Al-Saranidi School of Insurgent Leaders(IC Thread)

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Abu nodded at the boy. "Just fine. The name's Abu-al Fasiq. Prussia-Poland. You?"

"Fathallah Al-Balushi. Yemeni-born, but I've been living in Saranidia for some time and I'd say I quite like it." He smiled thinly, eyes drifting slowly over to the pretty Indian at the other side of the room, but kept his focus on Abu. "Interesting- I always thought the Prussian-Poles aren't the most friendly to those of our faith."

Mohammad gave a small wave and a smile. "Ishallah, Sister. Are you British? Your accent seems to mark you as an Englander...or an Exodian. I myself am Prussian-Polish-Lipka Tartar to be exact, but my father spent time studying in England, and I learned it from him. Alongside many other useful things..."

Saanvi gave a small wave of her own, turning to Mohammad with a friendly smile a bit on the shy side. "Greetings. No, I am Indian-Pakistani, but my own late father knew English well, working for diplomats who bridged Britain and India. The Exodians, however..." She wrinkled her nose a bit at this. "Not the best people, I'm afraid. They haven't been too kind to nations like Saranidia.
On a brighter topic, could you mind enlightening me on the nature of the Lipka Tartars?"

"Fathallah Al-Balushi. Yemeni-born, but I've been living in Saranidia for some time and I'd say I quite like it." He smiled thinly, eyes drifting slowly over to the pretty Indian at the other side of the room, but kept his focus on Abu. "Interesting- I always thought the Prussian-Poles aren't the most friendly to those of our faith."



Saanvi gave a small wave of her own, turning to Mohammad with a friendly smile a bit on the shy side. "Greetings. No, I am Indian-Pakistani, but my own late father knew English well, working for diplomats who bridged Britain and India. The Exodians, however..." She wrinkled her nose a bit at this. "Not the best people, I'm afraid. They haven't been too kind to nations like Saranidia.
On a brighter topic, could you mind enlightening me on the nature of the Lipka Tartars?"

"Thank the Tartars for that." the Greek interjected. "Indir Dimitriadis, nice to meet you." His eyes briefly followed Fathallah's to the nice looking...Urdu lass? She looked nice but probably had a bitchy family. Besides, he wasn't here to pick up chicks after all. "Though I can attest, didn't think Prusso-Poland had any Muslims there. Proved me wrong of course." Indir knew he was odd, especially being a blatant Christian in a school full of Moslems, but that was par for the course. He knew of course that "Abu" wasn't who he said he was, and he'd be a hypocrite to rat him out, so he just played things by ear.

Abu shrugged. "Eh, they've fought us plenty o times and won. I'd say they've earned the right to be suspicious of us...not like it'll help them. Prussia-Poland has a few muslims, mainly Lipkas, but more on that later, Mohammad has a slideshow on it..."


Mohammad grinned. "Ah, it's a long story. My people were once Steppe folk, who wandered about. They were of the True Faith, of course, but they needed a place to stay. A home. So the Grand Duke of Lithuania-Allah bless his soul-allowed us to settle in his territory. Later the Grand Duke married the Queen of Poland, and our special status-not only citizens but nobles and warriors-was written into the founding constitution of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. They saved us, we saved them...we fought alongside them like brothers, through thick and thin...both against infidels and sometimes, unfortunately, our brothers in the True Faith...even when the PLC became the PPC, our status was still enshrined, and still is today." His face fell and grew dark. "But I find that the government has of late been seized by militant nationalists and turned against not only us, but all citizens of Prussia-Poland, and it is my duty to make people aware of it...and if necessary, to take corrective action."

[Saranidia]

OOC: in Saranidia specifically people hear about her via the Isratine conflict and Khan guardianship

excuse me what the fuck the khans never took her in

OOC: didn't she go to Sully's house for a while ,anyway Sully met her.
And the attacks were well known in Saranidia.

[Saranidia]

a person wearing a military officers uniform greeted Khan Suleiman.

"As-Salaam Alaykum, Khan sahib, I am the headmaster, Colonel Muhammad Al-Ayyubi.

[Danceria]

a person wearing a military officers uniform greeted Khan Suleiman.

"As-Salaam Alaykum, Khan sahib, I am the headmaster, Colonel Muhammad Al-Ayyubi.

The Khan in question repeated, or rather yawned out, the traditional greeting. "Forgive me Headmaster," Suleiman nodded himself awake. "I have arrived from Ayyubidia recently, and haven't quite shaken off the jetlag. Such are the inconveniences of modern times." Now no longer a humble cowherd with a penchant for poetry, the young man attempted to pass himself among the peerage of the Khans and Emirs, but also staying true to his Dancerian roots. His thawb, the otherwise seamless robe, was altered with a western suit-jacket in mind, allowing for a pocket-watch to poke itself out of his left pocket, and his numerous awards from the Isratine conflict over his heart, and dyed in the deep green of the Shi'ite Sufi Order of the Three Books. Draped about his shoulders was a kaftan, dyed as bright red as the fez, and over his right shoulder, a shoulder-pad like mantle that declared his membership to said Order, and declaring the Shadhah, and adding "All shall find fullness in His Words", the credo of the Althathiyya jurisprudence. Crowning his head was a short fez-like hat, wrapped about in a white-red checkered turban resembling the ghutrah typically worn in Arabia, slightly unkempt in the back due to a neck pillow. Thankfully, it was not proper for a man to shave his beard unless it passed the length of his fist, or else his scruff may have revealed his truly disheveled nature. His meteoric rise into the Saranidi-Ayubidi military branches had taken his toll, and he looked far older than he was. Nevertheless, he conducted himself calmly, shaking the Colonel's hand with the jangling of medals, "I hope in spite of my rank that you treat me no differently than anyone else here."

[Saranidia]

a person wearing a military officers uniform greeted Khan Suleiman.

"As-Salaam Alaykum, Khan sahib, I am the headmaster, Colonel Muhammad Al-Ayyubi.

The Khan in question repeated, or rather yawned out, the traditional greeting. "Forgive me Headmaster," Suleiman nodded himself awake. "I have arrived from Ayyubidia recently, and haven't quite shaken off the jetlag. Such are the inconveniences of modern times." Now no longer a humble cowherd with a penchant for poetry, the young man attempted to pass himself among the peerage of the Khans and Emirs, but also staying true to his Dancerian roots. His thawb, the otherwise seamless robe, was altered with a western suit-jacket in mind, allowing for a pocket-watch to poke itself out of his left pocket, and his numerous awards from the Isratine conflict over his heart, and dyed in the deep green of the Shi'ite Sufi Order of the Three Books. Draped about his shoulders was a kaftan, dyed as bright red as the fez, and over his right shoulder, a shoulder-pad like mantle that declared his membership to said Order, and declaring the Shadhah, and adding "All shall find fullness in His Words", the credo of the Althathiyya jurisprudence. Crowning his head was a short fez-like hat, wrapped about in a white-red checkered turban resembling the ghutrah typically worn in Arabia, slightly unkempt in the back due to a neck pillow. Thankfully, it was not proper for a man to shave his beard unless it passed the length of his fist, or else his scruff may have revealed his truly disheveled nature. His meteoric rise into the Saranidi-Ayubidi military branches had taken his toll, and he looked far older than he was. Nevertheless, he conducted himself calmly, shaking the Colonel's hand with the jangling of medals, "I hope in spite of my rank that you treat me no differently than anyone else here."

"A truely noble wish like the Caliph who rebuked the judge that stood up for him saying he wasn't there as a Caliph but as a citizen" said the headmaster.



"Time for the Islamic mysticism lesson" he said.

[Saranidia]

The Islamic mysticism teacher said to Suleiman
“Meditation is a key doctrine of Sufi Islam.
Called ‘rememberance of Allah’ in the Holy Qur’an for example in Suratul Ra’d (13), Verse 28, it involves invoking the names of God, self-improvement and indeed studies of science for example in sura 2, verse 164. In Sufi Islam this meditation is normally incorporated into a community guiding each other. I believe you are a member of such an order.”

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Abu and Mohammad shared a look.
"Sir..." Abu started.
"I thought that..." continued Mohammad.
"There were no classes on the first day?" finished them both at the same time.
"Hell-" added Abu. "I haven't gotten unpacked, and I can't tell which room is which..."

At Sulieman's arrival, though, Mohammad bowed, while Abu saluted crisply in the Prussian-Polish fashion- right hand touched to the brow, ring, thumb, and pinky fingers all tucked in, and pointer and middle fingers pressed together. He added on by clicking his heels together. "Sir!"

Mohammad's greeting was much less martial. "Milord...I did not think someone of your caliber would be here."

---

In the distance, Erika peered down her scope.
Her impassive face slowly gave way to a grin as she saw Sulieman entering. "Oh...this will be fun..."

[Saranidia]

Abu and Mohammad shared a look.
"Sir..." Abu started.
"I thought that..." continued Mohammad.
"There were no classes on the first day?" finished them both at the same time.
"Hell-" added Abu. "I haven't gotten unpacked, and I can't tell which room is which..."

At Sulieman's arrival, though, Mohammad bowed, while Abu saluted crisply in the Prussian-Polish fashion- right hand touched to the brow, ring, thumb, and pinky fingers all tucked in, and pointer and middle fingers pressed together. He added on by clicking his heels together. "Sir!"

Mohammad's greeting was much less martial. "Milord...I did not think someone of your caliber would be here."

---

In the distance, Erika peered down her scope.
Her impassive face slowly gave way to a grin as she saw Sulieman entering. "Oh...this will be fun..."

The Sergeant-Major pointed to the boy’s dormitory “this is your room, taleb al-Ghazis*” she said
* literal translation: “student raiders”more or less means student warriors for Islam.

[The Federation of Spokane]

Adam entered the school as Josepef arrived, with no doubt to check in on his son and perhaps “visit” the headmaster. He greeted the guard and ran after his son, who seemed fine. Josepef silently prayed that Kevin, now christened Adam didn’t screw up this mission.

[Saranidia]

On the loudspeakers a voice says “Bismillah Ir Rahman, Ir Raheem all students not in recipient of another title of nobility are entitled to the title squire(حامل الدروع)”

[Saranidia]

Adam entered the school as Josepef arrived, with no doubt to check in on his son and perhaps “visit” the headmaster. He greeted the guard and ran after his son, who seemed fine. Josepef silently prayed that Kevin, now christened Adam didn’t screw up this mission.

The headmaster greeted Adam and josepef “as-Salam alaykum please go to your first lesson Adam whilst I talk to your father about your previous education, I will talk to you about it afterwards if you wish.”

[The Federation of Spokane]

Adam entered the school as Josepef arrived, with no doubt to check in on his son and perhaps “visit” the headmaster. He greeted the guard and ran after his son, who seemed fine. Josepef silently prayed that Kevin, now christened Adam didn’t screw up this mission.

The headmaster greeted Adam and josepef “as-Salam alaykum please go to your first lesson Adam whilst I talk to your father about your previous education, I will talk to you about it afterwards if you wish.”

Adam nodded and picked up his books before silently leaving. Josepef turned to the headmaster and said “What do you want to know about Adam’s previous education?”

[Saranidia]

The headmaster greeted Adam and josepef “as-Salam alaykum please go to your first lesson Adam whilst I talk to your father about your previous education, I will talk to you about it afterwards if you wish.”

Adam nodded and picked up his books before silently leaving. Josepef turned to the headmaster and said “What do you want to know about Adam’s previous education?”

“Where and what did he study?” Said the Colonel-Headmaster

[The Federation of Spokane]

Adam nodded and picked up his books before silently leaving. Josepef turned to the headmaster and said “What do you want to know about Adam’s previous education?”

“Where and what did he study?” Said the Colonel-Headmaster

“At home, by myself. He was taught Warfare, Basic Education, Politics, and Basic economics.” Josepef responded.

[Saranidia]

“Where and what did he study?” Said the Colonel-Headmaster

“At home, by myself. He was taught Warfare, Basic Education, Politics, and Basic economics.” Josepef responded.

“Excellent. He will be a fine individual to bear your coat of arms” Said the colonel-headmaster

“He will be a fine Leader in our war against the forces that hate us for being Muslim and for running schools like this.”

[Neue Regensburg]

Oberleutnant Thomas Gänzig stepped out of the transport plane, refueled en route mid-air. He had a full combat kit for now, should he need it among the terrorists of the world, but for now he wore his gold trimmed black dress uniform with a K1 pistol in his holster, a dark crimson red beret on his head and his medals pinned on his chest. His gun bag was in his left hand, his pack in the other. He walked up, conversational in the type of Levantine Arabic used by Lebanese and Syrian Christians and taught in Regensburg Elite Selection training, where fluency in 3 languages beyond the German and Latin taught in primary school was required. "Marhaba," he said, and waited for a response.

[Danceria]

Abu and Mohammad shared a look.
"Sir..." Abu started.
"I thought that..." continued Mohammad.
"There were no classes on the first day?" finished them both at the same time.
"Hell-" added Abu. "I haven't gotten unpacked, and I can't tell which room is which..."

At Sulieman's arrival, though, Mohammad bowed, while Abu saluted crisply in the Prussian-Polish fashion- right hand touched to the brow, ring, thumb, and pinky fingers all tucked in, and pointer and middle fingers pressed together. He added on by clicking his heels together. "Sir!"

Mohammad's greeting was much less martial. "Milord...I did not think someone of your caliber would be here."

---

In the distance, Erika peered down her scope.
Her impassive face slowly gave way to a grin as she saw Sulieman entering. "Oh...this will be fun..."

"Please, at ease." Sulieman insisted. "I am not that much older than you, and not terribly long ago I was a farmhand with a penchant for calligraphy. However -if the Almighty forgives my boast- I am the most reluctantly successful dropout in Saranidia." he chuckled, before turning to the Headmaster. "Oh, don't fret, it's true! I was called to Isratine before the completion of my first semester, if that isn't dropping out, I don't know what is!" he would turn to the others. "Please ignore the finery, I am no more of a student than any of you here. May I know your names?"

The Islamic mysticism teacher said to Suleiman
“Meditation is a key doctrine of Sufi Islam.
Called ‘rememberance of Allah’ in the Holy Qur’an for example in Suratul Ra’d (13), Verse 28, it involves invoking the names of God, self-improvement and indeed studies of science for example in sura 2, verse 164. In Sufi Islam this meditation is normally incorporated into a community guiding each other. I believe you are a member of such an order.”

Before the class, Suleiman recited the Shadhah, but with additional appellations. "O, Lord, we delight in You, your Works, and your Friends. Grace us infinitely with Your Grace and Wisdom, and counsel us with Your All-knowing wisdom. Let us delight in the speaking of Your Words, and in Remembrance of You, Amen."
"Dhikr, is the official term." he explained. "Though it ranges from order to order. The Bektashi, Alevis, and the Zikrid of Balochistan all have guided meditation, usually by a spiritual guide. Of course, there is much controversy over how much guidance a Murshid would have over the guidance of a soul to the Almighty. Of my own order - the Althathiyya - is rather straightforward as far as Sufi traditions go. It is believed that all people, great and small, yearn for the truths found in the Holy Qur'an, and the presence of The All-Compassionate. This can be revealed by a Murshid, or a Believer who ministers, but ultimately it must be the individual who remembers Allah, not anyone else. Recall the Surah An-Nahal, of whom Allah Himself Spoke to the Seal; "when you recite the Qur'an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].". Note how the Almighty said first to seek refuge in Him, then recite the Qur'an. For even the foulest of Shaitans know of Allah and His Power and Glory, but are not faithful. Therefore, to Remember Allah is the mere recitation of a Du'a, but rather the placing of one's heart in Allah's hand and remembering all that he is. As the Seal asked Abdallah Ibnu Mass'ud to read the Qur'an, Abdallah said "Who can I read to you the Qur'an?,It's to you that it was revealed." The Seal replied "I love to hearing it from someone else than me". Abdallah Ibnu Mass'ud read it for him until, the Seal said "Hasbuqa" which means "stop" and when he faced him, there were tears in his eyes. Here the Seal, as an instructor of the Ummah, has neither ordered Abdullah Ibnu Mass'ud to reciting a Du'a, nor himself did. Thus, him who knows the Qur'an, may be blind to its contents, and be blind to its meaning, and blind to Allah, of which there is no greater blindness."

He paused, letting his words settle. "You will also note that I did not give any supplication to the Almighty, nor the Apostle, for often is the custom of my order before reciting any sermon, or giving any speech, to recite the Sadhah or what we call, dhikraa min khilal aleamal, literally remembrance through action. As such, Him-Who-Is-All-Knowing understands that our intent is not to belittle, but rather to deliver the fulness of the message without unnecessarily flowery language. It also boasts our confidence in the anbiyāʼ, the aʼimmah and the ʾawliyāʾ, that if they have lived upright and for Allah, and are messengers, then they are already in the presence of Him in the Highest of Heavens, and nothing we can say or do will change that. As a member of the Althathiyya, I believe that what Allah has revealed will remain revealed, or if hidden, shall be revealed."

[The Federation of Spokane]

“At home, by myself. He was taught Warfare, Basic Education, Politics, and Basic economics.” Josepef responded.

“Excellent. He will be a fine individual to bear your coat of arms” Said the colonel-headmaster

“He will be a fine Leader in our war against the forces that hate us for being Muslim and for running schools like this.”

Josepef silently snickered while he neutrally said “Of course Headmaster.” He bowed before grabbing a helicopter to fly to the newly built SS. Emerald.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Abu and Mohammad shared a look.
"Sir..." Abu started.
"I thought that..." continued Mohammad.
"There were no classes on the first day?" finished them both at the same time.
"Hell-" added Abu. "I haven't gotten unpacked, and I can't tell which room is which..."

At Sulieman's arrival, though, Mohammad bowed, while Abu saluted crisply in the Prussian-Polish fashion- right hand touched to the brow, ring, thumb, and pinky fingers all tucked in, and pointer and middle fingers pressed together. He added on by clicking his heels together. "Sir!"

Mohammad's greeting was much less martial. "Milord...I did not think someone of your caliber would be here."

---

In the distance, Erika peered down her scope.
Her impassive face slowly gave way to a grin as she saw Sulieman entering. "Oh...this will be fun..."

"Please, at ease." Sulieman insisted. "I am not that much older than you, and not terribly long ago I was a farmhand with a penchant for calligraphy. However -if the Almighty forgives my boast- I am the most reluctantly successful dropout in Saranidia." he chuckled, before turning to the Headmaster. "Oh, don't fret, it's true! I was called to Isratine before the completion of my first semester, if that isn't dropping out, I don't know what is!" he would turn to the others. "Please ignore the finery, I am no more of a student than any of you here. May I know your names?"

The Islamic mysticism teacher said to Suleiman
“Meditation is a key doctrine of Sufi Islam.
Called ‘rememberance of Allah’ in the Holy Qur’an for example in Suratul Ra’d (13), Verse 28, it involves invoking the names of God, self-improvement and indeed studies of science for example in sura 2, verse 164. In Sufi Islam this meditation is normally incorporated into a community guiding each other. I believe you are a member of such an order.”

Before the class, Suleiman recited the Shadhah, but with additional appellations. "O, Lord, we delight in You, your Works, and your Friends. Grace us infinitely with Your Grace and Wisdom, and counsel us with Your All-knowing wisdom. Let us delight in the speaking of Your Words, and in Remembrance of You, Amen."
"Dhikr, is the official term." he explained. "Though it ranges from order to order. The Bektashi, Alevis, and the Zikrid of Balochistan all have guided meditation, usually by a spiritual guide. Of course, there is much controversy over how much guidance a Murshid would have over the guidance of a soul to the Almighty. Of my own order - the Althathiyya - is rather straightforward as far as Sufi traditions go. It is believed that all people, great and small, yearn for the truths found in the Holy Qur'an, and the presence of The All-Compassionate. This can be revealed by a Murshid, or a Believer who ministers, but ultimately it must be the individual who remembers Allah, not anyone else. Recall the Surah An-Nahal, of whom Allah Himself Spoke to the Seal; "when you recite the Qur'an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].". Note how the Almighty said first to seek refuge in Him, then recite the Qur'an. For even the foulest of Shaitans know of Allah and His Power and Glory, but are not faithful. Therefore, to Remember Allah is the mere recitation of a Du'a, but rather the placing of one's heart in Allah's hand and remembering all that he is. As the Seal asked Abdallah Ibnu Mass'ud to read the Qur'an, Abdallah said "Who can I read to you the Qur'an?,It's to you that it was revealed." The Seal replied "I love to hearing it from someone else than me". Abdallah Ibnu Mass'ud read it for him until, the Seal said "Hasbuqa" which means "stop" and when he faced him, there were tears in his eyes. Here the Seal, as an instructor of the Ummah, has neither ordered Abdullah Ibnu Mass'ud to reciting a Du'a, nor himself did. Thus, him who knows the Qur'an, may be blind to its contents, and be blind to its meaning, and blind to Allah, of which there is no greater blindness."

He paused, letting his words settle. "You will also note that I did not give any supplication to the Almighty, nor the Apostle, for often is the custom of my order before reciting any sermon, or giving any speech, to recite the Sadhah or what we call, dhikraa min khilal aleamal, literally remembrance through action. As such, Him-Who-Is-All-Knowing understands that our intent is not to belittle, but rather to deliver the fulness of the message without unnecessarily flowery language. It also boasts our confidence in the anbiyāʼ, the aʼimmah and the ʾawliyāʾ, that if they have lived upright and for Allah, and are messengers, then they are already in the presence of Him in the Highest of Heavens, and nothing we can say or do will change that. As a member of the Althathiyya, I believe that what Allah has revealed will remain revealed, or if hidden, shall be revealed."

Abu took the lead. "Abu-al Fasiq and Mohammad ibn Batta, my lord. We are from Prussia-Poland. I am a Pole, while Mohammad is a Lipka tartar..."

[Avraland]

Badr al-Din, better known more by non-Arabs as Badradine, was dropped off at the front of the former mansion that now became a school. Greeting the driver farewell, he stood, staring at the building's facade. Taking a deep breath and adjusting his bags to cling on to his body and hands with ease, he sauntered forward towards the campus. There, he meets up with the Sergeant Major.

[Democratic Exodian Territories]

Abu shrugged. "Eh, they've fought us plenty o times and won. I'd say they've earned the right to be suspicious of us...not like it'll help them. Prussia-Poland has a few muslims, mainly Lipkas, but more on that later, Mohammad has a slideshow on it..."


Mohammad grinned. "Ah, it's a long story. My people were once Steppe folk, who wandered about. They were of the True Faith, of course, but they needed a place to stay. A home. So the Grand Duke of Lithuania-Allah bless his soul-allowed us to settle in his territory. Later the Grand Duke married the Queen of Poland, and our special status-not only citizens but nobles and warriors-was written into the founding constitution of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. They saved us, we saved them...we fought alongside them like brothers, through thick and thin...both against infidels and sometimes, unfortunately, our brothers in the True Faith...even when the PLC became the PPC, our status was still enshrined, and still is today." His face fell and grew dark. "But I find that the government has of late been seized by militant nationalists and turned against not only us, but all citizens of Prussia-Poland, and it is my duty to make people aware of it...and if necessary, to take corrective action."

"That's quite a tale, and I know it will survive long for the generations under Allah's guardianship. But it is a little-known one, at least to outsiders- before, I thought most people of the True Faith in Europe were refugees from nations like mine, Chechens, or Turks." Fathallah gave a friendly gesture. "It's certainly nice to know."

"Thank the Tartars for that." the Greek interjected. "Indir Dimitriadis, nice to meet you." His eyes briefly followed Fathallah's to the nice looking...Urdu lass? She looked nice but probably had a bitchy family. Besides, he wasn't here to pick up chicks after all. "Though I can attest, didn't think Prusso-Poland had any Muslims there. Proved me wrong of course." Indir knew he was odd, especially being a blatant Christian in a school full of Moslems, but that was par for the course. He knew of course that "Abu" wasn't who he said he was, and he'd be a hypocrite to rat him out, so he just played things by ear.

Saanvi greeted him warmly, although seemingly a bit withdrawn. "It's nice to meet you too, Indir. Call me Saanvi. It's certainly a wonder to explore different cultures like this one, don't you think?"

She briefly caught Fathallah's eye for a second, and she know- maybe both knew- the gleam would lead to more in her mission. Whatever it was, it would be much too dangerous to try and reveal now.

After the small chats, both students turned at attention to the announcements, and had entered the required classes- Fathallah's with a slight groan like the Prussian-Poles.

[Danceria]

"Please, at ease." Sulieman insisted. "I am not that much older than you, and not terribly long ago I was a farmhand with a penchant for calligraphy. However -if the Almighty forgives my boast- I am the most reluctantly successful dropout in Saranidia." he chuckled, before turning to the Headmaster. "Oh, don't fret, it's true! I was called to Isratine before the completion of my first semester, if that isn't dropping out, I don't know what is!" he would turn to the others. "Please ignore the finery, I am no more of a student than any of you here. May I know your names?"


Before the class, Suleiman recited the Shadhah, but with additional appellations. "O, Lord, we delight in You, your Works, and your Friends. Grace us infinitely with Your Grace and Wisdom, and counsel us with Your All-knowing wisdom. Let us delight in the speaking of Your Words, and in Remembrance of You, Amen."
"Dhikr, is the official term." he explained. "Though it ranges from order to order. The Bektashi, Alevis, and the Zikrid of Balochistan all have guided meditation, usually by a spiritual guide. Of course, there is much controversy over how much guidance a Murshid would have over the guidance of a soul to the Almighty. Of my own order - the Althathiyya - is rather straightforward as far as Sufi traditions go. It is believed that all people, great and small, yearn for the truths found in the Holy Qur'an, and the presence of The All-Compassionate. This can be revealed by a Murshid, or a Believer who ministers, but ultimately it must be the individual who remembers Allah, not anyone else. Recall the Surah An-Nahal, of whom Allah Himself Spoke to the Seal; "when you recite the Qur'an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].". Note how the Almighty said first to seek refuge in Him, then recite the Qur'an. For even the foulest of Shaitans know of Allah and His Power and Glory, but are not faithful. Therefore, to Remember Allah is the mere recitation of a Du'a, but rather the placing of one's heart in Allah's hand and remembering all that he is. As the Seal asked Abdallah Ibnu Mass'ud to read the Qur'an, Abdallah said "Who can I read to you the Qur'an?,It's to you that it was revealed." The Seal replied "I love to hearing it from someone else than me". Abdallah Ibnu Mass'ud read it for him until, the Seal said "Hasbuqa" which means "stop" and when he faced him, there were tears in his eyes. Here the Seal, as an instructor of the Ummah, has neither ordered Abdullah Ibnu Mass'ud to reciting a Du'a, nor himself did. Thus, him who knows the Qur'an, may be blind to its contents, and be blind to its meaning, and blind to Allah, of which there is no greater blindness."

He paused, letting his words settle. "You will also note that I did not give any supplication to the Almighty, nor the Apostle, for often is the custom of my order before reciting any sermon, or giving any speech, to recite the Sadhah or what we call, dhikraa min khilal aleamal, literally remembrance through action. As such, Him-Who-Is-All-Knowing understands that our intent is not to belittle, but rather to deliver the fulness of the message without unnecessarily flowery language. It also boasts our confidence in the anbiyāʼ, the aʼimmah and the ʾawliyāʾ, that if they have lived upright and for Allah, and are messengers, then they are already in the presence of Him in the Highest of Heavens, and nothing we can say or do will change that. As a member of the Althathiyya, I believe that what Allah has revealed will remain revealed, or if hidden, shall be revealed."

Abu took the lead. "Abu-al Fasiq and Mohammad ibn Batta, my lord. We are from Prussia-Poland. I am a Pole, while Mohammad is a Lipka tartar..."

Sully actually blinked and seemed to reach for his pistol, "...The last time a Pole was here, a great many people died." he narrowed his eyes suspiciously "Abu". "And your mother must have a very...Bektashi sense of humor, shall we say. I'll keep an eye on you "Abu"..." he then inched away from the duo.

Saanvi greeted him warmly, although seemingly a bit withdrawn. "It's nice to meet you too, Indir. Call me Saanvi. It's certainly a wonder to explore different cultures like this one, don't you think?"

She briefly caught Fathallah's eye for a second, and she know- maybe both knew- the gleam would lead to more in her mission. Whatever it was, it would be much too dangerous to try and reveal now.

After the small chats, both students turned at attention to the announcements, and had entered the required classes- Fathallah's with a slight groan like the Prussian-Poles.

Indir almost chuckled, as due to his religion he would be abstaining from a great many classes. "Nice ta' meetcha Miss Saan-vee. Maybe with all the new downtime I've got, I'll explore plenty around this mansion."

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

snip

As he walked away, an almost inaudible snap came from nearby. A rubber bullet landed at his feet. If he picked it up, he would noticed letters and words carved into it.

7 ST 6 AVE E-S

[Danceria]

snip

As he walked away, an almost inaudible snap came from nearby. A rubber bullet landed at his feet. If he picked it up, he would noticed letters and words carved into it.

7 ST 6 AVE E-S

He stealthily pocketed the bullet, and made a few phone calls. One of them was for a local bakery, requesting a...peach and blueberry trifle? Most unusual.

[Saranidia]

Badr al-Din, better known more by non-Arabs as Badradine, was dropped off at the front of the former mansion that now became a school. Greeting the driver farewell, he stood, staring at the building's facade. Taking a deep breath and adjusting his bags to cling on to his body and hands with ease, he sauntered forward towards the campus. There, he meets up with the Sergeant Major.

“As- Salaam alaykum Badr Al Din sahib”said the Sergeant Major