The Cairo Trilogy: Palace Walk, Palace of Desire, Sugar Street by Naguib Mahfouz
My husband took a second wife When wedding henna still was fresh Upon my hands. The day he brought Her home, her presence seared my flesh.
With savage enthusiasm they took up the refrain. Yasin was laughing so hard that tears came to his eyes.
164
KHADIJA OFTEN felt lonesome. Ibrahim Shawkat tended to stay home all winter long especially now that he was approaching seventy but his presence did little to drive away her loneliness. Performing her household chores hardly lessened it either, for they were no longer arduous enough to absorb all of her energy. Although over forty-six, Khadija was still strong and active - and even plumper. Worst of all, her career as a mother had ended before she could assume that of a mother-in-law. It appeared that she would be permanently denied this opportunity, since one of tier daughters-in-law was also her niece and the other worked outside the home and thus was visible only on rare occasions.
In a conversation with her husband, who was wrapped up in his cloak, she voiced her buried feelings: “Our sons have been married for more than a year, and we haven't lit any candles for a baby yet.”
The man shrugged his shoulders but did not reply. She continued: 'Perhaps Abd al-Muni'm and Ahmad consider having children a fad as outmoded as obeying their parents.”
The man answered irritably, “Calm down. They're happy, and that should be enough for us.”
She asked sharply, “If a bride doesn't get pregnant and have children, what use is she?”
“Perhaps your sons don't share that opinion.”
“They disagree with me about everything. All my efforts and hopes have been in vain.”
“Are you sad you're not a grandmother?”
She retorted even more acidly, “I'm sad for them, not for me.”
“Abd al-Muni'm has taken Karima to the doctor, who said every thing would be fine.”
“The poor boy spent a lot of money, and he'll have to spend more in the future. Brides like tomatoes and meat - are expensive today.”
When the man's only response was laughter, she added, “As for the other girl, I'm imploring God's assistance with her by way of the saint at Bab al-Mutawalli.”
“You'll have to admit that her words are as sweet as honey,”
“That's just shrewd cunning. What do you expect from a laborer's daughter?”
“Fear God, my good woman.”
“When do you suppose the ‘professor’ will take her to the doctor?”
“They refuse.”
“Naturally…. She has a job. How could she find time to become pregnant and have a baby?”
“They're happy together. That can't be doubted.”
“There's no way a woman who works can be a good wife. He'll realize that when it's too late.”
“He's a man and can handle it.”
“No other pair of young men in this district are as big a loss as my sons.”
With the crystallization of Abd al-Muni'm's character and orientation, he established himself as a capable civil servant and an energetic member of the Muslim Brethren. Leadership of their branch in al-Gamaliya devolved upon him. Named a legal adviser to the organization, he helped edit its journal and occasionally delivered sermons in sympathetic mosques. He had turned his apartment into a meeting place where the Brethren talked till all hours of the night under the guidance of Shaykh Ali al-Manufi. The young man was extremely zealous and more than prepared to place everything he possessed - his industry, money, and intelligence at the service of the cause, which he believed wholeheartedly to be, as its founder put it, “a pure revivalist mission, a brotherhood based upon the Prophet's example, a mystic reality, a political organization, an athletic association, a cultural and scientific league, an economic partnership, and a social concept.”
Shaykh Ali al-Manufi said, “The teachings and precepts of Islam provide a comprehensive answer to the problems people confront in reference to this world and the next. Those who assume that its doctrines apply only to the spiritual and devotional aspects of life are mistaken. Islam is a creed, a way of worship, a nation and a nationality, a religion, a state, a form of spirituality, a Holy Book, and a sword.”
One of the young men present commented, “This is what we believe, but we're slowed down by inertia. Pagan secularism rules us with its laws, traditions, and people.”
Shaykh Ali declared, “We must spread the word and gain zealous adherents. After that, it will be time to act on our teachings.”
“How long must we wait?”
“We will wait until the war ends. Then the audience will be ready for our message. People will have lost confidence in the political parties. When the right moment comes for the leader to raise the call, the Brethren will revolt, armed with Qur'ans and weapons.”
In his deep and forceful voice, Abd al-Muni'm said, “Let us prepare for a prolonged struggle. Our mission is not to Egypt alone but to all Muslims worldwide. It will not be successful until Egypt and all other Islamic nations have accepted these Qur'anic principles in common. We shall not put our weapons away until the Qur'an has become a constitution for all Believers.”
Shaykh Ali al-Manuh” continued: “I bring you the good news that by the grace of God our message is reaching every area. Each village has a branch today. It is God's message, and God will not forsake those who assist Him.”
Meanwhile, on the lower floor of the building, another operation with totally different objectives was in full swing, although there were fewer participants. Ahmad and Sawsan frequently entertained a limited number of friends from different sects and ethnic groups, most of them in journalism.
Aware of the theoretical nature of the discussions being held there, Mr. Adli Karim, who visited them one evening, commented. “It's fine that you are studying Marxism, but remember that the historical determinism it preaches is different from the inevitability of astronomical events and arises only as a consequence of the volition and effort of human beings. Our primary obligation is not to theorize at length but to raise the proletariat's level of awareness about the historic role they are to play in saving themselves and the world as a whole.”
Ahmad answered, “For the educated elite we are translating the most valuable books about this philosophy. We are also giving inspirational talks to rebellious laborers. Both of these endeavors are unavoidable necessities.”
The publis her said, “A corrupt society will be transformed only by the worker's hand. When the consciousness of the workers has been filled with the new faith and when people in general share a united will, then neither repressive laws nor cannons will stand in our way.”
“We all believe that, but winning over the minds of the intelligentsia will bring control over the group from which leaders and rulers are chosen.”
Then Ahmad said, “Sir, there's something I would like to mention. I've learned from experience that it's not hard to convince educated people that religion is a cultural artifact and that the supposed mysteries of the afterlife are a distracting opiate. But it is dangerous to address such ideas to ordinary people. The most serious charge that our enemies can employ against us is that our movement is composed of atheists and infidels.”
“Our primary task is to combat the temptation to settle for the status quo, lethargy, and hopelessness. The destruction of religion will be possible only after political liberation has been achieved by revolution. In general, poverty is stronger than belief. It's always wise for us to speak to people at their level of understanding.”
The publis her smiled at Sawsan as he said, “You once believed in direct action. Has marriage convinced you of the value of theoretical discussions?”
Although she sensed that he was teasing her and did not mean it, she replied earnestly, “My husband gives talks to workers in dilapidated and out-of-the-way buildings, and I never tire of handing out pamphlets.”
Ahmad said glumly, “The weak point of our movement is that it attracts many insincere opportunists. Some work in hopes of a future reward and others are trying to a
Mr. Adli Karim shook his large head with evident disdain as he answered, “I realize this all too well. But I also know that without seeming to believe in Islam the Umayyad clan inherited political power over the Islamic world and, nevertheless, spread Islamic rule through vast stretches of the ancient world, including what is today Spain. So we have a right to make use of these opportunists if we also caution them. Remember that time will favor us if we niake every effort and sacrifice we can.”
“What about the Brethren, sir? We're beginning to feel that they are a serious obstacle to our progress.”
“I don't deny it, but they're not as dangerous as you think. Don't you see that they use our language when appealing to the mind and speak of socialism in Islam? Even reactionaries feel obliged to borrow our vocabulary. If they pull off a revolution before we do, they will realize at least some of our objectives. They will not be able to stop time's progressive motion to the prescribed goal. Besides, the spread of learning is as liable to banish them as light is to discourage bats.”
Khadija observed the manifestations of this strange fervor with an astonishment mingled with anger and resentment. She finally complained to her husband, “I've never seen homes like Abd al-Muni'm's and Ahmad's. Perhaps, without telling me, they've converted their apartments into coffeehouses. Not an evening passes without the street being crowded with visitors, some bearded and some who probably aren't even Muslims. I've never heard the likes of this.”
The man shook hishead, remarking, “The time has evidently come for you to hear it.”
She snapped back, “Their salaries aren't big enough to pay for all the coffee they serve.”
“Have they complained to you about being short of money?” “What about the neighbors? What will they say when they see these droves of people going in and out?”
“Everyone's free to do what he wants in his own home.”
She huffed: “The sound of their interminable discussions is loud enough at times to be heard in the street.”
“So let it be heard down on the street or up in the sky.”
Khadija sighed profoundly and struck her hands together.
165
AT ABD AL-RAHIM Pasha Isa's villa in Helwan, they were seeing out the last wave of the visitors who had come to say goodbye to him before his departure for the holy places of the Hijaz.
“Pilgrimage is an aspiration I've long nourished. God curse politics, for that's what has kept me from going, year after year. But a man my age must think about preparing for his forthcoming encounter with his Lord.”
Ali Mihran, the pasha's deputy, said, “Yes, God curse politics!”
The pasha's feeble eyes looked thoughtfully at Ridwan and Hilmi. He commented, “Say what you like, but it has done me a favor I shall never forget. It has distracted me from my loneliness. An old bachelor like me would seek companionship even in hell.”
Raising his eyebrows playfully, Ali Mihran asked, “Haven't we distracted you, Pasha?”
“Of course you have, but a bachelor's day is as long as a winter's night. A man needs a companion. I admit that a woman is an important necessity. I think often of my mother now. A woman is necessary, even for a person who does not desire her.”
Thinking about quite different issues, Ridwan suddenly asked the pasha, “Suppose that al-Nahhas Pasha falls from power. Wouldn't you change your mind about leaving then?”
Waving his hand indignantly, the pasha replied, “Let that disgrace stay in power, at least until I get back from my pilgrimage”. Then, shaking hishead, he added, “We are all to blame, but pilgrimage washes away sins.”
Hilmi Izzat laughed and observed, “You're a Believer, Pasha, even if that fact perplexes many people.”
“Why? Belief is broad-minded. Only a hypocrite claims to be absolutely pure. It's foolish to suppose that a man commits sins only when belief is dead. Besides, our sins are more like innocent child's play.”
Sighing with relief, Ali Mihran said, “What a beautiful statement! Now let me tell you frankly that I've often felt your determination to perform the pilgrimage to be a sinister omen. I've asked myself, 'Do you think this means repentance? Will it put an end to our pleasures?'”
The pasha laughed so hard that the upper half of his body shook. “You're a devil and the son of one. Would all of you really be sad to learn that I have repented?”
Hilmi groaned: “Like a woman whose newborn babe is slain in her arms.”
Abd al-Rahim Pasha laughed again and exclaimed, “Shame on you! Bastards! If a man like me were truly to repent, he would have to preveat himself from seeing beautiful eyes and rosy cheeks and dedicate himself instead to visiting the tomb of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace.”
Mihrs.n gloated: “In the Hijaz? Do you know what things are like there? I've heard from people who know. It will be out of the frying pan and into the fire for you.”
Hilmi Izzat protested, “Perhaps it's just false propaganda like that spread by the English. In all of the Hijaz is there a face like Ridwan's?”
Abd al-Rahim Isa cried out, “Not even in paradise!” Then, as if experier cing a change of heart, he added, “But, you naughty boys, we were discussing repentance.”
Ali Mihran said, “Not so fast, Pasha! You told me once about a mystic who repented seventy times. Doesn't this imply that he sinned seventy times?”
“Or a hundred?” Ridwan interjected.
Ali Mihran said, “I'm satisfied with seventy.”
The pasha's face beamed with joy as he asked, “Will we live long enough for that?”
“May our Lord grant you a long life, Pasha. Set our minds at ease and tell us it's your first repentance.”
'And the last!”
“Vain boasting! If you provoke me, when you return from the pilgrimage I'll meet you with a moon-faced beauty, or several of them, and then we'll see how long your repentance lasts.”
Smiling, the pasha said, “The result will be as ugly as your face, you jinx. You're a devil, Mihran an indispensable devil.”
“I praise God for that.”
Almost in unison, Ridwan and Hilmi added, “We praise Him too.”
The pasha said with proud delight, “You're my favorite companions. What value would life have without affection and friendship? Life is beautiful. Beauty is beautiful. Musical ecstasy is beautiful. Forgiveness is beautiful. You're young and look at the world from a special perspective. Life will teach you a lot. I love you and the world. I'm visiting God's sanctuary to give thanks, to ask forgiveness, and to seek guidance.”
Ridwan observed merrily, “How handsome you are! You exude such serenity.”
Ali Mihran remarked slyly, “With only a little friction, he'd exude something quite different. Pasha, you truly have been the mentor of an entire generation.”
“And you're Satan himself, you son of a crone. My God if I'm ever called to account, I'll point to you and that will be an adequate excuse.”
“Me! Unjustly accused, by God! I'm just an obedient servant.”
“No, you're a devil.”
“But an indispensable one?”
Laughing, the pasha answered, “Yes, you scoundrel.”
“In your busy life I have represented and still do a touching melody, a pretty face, and constantly renewed happiness, your perfidious excellency.”
The pasha moaned: “The old days! Children, why do we grow old? May your wisdom be exalted and glorified, my Lord. A poet said:
My lance was not deflected by a foe's taunts. Auspicious times for it were dawn and dusk both”.
Wiggling his eyebrows, Mihran said, “ ‘By a foe's taunts'? No, you should say, 'By Mihran.’ ”
“You son of a bitch don't spoil the mood with your nonsense. It's not right to joke around when we're reminiscing about those beautiful days. At times tears are more becoming than a smile, more humane, and more respectful. Listen to this too, by al-A'sha:
She rebuffed me, but t
Events she rejected
Were baldness and white hair.
What do you think of the poet's use of'events'?”
Imitating a newspaper vendor, Mihran called out, “Events of the Day, the Egyptian, al-Ahram…”
Despairingly the pasha said, “It's not your fault but…”
“Yours!”
“Mine? I'm not to blame for your depravity. When we first met, you were so debauched that Satan would have envied you. But I won't allow you to spoil the ambiance created by these memories. Yes, hear this as well:
Just as a stalk is ravished of
Its leaves, so I was stripped of youth”.
Pretending to be shocked by the sexual allusion, Mihran asked, “A stalk, Pasha?”
Looking at Ridwan and Hilmi, who were dissolved in laughter, the pasha said, “Your friend is a corpse with no feeling for poetry. But soon he'll reach the age of regrets, when the only beautieshe encounters will be referred to in the past tense”. Turning toward Mihran, he asked, “What about our friends from the old days, son of a crone have you forgotten them?”
“Oh! May God preserve them. They were coy paragons of beauty.”
“What do you know about Shakir Sulayman?”
“He was a Deputy Minister of the Interior and a pet of the English until prematurely pensioned off during the second or third government of al-Nahhas… I don't remember which. I think he has now retired to his estate at Kom Hamada.”
“What marvelous days those were! What about Hamid al-Najdi?”
“He's had the worst luck of any of our dear friends. He lost everything and now tours the public lavatories by night.”
“He was witty and charming but a gambler and a boisterous fellow. And Ali Ra'fat?”
“Through his ‘exertions’ he managed to become a member of the boards of directors of various corporations, but it's said that his reputation cost him a chance at a cabinet post.”
“Don't believe what people say. Men whose notoriety has extended far beyond our kingdom have been appointed to the cabinet, but as I have often advised you, I think it is more important for us to develop a virtuous character than for others. If you can manage this, you won't need to worry about censure. The Mamluk sultans, recruited from a corps of military slaves, ruled Egypt for generations, and their descendants still enjoy high status and wealth here. What is a Mamluk? Nothing but a man who can be bought. Let me tell you a story of great import.”