Winter vacations at the church were calm and serene, with the snow still heavy on the ground and the chilly air biting at the windows. Maria spent most of her days either reading or helping out with chores around the church. But in the nights, when silence descended on the world outside, Maria found herself connecting more with Catherine through late-night phone calls.
Maria: (laughing softly as she spoke into her phone)
"You must be enjoying the warmth of your fireplace, Catherine. It's freezing here!"
Catherine: (her voice brimming with excitement)
"Oh, you have no idea! My brother Nathan and I built a snowman earlier today, and now we're drinking hot chocolate by the fire. You should come to Las Vegas one day, Maria. We'll show you how to really enjoy winter!"
Maria: (smiling)
"That sounds amazing. I'll hold you to that promise someday."
Catherine's laughter echoed through the phone, bringing a little warmth to Maria's otherwise quiet nights.
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Lessons from Ayesha
One crisp afternoon, Maria decided to call Ayesha, her friend who had been teaching her about Islamic teachings. Ayesha had a calm and gentle demeanor that made their conversations easy and enlightening. They connected over video call, with Maria sitting by the heater in her room and Ayesha on the other end, a book open in her lap.
Maria: (curious)
"Ayesha, I've been meaning to ask you something. You mentioned last time that women are not supposed to pray during their menstrual cycle. That's very different from what we follow in Christianity. Could you explain why?"
Ayesha adjusted her scarf and smiled.
Ayesha:
"Of course, Maria. It's a common question. In Islam, women are exempted from certain religious obligations, like prayer and fasting, during their menstrual cycle. It's not seen as something impure but rather as a time of physical strain when God has provided women with a break from their duties."
Maria: (thoughtful)
"Hmm... so it's not considered a sin to miss prayers during that time?"
Ayesha: (shaking her head)
"Not at all. In fact, it's seen as an act of mercy from God. Islam recognizes the physical and emotional challenges women face, and it provides ease in such matters. Once the cycle is over, women resume their prayers and other duties without needing to make up for the missed ones."
Maria leaned back, processing this new perspective.
Maria:
"That's so... thoughtful. In Christianity, menstruation is rarely discussed openly. It's almost taboo in some circles. But women are still expected to attend church and pray."
Ayesha: (nodding understandingly)
"That's the beauty of different traditions, Maria. They approach these matters in their own ways. Islam focuses a lot on the rights and ease of women. For example, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, a woman can skip fasting if it affects her health or the baby's."
Maria: (intrigued)
"That's fascinating. I never realized there were so many accommodations for women in Islam. It's very different from how the world portrays it sometimes."
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A Deep Dive into Rights
Their conversation soon turned into a broader discussion about women's rights in Islam.
Maria:
"Tell me more, Ayesha. What else does Islam say about women's rights? I've always been curious, especially since people outside the faith often say women are oppressed."
Ayesha: (smiling gently)
"That's a common misconception, Maria. Let me start with the basics. Islam grants women the right to education, the right to own property, and the right to work if they choose to. These rights were revolutionary when they were introduced over 1,400 years ago."
Maria: (raising an eyebrow)
"Really? So, women were allowed to own property back then?"
Ayesha:
"Yes. One of the most prominent examples is Khadijah, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). She was a successful businesswoman who managed her own trade. The Prophet not only respected her but also worked for her before they got married."
Maria: (amazed)
"That's incredible. I've never heard that story before. It's so different from the stereotypes."
Ayesha:
"Exactly. Islam also emphasizes the importance of treating women with kindness and respect. There's a famous saying of the Prophet: 'The best of you are those who are best to their wives.' Women are seen as equals in faith, and their contributions are highly valued."
Maria: (smiling thoughtfully)
"It's refreshing to hear all this. I wish more people understood the true essence of your faith."
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Reflecting on the Discussion
After their call ended, Maria sat quietly, her mind abuzz with thoughts. She couldn't help but compare the teachings she had learned from Ayesha with her own experiences in Christianity. Both faiths, she realized, had their unique approaches, but the respect and dignity Islam afforded to women intrigued her deeply.
She opened her notebook and began jotting down some notes from her conversation with Ayesha.
Maria: (to herself)
"There's so much to learn, so many perspectives to explore. I'm glad I started this journey."
That night, as Maria lay in bed, her thoughts drifted between her conversations with Catherine and Ayesha. The warmth of Catherine's friendship and the depth of Ayesha's teachings filled her heart with gratitude.
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A Call from Catherine
Around midnight, Maria's phone buzzed with a call from Catherine.
Catherine: (cheerful)
"Maria! Guess what? My mom made her famous apple pie tonight. I swear, you've never tasted anything like it!"
Maria: (laughing softly)
"Catherine, are you trying to make me jealous? I'm sitting here with a cup of tea and some plain biscuits."
Catherine: (giggling)
"Maybe a little. But seriously, you should come visit someday. My family would love to meet you."
Their conversation drifted to lighter topics, and Maria felt a sense of comfort knowing that even miles apart, Catherine's friendship was as strong as ever.
---
A Night of Reflection
As the night deepened, Maria found herself sitting by her window, staring at the snow-covered courtyard. She thought about the paths her life was taking—the warmth of Catherine's family stories, the spiritual depth she was discovering through Ayesha, and her own personal growth.
Maria: (whispering to herself)
"Maybe this winter isn't so lonely after all. I'm learning, growing, and finding connections in unexpected places."
The clock struck two, and Maria finally climbed into bed, pulling the blanket up to her chin. Outside, the snow continued to fall, but inside her heart, there was a quiet warmth that carried her through the cold night.