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This reminded me of the poetic eulogy Saleh had showered them
with when we were in the Plane of Judgement. At that time, I had
thought that he was exaggerating. Now that I had seen them, I realised
that his poem was, at best, an understatement. The reality was far
better than what Saleh had vainly endeavoured to portray.
As we approached them, they welcomed us with a gesture quite
different to that of the Ghilmán. Instead of going on their knees, they
sat down on the floor with their legs folded underneath them, and
bending over, bowed their heads.
I stopped and asked Saleh:
“What are they doing?”
Saleh chuckled, “They have laid their eyes and hearts in your way!”
Rizwan elaborated further, “In fact, the posture is to allow them to
spread their hair on the floor, to provide comfort to your feet.”
At his explanation, I saw that they had bent having jerked their
heads back and forth in such a manner that their hair now laid spread
across the path on both sides, like a soft silky carpet. I had seen such
manifestation of beauty for the first time in my life. I smiled and moved
forward gracefully, brimming with confidence. As soon as my feet
touched their hair on this surreal path, a wave of rapture surged
through my soul. I realised for the first time that although I was wearing
the softest, velvety and finest princely clothes, my feet were bare.
Rizwan provided more information about the Maidens and
Ghilmán:
“Don’t think for a moment that their beauty is only skin deep, Lord
Abdullah. They possess extraordinary strengths and capabilities. They
have the ability to turn this world topsy-turvy at your command. Yet, it
is only because of their deep love for you that they consider it a huge
honour even to fill a goblet of wine for you. However, you do not have
the slightest idea about the astonishing powers the Almighty has
endowed them with.”
I did not say anything. I felt extremely grateful to the One who had
granted this helpless humble servant with such sterling honour as a
reward for such meagre good deeds. Tears welled in my eyes and
started to trickle down my face as I bowed in prostration. Words of
praise for the Lord were on my tongue as I remained in this position for
some time.
Suddenly, I heard a sound similar to the slight patter of raindrops.
Saleh patted my back and said:
“Abdullah, get up and see the result of acceptance of your
prostration!”
As I got up, an astonishing scene awaited me. The faces of the
Maidens and Ghilmán were ecstatic. Their laps were full of the most
beautiful glistening pearls. I looked at Saleh for an explanation. He
replied:
“The Lord gave them a gift on your behalf. As tears shed from your
eyes, the Lord conveyed his approval by sending down a rain of pearls.
It is a gift for them on the auspicious occasion of your arrival, and will
remain to be their most cherished possession.”
We strolled forward. Eventually this welcoming queue came to an
end at a huge door. Its two panels opened automatically even before
we reached it. Rizwan turned back from there and I entered my
residence, accompanied by Saleh. I used the word ‘residence’ since
words like cottage, hut, home, house, building, bungalow, villa,
mansion, castle, palace, and city etc. were inadequate to describe it. It
was a vast land that extended as far as the eyes could see. It was a
collection of towering palaces placed on lush green mountains with
serene valleys extending in between. I could see charming gardens as
well as glistening streams and rivers meandering through the green
valleys. As I struggle to describe the scenery in words, I must caution
that it is not possible to truly capture in words the beauty, majesty and
the real nature of what lay in front of me.
As my eyes took in the vast surroundings, I asked Saleh:
“Which of these palaces is mine?”
He laughed and said, “None of them. They belong to your senior
servants. Your residence is a long distance from here. If you wish, you
can walk but it may be better to use your transport.”
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