We shall see how much you will gain from your belief in Islam.

We shall see how much you will gain from your belief in Islam." Sumayah said after a short while, “I have made up my mind." "Then you will marry the rich man?" "No. I will never exchange my principles for temporary gains." Her uncle, greatly vexed, rushed to open the front door of his home. "Then leave. You have no place here, you ungrateful girl. I regret all that I have done for you. Go to your Islam, or to your brother, who has forgotten you. Leave quickly!

I cannot stand your presence here any longer." Sumayah had gathered her few belongings while her uncle was speaking. She only owned a gold bracelet, a Qur'an and some books. She turned to her uncle and said, "Uncle, you may regret this." "Never, go find your brother. There is no hope for you." Sumayah walked out the door, saying, "I am leaving, and I am happy. God has given me strength.

Farewell." She thought that her uncle would change his mind, but he continued to ridicule her until she disappeared around the corner. As she walked along, Sumayah felt lost. Where could she go now? She detested the corrupt society she lived in, and it, in turn, hated her attempts to reform it. Feelings of despair started to overwhelm her. Suddenly she heard the Qur'anic verse: “Or did you think that you would enter the garden while yet... when will the help of Allah come?

Now surely the help of Allah is near!” (Al-Baqarah, 2: 214) Sumayah felt as if she was being addressed. The verse renewed her hope and she felt victorious. She calmly thought about where to go. With an uplifted spirit, she recalled her friend Maryam. Maryam's brother was a friend of her brother, and she thought that he could surely help her contact her brother and ask him to return. She walked to Maryam's house filled with hope.

When she knocked on the door, Maryam opened it and welcomed her warmly. Maryam then congratulated Sumayah and said, "God knows how happy I am for you." Surprised by her words, Sumayah asked, "What on earth are you congratulating me for?" "Hasn't your brother written to you?" Maryam replied. "He is on his way home, and should be here today or tomorrow." This unexpected news was too much for Sumayah and she nearly lost her balance." Are you sure he is coming?" she asked.

Maryam took her into the house, where she regained her strength.