There is no need for you to stay awake and alone.

There is no need for you to stay awake and alone." She was disturbed at his answer and could not believe her ears. So instead she said, "Your supper is ready." Smiling he said, "I ate out. Some friends invited me to a club. They held a party in my honor." "I hope you enjoyed it. But why didn't you tell me about it before?" asked Baidah. "There was no need to tell you, as you won't go with me to such places," said Foad.

"Well, at least I wouldn't have got so worried." Foad said, "You should have known that I was at a social engagement. I live amongst educated liberals, and cannot be isolated at home with a woman..." he uttered the last words in a sharp tone and then said, "Now, go and have your supper." With tears in her eyes, she sadly said, "I am not hungry." Foad said, "Then let's go to bed." Baidah said, "I expect you've already done your prayer?" Coldly, Foad said, "It is after mid-night.

Prayer time is over." "No", said Baidah, "It is not yet mid-night. Anyway it must be done even if it is late." "You don't know how tired and sleepy I am!" said Foad. "Fatigue doesn't exempt one from one's religious duty." Mockingly he said, "Allah will accept my excuse." "No matter-if you love me you must do your prayer." Angrily, Foad got up saying, "Please do not mix up my love with praying and fasting. Let me love you in my way not yours.

Anyway, I will not allow you to call me to account about my prayer every night!" He threw himself on the bed and fell asleep leaving Baidah shocked at his words. She recalled Asia's words which had apparently come true. She hurried to the Holy Qur'an to seek comfort and refuge. She opened it at random and read the first verse of the page which said: “...We did them no injustice, but they were unjust to themselves.” (The Bees, 16: 118) ********** Days and weeks passed.

Baidah could find no way of getting Foad to come to her way of thinking. Whenever she talked about religion, he either mocked her or turned a deaf ear. She tried her best to give him comfort and happiness at home, but she found him more and more interested in spending his time outside. One night she waited long time for him to come home, and when he did he seemed happy, so she thought it would be a good time for her to talk to him. She said gently, "