A Muslim Suicide by Bensalem Himmich

Author:Bensalem Himmich [Himmich, Bensalem]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Historical, Biographical
ISBN: 9780815609667
Google: haH3tgAACAAJ
Publisher: Syracuse University Press
Published: 2011-03-15T05:00:00+00:00

NEXT DAY I STAYED IN MY CLOSET, concentrating on reading books and posing myself questions in the hope of doing some more editing of my book, Escape of the Gnostic. I also had to write some letters, the contents of which I had been carrying around in my head for a while. When it came to sleep, I was anxious to keep it to a bare minimum and make do with only what was strictly needed, all with the aim of avoiding the risk of terrifying visions and obsessions. I arranged my prayers by combining them all in the middle of the night, as part of which I performed a whole flood of devotions and channeled my mind and spirit toward loftier truths.

I spent the entire morning in this fashion. It was just after noon when my contemplations were disturbed by Fayha', who came to inform me that a horseman was at the door waiting to escort me to the governor's residence. I had completely forgotten about the appointment I had made with Ibn Khalas for this Friday. With some reluctance I now had no choice but to change my clothes and put myself to rights. I left the house, greeted the governor's messenger, and followed him on my horse. While we were on our way, I noticed that my escort was taking me into the center of the city by the eastern shore. He dismounted, and so did I.We were standing in front of an isolated house that looked out over the sea. The governor welcomed me profusely at the door and led me into his reception room, where he introduced me to his blind companion. He told me his name was Al-A`ma the Sicilian and described him as his most reliable source of counsel. I thought to myself that the designation was somewhat odd, but even so I sat down alongside the two men. Staring up at the ceiling, the blind man now started to say some complimentary things about me. A servant-girl of `Abla's age came forward and offered me some food and drink from the table; she then did the same for her master, who, like me, took only a little. He then signaled to her to leave. With that, the blind man stood up to say farewell and followed her out, putting one hand on her back while the other clung to his walking-stick. The governor wiped his mouth and beard and then looked affectionately in my direction.

"Pinnacle of the faith," he said, "this is the first time you've honored my council with your presence, even though you've been in Sabta for quite a few years. I'm not going to upbraid you for that-heaven forbid! After all, saints of God concentrate on worship and learning, and no one has the right to disturb them in that task. As you can see for yourself, I'm welcoming you in a modest house where I can find some peace and quiet. Were it not for the burdens of my office, I would stay here all the time by myself.

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