#Ibrahim wastes no time

[willowcreektownie]

While Asa is having a bit of a rough time, Ibrahim is chasing the butterflies in his stomach caused by a new crush

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[intersex-support]

Help an intersex family in Gaza!

Hi everyone. I'd like to share about a fundraiser that is very important to me. A good friend of mine is in contact with the organizers.

(Described in alt).

Their story:

"Hello, my name is Abeer. I'm organizing this fundraising campaign from Belgium on behalf of my family, who currently live in Gaza. 

Since October 7, all families in Gaza have been subjected to genocide. My family is one of those families that has had to flee its own home several times because of the threat of regular attacks. 

After two months, my family decided to return home and take the risk of being bombed at any moment rather than stay in the street. Our 4-floor building now contains over 100 people who have fled from different parts of Gaza. We always open our hearts for our own people, but we can't do it without your help and support. 

My parents, Kamal (53) and Moukaram (51), are suffering from the war because of their age and health. My brother Suliman, his wife Rawan Abualnaja and their two-year-old daughter Bisan are trying to stay strong, but it's complicated by their little daughter's enormous needs. My other siblings who are not married are Mohammed 25, Inas 22, Ibrahim 17, Abdallah 15.

My family medical condition during the war:

My father suffers from delusional disorders. He can't work or help my family financially. Mohammed and Ibrahim suffer from a chronic disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It is difficult for them to obtain medication in Gaza. One of their medicines has not been available in Gaza for two years. During the war, they couldn't get their medicines because they simply didn't exist anymore. My family members are still suffering. They don't want to be potential victims. They want to escape death and live like other families on the planet.

 On 01/01/2024, they attacked the local mosque and the missile failed to explode and ended up in front of my family's house. My family is in danger and the missile will explode any second.

Since then, my family has decided to be evacuated from Gaza because of the senseless attack on our city. Please help me evacuate my family to Egypt so that they can rebuild their lives in peace.

I've been in Belgium for over five years. I feel useless because I haven't been able to do much except try to help them with their daily living expenses. That's why we created this campaign. We're raising funds to evacuate my family to Egypt, a place that offers a glimmer of hope and stability. However, the cost of the evacuation is high, hence our call for crowdfunding.

Every contribution makes a difference The funds we raise will be used for :

- Evacuation from Gaza for both families (Rafah border crossing fees for 9 people total)  - Two months of temporary living expenses in Egypt, including food, shelter, and transportation  - Passport fees  - Food expences untill they leave Gaza 

No matter how small your contribution, it can make all the difference in breaking the cycle of violence and uncertainty. By supporting our campaign, you are offering a lifeline to our families so that they can rebuild their lives, heal from their trauma and make a fresh start in a safe and secure environment. Please leave a comment and share our campaign with your friends, so we can reach more people and make a bigger impact. Together, we can make a difference!"

They are using a French platform called Papayoux Solidarite instead of GoFundMe. Abeer also has a Paypal account for non European donors.

They are currently at 33 588,78 €/ 50,000 €.

Let's see if we can get them to 34,000 today. Any donation matters, even $1 or $2 donations can add up.

We need to help them meet their goal. Intersex liberation means intersex liberation everywhere--it is so important that we show up in solidarity. Those of us living with CAH know how dangerous salt wasting crises are without medication, and how important it is to urgently help Mohammed and Ibrahim get access to the medications they need to support their CAH. Intersex solidarity means that we need to show up and support intersex people facing genocide.

If you can't donate, please share. Consider doing an art raffle to raise money. Do whatever you can to help this family because it is urgent, and we need to act in solidarity with them now and make sure that the intersex community is here to support them!

[ravenadottir]

islanders' data and anecdotes if they were honest:

SEASON 1

❝ main character ❞ she's the only one that makes any sense

❝ allegra ❞ 24, swansea, cocktail entrepreneur, the public loves to hate her

❝ erikah ❞ 20, norwich, jobbing actor, she changes, every guy will be the love of her life until a new guy comes around

❝ jen ❞ 22, london, fashion blogger, the equivalent of a piece of paper until she couples up with someone for clout

❝ talia ❞ 23, watford, music journalist, she's the only one everyone agrees is the best person here

❝ jake wilson ❞ 29, preston, chef, chicken shit that waits way too long to say something

❝ mason❞ 24, romford, musician and underwear model, if "this could've been an email" was a person

❝ miles ❞ 22, glasgow, carpenter, not interesting enough to remember. also tattoo

❝ tim ❞ 23, truro, dj, alright, we'll allow it

❝ jasper ❞ 26, kingston, financial advisor, straight to the bin

❝ levi ❞ 26, manchester, professional water polo player, sock balls

❝ rohan ❞ 23, wolverhampton, psychology student, he joined the villa and that's pretty close to the circus. also, see "injustice"

❝ cherry❞ 20, suffolk, west end performer, try hard

❝ reese taylor ❞ 22, birmingham, newsagent by day, professional wrestler at weekends, revolting lack of personality

❝ sammi ❞ 22, london, graphic designer and artist, the definition of 'wasted potential"

❝ lucy ❞ 25, bristol, “adventurer”, *snake sounds*

❝ returning miles ❞ 22, glasgow, carpenter, we still don't care

❝ returning jasper ❞ 22, kingston, financial advisor, at least we found out he has a pet snake

SEASON 2

❝ hope ❞ 26, london, brand ambassador, '‘voted “most likely to be the center of the drama because she puts herself there"

❝ lottie ❞ 24, melbourne, makeup artist, i have one personality trait and that's all you're gonna get

❝ main character ❞ she should change her name to 'girl #5'

❝ hannah ❞ 21, st. albans, social media assistant, she went home really soon because she was so shy, we're sure that's not gonna bite anyone in the face

❝ marisol ❞ 24, portsmouth, law student, talks too much/says nothing at all

❝ gary rennell ❞ 23, chatham, crane operator, SLUT

❝ noah ❞ 25, romford, librarian, QUIET SLUT

❝ rocco ❞ 21, belfast, owns a “cocktails and cronuts” food truck, LYING SLUT

❝ ibrahim ❞ 22, birmingham, gold player, SHY SLUT

❝ bobby mckenzie ❞ 24/26, glasgow, hospital caterer, does impressions and bakes some stuff

❝ priya ❞ 29, manchester, estate agent, should've noticed she's bi during the fucking season

❝ henrik ❞ 23, isle of wight, climbing and wilderness survival instructor, shiny and dumb/smooth brain/nothing behind those eyes

❝ lucas koh ❞ 27, oxford, physiotherapist, yes

❝ chelsea ❞ 23, buckinghamshire, interior decorator, there's pink and there's champagne

❝ jakub zabinski ❞ 25, rochdale, personal trainer and fitness model, real life mutant ninja turtle but like white

❝ elijah ❞ 26, watford, hairdresser and model, he's there and then he's not

❝ felix ❞ 21, rotherham, nightclub promoter, annoying little cousin that grows up to be the annoying little virgin at the club

❝ kassam ❞ 26, new castle, techno dj, if you blink you might miss him

❝ graham ❞ 23, devon, commercial fisherman, ginger thanos

❝ arjun ❞ 24, norwich, dog groomer and influencer, "where's my hug?" kind of guy

❝ carl ❞ 29, dublin, tech entrepreneur, he's almost learning how not to sound like a robot

❝ shannon ❞ 24, dublin, professional poker player, "you'll forgive how annoying she can be because of her body"tactics, players, poker analogies all the time"

❝ blake ❞ 22, kensington, if you blink you won't miss her because she's so goddamn annoying

❝ elisa ❞ 22, london, social media influencer, the human form of a gear shift because of all the blame she shifts

❝ jo ❞ 23, cheshire, bmx racer, was here for only three days and it was still too long

❝ returning henrik ❞ 23, isle of wight, climbing and wilderness survival instructor, absolutely not the same person and it gets worse

❝ returning lucas ❞ 27, oxford, still a physiotherapist, "toxic fucks"

❝ returning hannah ❞ now 22, st. albans, she resented lottie so much she became her

[kate-apologist]

actually i'm still not done complaining about rtd writing kate because i've spent so much time hyper fixated on her and modern unit it might as well be a secondary special interest at this point

you know what would have been a far more interesting kate character arc that would fit with the broader themes of the season? seeing her kids. having her kids involved. having gordy be part of unit during empire of death? amazing, and more compelling than the romance they're setting up between her and ibrahim. kate's family is a chunk of the lore, hell bring connall (her nephew around gordy's age) into unit and she wants him to evacuate but he refuses

i think they've severely fumbled what could have been a new dimension to kate by concretely involving her kids and instead went for a romance arc that's gonna do very little interesting with her character (except maybe a scene of bringing gordy in and seeing his mum date someone his age lol)

and don't get me started on the being okay with literal children in her workforce that is literally a frontline defense organization

a lot of my grievances regarding the relationship thing is that i never really wanted a kate romance in modern canon. as much as i love to do weird shipping shit with her in fandom, i think she's a stronger character when she's single-i think it's a good reflection of her history and the generational trauma in the lethbridge-stewart family. she's got her rough history with her dad, what i presume to be a rough divorce and custody thing with her kid, i think her being the head of unit makes it difficult for her to balance work and life. even dating someone inside unit wouldn't help with this imo. not to mention the fact she is constantly almost dying, i couldn't see her entering a relationship after her home literally gets blown up. maybe once she retires but while she's at unit, unit is her life and there's really little room for anything else

i have this terrible inkling in my head that they're going to make unit similar to the avengers and god what a waste that would be

[garebearandnan]

Coming soon: The girls are sneaking off from the Villa!

This fanfic will be LITG canon based but will include some bits from the actual TV show and Love Island Matchmaker. Including what happens in both the Main (Original) Villa and Casa Amor.

Bedroom

Bobby: Boys, where are the girls?

Bobby: I don't know, let's go and check upstairs?

Dressing room

Jakub: Where the hell are the girls?

(YELLS) Bobby: Girls? Where are you?

Ibrahim: Bobby, the girls are gone… 

Lucas: Maybe they are in the garden?

Gym

Gary: They've left the villa.

Ibrahim: They've left?

Bobby: They've all got really, really dainty, like, steps. Because I wake up quite easily. They must have been doing some mad ninja moves.

MC: "Girls on tour!" I cheered and we all clinked glasses. "Did you know, Casa Amor is actually Spanish for 'House of Love'."

MC: "I would be lying if I didn’t think a girl would come here and make a beeline for him."

New casa amor bomshells:

What's your Casa Amor strategy? "There’s no time to hold back, so I’m going to make sure I get to know everyone. I’m not going to waste any time thinking about what their current situation might be because I need to give myself a chance. I’m going to lay all my cards on the table and see where it gets me."

Why Love Island and why now? "I think it’s ideal timing and the perfect way to find someone. I don’t go out and party and I don’t use dating apps, I’m actually quite old-fashioned, so there’s no better way to meet someone than by going into a Villa in the sun with the potential ‘one’ in there."

What are you looking for in a partner? "I’m looking for someone who has good energy coming from them. Is fun and has good banter. The boys are waiting for someone to come in and steal their hearts."

Back in Casa Amor:

In the Beach Hut, Marisol: The Love Island gods have answered my prayers, they sent me in six fresh sexy new boys. It’s like day one again, do you know what I mean? It feels like this is my time to get to know all these guys and, hopefully, find a connection with one of the six. Or all six of them if I’m allowed. I mean, I will take all six, just to make up for lost time.

BH Chelsea: I’m like a kid in a candy store, right now. I’m just like, (points her finger in a pretend line) umm, um-um-um-um-um! I’m not sure which one I wanna try first.

BH Grace: I really think that Arjun is, like, a proper geezer. He's going to play a massive game. He is so confident. I could see the way he was looking at all the girls. He made me feel like he liked me within five seconds. I saw him doing the same thing to everyone. I wouldn't trust him.

Loungers: On the loungers, Hope and Grace are having a catch up. The others’ are in two smaller groups chatting getting to know the new boys.

Hope: I feel like I should be grating… But, then I’m like what’s going on. No. Not grafting, but…

Grace: Surely not. Who should you be grating?

Hope: No. Not grafting. As in like… Chatting. But, like, in sort of a big group I can’t get to know, like, any one of them one-on-one. There's Alex. (She points.) Carl. Mick?

Grace: Nick?

Hope: Mick.

Grace: No, not Mick.

Hope: The red beard. What’s his name? Mi-

Grace: There's no Mick.

Hope: Elijah?

Grace: Oh, I can’t even remember if there was a Greer, you know. There was defo a Greer.

Hope: Yeah, Greer’s that tattooed one, full red beard.

Grace: And there is a, um, Casey… Kayden… Casey?

Hope: No Casey.

Hope snorts and lowers her voice. “Who's your daddy? Who's your daddy?”

Grace: Oh, my days, Hope! Fuck, we’re so bad.

They burst out laughing.

Narrator, Iain Stirling: What we need here is, oh, I don’t know, a close-up of each lad, with their name magically appearing. Or we can just have our girls get some one-on-one time with the new boys.

Your phone beeps.

Grace: Oh, hang on. Guys I've got a text!

Girls, it's time to get to know these new boys a bit better.  Get ready for a round of speed dating. #icebreaker #cocktailshaker

[youremykindagirl]

I don't really have a fandom twitter anymore - so here are all my musings I don't see people talking about re: Hudutsuz Sevda finale!

Halil Ibrahim not noticing Zeynep had followed him?? I kept thinking he was going to let on that he knew she had followed them. When Didem was like "how will you get back?" And he was like "don't worry about it" I thought he knew Zeynep was there. Also when he went to call Mecnun, thought he was going to let her know he saw her.

Halil Ibrahim saying earlier in the episode (about Serkan/Davut) "sometimes I give second chances when I shouldn't" (not a direct quote, just what I remember) and Zeynep allowing Tamer to live when Sota absolutely should have shot him??!!! They are so alike. Ultimately, I think Fikret is going to be the most pissed about Tamer being alive, I think HI will forgive it because he knows it's Zeynep's good heart that allowed it, and ultimately it's a great quality

I don't care about the Fikret Ayse Damla triangle anymore - I'm grateful that that story line is being used on them because it means they won't create the same situation between HI, Zeynep and Didem (re:pregnancy and whatnot).

Nihat storyline ended up feeling a bit anti-climatic

Tamer dying immediately after coming back to shoot HI was a bad use of keeping him alive. We keep losing characters abruptly and some of it is effective in building the danger/drama and changing dynamics, some of it feels wasteful. Tamer is an interesting villain.

I know that Zeynep has been through the wringer lately and that's the biggest reason why her relationship unravelled so fast (I know she was the one who undid it all) and so dramatically.... I wish she was more upset about the spy stuff, because I think it's so valid to not be able to stay in a relationship after discovering that. But it's feeling more like a big miscommunication trope because HI and Z keep pushing each other further instead of taking space and stepping back. Feels like now fans are turning on her, which I get, her actions are wild, but also she has been through the WORST weeks of her life in such quick succession.

I wish they acknowledged other problems between HI and Z - like she's kind of taken a back seat after they fell in love. HI use to involve her more in plans and was more open about what was going on, and after their marriage changed, he kept keeping more and more from her to protect her. That makes sense for who he is but it was obviously bothering her and the audience too, we miss her scheming.

Wishes for S2? Zeynep with a weapon - or just learning some defence in general. After what happened at the prison, and if she's going to be separated from HI it would be good for her to learn to look after herself a bit more. HI's plan becoming a bit more clear? Maybe his uncle from Istanbul showing up? More of his family history. Why was his dad involved in a blood feud to begin with?

Oh!! And obviously a proper wedding for Z and HI - and they wear wedding rings this time.

[warningsine]

The funeral lament rang out across Majdal Shams, from the centre of the town, from balconies and from rooftops. Thousands of mourners packed the narrow streets and squares, carrying small coffins covered in white shrouds to their final resting place.

Men from the town in the occupied Golan Heights, some wearing traditional white hats topped with red, linked arms and sung a mourners’ chant. “The mother cries: ‘Where is my son? Don’t say he is among the victims,’” they intoned. “Oh, children, tears are pouring from the eyes of girls and young men.”

Less than a day earlier, the town of squat white-painted houses and fruit trees in the occupied Golan Heights became a flashpoint in an increasingly volatile regional conflict when a rocket struck the town in the late afternoon, killing 12 children who had gathered to play football.

“We heard the siren and the strike was immediate. Our house shook from the impact,” said Tawfiq Sayed Ahmed, an insurance agent in Majdal Shams.

Ahmed immediately thought of her three daughters, who loved to play at the football pitch, particularly on a warm weekend afternoon when it was packed with visitors. The children, she said, had split into teams for a match.

“I went to the stadium immediately and the scene I saw was indescribable; I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. The remains of children, dismembered. It was frightening, terrifying,” she said.

The town is populated by members of the Druze sect and lies in a part of the mountainous area that was militarily occupied and later annexed by Israel. The residents of Majdal Shams have grown familiar with grief: it is known for a remote hill that some used to shout to their family members in Syria on the other side of the valley.

Even so, Saturday’s strike, which Israeli and US officials blamed on the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, marked the gravest increase in tensions since the militia escalated rocket attacks last October in response to Israel’s assault on Gaza.

Hezbollah denies responsibility for the attack, and instead blamed a stray projectile from Israel’s Iron Dome missile system.

Alma Ayman Fakher Eldin, the daughter of one of Ahmed’s friends, was killed in the strike. Relatives of another child, Guevara Ibrahim, have been searching for him in local hospitals and surrounding areas after he went to the football field at the time of the strike.

“She was just playing there,” said Ahmed of 13-year Alma. “She was like an angel, beautiful as sunlight. What did this girl do to deserve this horrific death?”

The entire town of Majdal Shams, she said, was “in a state of extreme shock. No one can comprehend what has happened. We’ve never seen anything like this.”

Other residents took an opportunity to vent their anger at Israeli politicians who visited Majdal Shams, outraged at what they said was a lack of protection from the government against rocket attacks.

Some residents shouted at the far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who in the hours after the strike declared: “Lebanon as a whole has to pay the price.”

“[Itamar] Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are the culprits here,” they yelled, accusing the ultranationalist security minister and finance minister of stoking further tensions.

Other residents of the town told reporters they simply wanted space to grieve, fearful of further attacks that could be wrought by an escalation.

Ahmed said the town wanted an end to the suffering. “We don’t want tragedies like this to happen to children, not here in the north, in the south, in Gaza or anywhere else. We do not want a single child to be killed. Enough killing of children, enough wasting of blood.”

[quranwithsehar]

Story of Ibrahim AS - Chapter 5

After months of traveling, Ibrahim AS brought his wife and newborn baby to a desert in Arabia. There was nothing there. No buildings. No houses. Just a desolated, empty desert.

Now Ibrahim AS receives another command. He's told to leave them both here and return towards Palestine, to Sarah. It was difficult for Hajrah AS in the desert with the child. But for a moment, Let's forget about that. Let's just try to understand the task given to our father, Ibrahim, AS.

For years, no child was born in his family. He faced injustice in life, being mistreated by his father and family. After some time, a son was born. But what happened next? Ibrahim AS was then told to leave this child.

We've been reading for years that Ibrahim AS didn't sacrifice Ismail AS, but he did sacrifice him when he left him in the desert. It was a sacrifice, wasnt it?

According to Abdullah bin Abbas, it is narrated that:

Ibrahim (AS) took his son Ismail and his mother along, towards the upper part of the place where later the Kaaba was built, near the Zamzam well, to a shaded place where signs of living were not visible for a long distance, neither was there any arrangement for water, nor was there anyone's presence. Ibrahim (AS) left a bag with them containing some dates and a water flask, then he tied his luggage and returned from where he came. Ismail's mother ran after him and started asking:

"O Ibrahim! Why are you leaving us alone in this valley, where there is no one to console or help us, and no other thing?' She kept repeating this question, and Ibrahim (AS) did not even look back to answer, until finally when she asked, 'Has Allah commanded you to do this?' Ibrahim (AS) replied: 'Yes,. To which Hajrah AS replied... 'Then He will not waste us away.' And it is also narrated that she said, 'Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.'

After saying this, Ibrahim AS walked away. Back to his and Sarah's world.

But what do you think? Was he happy to leave? No. He must have traveled alone for months to reach Palestine. Imagine: Allah gave you children after years, and then says to leave this child. Not leaving it with its mother or with relatives where there are comforts. No. Leave it in the desert where there isn't even water.

There were no cell phones. Nothing he could have used to inquire whether Hajrah AS and Ismail AS were fine after he left. How hurt must he be?

We focus on the event of sacrifice and say, "Yes, it was just a dream." Ibrahim AS came and started to sacrifice his son, but Allah put a sheep under the knife, so Ismail was saved from sacrifice.

But Ismail had already been sacrificed. Ibrahim had sacrificed his own son when he left him.

The lesson to learn here is: It's painful to leave something for the sake of Allah. It can't be without pain. The heart does become empty.

We believe that those good people who trust in Allah and leave things for Allah are not troubled by leaving, or their faith is so strong that it doesn't affect them. But that's not the case.

There is and will always be pain. And you will have to endure it. Help will come. But only after you are put through that pain.

[lightup0nlight]

We know that the severity of oppression faced by our ummah doesn't stop in Ramadan. So please keep them constantly in our supplications. Never belittle nor dismiss the power of a heartfelt du'a. May Allah accept our supplications, our boycotts, and other efforts in bringing this tyranny to light, and to an end.

As a person who easily gets distressed and physically unwell from reading devastating news, I seek comfort in the rahmah of Allah. I find comfort that the fallen children are in the care of khalilullah, Prophet Ibrahim alayhis-salaam. I find comfort in the existence of the hereafter, of Jannah, and in the unwavering belief of how Allah never wastes the imaan of a believer.

🌺 ❛And they (the people of Jannah) will say: Alhamdulillah, Who has fulfilled His Promise to us, and has made us inherit [this] land. We can dwell in Jannah wherever we will; how excellent a reward for the [pious] workers!❜ 【Surah Az-Zumar 39: 74】

🌺 ❛And admit them to Jannah, which He has made known to them (i.e. they will know their places in Jannah better than they used to know their homes in the world).❜ 【Surah Muhammad 47: 6】

This dunya is filled with greed, cruelty, injustice, and oppression.

But Allah promises the believers: Your homes, your gardens, your properties — all of them are ready and have been prepared for you in Jannah. And you will recognize your dwellings in Jannah as if you’ve dwelt there from the time they were first created.

May the oppressed, the innocents, and the fallen be given an eternal abode in Jannah, together with their loved ones. May Allah grant the believers the highest level of Jannah without reckoning, where we can dwell wherever we wish in peace, tranquillity, and harmony for all eternity.

Your sister in Deen, Aida Msr ©

[augustsappho]

'Luxury Foods' in Medieval Islamic Societies by David Waines from World Archaeology, Vol. 34, No. 3, Luxury Foods (Feb., 2003)

"We may begin with the work entitled The Meadows of Gold written by the famous historian al-Mas'udi (d. AD 956). He was born in Baghdad and died in Cairo, having, in between, travelled widely in Persia and India in addition to Iraq, Palestine and Syria. The Meadows of Gold contains a number of anecdotes related to food. One involves the Abbasid Caliph, Harun al-Rashid (d. AD 809), of 1001 Arabian Nights fame. He was invited to dine by his brother Ibrahim b. al-Mahdi (d. AD 853), a noted poet and culinary expert, of whom more later.

Harun was served a dish of what appeared to be small and delicate slices of fish arranged in the shape of a fish. When informed that the dish was made from more than 150 fish tongues, the Caliph demanded to know its price and commanded that an equivalent of 1000 silver dirhams be distributed to the poor. This was in expiation, he said, for his brother's wastefulness. Moreover, he ordered a servant to take the fish on its plate, itself an expensive item worth five times as much as the fish preparation, and give it to the first beggar he met in the street.

A second anecdote involves another Caliph, al-Mutawakkil (d. AD 861), who was relaxing one day with his courtiers and singers beside one of the many canals that traversed Baghdad. He smelled the aroma of cooking drifting from a pot being prepared by a sailor on his boat. The Caliph ordered the pot - a beef sikbaj, a sweet and sour stew dish, brought immediately to him. The Caliph sampled the stew with a piece of bread, as did his courtiers and singers, until the pot was empty. He then ordered the pot filled with 2000 dirhams and returned to the boat; the coins that did not fit into the pot were placed in a pouch and given directly to the cook. In the Caliph's judgement the dish was the best sikbaj he had ever tasted."

I found this excerpt incredibly lovely and highly recommend you check out the whole thing on JSTOR (free to access when you make an account but also on scihub). Doing a short article review on it for my Global Connections module - covering Islamic history briefly has really touched me especially when I covered it quite begrudgingly as a child/pre-teen through Saturday-Sunday school. It was always a tug of war with my mother to make me go until at 16 I finally just refused outright and there was nothing she could do. Admittedly out of all the classes taught at the mosque Tahrikh and Seerah always engaged me. I'm glad I can revisit it with a warm heart and with no expectation to be something I'm not so I can love share and appreciate it with fresh eyes.

[itsumikorokotoyomonoko]

Hello, I hope you find my message well.🙏 I am Ibrahim from Gaza 🇵🇸 I'm asking you For a small donation of €40 to save 🙏🍉our lives from Gaza A Can you donate for me and my family? Thanks to your donations we can achieve our goal as quickly as possible and thanks to you you will save my family Your support and standing by our side in this difficult time is everything to us ❤️‍ I would be very grateful if you would donate to me and my family, thank you for your generosity in our time of need https://gofund.me/7203d043 ❤️🙏🍉Donate to help me and my family

let me make this clear to all coming by.

I DO NOT HAVE MONEY WITH WHICH TO DONATE.

I've been trying to be as upbeat about all this as I can. But I can barely even support myself, let alone all of y'all.

YOUR PLEAS WILL DO LEAGUES BETTER ELSEWHERE.

I'm just a no-one girl with a nothing blog who happens to have her asks open.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR PRECIOUS MOMENTS ON ME.

Go live your lives, we all know they're fleeting quickly.

GO DOWN FIGHTING. GO DOWN RUNNING. GO DOWN FREE.

DO NOT GO DOWN TALKING TO ME. YOU HAVE A LIFE TO LIVE.

LIVE IT STANDING. BEFORE THE CEILING FORCES YOU TO YOUR STOMACH.

[0shewrites0]

This is how Lucas looks like he was written to me:

FB: "I ship it like FedEX"

ALSO FB: "He's a bombshell though. Are people going to like him? I'm not sure about that."

*Simultaneously messes him up at the same time while making him one of their most layered characters in a list. (I love Gary for that reason too). While also wanting to write him but then not because they already looked like they had an original path and didn't want to stray*

Whenever I'm on his route. I'm always like "What was FB even doing with you" and same goes for the unexplained "Big Daddy" connection like💀

Did they set you up for success or failure my darling? But he still excelled, and I can tell they probably regretted it for that moolah($). Notice how he's the only male non OG who interacts with MC in spinoffs. But at the same time...it kinda makes sense and not just because of his popularity, but because of HOW his attraction to MC was written?

Okay, I have a loooot of opinions right now so buckle up:

1) They really said "let's make him so hot it hurts and tease the players, pretend we're giving them a flawless route" and then they went "oopsie, guess not 😈😈" That's the only way to explain this weird amnesia, right? Sure, it affects other characters too (like the love triangle between Lottie, Gary and MC, when you tell Lottie you won't choose Gary and if you don’t choose him at the recoupling, she will act like she's totally surprised and vice versa). But it doesn't affect anyone as much as Henrik and Lucas. And since Lucas is the only one of the two who almost always says MC's name on day 5, while you really have to put in the work to hear Henrik say your name (you need to basically reject Lucas at every opportunity), I agree and I also think they really didn't know how they wanted to play it. There are so many loose ends and it feels like they never intended to tie them together...

2) The complexity of his character, YES! OMG! Lucas and Gary are by far the only two male characters that have any real character development.

Bobby - no, the same old people pleaser to the end, not really ready for love (which he would realise if he were a little more honest with himself)

Noah - uhm, no. Okay, maybe a little bit, because when you are on his route, he realises that he can't always avoid conflict and that he needs to put himself and what he wants first. But he still needs so much reassurance from MC, while we don't get that. Nada, nothing, zilch. And let's face it, we need to keep the money to ourselves for Noah to have the guts to break up with Hope, and that's sad.

Ibrahim - nope, no character development detected.

Henrik - no but he’s perfect just the way he is (and I’m saying this as a non-Henrik-stan tbf!)

3) SAME! I'm so confused as to what happened to him there. Like why drop the "Big Daddy" line and then just leave it at that? That doesn't make any sense at all. I feel like they had really good ideas and maybe a rough outline, but then they didn't bother with it and just messed him up.

4) There are many things that are completely ooc for Lucas - the most important of which is the proposal. Never would he ever welcome his girlfriend to spring it on him like that, even more so at a Love Island reunion. Secondly, he would be the one to propose because he needs to be in control, and fb forcing us to propose is really cruel (especially because at least Noah - and Marisol, I think? - were like, "Oh, sweet! I wanted to propose too"). Then there's the "Alright, let's start planning the wedding right away," where I was like, bitch what? You've got to be kidding me! So much wasted potential, so much lazy writing, and frankly I'm disappointed that they managed to ruin him for so many players - just think of the way they had him act so pushy and "can't take no for an answer" as the r!Lucas. 💀

5) YOU'RE RIGHT AND I CAN'T BELIEVE I NEVER SAW THAT! At the reunion both Henrik and Lucas are seen BUT at the wedding - and I played it again to check: I married Bobby and chose Chelsea and Gary as best person - there was no trace of Henrik. Lucas was literally the only male OG islander, you're absolutely right! And I’m so baffled by that but then again I’m not, because he is special. In so many ways. The banter between MC and Lucas is just 🤌🏽 and then in the CMM spin-off we had a Lucas that was completely true to his character again. I feel like every time Lucas and MC interact, you feel the electricity between them, even if MC is married to someone else or in a partnership.

This is the proof btw. I didn't give Lucas any special role during the wedding ceremony and he was still there while Henrik was not. Or any of the Casa guys for that matter, lol.

Dang, just thinking about him and how fb could have made him the best written character along with Gary really makes me sad....

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

The Malaysian government revealed its plans to counter Islamophobia by distributing copies of the Quran translated into several languages, setting aside more than $2 million in its 2023 budget.

Malaysia spends $2,000,000 USD to counter ‘Islamophobia’ by distributing copies of Qur’an worldwide https://t.co/dpBtgXhab1

— Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) March 5, 2023

This would be the first time the country embarked on such a plan under Malaysia’s new prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim. Twenty thousand copies produced under the project would be sent to Sweden, where a far-right Swedish-Danish activist Rasmus Paludan lit the Quran on fire while staging protests.

After attending an event called “International Forum on Islamophobia” held in Malaysia’s administrative capital Putrajaya, prime minister Anwar Ibrahim told the media that the 10 million Malaysian ringgit (equivalent to 2.2 million US dollars) set aside from the program is meant to foster greater understanding of Islam.

“We will print 20,000 in Swedish – and other languages too – for the purpose of better understanding,” the prime minister told reporters. “Why it has become an issue is because those against Islam never read the holy book. …. So, we have to go back to the text or at least the translation to save and enlighten others about the deeper meaning of the religion.”

I wish they had spent this money on proper education.

— Harshal (Indian) (@HarshalMagar7) March 5, 2023

Anwar believes the translations, distribution, and publication of the Quran in several languages would show maturity and wisdom on Malaysia’s part amidst growing anti-Muslim sentiment worldwide.

“Yes, we must protest, but it is also important we must give our understanding and do our utmost to ensure the message of the Quran is alive,” Anwar said, according to local media sources.

Sweden’s ambassador to Malaysia, Joachim Bergström, welcomed Anwar’s plan announcement.

“I am personally delighted that the Al-Quran, this globally important text, will be more accessible in my native country and in Europe,” Bergström said.

“I even own several copies. I have spent many years of my life living and working in the Muslim world – including as Sweden’s special envoy to combat Islamophobia between 2016 and 2021 – and I am convinced that knowledge and dialogue are the way to promote understanding and peace.” Bergström added.

Couldn't they just e-mail everyone?

— OneTwoMany (@OneTwoMany6) March 5, 2023

Although this would be the first time Malaysia would distribute copies of the Quran worldwide, it’s not the first Muslim-majority country to do so. In 2000, Saudi Arabia spread 138 million copies of the religious text to several countries, the most recent being Kenya in 2022, which received 30,000 copies of the Quran.

But only some in Malaysia are convinced with the plan, with some Malaysian netizens saying it would be a waste of resources and it would be better to spend the money on other social programs.

What a waste of money , could have been used to feed the poor

— $AY MY NAME (@LenaMeraNaam) March 5, 2023

A hardline Malaysian Islamist group also expressed skepticism of the plan, insisting that Malaysia should take harsher measures against Sweden, such as boycotting Swedish goods.

==

This is obviously a waste of money, but there's a nugget of a good idea in there: translate the quran into Malay. Since Arabic is not an official language of Malaysia and few people speak it, encouraging them to read it in their own language would do the country a world of good.

[lifeofresulullah]

The Life of The Prophet Muhammad(pbuh): Calling the Tribes to Islam, the Allegiances of Aqaba and Migration to MadinahThe Life of The Prophet Muhammad(pbuh): Calling the Tribes to Islam, the Allegiances of Aqaba and Migration to Madinah

Qiblah is changed to Masjid Al-Haram

(2nd Year of Hijrah / AD 623)

In Madinah, the Messenger of Allah and the Muslims used to perform prayers by turning toward Jerusalem, that is, Bayt al-Maqdis, the place of prophets, upon the order of Allah. However, the Prophet wanted and desired in his heart to turn toward the Kaaba, which is an exceptional monument of the creed of oneness, the first worshipping place on earth and the qiblah of his ancestor Hazrat Ibrahim. The Muslims, especially, the Muhajirs had the same desire in their hearts because turning toward the Kaaba would be a means of remembering Makkah, their homeland.

Their desire was strengthened because they were disturbed when Jews started to say, “Muhammad and his friends did not even know where their qiblah was when we showed it to them!” Therefore, the Messenger of Allah was waiting for the revelation for the change of the qiblah, watching Jibril and praying with the desire of the Kaaba.

As a matter of fact, he told Jibril (may Allah be pleased with him) about his desire: “I want my Lord to change the qiblah from the qiblah of Jews to the Kaaba!”

Jibril (may Allah be pleased with him), “I am a slave! Pray your Lord. Ask him!” 

Thereupon, when the Prophet was about to perform prayers turning toward Bayt al-Maqdis, he used to raise his head toward the sky.

Finally, in 17th month of Hijrah, the following verse stating that the qiblah was changed to Majid al-haram was sent down:

“We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens; now shall We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; wherever ye are turn your faces in that direction. The people of the book know well that that is the truth from their Lord nor is Allah unmindful of what they do!” 

When that verse was sent down, the Messenger of Allah was leading the noon prayer in his mosque. The first two rakahs of the prayer had been performed; the last two rakahs were about to be performed. The Prophet changed his direction slowly and turned his blessed face toward the Kaaba. The Muslims turned toward the Kaaba with the Prophet, too. 

The Mosque with Two Qiblahs

According to another narration, the Messenger of Allah went to the region of Bani Salama to visit Umm Bishr, the mother of Bish b. Bara, on a Monday in the month of Rajab. A meal was cooked for him. They ate it. Meanwhile, the time for the noon prayer started. The Prophet started to lead the noon prayer to the Muslims in the mosque there. After praying the first two rakahs, he was ordered to turn toward the Kaaba while performing the prayer. Thereupon, he turned toward Masjid al-Haram together with the Muslims following him at once.

Therefore, the Bani Salama Mosque was given the name “Masjid al-Qiblatayn [Mosque with Two Qiblahs]”. 

Upon the order of the Prophet, all Muslims were informed that the qiblah was changed from Masjid al-Aqsa to Masjid al-Haram.

The determination of the qiblah as the Kaaba caused some concerns among the Muslims because there were some Muslims who performed prayers by turning to Bayt al-Maqdis before the qiblah was changed and then died or were martyred. Therefore, they went to presence of the Prophet, expressed their concerns and asked him, “O Messenger of Allah! What will the state of the Muslims who died before the change of qiblah be like? They performed prayers by turning to Bayt al-Maqdis.”.

God Almighty eliminated their concerns by sending down the following verse: “We appointed the Qiblah to which thou wast used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (from the faith). Indeed it was (a change) momentous except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.” 

When the Messenger of Allah had gone to Madinah and started to perform prayers by turning toward Bayt al-Maqdis, the Arab polytheists were offended. When the qiblah was changed to the Kaaba, the Jews were offended and started to talk against it and cause mischief. Some of their scholars asked the Messenger of Allah, “O Muhammad! What has turned you from the Qiblah to which you were used? Are you not the one who said he belonged to the nation and religion of Ibrahim?” Then, they made the following sly offer:

“If you return toward the qiblah that you used to turn, we will obey you and confirm you!”

The following verses narrate that event:

“The Fools among the people will say: “What hath turned them from the Qiblah to which they were used?” Say: To Allah belongs both East and West; He guideth whom He will to a Way that is straight.”

“Thus have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced That ye might be witnesses over the nations and the Messenger a witness over yourselves.”

“…Even if thou wert to bring to the people of the Book all the signs (together) they would not follow thy Qiblah; nor art thou going to follow their Qiblah; nor indeed will they follow each other’s Qiblah.”

“If thou after the knowledge hath reached thee, wert to follow their (vain) desires―then wert thou indeed (clearly) in the wrong.” 

The Qiblah of the Quba Mosque

After the qiblah was changed to Masjid al-Haram, the Messenger of Allah went to Quba and changed the qiblah of the Quba Mosque, which was the first mosque built in the history of Islam, to the direction of the Kaaba.

[ejesgistnews]

The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu remains on his two-week leave and is free to travel wherever he wishes. This statement comes in light of the controversy surrounding his recent journey from the United Kingdom to France. President Tinubu departed Abuja on October 2 for a two-week vacation, described as a working vacation intended for reflection on his administration’s economic reforms. Read Also: Nobody Owns A Private Jet In The Nigerian Music Industry, It’s All Charter – Aviation Businessman Claims However, his unexpected trip to France has sparked public interest and speculation regarding the nature of his leave and how he keeps wasting taxpayers' money on his luxury lifestyle while many Nigerians are living in abject poverty. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, emphasized that the President is not confined to the UK during this period. Pay Attention To: EFCC Declares Oil Mogul Bolaji Akinduro Wanted, See Details "President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks. He is not restricted to the UK. It is his private time. He can go anywhere he so desires. He is still observing his leave," Onanuga stated. Prior to his trip to France, President Tinubu had engaged in "productive discussions" with his Special Assistant, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, at his private residence in the UK. Masari shared details of their meeting on his verified X handle, indicating that they discussed important matters before traveling to Paris. The President's initial departure for the UK was part of his annual leave, which has now raised questions about the transparency of his vacation schedule.

[fezilietrain]

### Under the Crescent Moon: A Tale of Manisa

#### Chapter 1: The Golden Cage

The city of Manisa was a cradle of paradise nestled between the mountains and the sea. Lush green hills rolled endlessly, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, while the blue expanse of the Aegean Sea stretched beyond, shimmering under the sun’s warm embrace. The city’s air was thick with the scent of blooming jasmine, mingling with the saltiness carried on the breeze from the coast. It was in this place, far from the suffocating atmosphere of the Ottoman court in Constantinople, that a young prince and his confidant found a fleeting taste of freedom.

Süleyman, the beloved son of Sultan Selim, was being groomed for greatness. Heir to an empire that spanned continents, his every action was scrutinized, every word weighed. But in Manisa, away from the ever-watchful eyes of the imperial court, he could breathe. Here, the rigid decorum of palace life softened, replaced by the simple pleasures of nature and learning.

By his side was Ibrahim, the son of a fisherman, plucked from obscurity and elevated to the status of the prince’s closest companion. The two had grown up together, and their bond was one of deep friendship, mutual respect, and something more unspoken that thrived in the quiet spaces between them. In Manisa, Ibrahim was not just a servant or a scholar—he was a confidant, a kindred spirit who shared in the prince’s hopes, dreams, and occasional rebellions.

#### Chapter 2: The Wilds Beyond

It was during one of their regular walks, the guards trailing at a respectful distance, that Süleyman and Ibrahim first began to test the boundaries of their freedom. The path they chose wound through the thick forest just outside Manisa’s city limits, a place where the dense canopy of trees formed a natural barrier, shielding them from the world’s prying eyes.

Süleyman, with his keen intellect and natural curiosity, often grew restless with the constraints placed upon him. Ibrahim, ever perceptive, noticed this. He knew the prince longed for more than just books and courtly duties; he yearned for adventure, for the unknown that lay beyond the palace walls. One afternoon, when the path veered close to the river that ran through the forest, Ibrahim hatched a plan.

“Your Highness,” he whispered, eyes twinkling with mischief, “what if we lost the guards today?”

Süleyman turned to him, brows raised in curiosity. “And how do you propose we do that, Ibrahim?”

A grin spread across Ibrahim’s face. “Leave that to me.”

With a subtle signal, Ibrahim feigned a stumble, tumbling down the path and drawing the guards’ attention. As they rushed to help him, he gestured subtly for Süleyman to slip away. The prince hesitated only for a moment before seizing the opportunity, darting off the path and disappearing into the thick underbrush.

Moments later, Ibrahim recovered from his “fall” and, with an apology to the concerned guards, suggested they continue the walk without delay. By the time the guards noticed the prince’s absence, it was too late—Süleyman was gone.

Süleyman and Ibrahim reunited deeper in the forest, their laughter echoing through the trees as they reveled in their small victory. For the first time in weeks, Süleyman felt truly free. Together, they wandered aimlessly, their journey taking them to a hidden glade where sunlight filtered through the leaves in golden shafts, making the space feel almost otherworldly.

They collapsed onto the soft grass, breathless with exhilaration. The afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor. The world felt far away, and in that moment, it was just the two of them.

“Ibrahim,” Süleyman said after a long silence, his voice contemplative, “I wish life could always be like this.”

Ibrahim turned to him, his expression softening. “It can be, here in Manisa. We have this time, this freedom. Let’s not waste it.”

Süleyman nodded, his eyes reflecting the golden light of the setting sun. “You’re right, my friend. Let’s make the most of it.”

#### Chapter 3: Lessons by the Sea

One of the greatest joys of Manisa was its proximity to the sea, a vast and untamed world that Süleyman had only glimpsed from afar in his youth. The sea was a mystery to him, an expanse of possibilities and dangers that both intrigued and intimidated him. Ibrahim, on the other hand, had grown up with the sea in his blood. The son of a fisherman, he had spent his early years learning to navigate its waves, to respect its power, and to draw sustenance from its depths.

One warm afternoon, as the cicadas buzzed lazily in the heat, Ibrahim proposed they ride out to the coast. “You’ve seen the sea, Süleyman, but have you truly experienced it?” he asked, saddling his horse with practiced ease.

Süleyman shook his head, curiosity piqued. “Not in the way you have, Ibrahim. Teach me.”

Their journey to the coast was swift, the horses’ hooves kicking up dust as they galloped across the plains. The guards, aware of their frequent jaunts, followed at a distance, knowing better than to intrude on these private moments. The scent of salt grew stronger as they neared the shore, and soon the rhythmic crashing of waves filled the air.

When they reached the beach, Süleyman dismounted and stood at the water’s edge, the cool waves lapping at his boots. He gazed out at the horizon, where the sky met the sea in a seamless blend of blue.

“I’ve always been told the sea is dangerous,” Süleyman said, his voice tinged with awe. “Unpredictable, like the tides of power.”

Ibrahim chuckled softly as he began to strip off his outer garments, leaving only his trousers. “The sea is only dangerous if you don’t understand it. Come, let me show you.”

Süleyman watched, momentarily hesitant, as Ibrahim waded into the water, his movements confident and fluid. With a deep breath, the prince followed, the coolness of the water biting at his skin. It wasn’t long before the water was waist-deep, and Süleyman could feel the pull of the current tugging at him, challenging his balance.

Ibrahim turned back, noticing the prince’s unease. “Relax, let the water hold you,” he instructed, his voice calm and reassuring. “Trust it, and trust me.”

Süleyman tried to follow Ibrahim’s example, but his body resisted, muscles tensing as he struggled to stay afloat. Sensing his friend’s difficulty, Ibrahim swam over and placed a steadying hand on his shoulder.

“Lean back,” Ibrahim instructed, guiding him gently. “Feel the water supporting you.”

Süleyman took a deep breath and did as he was told, letting go of his instinctive fear. Slowly, his body began to float, the tension easing as he surrendered to the water’s embrace. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever felt—freedom in its purest form, weightless and unbound.

Ibrahim smiled, watching as the prince’s expression transformed from one of apprehension to wonder. “See? The sea is not so different from life, Süleyman. You just need to learn how to navigate its waves.”

They spent hours in the water, Ibrahim teaching Süleyman the basics of swimming, the two of them laughing and splashing like children freed from their lessons. It was a side of Süleyman that few ever saw, one unburdened by the expectations of the world, where he was simply a young man learning something new with his closest friend.

As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the two of them finally emerged from the sea, their bodies tired but spirits light. They sat side by side on the sand, the last rays of daylight warming their skin.

“Ibrahim,” Süleyman said quietly, his voice thoughtful, “there’s so much I don’t know, so much I’ve never experienced. But here, with you, I feel like I’m beginning to understand things in a way I never could in Constantinople.”

Ibrahim looked at him, his eyes reflecting the fading light. “You’re not just learning about the world, Süleyman. You’re learning about yourself. That’s the most important knowledge of all.”

The prince nodded, absorbing his friend’s words. In this place, away from the pressures of the throne and the weight of his future responsibilities, Süleyman found a sense of clarity. Here, in Manisa, he was not just the heir to an empire—he was simply Süleyman, a young man discovering the world alongside the person he trusted most.

#### Chapter 4: The Unspoken Bond

As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the bond between Süleyman and Ibrahim deepened. Their stolen moments of freedom became a routine, an unspoken understanding that these were the times they cherished most. They continued their explorations, sometimes venturing into the forest, other times returning to the sea, but always together.

With every shared laugh, every quiet conversation beneath the stars, their relationship grew into something more complex, more profound than mere friendship. There were moments when their hands would brush as they walked side by side, a fleeting touch that sent a shiver through them both. In those moments, the world around them seemed to pause, as if acknowledging the significance of their connection.

But despite the growing intensity of their feelings, neither spoke of it. The reality

....

#### Chapter 4: The Unspoken Bond (Continued)

But despite the growing intensity of their feelings, neither spoke of it. The reality of their lives hung over them like a shadow—Süleyman was a prince destined to rule, and Ibrahim, despite his elevated status, was still a commoner by birth. To speak openly of the emotions they were beginning to understand would mean confronting truths that neither was ready to face. And so, they kept their feelings locked away, buried beneath the surface, where they simmered and grew stronger with each passing day.

One evening, after a particularly exhausting day of studying, Süleyman suggested they escape to the forest. The summer heat was heavy, the air inside the palace thick and stifling. Ibrahim agreed without hesitation, and soon they were riding out to their favorite spot, a small clearing surrounded by towering trees that provided a perfect hideaway from the world.

The sun was beginning to set as they arrived, casting the clearing in a golden glow. Süleyman dismounted, letting out a long, contented sigh as he took in the beauty of the scene. “This place feels like it’s ours,” he said quietly. “Like it’s been waiting for us all along.”

Ibrahim smiled, tying the reins of their horses to a nearby tree. “It’s a sanctuary, away from everything and everyone. Just us and the forest.”

They spread out a blanket on the grass and settled down, leaning back against the trunk of a large oak tree. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature—the rustling of leaves in the breeze, the distant call of a bird, the gentle hum of insects. It was peaceful, a stark contrast to the noise and chaos that often filled their days.

As they sat in silence, Ibrahim pulled out a small flute from his satchel, a simple instrument he had carried with him since his childhood. He began to play, the soft, melodic notes weaving through the air like a gentle lullaby. Süleyman closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him, feeling the tension in his body melt away.

Ibrahim watched him as he played, his gaze lingering on the prince’s serene expression. In moments like this, it was easy to forget the world outside their little haven. Easy to imagine a life where they could be free to be themselves, without the weight of duty or the expectations of others. But even as he played, Ibrahim knew such thoughts were dangerous, a temptation he could not afford to indulge.

When the last note faded into the evening air, Süleyman opened his eyes and turned to Ibrahim, a soft smile playing on his lips. “You play beautifully,” he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “Where did you learn?”

Ibrahim shrugged modestly, setting the flute down beside him. “My father taught me. It was a way to pass the time on the long days out at sea. I would play, and he would sing. It’s one of the few things I have left from him.”

Süleyman’s smile faltered slightly at the mention of Ibrahim’s father, a man he knew Ibrahim had lost long before they met. He reached out, placing a hand on Ibrahim’s shoulder in a gesture of comfort. “He would be proud to see the man you’ve become,” Süleyman said softly. “You’ve achieved so much, and you’ve done it with honor and grace.”

Ibrahim met his gaze, the sincerity in Süleyman’s words making his heart ache. “And you, Süleyman,” he replied, his voice equally tender. “You’re more than just a prince. You’re a man of kindness, wisdom, and strength. The people will follow you not because they have to, but because they’ll want to.”

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the intensity of their feelings hanging in the air between them. The words they had not spoken, the emotions they had not dared to name, all seemed to crystallize in that single moment. It was as if the world around them had stilled, waiting to see what they would do next.

Süleyman’s hand, still resting on Ibrahim’s shoulder, slowly moved to the back of his neck, pulling him closer. Ibrahim’s breath caught in his throat as their faces drew near, the warmth of Süleyman’s skin against his own sending a shiver down his spine. Their foreheads touched, and for a brief, electrifying moment, it felt as if they were the only two people in the world.

But reality was a persistent intruder. A rustle in the trees, the distant sound of a horse’s whinny, broke the spell, and both men pulled back, the moment slipping away like water through their fingers. They sat in silence, the unspoken words lingering between them like a ghost.

Süleyman was the first to speak, his voice barely above a whisper. “Ibrahim, I—”

But Ibrahim shook his head, cutting him off gently. “We can’t, Süleyman. You know we can’t.”

Süleyman’s expression was one of pain and resignation. “I know,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion. “But that doesn’t make it any easier.”

Ibrahim nodded, understanding all too well. “No, it doesn’t. But we have to be strong. For each other, and for the future that awaits you.”

Süleyman sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Sometimes I wish… sometimes I wish things could be different.”

“So do I,” Ibrahim admitted, his voice laced with longing. “But wishing won’t change the world we live in. We have to find strength in what we do have, in the bond we share.”

Süleyman looked at him, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and gratitude. “I don’t know what I would do without you, Ibrahim. You’re the one constant in my life, the one person I can always trust.”

“And I’ll always be here,” Ibrahim promised, his words filled with unwavering loyalty. “No matter what happens, I’ll stand by your side.”

They sat together in the fading light, the weight of their unspoken feelings pressing down on them like a heavy blanket. But despite the sadness, there was also a sense of peace—a quiet acceptance that, though the world might never allow them to fully express their bond, the connection they shared was something sacred, something no one could ever take away from them.

#### Chapter 5: The Tides of Change

As summer gave way to autumn, the atmosphere in Manisa began to change. The leaves on the trees turned to shades of gold and crimson, and the air grew cooler, carrying with it the scent of wood smoke and earth. The season’s change brought with it a reminder that their time in this haven was limited, that soon Süleyman would be called back to Constantinople to take on greater responsibilities as the empire’s future ruler.

The realization weighed heavily on both men, though neither spoke of it directly. Instead, they threw themselves into their studies and duties, trying to savor every moment they had left together. But there was an unspoken understanding between them that things would never be the same once they left Manisa.

One afternoon, as the first chill of autumn settled over the land, Süleyman received a letter from the palace. It was a summons from his father, Sultan Selim, ordering his return to the capital. The letter was brief and formal, offering no explanation for the sudden recall. But Süleyman knew what it meant—his time of relative freedom was over. The responsibilities of the empire were calling him home.

He found Ibrahim in the library, poring over a map of the Mediterranean. The sight of him, so focused and intent, brought a pang of sadness to Süleyman’s heart. For a moment, he simply stood in the doorway, watching his friend, memorizing the way the light fell on his hair, the way his brow furrowed in concentration.

When Ibrahim finally looked up and saw Süleyman standing there, a soft smile spread across his face. “Süleyman, you’re back. I was just—” He stopped when he saw the look in the prince’s eyes. “What is it? What’s happened?”

Süleyman held up the letter, his expression grave. “It’s from my father. He’s summoning me back to Constantinople.”

Ibrahim’s face fell, the weight of the words hitting him like a blow. “So soon?”

Süleyman nodded, crossing the room to sit beside Ibrahim at the table. “I knew it was coming, but… I didn’t expect it to be this soon.”

There was a long silence as the two men absorbed the news, the reality of their situation settling over them like a cold mist. The room, once filled with the warmth of their companionship, now felt hollow and empty.

“When do we leave?” Ibrahim finally asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.

“Tomorrow,” Süleyman replied, his tone laced with regret. “The preparations have already begun.”

Ibrahim nodded, his mind racing as he tried to come to terms with the sudden change. “We knew this day would come,” he said softly, more to himself than to Süleyman. “We always knew.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t make it any easier,” Süleyman said, echoing their conversation from the forest weeks ago.

They sat in silence for a while, neither knowing what to say. The bond they shared, so deep and unbreakable, was about to be tested by the demands of the empire. But even as they faced the uncertainty of the future, there was a silent resolve between them—a promise that, no matter what came next, they would face it together.

Finally, Ibrahim broke the silence, his voice filled with quiet determination. “We’ll find a wa

....

#### Chapter 5: The Tides of Change (Continued)

Finally, Ibrahim broke the silence, his voice filled with quiet determination. “We’ll find a way, Süleyman. No matter what the future holds, we’ll find a way to stay connected.”

Süleyman looked at him, his heart heavy but filled with gratitude for the unwavering loyalty of his friend. “I believe you, Ibrahim. I have to believe that.”

They spent the remainder of the evening together in the library, not speaking much, but simply enjoying each other’s presence. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting warm light on the walls lined with books that had become their refuge over the months. Outside, the wind whispered through the trees, as if lamenting the imminent departure of the two young men who had sought solace under their canopy.

That night, as they prepared to retire to their separate chambers, Süleyman turned to Ibrahim, his expression filled with a mix of sadness and resolve. “Tomorrow, everything will change. But before that happens, I want you to know… whatever lies ahead, you are more to me than just a companion, more than a friend. You are a part of me, Ibrahim.”

Ibrahim’s heart swelled with emotion at Süleyman’s words, and for a moment, he didn’t trust himself to speak. When he finally did, his voice was thick with emotion. “And you are my everything, Süleyman. My world, my purpose. I will stand by you until my last breath.”

There was a brief, intense silence as they stood facing each other, the weight of their unspoken feelings filling the space between them. Then, without another word, Süleyman stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Ibrahim in a tight embrace. Ibrahim returned the embrace just as fiercely, holding on as if he could freeze this moment in time, as if by sheer will he could keep them both in this sanctuary forever.

But time, relentless and uncaring, moved on.

The next morning, the palace in Manisa was a hive of activity as preparations were made for Süleyman’s departure. The horses were saddled, the carriages loaded, and the guards assembled. Süleyman and Ibrahim dressed in silence, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that their time in this peaceful haven was at an end.

As they stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted them, carrying the scent of autumn leaves and the distant sea. The courtyard was filled with officials and servants, all bustling about in preparation for the journey back to Constantinople. But despite the chaos, there was a palpable sadness in the air, as if everyone understood that this was more than just a physical departure—it was the end of a chapter in their lives.

Süleyman mounted his horse, his expression somber as he looked around the courtyard that had been their home for so long. Ibrahim was beside him, as always, his face calm and composed, though his eyes betrayed the storm of emotions within.

As the caravan began to move, a sense of finality settled over them. The gates of the palace closed behind them, and with each step their horses took, they left behind the freedom and the innocence of their days in Manisa. The road ahead was one of responsibility, of power, and of inevitable change.

The journey to Constantinople was long and grueling, but Süleyman and Ibrahim traveled in relative silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The landscape changed around them, the green hills of Manisa giving way to the rugged mountains and then to the fertile plains that stretched toward the capital. The closer they got to Constantinople, the more the weight of their reality pressed down on them.

As the walls of Constantinople came into view, towering and imposing against the sky, Süleyman felt a pang of longing for the simpler days they had left behind. But there was no turning back now. The city that awaited them was not just the seat of the empire—it was a place of intrigue, of power struggles, and of endless demands.

When they finally passed through the gates of the capital, the bustling streets were filled with people going about their daily lives, oblivious to the internal turmoil of the young prince and his loyal friend. The palace loomed ahead, a symbol of the empire’s might, but to Süleyman, it felt more like a gilded cage.

They dismounted in the grand courtyard of Topkapi Palace, where officials and courtiers were already gathering to greet the returning prince. Süleyman straightened his shoulders, preparing to step into the role that was expected of him. He cast a glance at Ibrahim, who stood beside him, their eyes meeting in a brief moment of silent understanding.

And then, they were swept into the palace, where the familiar rituals of court life took over. Süleyman was immediately ushered into meetings with his father’s advisors, discussions of state affairs and military campaigns swirling around him like a storm. Ibrahim, though still by his side, found himself taking on a more subdued role, his presence now one of quiet support rather than active participation.

Days turned into weeks, and the reality of their new lives began to take hold. The easy camaraderie and the stolen moments of freedom they had enjoyed in Manisa were replaced by the demands of the empire. Süleyman was no longer just a young man; he was the Crown Prince, the future Sultan, with all the responsibilities that entailed.

But despite the changes, the bond between them remained unbroken. There were still moments—late at night, when the palace was quiet and the burdens of the day could be set aside—when they would find a way to be alone, to talk as they once did, to remind each other of the connection that had sustained them through everything.

One such night, as they sat in the shadows of the palace garden, Ibrahim turned to Süleyman, his voice filled with quiet resolve. “We may not have the freedom we once did, but that doesn’t mean we have to lose ourselves, Süleyman. We are more than just our roles, more than what the world expects of us.”

Süleyman nodded, his gaze thoughtful as he looked up at the stars. “You’re right, Ibrahim. The world may change around us, but what we share… that’s something they can’t take away.”

Ibrahim reached out and placed a hand on Süleyman’s, the touch grounding them both. “We’ll find a way to navigate this new life, just as we did in Manisa. Together.”

And with that, they reaffirmed the silent vow they had made so long ago. No matter what the future held, no matter how the tides of power shifted, they would face it together.

As the night deepened, the city of Constantinople slept, unaware of the quiet strength that lay within the bond between the prince and his companion. And though the path ahead was uncertain, they knew one thing for sure: whatever storms lay on the horizon, they would weather them side by side, just as they always had.