LOVE FROM AL KADHIMIYA

Chapter 6 (Jummah Drama)

ZULEIKA

On Friday, I experienced my first Jummah at the An Nasir Masjid on the Eastside of Detroit. When we first arrived at the masjid, Khadijah introduced me to the community. The women were very welcoming as they greeted me with hugs and kisses on the cheek. A lot were amazed that Asad and I got married so quickly. I was asked many questions about the meeting, but I barely understood the words. My English was not that great. Khadijah translated most of the questions.

When it was time for the khutbah, Khadijah and I sat in a different room adjacent to the Musallah. We watched the khutbah on HD monitors that are mounted on the wall. I found the experience heartwarming seeing Muslim women gather in mass.

However, I did feel uncomfortable as one particular person gave me unwelcoming stares. Suffiya was sitting to my far left. Her eyes were focused on me the whole time until we prayed for Jummah's prayers. After Jummahprayers, Kadhijah and I went to the Imam's office. Asad and Ummar were waiting for us with the residing Imam named Ayan Ibn Malak. Today we had planned to get another marriage for legal purposes for my citizenship.

Last week Asad had my birth certificate translated into English per request of the Wayne County Clerk Office as a requirement to obtain a marriage license. I was allowed to get an American birth certificate. During that time, Asad paid for the marriage license.

After retaking our wedding vows, we planned small family dinner. Before we left, I had to use the bathroom.

Once I was done with my business and washed my hands, Suffiya walked into the bathroom. When I saw her behind me in the mirror, I decided to leave, but Suffiya blocked my way.

"Well, hello there," Suffiya replied with a grin that made me feel uneasy. It was not a friendly grin but a grin that hid bad intentions. I tried to walk around her, but she remained in her position, keeping me from leaving the bathroom.

"Now, don't be rude! We can finally talk!"

"I can't talk; I have to go!" I replied with broken English."

"You can spare a few minutes."

"What do you want?"

"I want to see the woman who married my husband."

"What I hear, you divorced Asad. Asad is my husband now!"

"We'll see about that. Just remember who taught Asad how to move in bed when he is making love to you."

Hearing her how crass how Suffiya was talking made my blood boil. I could not see how a gentle soul like Asad could even marry an unclassy woman. I could not stand here any longer and let her talk like this in a holy place.

"Ya' Allah! Have you no shame!"

"Have you no shame sleeping with my man!"

"What I hear, you are the one that was unfaithful and left him. You expect him to come back to you after your act of infidelity?"

"I admit, I have my mistakes, but you sure made one marrying Asad. I will make sure he divorces you!"

"I will never divorce him. I will make sure I will be the wife he needs."

Suffiyah became upset. She pushed me against the wall. I could not believe she wanted conflict. "Listen to me, girl! I am going to remarry Asad. You can either step aside or get out of my way. The choice is yours," Suffiya replied with gritted teeth.

I stood there, confused, as I did not know what to do. I wanted to leave, but I had to pass Suffiya to get to the door. If I attempt to go again, she would see it as another opportunity to assault. I was frozen with fear and confusion about what to do. "That's right. You better recognize that I am not playing with you," Suffiya replied as she approached me in an intimidating manner. Suffiya's assault immediately stopped when Kadhiya came in. Mashallah, her timing could not have been perfect.