Startled and disoriented, Sarah slowly opened her eyes, greeted by the unfamiliar sight of a dimly lit room adorned with tapestries featuring intricate geometric patterns. As her vision sharpened, she felt a weight pressing against her body - a conservative hijab now enveloping her from head to toe. Panic surged through her veins as the realization of her situation settled in. Bound by fear and confusion, her voice faltered as she struggled to find words. Sadik, his face a mask of satisfaction, towered over her.
"Welcome back, dear Colonel," he said, a sinister smile twisting his lips. "Allow me to introduce my associate, Fatemeh. She will be instrumental in guiding you through your re-education process." Sarah's eyes darted to the woman standing by Sadik's side. Fatemeh's gaze bore into Sarah's, her eyes glazed with what seemed to be a mix of pity and unwavering determination. There was an air of familiarity about her, a shared heritage that Sadik had spoken of. She was an Iranian woman, her identity and beliefs hidden behind a carefully crafted façade. Sadik continued, his voice honeyed and persuasive. "You see, Colonel, you have long been a victim of the Western infidel brainwashing machine. Your true nature has been corroded by the decadence and immorality of the society you embraced. But fear not, for we are here to set you free. We will help you reclaim your authentic self as an Islamic Iranian woman." Sarah's mind spun with disbelief. How could she have fallen into such a twisted scheme? And why had Sadik, a man driven by his own dark agenda, taken such a keen interest in her? Doubts swirled in her mind, but she knew she had to remain defiant. Gathering her strength, she held firm to her core beliefs. With a firmness that belied her gentle features, Fatemeh stepped forward. "Colonel Mackenzie, we're not here to force you into submission," she said, her voice carrying a hint of empathy. "But we believe that you have been misled, blinded by a world that seeks to suppress your true potential. By embracing your roots, your heritage, and the teachings of Islam, you will find your authentic path.
What do you intend to do asked Sarah with anxiety, "You will listen to the recitations of the Quran through the headphones. Let its words resonate within your soul, and I will teach you the true path of Islam your teaching will include Quran recitation, preachings and studies with Fatemeh an I.
Sarah's heart raced as Fatemeh approached her with the earphones in hand. She could feel her hands trembling, her body still weak from the effects of the gas. Fear gripped her, and she knew that resistance would be futile. In that moment, she felt utterly broken and powerless. Fatemeh moved closer and taped the earphones on Sarah's head, and before she could react, Sadik pressed play. The sound of the Quran filled her ears, the rhythmic recitation reverberating within her. The verses carried a mix of familiarity and unfamiliarity, their melodies weaving together like a bittersweet lullaby. Sarah's eyes widened as the words washed over her, stirring up emotions she had long suppressed. Fragments of her childhood memories, the echoes of her grandma' teachings, resurfaced in her mind. She tried to resist, to push back the conflicting thoughts that threatened to overwhelm her. But the power and beauty of the Quranic verses tugged at something deep within her soul.
Days turned into weeks, and Sarah's world revolved around the relentless recitations and preachings of the Quran. Sadik kept her up very late each night with the audios blaring in her ears and woke her up each morning with them. She found herself murmuring the verses along with the words in the headphones, their rhythm and cadence slowly consuming her.
As Fatemeh sat to watch her Sarah was whispering "Qur'an al-kareem... Allahu akbar..."
"Yes, Sarah. Let the words flow through you. Feel the presence of Allah You are breaking free, embracing your true identity." Fatemeh said
As the brainwashing sessions continued, Sarah's mind became entangled with the teachings of Islam. The verses of the Quran became her solace, her connection to something greater than herself.
Sarah found herself losing the battle against Sadik's manipulation. She began to question her own beliefs, doubting everything she once held dear. Sadik's words and teachings had taken root in her mind. "You will learn the prayers, and the wudhu- the purification ritual done before the prayers" Sadik declared, his voice laced with dominance. "You will start praying five times a day, and your devotion will grow." Sarah, initially resistant, reluctantly followed Sadik's instructions.
As Sarah learned the rituals of wudhu, she couldn't help but notice the tranquility it brought to her restless mind. The flowing water washing over her hands, arms, face, and runing through her toes and feet felt soothing, as if removing the layers of doubt and confusion that had clouded her 's a cleansing feeling, pure and serene she never felt before.
Immediately afterwards Sarah prayer instructions began, standing barefoot and mirroring Fatemeh movements As she recited the prayers, she felt a strange connection begin to form. With each repetition, something clicked inside of her. Allah had chosen her, and she was returning to her roots as a woman of Persian origin. And then, the moment came. With her forehead touching the ground, Sarah felt a surge of understanding. She heard the call of the prayers echoing in her ears. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.
Tears streamed down her face as she cried out with joy. Sadik watched Sarah, his dark eyes filled with a mix of satisfaction and fascination. He believed he had successfully broken her, that she had fully embraced her new path in life. Sarah Mackenzie trembled as she finished the prayer. The weight of her decision hung heavy in the air as Sadik Fahd slowly approached her. His eyes glinted with a mix of triumph and anticipation. "Are you ready to embrace Islam?" Sadik asked, his voice almost a seductive whisper. "To forsake your former life and dedicate yourself to the cause of Allah?" A surge of joy and purpose filled Sarah's heart as she boldly answered, " "You were right, brother. Islam is the solution" Referring to his phone call before he abducted her.
I understand now, the need for jihad, for the righteous fight against the kuffar. My former ways, my former beliefs... they hold no value anymore." Sadik smiled, a wicked grin stretching across his face. ""Alhamdulillah. You have taken the first step to liberation, my dear Sarah." Raise your index finger He raised his index finger, and Sarah obediently followed suit. "Repeat after me, and let the shahada bring you closer to your destiny.". Sarah's voice shook, but there was no hesitation as she uttered the words: I bear witness that there is no god but Allah... and I bear witness that Muhammad is his servant and messenger. Fatemeh and Sadik stood victoriously and proud "Welcome sister But your journey is just beginning." sadik said.