'll post more tonight OR tommorow morning
“How come you didn’t come today?” Ahmed asked. I shrugged as I passed him the ball.
“Yusuf asked you to meet him at the Masjid at Maghrib.” Khalid told me.
“But we pray here at Maghrib.” I said dunking the ball.
“Then call him.” He said simply.
The rest of Ramadan was the same for me, wake up for Suhuur, pray Fajr, go with dad to Dhuhr, Asr, break my fast at Maghrib, then go to the Halaqah’s. Dad still wouldn’t let me go to the School.
“Not until we fix this problem.” He would say. I actually didn’t really mind. I liked staying home by my self and going to the Masjid.
Yusuf would email and phone me for the first few days then he stopped. I guess he got tired of calling me and not getting any answer.
I don’t see why dad doesn’t want me to be with him, but I don’t have a choice. Ever since we were little our parents taught us to obey and not question. Sometimes I think this is not fair but unfortunately I don’t choose the rules.
We were all excited on the day before Eid. Aisha was the most excited one from the whole family. She locked herself in the room yesterday for more than two hours.
“What is she doing?” I asked Khadeejah.
“She said she’s making presents for everyone.” She answered.
When we went to the Taraweeh that night the whole Masjid was filled.
“Assalamu Alaykum!” we heard someone say behind us as we got out of the car. We returned the greetings. It was Amu Salman. He seemed to be nicer these days. He and my dad were becoming good friends.
kinda short i'll post more tonight OR tommorow morning
Na7lah
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We saw Zakir at the entrance.
“Hey guys.” He said cheerfully. “Aren’t you guys excited about tomorrow?”
“Yeah, but I’m gona miss Ramadan and the Taraweehs.” Ahmed replied.
“Yeah. Hey where’s your brother?” Zakir asked me. “I hardly ever see him.”
“He’s with dad.” I answered.
Just then Yusuf entered the Masjid.
“Hey.” He said. “What’s up with your bro?”
“Why?” I asked.
“He treats me these days like I don’t exist.” He said frowning.
“He treats everyone like they don’t exist.” Ahmed joked.
“Come on you guys don’t backstab him. Khalil’s cool.” Zakir said.
One thing I liked about Zakir and his brother was that if they ever see anything wrong they’re not afraid to speak against it specially Zakir.
We went inside and waited for the Salah to start.
Khalil and dad came in. Khalil sat next to Zaki and dad sat down next to them and started reading Quran. I glanced at my watch we had about ten to fifteen minutes left. There wasn’t going to be any Halaqah tonight because the people had to get ready for Eid. After a while Zakir and Ahmed went and sat next to Khalil and Zaki, and they started chatting, but Khalil was kind of quite.
“Do you know why your brother’s ignoring me?” Yusuf asked.
“I don’t know.” I said. Khalil and Yusuf have been best friends ever since I could remember; I don’t know why Khalil’s all of a sudden ignoring him.
The next day we woke up early before Fajr and got ready for the prayer.
Then we got in the car and drove to the place where the prayer was going to be held. The Masjid wasn’t big enough so they usually rented this huge building. Aisha was squealing with delight.
“Sit still!” Khawla complained.
“I cant I love Eid.” She said.
“We do too, but we’re not jumping up and down our seats are we?”
After the Salah our parents usually spent about an hour speaking to their friends and family. Khalil stood quietly next to me. We were standing against the wall watching everyone as we waited for our parents.
“Isn’t that Shiekh Muhammad?” Khalil asked. I looked and saw the sheikh walking towards us carrying a bag.
“Eid Mubarak!” he said happily while crushing me in a bear hug. When he got to Khalil he laughed and just shook his hand.
“I know you don’t like hugs.” He said. Khalil seemed embarrassed.
He took out two small gifts from the bag.
“These are for you two. Open them when you get home.” he said waving.
“What do you think it is?” I asked Khalil. He shrugged and placed his in his pocket. Then I saw him frown. When I looked up I saw why. Yusuf was walking towards us with Yunus next to him.
“Assalamu Alaykum.” Yusuf said.
“Wa Alaykum Assalam.” We both answered.
“Hey Khalil, finally you’re not with your dad for a change.”
Khalil frowned slightly and turned away.
“Are you guys going to do anything fun today?” I asked them.
“I don’t know. We might go to the amusement park but I’m not sure.” Yusuf answered. I glanced at Khalil. He was staring at Yunus.
Yunus realized it. “What?” he asked.
“Nothing.” Khalil replied quietly.
“Hey, what’s wrong with you? I’ve been wanting to know why you’re ignoring me?” Yusuf said.
Luckily for Khalil dad walked up to us. “Come here Khalil.” He said calling him.
Khalil walked away. Yusuf watched him leave. For once he looked hurt.
I kind of felt sorry for him. “He’ll get over whatever’s bugging him. Khalil’s like that soon he’ll be his old self again.” I assured him.
“I hope so.” He said as he left.
When we got home the first thing we did was eat breakfast then we started opening our presents. A lot of our Aunts and uncles came over and they brought their kids with them. Khalil, Ahmed, and I took our presents and went upstairs to open them. Dad came with us.
I opened the one from mom first. She got me a new game for my Play Station. Khalil got me a set of Hadith books. Khawla gave me a new CD Album for one of the Sheikhs. Khadeejah gave me a book that she wrote.
And Ahmed gave me an art set. The rest of the gifts were money. When we opened Dad’s gift we were speechless. He got all three of us new Iphones. We all thanked him.
Then I opened the gift that the Shiekh gave me. He had given me a small mp3 player. Khalil’s gift was really cool. He got a Digital Quran Player with a built in camera. That way he could take up to four hours of video and as many pictures as he wanted. Also it had about fifty Hadith books and five translations of the Quran. He was dumbfounded.
And for once in a long time I actually saw him overwhelmed with happiness.
“This is so cool!” he exclaimed. Dad smiled.
“Hey guys.” He said cheerfully. “Aren’t you guys excited about tomorrow?”
“Yeah, but I’m gona miss Ramadan and the Taraweehs.” Ahmed replied.
“Yeah. Hey where’s your brother?” Zakir asked me. “I hardly ever see him.”
“He’s with dad.” I answered.
Just then Yusuf entered the Masjid.
“Hey.” He said. “What’s up with your bro?”
“Why?” I asked.
“He treats me these days like I don’t exist.” He said frowning.
“He treats everyone like they don’t exist.” Ahmed joked.
“Come on you guys don’t backstab him. Khalil’s cool.” Zakir said.
One thing I liked about Zakir and his brother was that if they ever see anything wrong they’re not afraid to speak against it specially Zakir.
We went inside and waited for the Salah to start.
Khalil and dad came in. Khalil sat next to Zaki and dad sat down next to them and started reading Quran. I glanced at my watch we had about ten to fifteen minutes left. There wasn’t going to be any Halaqah tonight because the people had to get ready for Eid. After a while Zakir and Ahmed went and sat next to Khalil and Zaki, and they started chatting, but Khalil was kind of quite.
“Do you know why your brother’s ignoring me?” Yusuf asked.
“I don’t know.” I said. Khalil and Yusuf have been best friends ever since I could remember; I don’t know why Khalil’s all of a sudden ignoring him.
The next day we woke up early before Fajr and got ready for the prayer.
Then we got in the car and drove to the place where the prayer was going to be held. The Masjid wasn’t big enough so they usually rented this huge building. Aisha was squealing with delight.
“Sit still!” Khawla complained.
“I cant I love Eid.” She said.
“We do too, but we’re not jumping up and down our seats are we?”
After the Salah our parents usually spent about an hour speaking to their friends and family. Khalil stood quietly next to me. We were standing against the wall watching everyone as we waited for our parents.
“Isn’t that Shiekh Muhammad?” Khalil asked. I looked and saw the sheikh walking towards us carrying a bag.
“Eid Mubarak!” he said happily while crushing me in a bear hug. When he got to Khalil he laughed and just shook his hand.
“I know you don’t like hugs.” He said. Khalil seemed embarrassed.
He took out two small gifts from the bag.
“These are for you two. Open them when you get home.” he said waving.
“What do you think it is?” I asked Khalil. He shrugged and placed his in his pocket. Then I saw him frown. When I looked up I saw why. Yusuf was walking towards us with Yunus next to him.
“Assalamu Alaykum.” Yusuf said.
“Wa Alaykum Assalam.” We both answered.
“Hey Khalil, finally you’re not with your dad for a change.”
Khalil frowned slightly and turned away.
“Are you guys going to do anything fun today?” I asked them.
“I don’t know. We might go to the amusement park but I’m not sure.” Yusuf answered. I glanced at Khalil. He was staring at Yunus.
Yunus realized it. “What?” he asked.
“Nothing.” Khalil replied quietly.
“Hey, what’s wrong with you? I’ve been wanting to know why you’re ignoring me?” Yusuf said.
Luckily for Khalil dad walked up to us. “Come here Khalil.” He said calling him.
Khalil walked away. Yusuf watched him leave. For once he looked hurt.
I kind of felt sorry for him. “He’ll get over whatever’s bugging him. Khalil’s like that soon he’ll be his old self again.” I assured him.
“I hope so.” He said as he left.
When we got home the first thing we did was eat breakfast then we started opening our presents. A lot of our Aunts and uncles came over and they brought their kids with them. Khalil, Ahmed, and I took our presents and went upstairs to open them. Dad came with us.
I opened the one from mom first. She got me a new game for my Play Station. Khalil got me a set of Hadith books. Khawla gave me a new CD Album for one of the Sheikhs. Khadeejah gave me a book that she wrote.
And Ahmed gave me an art set. The rest of the gifts were money. When we opened Dad’s gift we were speechless. He got all three of us new Iphones. We all thanked him.
Then I opened the gift that the Shiekh gave me. He had given me a small mp3 player. Khalil’s gift was really cool. He got a Digital Quran Player with a built in camera. That way he could take up to four hours of video and as many pictures as he wanted. Also it had about fifty Hadith books and five translations of the Quran. He was dumbfounded.
And for once in a long time I actually saw him overwhelmed with happiness.
“This is so cool!” he exclaimed. Dad smiled.
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