Questions breed Indecision. Indecision, well, it leads to faithlessness. Faithlessness…the whole train of thought made him shudder. Or was it the damned cold seat?

Saddiq was at it again, asking him cutting questions about the holy text. May the All Merciful cure his ignorance. He tightened his grip on his pristine white thawb. Best it never touch the ground in this filthy place. What was he to do about Saddiq’s cursed questioning?

He strained to no effect and readjusted the taqiyah on his head. Forgetting his thawb, he wiped the sweat from his face and then raised both hands to the heavens in a plea. He knew yesterday’s goat milk would bind his bowels, but the All Merciful did not bestow him with enough self-control.

He could spare himself the bother and watch Saddiq flail. This is not our way, he thought as he strained once again. This time, the heavens answered his plea and his bowels vacated with force. The sound echoed violently, like a Shaitan splitting a mountain asunder. Relief overcame him. It was a sign, he knew. I will show brother Saddiq the way.