Her and the Basketball Champion

chapter 47

Jonas

I click on the video, watching as the annoying loading sign fills up my screen as I sit waiting patiently on my bed. When the screen finally clears, I breathe out a sigh f relief and stretch my legs to get more comfortable against the headboard. 

A man with a relatively short beard and bright blue eyes sits against what looks like a fake bookshelf backdrop, behind a large wooden oak desk, scattered neatly with books. 

When he starts to speak, his American accent is think in his voice, and his hands clasp together in front of him as he leans forward on the desk. I swipe the mouse on the screen, bringing up the title of the video. Hijab in the Quran.

I don't know what brought on this sudden urge to research about Islam, and I think it's highly likely because of a certain Muslim girl, but as I continue to watch through teaching and lectures by this Nouman Ali Khan, I'm invigorated and intrigued to say the least. 

My eyes stay glued to the screen, anticipation causing me to lose all track of time as I, dare I say it, willingly learn. 

I take in all the new facts, and teachings, questions popping up in my head every once in a while like, why? and how?

What I soon realise about this religion, though, is that no one questions God. Sure, there are reasons to why he does certain things, like making alcohol forbidden, along with tattoos and sex and everything discourteous under the moon, but no one questions God. Islam doesn't question God's teachings, because all Muslims trust and love him enough to follow then without a second thought.

Of course there are people who will break the rules, and since watching these videos, I'v clued into the fact that God's forgiveness is the best thing. Even if you do wrong, He can forgive, no matter how many chances are laid out in front of you. 

A lot of the teachings and stories of the prophets are the same or very similar to Christian teachings, from what I'v heard and learnt about when I was young, like Noah's Ark, and Moses splitting the sea, and Jesus being the Messiah. 

I glance over at the clock on the wall opposite my bed, and i'm shocked to find out that nearly a whole day has passed with me sitting, watching these videos. I don't regret any of it, because it only further helps me understand Eliza and her reasonings and beliefs. 

Islam is a captivating religion, and I don't plan on staying oblivious to it anymore. 

I shut my laptop and reach over to my bedside table to grab my phone, checking to see any messages.

I'm surprised when I see an Instagram DM from Eliza. I hurriedly open up the chat and read through her message.

How are you feeling?

I havn't spoken to her since that night at Lily's house. I woke up with an ear splitting headache and a parched throat. I'd never gotten that drunk or hungover before, and after watching all of those videos on why alcohol is forbidden, it only makes me never want to touch it again. 

Much better. You?

I smile at the thought of her worrying about me as I wait for her to reply to me. It doesn't take long. More specifically, a few seconds.

Good. I'm glad you're okay.

I notice how she avoids my question, so I ask again. I don't want to push her, but I don't want to overlook anything too. 

How are you?

Spiffing.

I chuckle slightly at her sarcasm, and decide to drop the subject.