Nusaybah: (She picks up her cream and moves a few steps closer to him) Baby, would you please help me rub this cream?
Haneef: What happened to your hands?
Nusaybah: You know... my hands can't reach my back. And I have you. It's your duty to help me rub it. (She gives him a seductive look)
Haneef: You think you can win me over by seducing me? Do you really think I'm that stupid? The same way you seduced your ex into sleeping with you? Nusaybah, life isn't all about sex! And you can't win me over with sex or whatever it is you're trying to do right now.
Nusaybah: You think I'm trying to have sex with you?
Haneef: Obviously!
Nusaybah: No problem. (She picks up her nighty) You know what your problem is? Pride! You're too arrogant and full of yourself. And that won't get you anywhere — it will only make you lose everything. Do you know your second problem? You have a heart of stone! If I had known this is the kind of person you are, I swear I wouldn't have landed myself in this mess in the first place.
Haneef: (Jaw drops) What did you just say to me?
Nusaybah: Yes! Sometimes when I choose to ignore you, you still find a way to force words out of my mouth — why? Why is your heart so hard in a world that is already hard enough? I know you never loved me from the beginning. And it's too bad I only realized that after our marriage. But I’ve accepted my fate. Still, why must you punish yourself thinking you're punishing me? You and I both know you want sex... but you're pretending. I don’t even like sex at all. But I still try to satisfy you physically and emotionally because I’m your wife. That’s my duty — especially since you’ve failed to fulfill yours. Lower your pride so that good things can come your way. (She climbs onto the bed) I know you won’t sleep on the same bed with me — that’s why I’ll sleep in the living room tonight. Enough of your wickedness! Since you find it so hard to let go of the past. I know I’ve landed myself in this mess, but I’ll try my best to make it work. I’m just afraid you’ll do something that’ll make me stop trying… something that’ll make me give up on everything that has to do with you. That’s my biggest fear right now. Good night. (She picks up a pillow and slams the door)
Haneef: (Furiously clenches his fist) I'm going to make you pay for this.
Nusaybah: Every time — pain and hatred, kilode! (She lays on the couch and brings out her phone) At least I need something to clear my head. Mio le wa ku! (She scrolls through different video reels on Facebook until she comes across a scholar’s message)
Mufti Menk (video): Anytime you feel things aren’t going right for you, my dear brothers and sisters — pray! The most beautiful way to heal from a broken heart is to love its Maker. Because He created it. He molded it. And He cannot break what He created. Your heart can only be broken when you give it to a fellow human being. But if you give it to Allah — through your prayers, your tahajjud, your duas — then Allah will beautifully treasure your heart. Don’t punish yourself when Allah hasn’t punished you. Move closer to Allah instead of wasting your time on people. If they don’t appreciate your presence — move closer to Allah. If they treat you badly — still move closer to Allah. That’s the best thing you can do for your heart. May Allah (SWT) guide us all.
Nusaybah: (Tears roll down her cheeks) As if this message was meant for me… As if Allah knew exactly what I’m going through in this marriage. (She wipes her tears) Not anymore. I’ve given up on love. I won’t let anyone ruin my heart again. Instead, I’ll love Allah — my Creator. (She drops her phone, covers herself, and begins to recite her adhkar)
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( Light fade)The Next Morning (5:45 a.m.)
Nusaybah: (She heads back into the room to prepare for Solat Fajr) Alhamdulillahi alladhi ahyana ba'da ma amatana wa ilayhin-nushoor. (She enters and finds him putting on his jalamia but acts like he doesn't exist. She enters the restroom and slams the door.)
Haneef: (Sighs heavily) You don’t know anything. (He picks up his phone and heads out.)
A few minutes later...
Haneef: (He enters the room and finds her reciting the Qur’an, as usual) You’re not even good at it… with your horrible voice.
Nusaybah: (No response; she continues her recitation silently)
Haneef: (He takes off his clothes and goes back to bed) I pray today turns out to be as peaceful as I hope.
Nusaybah: (After completing her recitation, she walks over to him) As-salamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, my husband.
Haneef: (Responds in his mind)
Nusaybah: I’ll take that as a response.
Haneef: Anytime you want to recite your Qur’an, do it in the living room. Your voice is giving me a headache.
Nusaybah: Oh? So now you're going to criticize me in front of Allah? While I’m connecting with the Almighty? What’s gotten into you, Haneef? Now the only thing you can mock is my religion? At least I’m trying — unlike someone who doesn’t recite at all. I can tolerate everything you do, but don’t you dare cross the line with Allah. You’ll regret it, forever. Punish me all you want, but I’m begging you — don’t criticize how I worship my Lord. Call me names if you must — I swear I won’t say a word — but be wise about what you say regarding my deen.
Haneef: (Arrogantly looks away) Well, you don’t talk to me like that.
Nusaybah: And you don’t speak about my relationship with Allah that way. Since you no longer deserve my heart, then let me give it to its Creator instead. I can take everything — but not anything that distances me from my religion.
Haneef: You’ve grown some nerves, Nusaybah. (Gets down from the bed and moves close to her) You better watch your mouth — or I’ll tear it off your face! I’m still your husband and you must respect me under my roof! (He raises his voice angrily) Unless you want me to forget my hand on your face! I’m sick and tired of your stupidity! So watch how you talk to me!
Nusaybah: (Scared and shocked, her hands trembling) I’m sorry! (Nervously swallows her saliva) I’m so sorry!! (She keeps apologizing for several seconds before he finally storms out of the room. She collapses to the floor, her entire body shaking in fear) I can’t... I can’t believe he just shouted at me like this... (She breaks down in tears) Yaa Allah...
Haneef: (He pushes the door open) Get your ass up right now and go to the kitchen! Make me something delicious — you must make yourself useful to me! (He notices she's crying, which angers him even more) I said GET UP! (He yells again)
Nusaybah: (Nervously touches the bed to help herself up) Okay sir, I will... (She gently walks past him and heads to the kitchen, her legs trembling)
Haneef: Rubbish!
Nusaybah: (She continues to cry loudly) He almost burst my eardrums...
Haneef: And it must be delicious! Mind you — if you poison it, you’ll eat it first.
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A Few Weeks Later — Morning Time
Aminah: (Preparing for industrial training) Subhanallah! I’m late, and this food isn’t done yet! And Baami must have his breakfast... (She grabs her bag, drops it in the living room, and rushes into the kitchen) What’s taking this rice so long to dry up? Why this morning of all days? (Talking to herself)
Dad: Is everything okay, my dear?
Aminah: (Startled) Sir? Oh! Nothing, Baami. This breakfast is just taking too long to be ready, and I’m late for work. My boss is going to be so upset with me again... I’m just so exhausted right now.
Dad: (Places his phone closer to her face) I just checked your school admission portal. And guess what?
You’ve been offered provisional admission.
Aminah: (gasps and jumps up in joy) Alhamdulillah Robil Alamin! (She instantly goes on her knees in sujood.) Alhamdulillah! Allahu Akbar Kabira! I'm so grateful, Ya Allah! Everyone gave me false hope that I wouldn’t be offered admission, but Alhamdulillah, You proved them all wrong! (She stands up and embraces him.) Thank you so much, Baami! You’re the best father in the world. I never knew you had been checking for me.
Baami: I’ll do anything for my daughter. Have you forgotten you're my last born? You look just like your mother… you remind me of her all the time. (He places his hand on her cheek.) I’m so proud of you, my baby.
Aminah: (breaks down in tears) I love you, Daddy.
Dad: I love you too, my child.
---
A week later — a day before his cousin’s wedding (Friday)
Nusaybah: (all dressed and ready to go out) I guess I’m ready. (She walks to the living room and finds him fixing his tie.) Uhmm, honey, I’m going to your cousin’s house for the wedding preparations.
Haneef: (raises his eyebrows and scans her from head to toe) That’s your problem. (He picks up his car key and tries to leave.)
Nusaybah: One more thing, sir. I need money to buy some foodstuffs.
Haneef: Then go and buy it.
Nusaybah: I know… I just need money for the foodstuffs.
Haneef: Why do you need money from me?
Nusaybah: (confused) I don’t understand you. You’re the head of the house. Besides, I’ve been buying some things on my way back from work and never asked you for money.
Haneef: Then continue doing that. You have the money. You have the job. So you don’t need mine. Or have you forgotten—just two days after our marriage, you resumed work? So remove the expenses from your salary. We’re now equals in this house. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere to go. (He walks out on her.)
Nusaybah: (her jaw drops)