Chapter Five – Abdullah’s Joy
Sheikh Omar bin Omar bin Hassan, Baraka Allahu Fika (Allah give blessings to you), had chosen him as the husband for his daughter! And lovely Aisha Al Matie had accepted him! Abdullah bin Aathif bin Hasad Al-Jibreen. was overjoyed! He’d already said the du'a, the prayer of thanks to Allah 20 times today (using his prayer beads to ensure the count. He would do 100 before the sun went down!) He knew he was the luckiest man in Oman! His father, Aathif, had left the previous day to lead the tribe’s aihtiram to the Alhakim Al'iiqlimiu. Abdullah was left in command in his absence. His father had every confidence in his son. At twenty-three, he had matured into a strong young leader of the tribe. Soon, Aathif could hand over the reins to the young man. Tall, handsome, and soft-spoken, Abdullah was highly respected by all who knew him. Expert in Bedouin warfare, he was, at heart, a gentle man of peace.
Right now, however, Abdullah felt more like a giddy boy than a respected leader. The beautiful Aisha would be his bride! Of course, he had been taken by her sweet, lovely face and petite figure. But it was her manners of gentleness, modesty and submissiveness (hence her laqab, [honorific] Al Matie, meaning obedient, which had won his heart.
Sheikh Omar had taken Abdullah aside when he told him of the choice. He explained that Aisha had been raised in isolation, so was very shy and totally inexperienced even talking to a man. And, of course, she hadn’t had a mother to explain the sexual responsibilities of a married woman. Abdullah had promised Omar from his heart, that he would treasure the girl above his own life. He assured the Sheikh that he would be patient and gentle with her to ease her into the reality of the marriage bed.
Even now, Abdullah wanted to jump on his camel and ride over to Omar’s camp to see his betrothed once more. With great effort, he controlled himself. But he paced ceaselessly around the camp.