Ayat Sakina ((full)) 〈RELIABLE〉

Layla sat on the edge of the sofa, her hands trembling as she clutched a ceramic mug of cold tea. Across the room, her husband, Karim, paced the floorboards. His shirt was untucked, his brow furrowed deep with the lines of a worry he couldn’t voice. The news on the television flashed images of borders closing and prices rising, a chaotic montage that seemed to mock the stillness of their living room.

"If you do not aid the Prophet—Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved drove him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, 'Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.' And Allah sent down His upon him and supported him with angels you did not see..." (9:40) ayat sakina

"The rent is due," Karim muttered, his voice sharp, though she knew the anger wasn’t directed at her. "And the clinic hasn't paid me in two months. How are we supposed to—" Layla sat on the edge of the sofa,