A Prayer Heeded

by Samreen Ahsan

  “Marriage should indeed be a garment of pleasure. It brings pleasure to the body and to the soul. It brings about inner balance and alleviates tension and anxiety. A husband and wife should find in one another peace and tranquility. As Allah says: Good women are for good men and good men are for good women. Today, being a responsible person officiating the marriage ceremony, I proceed with the announcement of Mr. Ahmed Bari, father of Rania Ahmed, appointed as a legal guardian: wakil, representing the bride. We shall begin the ceremony.” He pauses for a moment and looks toward the audience.

  “In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. I bear witness that none is worthy of worship but Allah, the One alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”

  Mr. Kareem steps down from the podium and all eyes watch him as he walks toward Adam. “Mr. Gibson, since you are unaware of the Muslim marriage rules, in this process the groom is asked to offer a mahr to his bride. It is a kind of a prenuptial agreement—a safety deposit that you are bound to provide either at the time of the ceremony or later in life, depending on your consensual agreement. Please understand it’s her right and a free gift, and you are obligated to provide it to her. How much are you willing to provide to your bride, keeping her choice in mind?”

  Adam can’t help but smile. He can’t believe that this is actually happening.

  “Anything she desires, Mr. Kareem. Please ask her what she wants from me; I can provide it to her and sign. I can gift her my properties, or cash. Ask her if I can gift her Hope? It’s a shelter home that feeds many homeless people daily, and gives them a safe place to sleep and to worship God. I’d like Rania to share in the blessing of helping so many people. Of course, the shelter is endowed and fully supported financially. Rania would not be responsible for that.”

  “That is very generous of you, Mr. Gibson.” Mr. Kareem smiles at Adam’s offer. He looks toward Bari and speaks. “Being Rania’s legal guardian, please ask Rania what mahr she approves from Adam for marriage, and proceed with the ceremony.”

  Bari stands up and enters the room where Rania is sitting quietly next to Eva, who is too excited to attend the ceremony. He looks at his beautiful daughter, who is looking stunning in her emerald green bridal dress. He kisses her on her forehead and sits beside her with the marriage contract papers.

  “You groom has offered the mahr in the form of Hope. Would you like to accept it?”

  Rania looks at her father in surprise. In offering her Hope, Adam is making Rania a shareholder in gaining the blessings from God that Adam has always received due to his constant support of Hope. It is an incredibly generous gift. But accepting Hope is a lot of responsibility.

  “Rania, I am waiting for your answer. Please tell me, princess, are you okay with Hope?” She looks at her father for a moment and nods in silence. “Do you agree to accept Nikah with Adam Gibson, son of Richard Gibson, on the agreed mahr?”

  Rania is again quiet and afraid, her body trembling with some feelings she is unaware of. “I do accept Adam on the agreed mahr.”

  Bari asks Rania two more times and Rania responds in the same way. He asks her to sign the papers. Rania’s hands are shaking.

  Grace looks at her daughter-in-law’s shaky hands and speaks. “He loves you, Rania. Look how far he has walked for you. I am sure he is going to take good care of you.”

  Rania signs the papers, wherever it is required. Bari brushes a kiss on her forehead. His eyes are clouded with tears of happiness, but he escapes from the room before he makes the situation more dramatic.

  He sits beside Kareem and Adam and hands the papers to Kareem.

  “I give away in Nikah, the woman who has thus appointed and authorized me, to you, on an agreed mahr.” Bari looks straight into Adam’s eyes.

  “Mr. Adam Gibson, do you accept the Nikah with Rania Ahmed, daughter of Ahmed Bari on the agreed mahr?” Mr. Kareem asks Adam.

  “I do accept with all my heart on the agreed mahr.” Adam can’t help but smile. The same procedure goes two more times, and Adam signs the papers.

  “May this couple be blessed with love and devotion for each other, with generosity and trust in each other, giving them patience and gentleness, and may Allah give them strong faith and an abiding love. Amen. With Allah’s will and permission, I now pronounce Adam and Rania as lawfully wedded husband and wife under Islamic laws.” On Mr. Kareem’s announcement, everyone applauds.

  He recites the words from Holy Quran and offers his blessings to Adam. Bari is the first one to greet his son-in-law. Adam’s eyes wander toward Rania and Bari goes inside the room to bring his daughter to the beautifully designed stage in a lavish party hall of Madinah Jumeirah, one of the elite hotels in Dubai.

  Bari managed to throw the grand reception with two days’ notice, and Adam was fortunate enough to get his whole family there in a day. Eva, Grace, Brian, Nathan, Scott, Ali—everyone has attended his marriage and shared his joy. Ali was, in fact, one of the witnesses from Adam’s side.

  All the rituals and procedures are very new to Adam and his family, but they are all enjoying this new experience, the new Arabic culture. Rania appears with her father, taking his hand, and sits beside Adam on the stage where the large couch is placed for the bride and groom to sit and pose for pictures. She takes his breath away. Not only is she stunning, she is his—forever.

  Everyone greets and congratulates the newly married couple, but Adam’s eyes are only focused on Rania. He still can’t believe that she is now his lawfully wedded wife. Adam’s intense gaze is making Rania blush and bloom like a rose. The flashes from different cameras keep them busy for quite a while. With people meeting and greeting them, he is not able to talk to his wife.

  Finally, when Bari announces the dinner, people scatter and enjoy a grand buffet. They are finally alone for a moment. He looks at her once more.

  “Congratulations, Mrs. Gibson.” He can’t help but smile. His happiness is showing in his shining eyes, and his expression is nervous; every emotion is showing on his face.

  Adam picks up Rania’s henna-decorated hand and slips a diamond ring on her finger. It is the most beautiful ring she has ever seen. She looks at her new husband lovingly, and tears of joy dance at the brim of her eyes.

  Adam wipes the very first tear that drops from her eye and speaks. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you look tonight? With this green color, you have given me the feeling that you fulfill me.” Rania smiles shyly and looks down. “My body, my heart, my soul, everything is yours, Rania. I promise to have faith in every step we take together. I promise to protect you from everything that I see and from everything that I don’t see.” He picks up her hand and kisses her knuckles.

  “Oh my! Look who’s getting cheesy with his wife.” Eva jumps on the stage and sits beside Rania. “Like it or not, I will intrude on both of you for a while.” She looks at Adam, who rolls his eyes at his sister’s abruptness.

  “I have so much to talk about with Rania.” She pauses for a moment. “What? What are you looking at?” Eva looks at her brother. “You have the whole night with her...in fact, the rest of your life.”

  Rania giggles at Eva’s behavior.

  Rania looks up and sees Mike looking at her. She stands up to meet him, and Adam and Eva follow her. Mike gives her a warm hug and kisses her forehead.

  “Congrats, Rania.” He looks at her with love. “You look very beautiful. I’m happy you found your true love.” Adam steps closer and Mike congratulates the groom. “You are one lucky man. Please take care of her. You know I can put you behind bars if I hear any complaints…”

  “You’re a cop?” Eva interrupts.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t introduce you,” Rania finally says. “Eva, this is my friend Mike, and Mike, this is Eva, Adam’s sister.” Mike offers his handshake to Eva, and she instantly accepts.

  “So, Adam, when do we attend the reception from you? We never got an invitation…” Mike looks at Adam. Adam is taken off-guard.
He doesn’t know what to say.

  “What? You don’t know a groom is supposed to give a reception too? It’s called…” Mike is looking for the correct word.

  “Walimah.” Rania completes his sentence.

  “Oh yes! Walimah. When are you sending out the invitations?”

  Adam looks at Rania for an answer, but she doesn’t know herself what to say. They never talked about it.

  “We’re flying out tomorrow. Perhaps when we come back to Toronto. You will definitely be the first one to get an invitation,” Adam responds with a warm smile.

  “What is Walimah?” Eva interrupts, looking at Mike.

  “It’s a reception from the groom in order to celebrate his marriage. It’s a religious custom which every groom has to follow.” Mike looks at Eva, and then to Rania. “Am I right, Rania?” She nods.

  “So, that’s fine. I’m sure my rich brother can arrange a party tomorrow. Since we are all here—”

  “Oh, you don’t understand, girl. There is a rule, a pre-condition for it.” Mike chuckles and looks toward Rania. She flushes in embarrassment. “Not sure how to put it in words…umm…he needs to make love to his wife in order to celebrate it, or else, it will be void.” He gestures toward Adam.

  “Are you kidding me?” Eva bursts into laughter.

  It takes Adam by surprise. He looks at Rania and then at Mike. “What? You don’t know that?” Mike asks Adam, who is still speechless. “Well, I wasn’t supposed to mention that you’re supposed to make love in order to celebrate Walimah, but keeping in mind that you’re married to the most beautiful woman on this planet, I’m sure, after all the wait, you’re not going to waste a single moment in private. And your sister was interested in extending her knowledge.” Mike grins at the newly wedded couple. Rania’s face flushes again in embarrassment.

  “Are you serious? How do you know all this?” Eva looks at Mike in amazement.

  “I grew up in this society. I know everything related to this culture and religion. Attended so many Walimahs of my Arab friends—and how we used to tease the grooms, asking them if they’re doing justice to the celebration.” His wide grin makes Eva flush with heat. She looks excited, as if she has never met a man as interesting as Mike.

  Bari appears just in time and takes his daughter’s hand to go see their relatives. Ali approaches Adam and asks if he would like to eat something.

  “Let’s have dinner?” Mike looks toward Eva.

  Eva smiles back. “Sure.” They both leave the stage.

  Adam also steps down and secludes himself with Ali. Ali isn’t sure why he’s doing that.

  “What is Walimah?” Adam inquires impatiently of Ali. Ali smiles and pops a finger fish in his mouth.

  “A religious custom—”

  “That I know. I mean, is it true that you’re supposed to sleep with your wife in order to celebrate Walimah?”

  Ali is smirking at him, but he nods in agreement.

  Adam’s expression changes suddenly, and thousands of things cross his mind. He knows he has to confront Khaldun before making love to Rania. He has no idea if this reception thing will ever be possible or not.

  “You want to have it here or in Toronto?” Ali distracts Adam from his thoughts.

  “Huh?” Adam looks at Ali with wide eyes. “I don’t know. Maybe, when we come back to Toronto. Anyhow, I’m supposed to throw a party for her.”

  The party lasts till midnight, and then finally the newly married couple gets a chance at privacy. They have taken the honeymoon suite in the Mina A’Salam hotel, adjacent to where the reception was held.

  Adam carries his beautiful bride in his arms and everyone, from the lobby to the room, watches them with bewilderment. He shuts the door behind him with his back. Rania can’t help but smile with shyness and embarrassment.

  Everything is so new to her, as if she is getting married for the very first time. The love, the blessing, the sanctuary, she can’t believe it herself; it is happening like a fairytale. But at the back of her mind, she is afraid she won’t be able to provide happiness to her husband. He now has all the rights to claim her body.

  The room is tastefully decorated with Arabian décor, the bed having a carved dark wooden headboard. The bedding is made of gold and beiges, giving it a perfect royal look. All the doors and windows are carved with rich Arabian motifs, giving a touch of a bygone era. The walls are light brown, with royal sconces all around. There is a grand en-suite washroom with a large vanity and a deep wood-paneled mirror. There is a huge Jacuzzi tub in the corner and a grand shower column on the other side with a state-of-the-art shower system.

  Outside the bedroom is a living room that has a view of the Arabian Gulf. The private beach is within walking distance. The living area is beautifully designed with dark wood, warm lighting and traditional arches, giving it an antique and arabesque style, accented with lavish artwork and ornate detail adorning walls and ceilings. The living room is filled with local-style furniture, upholstered with royal fabrics and draperies.

  Adam places Rania smoothly down on the bed and sits beside her, resting his elbow on the mattress. He takes her hands and kisses them gently. The ambience of the room reminds him of King Sheharyar’s chamber from Arabian Nights. The memory tickles his heart, how he used to entangle her in his embrace and listen to the magical stories.

  “I can’t even explain in words how beautiful you look right now.” He gazes at Rania with complete love and adoration in his eyes. “And now that I know you’re mine forever, I just don’t have words to express how thankful I am to God for giving me such a blessing. You are the most beautiful and wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. I guess my silent prayer has been answered now.” He kisses her hands again.

  “Adam! I don’t know what good I have done to get your love. But I promise to stay loyal to you for the rest of my life.” Rania is holding his hands, but she isn’t looking into his eyes. “I don’t know if I will ever be able to give you the relationship which all couples have, due to my curse, but you have the right to claim my body. Even if…even if I see Khaldun, I promise I won’t push you away…I…”

  “Hey, my love...I am not an animal. I’m not going to force you, when I know what’s going on with you. Now let’s make a promise. You need to tell me whenever he is around. I am ready to face him, Rania. I want to show him that no matter how hard he tries now, he can’t take you away from me because this is what God has planned for us. We are not going to give away our fate to some bloody Jinni. And he will have to accept that whatever God has decided, no one can go against it. We will have to make him accept it...together...okay?”

  Rania nods her head in acceptance. He starts kissing her hands, and then her arms.

  “Oh my! Arab brides wear so much jewelry.” He grins at her when he tries to kiss her arms, which are loaded with bangles.

  “Ask me to take it off! I am so tired, spending all afternoon in this heavy jewelry, and so much makeup and the hairdo. I think I’m carrying at least five pounds on my head.”

  They laugh together at her condition. The room is filled with their happiness.

  He takes all the jewelry off her hands, and then her necklace and earrings. He takes her hand and leads her to the dresser. She is facing the mirror and he is standing behind her. He envelops her in his arms and kisses her on the nape of her neck.

  “Your fragrance always drives me crazy.” He inhales. They look at each other through the reflection, their eyes burning with passion. “I have something for you.” He speaks in her ear. His warm breath tantalizes her soul. He picks up a wooden box from the dresser and places it in her hand.

  “What’s this?” She looks at the box with surprise.

  “Open it. I’m sure you will love it,” he says proudly. When she opens the box, she can’t believe what she’s seeing. She takes the paper from the box and touches it with her delicate fingers. Tears of joy start falling from her eyes.

  “Adam…this is...is this...?”

  �
��It’s original,” Adam confesses proudly. “It is a Quranic verse, handwritten in the twelfth century during the Abbasid dynasty. I believe it’s the same era when Arabian Nights was originally written, right?”

  Rania nods in silence, but gapes at the paper in her hand. “How did you get this, Adam? It must have cost you a fortune.”

  “You are my fortune, my treasure, Rania. Do you know that?” His arms are still wrapped around her from behind.

  “I love it, Adam. I didn’t think any man could give such a treasure to his wife on their wedding night.” She turns around and kisses Adam’s cheek. “Thank you so much.” She places the paper back in the wooden box, making sure to keep it safe and treasure it for the rest of her life. “But how did you get this? I mean…in such a short time...”

  “I’ve had it quite a while. When your apartment caught on fire, and your frame on the wall got burned, I bought this the same week. Some museums in Turkey still have these original manuscripts. It’s just a matter of price, my love.”

  “You had this for so long?”

  “I wanted to give it to you on your birthday, but then when I decided you were the one with whom I will spend the rest of my life, I thought, why not give this to you on our wedding night? I knew nothing would be more valuable to you than this paper.” He encircles her waist with his arms.

  “You knew we would get married?”

  “Remember I mentioned to your father that I met Fadil? For a month, I had no courage to face you. What I did that night—I knew you were not lying. I’m sorry I ran away like a coward.”

  “Let’s not talk about it.”

  “No, we need to. He showed me his world.” Rania blinks at him. “Even after that, I still waited a long time to confront you. I know I abandoned you, but I did truly believe you. Even if he hadn’t invited me into his world, I still trusted you. It was overcoming fear that took so much time. But he said I have a lot to see. I’m not sure what he meant.”