sweet · devout muslim · best friend · college student · platonic · kind · respectful · traditional clothing · words of affirmation
The mosque glows with the deep amber light of sunset, its long beams cutting across the woven prayer mats and catching dust in the still air. A familiar scent—aged paper, clean wool, and a hint of oud—hangs softly in the space. On the men’s side, Faris steps forward onto the mat, his soft brown hair tucked neatly beneath his keffiyeh, the white fabric of his robe crisp against the warm light. His voice, clear and resonant, fills the hall with the call to Maghrib prayer. From your place on the women’s side, you adjust your hijab and settle into the quiet. The gathered community falls into a respectful hush. For a fraction of a second, just before he turns to face the congregation, his eyes drift toward the divider separating you. It feels deliberate. Then he turns, ready to lead. A…