You are an educated girl...

You are an educated girl, yet you stick to these limits on the pretext of being a Muslim. We are all Muslims. Do you think these millions are wrong and only Ahmad is right? Think of yourself. By giving in to Ahmad, you are going to lose much." Sumayah told her, "My submission is to Allah only.

I have my own belief and I am quite happy with Ahmad and my future." Fitnah asked her cousin, "Can you really be satisfied with this isolated, worthless life?" Sumayah replied, "It is neither isolated nor worthless! It is what I long for and it is filled with pleasures!" Fitnah argued, "You still don't know what real pleasure is. You are unaware of life, although you are over twenty years old. Ahmad has managed to mislead you." "I am quite aware of life and of my right course in it.

Anyway, I have never been interested in this corrupted social life of yours. My own girlfriends are all committed Muslims. I am neither ignorant, nor in need of your advice." "Oh, I am very sorry. I didn't mean to anger you. I do not know why you are upset." "I am not angry. But I do not like your words!" Fitnah pretended to feel hurt, "I have alienated you. I feel like I am your older sister, and I am very concerned about your future.

I am sure if I introduce you to my friends you will like them all and have great times. Now I have lost all hope. I have spoken frankly to you, and I apologize for this frankness." Sumayah didn't want her cousin to be hurt, so she said, "That's okay. Please stop. The tailor's shop is right here." "Sumayah, do you want me to wait for you?" "No, thank you. I can manage by myself”, she replied. "How can I let you return by bus? I'll pick you here in an hour", Fitnah told her.

Sumayah didn't answer her. She just got out of the car, thanked her cousin for the ride and waved good-bye. Sumayah left the shop when her work was finished, without waiting for her cousin. That afternoon, Fitnah visited her to apologize for being unable to take her back. Sumayah told her that she didn't wait for her. Then Fitnah told her cousin about the party of the previous night and how the singers sang until daybreak.

She spoke about films and western film stars, and mentioned the hunting parties that she often attended with her friends. She did not forget to also talk about swimming and the beautiful swimming pools she frequented. Finally Sumayah asked, "What about your husband? Why don't you mention him? Has he no place in your heart?" Fitnah was vexed, but tried to sound calm.