Sa'eed - The Warrior

The Last Lesson

I drop off the weaved baskets at Dayima's home updating her regarding Maa's heath. Dayima knew I spent a lot of time with Hammad Chachu but what I did or where I went was out of her knowledge and it was best that way. She had no reasons to complain, even though I spent a lot of time outdoors I never neglected my duties at home and was as good as a daughter could be. Dayima had daughters herself and her youngest daughter Saira Banu was around my age. We both couldn't be more different. While I was adventurous and bold Saira was shy and reserved. But we both shared a sisterly bond and sometimes got together in the evenings for a light chat.

I remember once how I and Saira had talked through the night before Maa took ill. She was sleeping at our home as Dayima had guests over and needed as much space as she could to arrange for their stay. This was the time I and Saira had striked a true bond sharing all our dreams with each other. She was the closest thing I had to a friend.

"Are you really sure you don't want to get married, M...."

"Call me Saeed", I cut her through before she could call my name.

"Saeed? But why?" She had asked.

"It gives me a feeling of power and love. That's what Abbuji used to call me".

"So, Saeed, you don't wanna get married huh?", she had asked.

"I want to, but not now. Some day I will InshaAllah. What about you Saira?"

"I would love to get married. It will be nice to have someone love you and care for you. It will be nice to dress up as a bride in pretty jewelry and start a new life with a new partner".

"It sounds nice when you put it that way. But what about the responsibilities that come with it? You are supposed to cook and clean with no excuses. The meal should be served as soon as your husband is home. You should maintain cordial relationship with his family. A happy marriage is not a bed of roses. It takes a lot of hard work from both husband and wife. You should be ready to overlook mistakes and appreciate his efforts. Ignore the shortcomings and concentrate on blessings. You need to have a forgiving and loving nature. You should be ready to give and not necessarily expect anything in return." I said.

"And if you are head over heels in love with your spouse then those responsibilities are but naught in front of his love" she had said with a dreamy look on her face gazing at the stars and curling a lock of hair with her finger. We were sleeping on a cot in the backyard. It was summer and sleeping outdoors in the breeze was the only way to escape the heat.

I looked at her open mouthed. I couldn't understand this girl. I had seen enough couples around me to know that this stage barely lasted a few months into the marriage. I didn't want to burst the poor girls happy bubble so I didn't say anything.

"Saira, how about going swimming tomorrow? I know this nice spot off the city limits where we can have all the privacy we want" I said.

"I don't know swimming" she said.

"That's not a problem, I can teach you. We can shoot down mangoes from a slingshot and run back home just in time for lunch", I said with excitement.

"You are complete tomboy, those are the things my brothers do" she had said in amusement.

"I am not a complete tomboy" I protested, "I can cook, wash, stitch and paint as well".

"You are a strange mixture Saeed", she had laughed.

Lost in those moments I din't realize I had reached the Jamia Masjid. I quickly get my bearings and jump into the store room and attend Hazrathji's last dars as usual from behind the store room wall. He has plenty of farewell advises to give us reminding us that our ultimate goal in this life is to prepare for our death. Tears escape my eyes while I go down the memory lane of those past 6 years which I had spent learning, reading and writing. I will no longer be coming this way again. I wipe away the tears and turn to leave. On the side of the window sill I find an envelope with my name on it. I can feel my heart thudding away as I reach for it and open it.

"My dear child, a brave daughter and a bold soldier, more commonly known as Sa'eed,

I write this with pure love and affection, never have I known a girl who ventured out of her house with as much courage as a boy does, paving ways through mountains, reaching the shores of endless seas, doing what a common thought to be impossible. Your 6 years of relentless hard work for acquiring knowledge haven't gone unnoticed. Sometimes Allah chooses a weaker being to accomplish what the stronger ones fail to do. They are from among the signs of Allah. Today you complete the books which 200 other boys have done under my supervision. You are rightfully congratulated as a Scholar should be congratulated.
Mabrook! Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum! (May Allah accept it from you and me).
A scholar always attracts a special mercy from Allah, lord of the worlds. Today you have attained that status. Also remember a scholar earns double punishment for sinning for he is well aware of his limits as he has been taught about them in great detail. Tread carefully my child and let your knowledge be your guide. Never get carried away by desires and Shaytan for they are your enemies. Your every sacrifice and hardship will be compensated with better things and in full.
I have come to realize that you are working for the benefit of the Mumlikat-ush-Shahi (The Shahi Kingdom). May Allah help you in your mission. But always remember there is no obedience of the creation in the disobedience of the creator. Never compromise with the rules of Shariah (the islamic law). No matter what, follow every command Allah has given and victory shall be yours.

Humble servant of Allah
Fakhruddin Mulla".

A number of emotions run through my heart while I read that with shaking hands. I feel happy at his congratulations, sad at departing from his calming lectures and burdened from the weight of the knowledge I am carrying. Indeed with knowledge comes great responsibility. I thank him the only way I can thank him, that is by making dua for him.