* “History has never witnessed worse tyrants than them...

* “History has never witnessed worse tyrants than them,* * * * Not even in the injustice of Pharaoh nor of Haman.* * * * Their era is ruled by the laws of jungle;* * * * Where might is right, honoured by the rulers.* * * * * * They have filled their cities with evil and sin,* * * * And have rendered every place fraught with vices.* * * * They destroyed the religious schools,* * * * And smeared the purity of hearts and the dignity of youths.* * * * The young and old among them have turned into pimps,* * * * And their women, into whores, like mischievous monkeys.* * * * * And the modes of chastisement and torture * * * Have no precedence in the history of mankind.* * * Did you ever see a whip, which eats and drinks?

* * * By licking the sacred stream of innocent blood?* * * Did you hear of a man whose skin is peeled of? * * * Or did you see the inner ear being pierced?* * * * * Did you hear of a man, whose bone is crushed? * * * And his teeth broken to pieces?* * * Did you hear of one whose flesh is broiled? * * * In a furnace, or in a hot steam or roasted in flames?* * * Did you hear of one, whose urge for passing urine is constrained?

* * * And all his body apertures plugged?”* Qasam who had by now joined us was emotionally affected. He hid his face with his palms and listened. We saw clear droplets trickled down his cheeks on to the floor, and as was customary, we shook his arms bidding him not to cry. He lifted his face, looking intently to Kamal, pleading for more. Kamal was least moved. He perhaps expected this response.

He continued: * “And what could be expected of the mean, faithless people,* * * * Those wretched, basemen of lower birth?* * * * Noble and brave are never born of whores-who* * * * Bring forth only riffraff of society.”* * * And then Kamal sat erect, proudly looked around as if addressing the whole cell, and raising his voice, said: - * “I am a Muslim, and my bosom is full of pride.* * * * I am a believer, and light fills my soul;* * * * I rise high in glory among mankind.* * * * I shall continue to announce my call with a challenge.* * * * I carry the banner of faith and invite people to join.”* The massive door clicked again, and we realized that lunch was being served.

This indicated that it was noon, so some of us hurried to the Hammam for Wudhu and then stood to pray. This was a meatless day, and the rice, soaked in oil, was half cooked.