The soft sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway as Maria and Catherine finished cleaning the church's altar. The faint scent of incense lingered in the air, mixing with the aged wood of the pews.
"Catherine," Maria said, her voice low as they walked toward the back of the church. "I've been thinking a lot about what I read last night."
Catherine, who was carrying a stack of hymnals, glanced over at her. "What did you learn this time?"
Maria hesitated, looking around to ensure no one else was nearby. "It was about the idea of God's guidance. How the Quran speaks of humans being lost without divine help. It's... different from what we're taught, but it makes sense."
Catherine sighed, placing the hymnals on a nearby shelf. "Maria, you're diving deeper into this every day. What if someone hears us?"
Maria smiled faintly. "You're hearing me, and that's all that matters right now."
---
Scene 1: An Unexpected Listener
Their whispered conversation continued as they moved to clean the prayer candles. Unbeknownst to them, Sister Jessica, an elderly nun known for her strict adherence to tradition, stood near the doorway.
She tilted her head, listening to their hushed voices. A frown deepened the lines on her face as she overheard Maria mention faith and Islam.
---
Scene 2: Jessica Confronts Them
Later that afternoon, as Maria and Catherine were dusting the church library, Jessica approached them. Her rosary beads clicked softly in her hand.
"Sisters," she said, her tone sharp yet restrained.
Maria and Catherine turned, startled. "Yes, Sister Jessica?" Catherine asked, her voice cautious.
Jessica stepped closer, her piercing gaze fixed on Maria. "I overheard your conversation earlier."
Maria's heart sank, but she remained composed. "We were just discussing some things we've been reading, Sister."
"Reading?" Jessica's tone turned icy. "You are nuns, devoted to Christ and the teachings of the Bible. Why, then, are you speaking of Islam? That is not our faith. It is not the path we've chosen."
Catherine tried to intervene. "Sister, it's just... curiosity. We're not abandoning our faith."
Jessica raised a hand to silence her. "Curiosity is the first step toward sin. Remember, there is but one truth, and that is through Christ. Straying from it is a betrayal of your vows. If you persist, God will not forgive you."
Maria clenched her fists, biting back a response. She nodded politely. "We understand, Sister Jessica. Thank you for your guidance."
Jessica gave them one last stern look before walking away.
---
Scene 3: Midnight Reflection
That night, Maria sat alone in her room, the dim glow of a candle casting shadows on the walls. Jessica's words echoed in her mind.
"If you persist, God will not forgive you..."
Maria shook her head, her thoughts a whirlpool of doubt and determination. "But what if seeking truth is what God wants?" she whispered.
She reached for Agnes's diary, flipping through the pages until she found an essay titled "The Kalma: La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah".
---
Scene 4: The Essay
Maria read aloud: "La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah—There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger. This declaration, called the Kalma Touheed, is the foundation of Islamic faith. It is both a rejection of false gods and an affirmation of complete submission to the one true God."
Her fingers traced the words as she continued: "The first part, 'There is no deity but Allah,' signifies the oneness of God, a concept shared by all Abrahamic faiths. The second part, 'Muhammad is His Messenger,' emphasizes following the example of Prophet Muhammad, who Muslims believe was sent to guide humanity."
Maria paused, her eyes misty. "It's... so simple, yet profound."
The essay delved deeper, explaining how the Kalma represents total faith, accountability, and surrender to divine will. Maria read about its impact on daily life, fostering humility, gratitude, and a sense of purpose.
---
Scene 5: Seeking Answers
Maria leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "Is this what Agnes was exploring? Did she find something here that we're missing?"
She pulled out her notebook and began jotting down her thoughts:
1. Why does the Kalma feel so universal?
2. Is it wrong to explore faith outside our own?
3. What would Agnes say if she were here?
---
Scene 6: The Internet Search
Her curiosity unsatisfied, Maria opened the laptop she had taken from Agnes's room. She searched for commentary and explanations of the Kalma Touheed.
One video caught her attention: "Understanding the Kalma: Unity in Faith."
The speaker explained, "The Kalma is not just a statement; it's a commitment. It calls for a life of integrity, compassion, and worship solely directed to God. It's a declaration that reshapes one's identity and purpose."
Maria felt a lump in her throat. "A commitment... Have I been missing that in my own faith?"
---
Scene 7: The Next Morning
At breakfast, Catherine noticed Maria's pensive mood. "You were up late again," she remarked.
Maria nodded, her voice quiet. "I found something in Agnes's diary. It's about the Kalma Touheed. It's... powerful, Catherine. It's not just words; it's a way of life."
Catherine sipped her tea, her brow furrowed. "Maria, you're walking a dangerous line. Sister Jessica's warning wasn't without reason."
"I know," Maria replied. "But if seeking truth is wrong, then why does it feel so right?"
Catherine sighed, placing a hand on Maria's. "Just be careful. Whatever you're searching for, don't lose yourself in the process."
Maria nodded, her resolve stronger than ever. I have to know more, she thought. Not just for myself, but for Agnes and the journey she began.