Between Wealth and Worship

Chapter 10 - Silent Devotion

The air in the Siddiqi household was still, the kind of quiet that felt unnervingly peaceful. Hassan sat in his study, the old leather chair creaking slightly as he leaned back, deep in thought. Amina was due to arrive any moment now. His youngest, his quiet one. The daughter who had always followed the rules, never once questioning his authority or the expectations placed upon her.

Amina entered the room softly, her hijab neatly pinned and her modest dress flowing elegantly as she moved. She smiled at her father, her dark eyes filled with the warmth she was known for.

"As-salamu alaykum, Baba," she greeted him, settling into the chair across from his desk.

"Wa alaykum as-salam, Amina," Hassan replied, the weight of the conversation to come resting heavily on his shoulders.

He looked at her for a long moment, admiring the calm grace that had always defined her. While Zayd and Layla had challenged him in their own ways, Amina had never been the source of conflict. She was obedient, respectful, and deeply committed to her faith—a perfect daughter, as many in their community often said.

"How was your day?" Hassan asked, stalling the inevitable conversation.

"It was good, Alhamdulillah," Amina responded, her voice soft. "I was studying some new material for the next phase of my training. Insha'Allah, I'll be ready for my final exams soon."

Hassan nodded, pride swelling in his chest. Amina, the future doctor of the family. The one who had dedicated herself not only to her religion but to her studies, ensuring that she could make a difference in their community.

"I'm proud of you, Amina," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

"JazakAllah khair, Baba," Amina replied with a small smile, though she sensed something else was on his mind. "Is everything alright?"

Hassan paused, his gaze drifting to the photograph of Ameer Siddiqi on the wall behind his desk. His own father had built the foundation of the Siddiqi legacy, and now Hassan was faced with the reality that his time to uphold it was limited.

"There's something I need to tell you," Hassan began, his tone more serious now. "I've been... unwell."

Amina straightened in her chair, her heart quickening slightly. "Unwell? Baba, what do you mean?"

Hassan exhaled, his face softening with sadness. "I've been diagnosed with cancer. The doctors tell me I have about a year, maybe less."

Amina's breath caught in her throat. She stared at her father, her mind racing to comprehend what he had just said. Cancer. Her father—the strong, formidable man who had always been there for her—was dying.

"Baba..." her voice trembled, but she quickly regained her composure, instinctively drawing on her faith for strength. "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un," she whispered, the verse coming to her lips automatically. "Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return."

Hassan smiled weakly, nodding. "Yes. It's Allah's will. I've made peace with it, but I need to make sure everything is in order before my time comes."

Amina swallowed hard, her mind still trying to process the news. "What can I do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"There's nothing you can do but continue to be the good daughter you've always been," Hassan said. "But there is something I need to discuss with you."

Amina straightened her posture again, her hands folded in her lap as she prepared to hear what her father had to say.

"I've arranged a marriage for you," Hassan said, his tone matter-of-fact. "With the son of one of my business partners. He's a good man, from a reputable family. I believe it's time."

Amina blinked, taken aback for only a moment. She had always known this day would come. Unlike Layla, who had fled at the prospect of an arranged marriage, Amina had accepted long ago that her father would choose a husband for her, and she trusted his judgment. She had grown up understanding that her life, her choices, were not entirely her own—they belonged to Allah, to her family, and to her community.

She bowed her head slightly. "As you wish, Baba. If this is your decision, I will obey."

Hassan felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had expected nothing less from his obedient daughter, but hearing her acceptance still comforted him.

"I knew I could count on you," he said, his voice warm. "He's a good match for you, Amina. You'll be taken care of, and your place in this family will be secure."

Amina nodded, her heart calm, even as the enormity of the situation began to settle in. She had always been the one to uphold the family's values without question. To follow the path laid out for her, trusting in her faith and in her father's decisions.

She looked up at Hassan, her face serene. "I trust you, Baba. And I trust that Allah has written this for me. Whatever happens, it will be for the best."

Hassan smiled, his heart heavy but grateful. He had always known that Amina would do what was expected of her, but her unwavering faith and willingness to accept her future without hesitation reminded him of the strength she carried within.

"We'll begin the preparations soon," Hassan said. "But for now, just focus on your studies. Everything else will fall into place."

Amina nodded again, feeling the weight of her new reality settle into her chest. Her father's illness, her impending marriage—it was all happening so quickly. But she would face it as she always had, with quiet strength and a firm belief that Allah's plan was greater than her own.

As she left her father's study, Amina felt a mixture of emotions swirling inside her. Sadness for her father's illness, uncertainty about her future, but also a deep sense of peace. She had always trusted that whatever happened, she would find her way through with faith and devotion.

And now, as the youngest Siddiqi, she would carry that responsibility more than ever.