A Struggle in Cairo
A low haze of pollution hung over the sprawling city of Cairo, made even more pungent by cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust; pushy hawkers preyed on tourists who had come to see the ancient tombs, ornate mosques, and of course, the Giza pyramids that rise majestically on the western edge of the city; but, Naasir and Hoda, the young married couple who walked toward a housing complex, were not tourists. They focused not on the sights but on at least finding a place to live in a rundown apartment building. As they passed a group of men, one of them spit at Hoda’s feet, and mumbled something about her not having her head covered. Hoda understood his scorn – whereas most Muslim women cover their heads, most Christian women do not.
The landlord, an older woman, welcomed the thirty-something couple and their nine-year-old son, but she looked skeptically at Hoda. Nevertheless, she told them about the apartment and explained the price and terms. Then, she asked a few questions about their rental history, income, and other details.
“Well?” Naasir asked. “Can we have it?” The woman looked unsure, as if something were bothering her. She glanced quickly at Hoda and then looked away. “Yes,” she said with a hint of reluctance. “It is yours if you want it.”
“Oh, thank you, thank you,” said Naasir.
“We are grateful to you,” Hoda added.
Faith Tested
Finding a place to live had been difficult for them. Twelve times, landowners had kicked the couple out of their apartments after learning they were Christians, yet Naasir and Hoda remained firm in their commitment to be honest if anyone asked if they were Muslims. Once they had been Muslims, but no longer. Their relief was short lived, however; as they were leaving, the woman’s husband appeared. He looked directly at Hoda and then at his wife. “You told them, of course,” he stated, “that the apartment has already gone to someone else, right?”
“I told them they could have it,” she replied. “What?” he exclaimed and then turned to Hoda. “Where is your hijab?” Hoda glanced at Naasir and said, “I am … a Christian.”
To be continued…
Date: 22nd February 2025
Martyr: Naasir and Hoda (Part one)
Location: Egypt
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs “I am n”
Author: Not Specified
Suffering Saturday 131
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