#theconvert

The Convert Kirk Douglas Theatre, Culver City

Part 1

Zane grinned at the screen looking back at him and decided not to reply to the thirst that this girl was definitely making obvious that she had for him. She would learn like the rest; Zane was one to play hard-to-get. And he always won.

       ”Shit.” He said, then cursed himself in his mind again for cursing out loud. The time read seven-thirty. He would miss the Isha prayer if he didn’t hurry to the masjid. Grabbing his thobe quickly and throwing it over his head and down past his shoulders until it fit perfectly on his lean body, Zane walked out of the house, muttering a quick see you later to his parents.

       ”Sh-” He stopped himself this time. “Subhan Allah.” He began to run. He could make it, he knew he could. He vowed then that that was the last time he would let a girl distract him from his prayers. He mentally thanked himself and Allah for being smart enough to have joined track team last year.

       After what felt like forever of running, he made it to the masjid. And just in time, he thought to himself. He gave the brothers the offerings of peace. “Assalamu Alaykum.” And with each, he gave a smile. The imam began the prayer. Foot to foot, shoulder shoulder, Zane told himself.

       Sura-tul Fatiha was recited as Zane closed and re-opened his eyes, concentrating into the prayer. He felt calm, content, worshipping and praying to his Lord. The imam continued on to recite Surah Ar-Rahman. It was Zane’s favorite. It saddened him but also made him feel closer to his Lord. He listened to the beautiful recitation, right hand resting over his left on top of his chest as perfect as he could manage. He thought of the meaning that this Surah had behind it.

-(Jinn and mankind)- which of the favors of your Lord do you then deny?

He has made the two oceans meet each other,

but has created a barrier between them so that they will not merge totally.

(Jinn and mankind)- which of the favors of your Lord do you then deny?-

       ”Allahu Akbar.”

       ”Allahu Akbar.” Zane said softly to himself.

       ”Sami’ Allahu liman hamd.”

       ”Rabbanaa la’kalhamd.” He said softly again.

       ”Allahu Akbar.”

       ”Allahu Akbar.” The Jama’a prostrated in unison and Zane made sure his nose and forehead were in contact with the ground. “Allahu Akbar.” A few seconds passed. “Allahu Akbar.” The process continued until the prayer ended.