The late afternoon sun cast long shadows through the arched windows of the church, filling the corridors with an almost golden glow. Maria walked silently through the halls, her mind preoccupied with questions that wouldn't leave her alone. Agnes's diary had opened a floodgate of thoughts she couldn't ignore.
It had been a few days since her last discovery, but she felt drawn back to Agnes's room. The answers she sought might still be hidden there.
---
Scene 1: The Search
Maria quietly unlocked Agnes's old room. Dust motes danced in the sunlight streaming through the window. Everything was as she had left it—a small, neatly made bed, a wooden desk with a chair, and shelves lined with books and trinkets.
Maria whispered to herself, "Agnes, what were you trying to tell us?"
She began scanning the shelves, her fingers brushing across the spines of books. History, theology, poetry—Agnes had an eclectic collection. One book caught her eye. It was a worn, leather-bound volume titled "The Life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)".
Her breath hitched. Carefully, she pulled it from the shelf and turned it over in her hands. The pages were yellowed, and the edges frayed, but it was intact.
Maria hesitated for a moment, then slipped the book into her bag. She glanced around the room one last time before leaving.
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Scene 2: Nighttime Reading
That evening, after dinner, Maria returned to her room. The rest of the church was quiet, the faint sound of hymns from a distant room the only noise. She lit a small lamp, pulled the book from her bag, and opened it on her desk.
The preface began with an introduction to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), describing him as a man of unparalleled character, mercy, and wisdom.
As Maria read, she became engrossed in the stories of his early life:
How he was known as Al-Ameen (The Trustworthy) even before his prophethood.
How he cared for the poor and orphans, often sacrificing his own comfort for their well-being.
The struggles he faced when spreading the message of Islam, enduring rejection, persecution, and even threats to his life.
Maria murmured to herself, "How could one person endure so much and still remain kind and just?"
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Scene 3: The Prophet's Character
The chapter about his behavior toward others left Maria deeply moved. She read about how Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) forgave even his worst enemies and treated non-Muslims with respect and fairness.
One passage struck her particularly: "He who is not merciful to people will not be treated mercifully by God."
Maria leaned back in her chair, tears pricking her eyes. "This... this is so beautiful. Why haven't I learned about this before?"
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Scene 4: The Letter
As Maria turned another page, a folded piece of paper slipped out of the book. Her heart raced as she picked it up. The handwriting was unmistakably Agnes's.
The letter read:
*"To whoever finds this,
I write this with a heart full of conviction and peace. After years of searching, questioning, and doubting, I have found my truth. I have embraced Islam as my faith and Allah as my Lord. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) has shown me through his life the meaning of true submission to God and kindness to all.
I know this may come as a shock to those who knew me as a devout Christian, but I have realized that the essence of faith is not about labels but about devotion to the One Creator.
I hope whoever finds this will seek the truth with an open heart, as I did.
With love and hope,
Agnes"*
Maria's hands trembled as she read the letter again. She pressed it against her chest, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion, awe, and a strange sense of relief.
"She accepted Islam..." Maria whispered to herself. "She found her answers."
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Scene 5: Midnight Reflection
Maria placed the letter back in the book and closed it gently. She sat by the window, gazing at the moonlit sky. The night was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves.
Her thoughts raced. "Agnes... she was so certain. How could she have made such a profound decision?"
Maria picked up the book again, flipping through its pages. One particular verse stood out:
"Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often."
Maria's voice broke as she repeated it aloud. "An excellent example... Is that what I've been missing?"
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Scene 6: Sharing the Discovery
The next morning, Maria approached Catherine during their routine cleaning duties.
"Catherine," Maria said softly, pulling her aside.
Catherine frowned. "What's wrong?"
Maria glanced around to ensure they were alone. "I found another book in Agnes's room."
Catherine's eyes widened. "What now?"
Maria hesitated, then handed her the letter. "Read this."
Catherine took it, her expression shifting from curiosity to shock as she read Agnes's words. "She... she converted?"
Maria nodded. "Yes. And the more I read, the more I understand why."
Catherine shook her head. "Maria, this is dangerous. If anyone finds out..."
"I don't care," Maria interrupted. "Catherine, she was searching for truth, just like I am. And she found it."
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Scene 7: The Resolve
That night, Maria sat by her desk, the book and letter before her. Her faith was shaken, but not in a way that left her lost. Instead, she felt like she was beginning to see clearly for the first time.
"Agnes," Maria whispered, "thank you for guiding me, even after you're gone."
She opened the book again, determined to continue her journey, wherever it might lead.