Beyond the Sand Dune_Novel of Peace

by Asen Djinah

  ‘One moment,’ Commander Khalid intervened, ‘there is also another matter I must bring to your attention. With the present low salary of soldiers, we are having great difficulty recruiting. In fact, there are a number of soldiers who are leaving the army as soon as their four-year contract is over. In my honest opinion, I think that the present salary needs to be substantially increased for us to be able to recruit this large number of fighters in such a short period of time.’

  All four men remained silent at the problems that needed to be resolved and the massive task that lay ahead. Finally, Kateb broke the silence.

  ‘Thank you, esteemed Commander. We have noted your extremely valuable contribution and we would like you to keep refining your military strategy. Please be ready to come and present it to us in more detail. We will get back to you as soon as we resolve the difficulties you have raised,’ he said, implying that Khalid had nothing else to contribute.

  Taking the hint, the military man asked Omar permission to be dismissed since he did not have anything more to add.

  ‘Thank you very much for your input, Commander. We will get back to you very soon to start the preparations,’ Omar said as he personally escorted Khalid to the door.

  For a long while, the three wise men sat in silence, digesting the information and lost in their own thoughts.

  ‘Jaffar, what do you propose?’ Omar finally broke the silence, turning towards his grand vizier.

  ‘Caliph Omar, as I said earlier, rolling back the social care funds will only allow us to recruit at current salary levels. But there is still the recruitment issue raised by the commander-in-chief. Unless we abolish the social funds completely or increase the taxes considerably, I do not see any other way to increase the salary of soldiers as well as cover the cost of arming and feeding such a large army. Even then, these measures will only increase revenues slowly over a long period of time, whilst we need funds quickly on a shorter time scale,’ Jaffar explained grimly.

  At the mention of suspending the social fund, Omar shook his head categorically.

  ‘We may roll back the recent increase, but we cannot suspend the social care funds completely nor raise already high taxes. With the current price of goods, there are increasing numbers below the poverty line. Our society is built upon caring for the poor, the widows and the orphans, a legacy from our Prophet. We cannot forsake them,’ he said passionately.

  The three men again remained silent, trying to think of possible solutions. Kateb chewed his lips with his naked gums eagerly, thinking that the moment was finally right to put forth his proposal. He had tried his utmost not to show his excitement during the meeting, keeping his wrinkled face impassive.

  ‘Since we cannot afford to increase the financial incentive to recruit, we need to find some other incentive… other than a monetary one,’ he said as if talking to himself.

  Then turning to Caliph Omar, he stated, ‘Yes, your Excellency, I may have a suggestion.’

  Caliph Omar nodded for him to elaborate. Any suggestions would be welcome under the circumstances.

  ‘In the time of our Holy Prophet, almost a hundred and fifty years ago, soldiers did not have a salary and only had the prospect of sharing any loot in the case of victory. Yet men from all walks of life would come and volunteer to join the forces. We need to look closely at the speeches and sayings of the Prophet and find out what motivated these volunteers. If and when we do, I suggest that we publicise it across the empire and that should solve our recruitment problem,’ Kateb suggested.

  The caliph frowned deeply at Kateb’s suggestion.

  ‘O leader of ulamas, your suggestion is the only one on the table. Yet I cannot agree to it. We all know that the Holy Prophet himself had strictly forbidden us to write down his sayings and traditions. You know very well that both Abu Bakr and Umar, his two most prominent followers had to destroy their personal collections upon the Prophet’s request,’ Omar answered emphatically.

  ‘Your Excellency, I fully understand your concerns. Since we do not have another solution to our military problem, may I suggest that we keep an open mind? As we search for an acceptable solution, we can still start researching and collating the Prophet’s sayings in the background. Time is of the essence and this would only be our back-up plan in case we don’t find any other solution,’ Kateb insisted.

  Omar shook his head vehemently; he could not possibly go against the wishes of the Prophet.

  ‘Excellency, you heard yesterday in court how that young man criticised our laws publicly. This may be the first time, but there will be others in this generation and future generations who will come forward and voice concerns that our laws are arbitrary. When you deliver the verdict of the case you will need to respond to his criticism, as his comments were made in an official court. We would like to give you the arguments to defend our laws. Perhaps the sayings of the Holy Prophet might also provide these, whilst at the same time solve our recruitment crisis,’ Kateb persisted.

  Omar was pensive and seeing that the caliph was no longer shaking his head in disapproval, Kateb persevered.

  ‘As I suggested, let us keep an open mind and not make a firm decision now. Let us collate the sayings and then – using your prerogative as caliph – you can make an informed decision later. If we decide not to use it, we will destroy our collection just as Abu Bakr and Umar did,’ he said to convince the caliph.

  Jaffar thought that it was time for him to intervene. Caliph Omar was more likely to listen to him than Kateb.

  ‘Your Excellency, if we don’t stop this invasion, thousands of lives will be lost and our women and children will be enslaved. The great Caliph Omar would be remembered in history as the man who lost his empire and the one responsible for this great massacre. The lives of our people are in your hands. These are difficult times and desperate circumstances require exceptional measures,’ Jaffar said compellingly to back up Kateb.

  Omar was shocked at Jaffar’s outburst, but decided to remain silent. After a long period of reflection, he sighed.

  ‘So be it. Take note that I am not permitting publication of the Prophet’s sayings. We will only collect these and I will decide later whether there is a need for it. In the meantime, we must try to come up with some other solution to the recruitment issue,’ he ruled.

  Kateb looked away as he did not want Omar to see the triumphant look in his eyes. As the two men made a move to stand up and leave, Omar held his hand to indicate he had not finished.

  ‘Ulama Kateb, don’t you have to explain to me your recommendation in the adultery case?’ he asked.

  ‘Caliph Omar, we will have plenty of time to discuss this minor issue. The Byzantine threat is a most urgent and serious matter that needs to be given highest priority. With due respect, Your Excellency, can we discuss this matter nearer the time of the verdict as we have plenty of time?’

  ‘It is not a minor issue. But yes, the Byzantine threat is more pressing, I agree. We will discuss the case later,’ Omar conceded.

  He stood up to indicate that the meeting was over.

  Chapter 6

  After leaving the caliph’s office, Kateb followed Jaffar to the grand vizier’s study. Both men were elated that their project was finally under way. For a long time, they had been contemplating the publication of the sayings of the Prophet and how it could be incorporated into a set of laws. They were well aware that the Prophet himself had forbidden such practice. Knowing Caliph Omar’s upright and rigid stance, they had not previously presented the idea to him, waiting for the right circumstances.

  ‘I thought it was brilliant the way you put your proposal forward, Kateb. I would have never thought of it at that particular instant. I was too focused on the intelligence received,’ Jaffar complimented, the moment the two of them stepped into the privacy of his office.

  Kateb chuckled and chewed his lips.

  ‘The next step will be to get Caliph Omar to agree to publish them. It is not a done deal yet,’ he warned cautiously. />
  ‘How do you propose we start?’ inquired Jaffar, knowing that Kateb had the entire team of scholars under his command.

  ‘Because of the urgency, I am sending thirty of my scholars to the various cities the Holy Prophet had visited. They will interview religious leaders and eminent members of society. For each saying, I will require them to record two things; firstly, the text of the saying itself, but most importantly the chain of narrators through whom the saying had been transmitted over the generations. You have to remember, Jaffar, over a hundred and fifty years have passed since the demise of our Prophet – that’s three generations ago. So it is important to record the chain of narrators – to make our collection reliable and trustworthy. Only then will Caliph Omar look at them in a credible way.’

  The two of them remained silent as they pondered.

  ‘What timescale are you thinking?’ the grand vizier asked after a while.

  ‘It will probably take a long time to collect the thousands of sayings and will be a continual work in progress. However, due to the urgency of the situation I will get the project underway immediately. I suggest that we review what has been gathered in two months’ time. By then we should have something concrete to present to Caliph Omar. I will get the scribes to send their collections weekly by courier and will get a team of five of our best and most loyal scholars to study and assess them in detail. What do you think?’ Kateb asked diplomatically.

  ‘I think that you have already planned this out well before now. It is a very good plan,’ Jaffar said with a smile.

  Kateb could not resist and in his euphoric state, he grabbed his protégé and hugged him. Jaffar looked affectionately at the old man who had turned him from the illiterate boy he was to the man he had become.

  ‘I have one puzzling question, Kateb. How does the verdict of the woman in the adultery case fit in this picture?’ Jaffar asked.

  ‘This you will have to wait and see, my dear Jaffar,’ the ulama replied enigmatically.

  Chapter 7

  Caliph Omar was completely lost in thought as he walked through the corridors of the palace to Sophiya’s quarters. The midday prayer had certainly not appeased his mind. The news of the threat posed by the Byzantines was very disturbing. During his four years as caliph, apart from some border skirmishes with the Samanids in the east, he did not have to deal with any serious military issues. He had been a military commander himself and fully understood the gravity of the situation. Never had he experienced such a major threat, one that could potentially wipe out the entire realm forever.

  ‘Have I been reckless in neglecting to fund the army adequately for the sake of social services?’

  ‘Have I put the welfare of the poor ahead of the defence of the empire?’

  ‘How do I manage this dangerous situation?’

  With his mind full of questions, Omar reached Sophiya’s quarters where he was due to have lunch. However he did not feel hungry any more, for there was too much at stake.

  ‘How are you, dear Omar?’ Sophiya asked as he came in.

  ‘The children and I missed you yesterday. I trust that the court cases were not too draining for you,’ she added, hugging her husband.

  Omar’s second wife Sophiya was very much like Maymuna, the two being first cousins. She was as slim and as tall, with brown hair. The one striking feature which immediately attracted attention was that both her hands – up to the wrist including her nails – were deep red. Day in and day out, however busy she was and even if any of her children were ill, Sophiya would not miss the pain-relieving head massages she would give her cousin. Consequently her hands were permanently dyed by the henna extract. Despite being of the same age as her cousin, she appeared much younger for she had a glowing face, whereas Maymuna’s ailment seemed to have aged hers. Even her voice sounded more cheerful and upbeat than her cousin’s.

  Omar kissed his wife on the forehead. It always amazed him that he loved all his three wives, but in such different ways that he would find difficult to explain.

  ‘Where are Fariya and Rayhan? Still with their tutors?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, but they should be here shortly. Can I get you something to drink while we wait for them to start lunch?’ Sophiya asked.

  ‘Yes, please,’ Omar replied.

  ‘Maymuna and I are visiting an orphanage together this afternoon. How was she this morning?’ she asked over her shoulders while pouring some sherbet in a cup.

  Both she and Omar were worried about Maymuna’s headaches and the impact on her spirits.

  ‘As usual, she does not complain,’ Omar replied, ‘but I could see the pain in her eyes. I have asked for a new healer to come and visit her. Ulama Kateb will also send a science scholar.’

  While waiting for the children, Omar told his wife about the Byzantine threat. Previously, Omar used to share his concerns with his first wife. With her illness, understandably Maymuna had gradually started to lose interest in her husband’s affairs. Sophiya had taken over from Maymuna in taking an interest in Omar’s state affairs and would often ask him about current issues. She listened in silence as Omar explained the seriousness of the danger facing the empire and the difficult choices that lay ahead.

  ‘Husband, you do not want to be remembered in history as the caliph who lost his empire. Do whatever it takes to defend our borders, whether it means increasing taxes, or even suspending the social funds completely. Whatever it takes,’ she advised.

  Omar felt grim at the prospect, knowing very well that she was right. Come what may he had to save the lives of his people.

  ‘Funny that Sophiya has just repeated what Jaffar had uttered earlier, almost word for word,’ he thought.

  Both lapsed into a gloomy silence.

  Fariya and Rayhan rushed into the room and the mood instantly changed. The children knew their father would be visiting and they had not seen him since the previous day. Little Rayhan immediately started to pull at Omar’s thawb to attract his father’s attention. Omar bent down and scooped the little boy up off the floor into his arms. He was quite small for his eight years, but what he lacked in size, he made up for with his talk.

  ‘Abbi, I want to become a famous warrior when I grow up,’ Rayhan stated with a serious face.

  ‘I have to learn how to fight with a sword. You need to get me a teacher and I will need some armour. I will also have to learn to ride,’ he added.

  Holding him in the cradle of his right arm, his father playfully punched him with his left hand. Rayhan joined in and he too started to throw punches at his father. Like any eight-year-old, there was no holding back and he caught Omar in the eye. Sophiya took the young boy from Omar’s arms and put him back on the floor. She wiped the tears from her husband’s watering eye with the cuff of her abaya.

  ‘Look what you’ve done to your father, you naughty boy,’ she reprimanded her young son.

  Omar turned to his eldest daughter who had been rolling her eyes at the antics of her brother. Fariya hugged her father for the briefest moment.

  ‘Abbi, I need to speak to you on an urgent matter,’ she said straightaway.

  ‘Dear Fariya, always to the point, aren’t you? You haven’t even asked me about my health,’ Omar teasingly reproached her.

  ‘Abbi, I know you are well, that’s why I didn’t ask,’ she replied matter-of-factly.

  Fariya was tall and pretty with her oval face and almond-shaped grey eyes. She had the same brown hair as her mother. Despite being only nineteen years old, she looked like a grown-up. For the last four years, she had been resisting attempts from her mother and stepfather to match her with a suitor, despite countless proposals from distinguished families.

  ‘I don’t want to get married now; I want to finish my studies first,’ she would invariably reply to her parents’ pestering.

  Both Omar and Sophiya had been tearing their hair out, as most girls were usually married by fifteen. Any other parents would have forced their daughter into marriage, but not Omar and Sophiya e
ven though both were eager to see her settled once and for all. Fariya was only interested in her studies. She excelled in history and law and had made her father purchase several collections of books on the subjects. She would spend hours in her personal library and would get annoyed whenever little Rayhan came in and distracted her. Although often exasperated with his stepdaughter’s stubbornness on marriage, Omar loved her very much and was privately proud of her commitment to her studies. However, outwardly he would tell her that she was wasting her time studying, in an attempt to change her mind and consider marriage.

  ‘We will talk later. First let us eat,’ Sophiya said as she ushered the group towards the table.

  Sophiya did not allow anyone to talk at mealtime, otherwise little Rayhan would never eat as he was a compulsive talker. So the family ate in silence, with both children bursting to speak to their father about their respective problems. As soon as they finished eating and Sophiya began to clear the plates, both children started to speak at the same time.

  ‘Fariya will take longer, so you go first Rayhan,’ Sophiya instructed over her shoulders.

  Omar frowned; it seemed that Sophiya knew what Fariya would be talking about.

  ‘Could it be Fariya has had a change of heart and is now ready to consider marriage?’ Omar thought, his hopes suddenly raised.

  Immediately his mind went to one of his friends who had recently mentioned his son as a potential match for Fariya. He was young and educated as well as quiet and gentle, not to mention that he came from one of the respectable families of Qadday.

  ‘Abbi, like I said I need a teacher to show me how to fight with a sword and I also need to learn to ride. I want to be a warrior when I grow up,’ Rayhan said, interrupting his father’s thoughts.