ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Short Stories Inner Debate As Samia was anxiously waiting for her favorite television program to begin, unusual feelings were dominating her thoughts. Although her eyes were fixed on the T .V. screen, her mind was elsewhere. She was not feeling quite like her old self. She was disturbed and felt uneasy and the lively music of the television did not cheer her up as it normally did.

Samia said to herself, “They were only few words yet they have spoiled my evening. Why should I take the matter so seriously?" She tried to concentrate on the program, but the words still echoed in her mind. She listened to the music, but she heard a voice telling her, "This is the real loss and the ultimate weakness. Why should one let a song or a show influence one's life? One should be affected by a good deed or a wise saying.

A useful word can elevate the spirit of its recipient." Samia was troubled by this inner dialogue. It conflicted with her usual thoughts. She told herself, “This discomfort is the result of Sana's words, which are still ringing in my head. Why should I care about what she said? I have been living such a life since my childhood. I like to dance and listen to music." She moved to a different chair and settled closer to the television.

Samia tried her best to forget Sana's words and to enjoy the program, but tears involuntarily came to her eyes. Again the inner voice whispered to her "What weakness! A few minutes ago, you were laughing for no reason. You were happily enjoying the music. Now you are crying. What is this? Are you living in a world of illusions? Or is it some gloomy sadness which causes you to cry for no special reason?" She recalled the unlikely source of her uneasiness.

She was not used to hearing such an inner dialogue. Could it be the result of Sana's words, which might be truth and guidance? The music on the T.V. ended and Samia still felt an inner struggle. She tried to forget her friend's words and keep to her usual behavior, yet the word haram kept echoing in her mind. What could haram mean, Disobedience, Allah's displeasure, or Hell? Oh, yes.

She remembered Sana's recitation of some particular Qur'anic verses: ...then be on your guard against the fire of which men a stones are the fuel, it is prepared for the unbelievers. (Al-Baqara, 2: 24) Most surely the righteous shall be in bliss; on thrones they shall gaze; you will recognize on their faces the brightness of bliss.