Life Under the Hijab

Proposal

Zakir Khan

Hajar's incident was scary. She attempted suicide! She was only twelve years old for heaven's sake. If we didn't get there on time, she would have died. I knew Zaynub blamed herself, but it wasn't her fault. Zaynub has been through a lot, she couldn't have possibly noticed that.

On a happier note, my parents and I are finally moving into our new house later on this week. It was only twenty minutes from here. My sisters were a bit sad because they had grown fond of Zaynub's family, but we wouldn't be too far.

I was currently sitting on the couch, watching the news. Who knew so many Muslims are being killed all over the world? Bangladesh wasn't the only country where innocent people are being attacked for no reason. Oh Allah, please grant those Muslims Jannah (Paradise).

While I was watching the news, Amir came and sat next to me with his head in his hands. His hair was sticking up all over the place. There were fine lines on his forehead, making him look older than he was. In all, Amir was stressed.

"Dude, what's wrong?" I asked.

"It's Zaynub. This guy proposed to her and I don't like him. This guy has had relationships with girls in the past and isn't a practicing Muslim. Baba put me in charge meaning that I have to find a husband for Zaynub," he said.

The thought of another guy proposing to Zaynub made my blood boil. Wait, why am I so angry about it?

Then a thought came to me. I liked Zaynub. Zaynub was beautiful on the inside and on the outside. She was one of the most religious Muslim girls there was. Zaynub was always a very kind and caring person, which I admired.

She was everything I would every want in a wife and more. I couldn't stand to see her get married and have kids with some other guy. I wanted her. I wanted to marry Zaynub. I wanted to wake up everyday with her in my arms. It all made sense now. I needed her in my life. I wanted to have a family with her. At that moment, I knew what to do.

"Amir, I need to ask you something," I said, nervous that Amir might not agree.

"What?" he groaned. Yeah, he was not having a good day.

"I want to ask for Zaynub's hand in marriage," I stated calmly even though I was freaking out on the inside.

Amir's head jerked up. He stared right at me. His eyes narrowed. I suddenly felt scared of his answer. Please let him agree, Allah. Like my dad said, there weren't many girls like Zaynub. She is very special. Amir and I had a staring contest until he grinned and started to fist pump the air, making me even more confused than before.

"What just happened?" I asked, absolutely lost on how the tables had turned.

"I am so happy! The perfect guy just asked my sister's hand in marriage. Alhamdulilah (all thanks to Allah)!" he smiled.

"You think I'm the perfect guy?" I questioned.

"Of course. You are very religious and well known. You change into a better man each day. You're honest and you love my sister for who she is. You also have a very wonderful family. Dude, you give lectures to the youth and you have a lot of knowledge on Islam," he stated, flatly.

I was flattered. He actually wanted me to marry his sister. I felt so happy, but first I had to ask my parents. I told Amir to come with me and we started to tell my parents about the situation. My mother screamed and squeezed the life out of me and my father gave me the biggest smile I ever saw. I also told my sisters about proposing to Zaynub and they all jumped on top of me. Now I just needed to ask Zaynub for her answer.

* * * *

Today was the day Zaynub gave her answer. Both families were in the living room. To say I was nervous was an understatement. I was beyond terrified. What if she says no? What if she doesn't feel the same?

Ya Allah, please let her agree. Please Allah. I am begging you. I kept making duaa (small prayer). Then Amir and Zaynub came out. I sat there waiting for her answer. It was dead silence.

"My answer is..." she started.

Please be yes. Please be yes. Please be yes.