The morning was crisp and cool, the kind of day that brought a sense of renewal. Maria had just returned from a local charity drive, her heart light as she handed over the donations in Ambreen's name. The idea of giving back filled her with a quiet joy, a sense of doing something meaningful not only for her late friend but also for her own spiritual growth.
As the day passed, she prepared for her nightly conversation with Ayesha. By now, their chats had become a routine that Maria looked forward to. With her laptop open and a cup of tea beside her, Maria waited for Ayesha to come online.
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A Late-Night Conversation
Ayesha:
As-salamu alaykum, Maria. How are you today?
Maria:
Wa alaykum as-salam, Ayesha. I'm doing well, Alhamdulillah. Today, I did a charity drive in Ambreen's name. It feels good to do something meaningful for her.
Ayesha:
Masha'Allah, that's wonderful, Maria! Charity, or sadaqah, is highly valued in Islam. It's not only a way to help others but also a means of seeking blessings and forgiveness. Ambreen would be proud of you.
Maria smiled at the screen, feeling a sense of warmth and encouragement from Ayesha's words.
Maria:
I also offered prayers for her today. It's becoming a part of my daily routine now. I feel like it's helping me grow spiritually.
Ayesha:
SubhanAllah, Maria. That's beautiful. The sincerity of your efforts will never go unnoticed by Allah. Keep going, and you'll find peace and clarity in your heart.
After a moment, Maria hesitated before typing her next question.
Maria:
Ayesha, can I ask something personal?
Ayesha:
Of course, Maria. Feel free.
Maria:
Where do you come from? I feel like I know so little about you, despite all the help and guidance you've given me.
Ayesha replied almost instantly.
Ayesha:
I'm originally from Karachi, Pakistan. But I've been living in New York for a few years now. I teach Islamic Studies to students here, and my husband works as an automobile engineer at Mitsubishi Motors. What about you, Maria? Tell me more about yourself.
Maria paused, unsure how much to share. Finally, she began typing.
Maria:
Well, I'm originally from Boston. I grew up in a devout Catholic family and have been part of this church for several years. I work closely with Father Robert and the other nuns, organizing events and helping with day-to-day activities. Lately, though, I've been questioning a lot about my faith and trying to understand more about Islam.
Ayesha:
That's a brave step, Maria. It takes courage to question and seek the truth. Tell me, what sparked your interest in Islam? Was it Agnes's—Ambreen's—diary?
Maria:
Yes, partly. Her writings were so full of conviction and peace. It made me curious. But honestly, our conversations have played a big role too. You've opened my eyes to so many new perspectives.
Ayesha:
Alhamdulillah. I'm glad I could help. It's all by Allah's will. If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember that this journey is about learning and growing at your own pace.
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Day-to-Day Discussions
Over the following days, Maria and Ayesha's chats became more frequent. Each night, Maria would sit down with her laptop, eagerly waiting to learn more. She often asked questions comparing Christianity and Islam, and Ayesha patiently provided answers.
Maria:
Ayesha, today I was thinking about the concept of God in Christianity and Islam. In Christianity, we have the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But in Islam, God is one. Can you explain why Islam emphasizes the oneness of God so strongly?
Ayesha:
Of course, Maria. In Islam, the belief in the oneness of God—Tawheed—is the foundation of faith. Allah is unique and has no partners, no equals, and no children. Surah Ikhlas in the Quran beautifully encapsulates this: "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'"
Maria read the message carefully, nodding to herself as she took notes.
Maria:
That's so different from what I've grown up believing. But it's also… simpler, in a way. It makes sense.
Ayesha:
That's the beauty of Islam, Maria. It's simple and logical, yet deeply profound. It invites us to reflect and understand rather than blindly follow.
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A Growing Connection
One evening, Maria felt bold enough to ask a more personal question.
Maria:
Ayesha, do you ever feel like you've lost friends or faced challenges because of your faith?
Ayesha:
Yes, Maria. There have been times when people misunderstood me or distanced themselves because of my beliefs. But those challenges only strengthened my faith. Remember, the path to truth is rarely easy, but it's always worth it.
Maria felt a pang of recognition. She had started noticing subtle changes in how some of the other nuns treated her, especially after Sister Jessica's comments.
Maria:
I think I'm beginning to understand that. Some people at the church have been acting differently toward me, like they sense I'm changing.
Ayesha:
That's natural, Maria. Change often makes people uncomfortable. But as long as you stay true to yourself and your intentions, you'll find the strength to keep going.
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A Moment of Reflection
Late that night, after her conversation with Ayesha had ended, Maria sat alone in her room, staring at her laptop. Her heart was full of conflicting emotions—hope, fear, and a growing sense of purpose.
She whispered softly, almost as if speaking to Agnes. "I hope I'm doing the right thing. I hope I'm honoring you in the way you would have wanted."
With that, she closed her eyes and prayed, feeling a quiet strength settle over her. The journey was far from over, but Maria knew she wasn't walking it alone.