by Dorian Sykes
She rushed off at the calling of the adhan, which is the Muslim prayer call. Everyone ceased what they were doing. Some whispered the sacred chant in unison with the caller.
“Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallah...” The caller took his seat on the prayer rug in the front row.
A few minutes later, Imam Abdul bin Baz stood up and began reciting surahs from the Quran. “Bismallah al-Rahmanir al-Raheem. All praise is to Allah alone, and may His peace and blessings be upon His Messenger and slave, our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companion. Alhumdulillahi rabil alamin. We are blessed with another Al-Jumu’ah…”
For the most part, Imam Abdul spoke in Arabic, so Wink missed bits and pieces. But he was still able to follow from the brief English passages Imam Abdul would recite from the Quran.
“Allah is the protector of those who have faith: From the depths of darkness, He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith, the patrons are the Evil ones: from light, they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (forever).”
It was as if he were speaking directly to Wink, because every time he spoke in English, he would stare dead at Wink. That could have been the case, but it also could have been Wink’s conscience, or lack thereof. He told himself that he ain’t never killed nobody that didn’t deserve it, and somehow, that made it right to him. The lesson was about the hypocrites, Al Munafiqun, the imam called them, citing Surah 63 from the Quran.
The service only lasted about forty-five minutes. Then they all stood for congregational prayer. Wink listened as Imam Abdul recited Al-Fatiha. Wink didn’t understand a single word of it, but it had to be the most beautiful thing he’d ever heard before in his life. Wink thought about his father and wondered if he was at Jumah service at the prison. He couldn’t wait to go and see him again. He even thought about taking Armeeah with him so she could meet his dad.
Wink’s daydream was cut short as everyone stood up and Imam Abdul salaamed the congregation. In unison, they all returned the greeting, and with that, service was over.
Armeeah said a few hellos to some of her friends. They all grinned and snickered as Armeeah showed them Wink. She said her goodbyes and then found her mother so she could meet Wink. Wink stood up and pulled out his manners as Armeeah ushered her mom over to him.
“Ma, I would like you to meet Wayne. He’s in my business management class.”
“How are you, ma’am?” Wink extended his hand for Armeeah’s mother.
“Are you Muslim?” asked Armeeah’s mom.
“No, ma’am. But Armeeah has been sharing with me the teachings of Islam, and she invited me here for service.”
“Alhamdulillah. Well, I hope to see you next Friday,” Armeeah’s mom said as if it were a question.
“Insha’Allah, mother.” Armeeah grabbed a hold of her mom’s hand and led her away.
“Nice meeting you, Wayne,” her mom said over her shoulder.
Armeeah waved Wink out the masjid. He met her in the parking lot next to her car. Wink looked Armeeah in the eyes and waited for her to say something.
“I think my mom likes you.”
“Yeah. Well, it’s not her I’m worried about. What’s up with your dad? I saw him in there. When am I going to meet him?”
“I think next time would be best. Let’s give my mother some time to speak up for you. She always gets what she wants with my dad.”
“What are you about to do now?”
“I have to open the restaurant for the evening. But I’ll be off around eleven.”
“Call me when you get off. I have a few things I need to do for the day, but I definitely would like to end my day with you in my arms.”
Armeeah blushed, then said, “We’ll see.” She looked over Wink’s shoulder and saw her parents coming out of the mosque. “I better get going. I’ll call you,” she said before climbing into her Audi.
Wink always felt at peace when he was with Armeeah. She just had this sense of purity and positiveness about her that put Wink at ease. He didn’t feel like he had to have his guards up when they were together, because she didn’t have any hidden agendas, unlike the niggas in them grimy streets he yearned to rule.
Wink climbed in his Caddy and pulled out of the parking lot. Imam Abdul’s words had gone in one ear and out the other. It was time to hit the streets and see what he could turn up. Willie should have been about done with those other fifty bricks, and if so, it was time to go see Nina and re-up.
To Be Continued
The Good Life 2: The Re-up
Coming Soon