Aqil Hashim Ataullah

[Dewey]

Aqil Hashim Ataullah

Birthdate: August 29, 1989
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 148 lbs
Eye color: dark brown
Hair color: black
Race: Arab
Occupation: Leader of Saif-Al-Din, Shepherd/Cowhand on his father's farm.
Friends: Karam, Farooq, Zahid, Malik
Enemies: The Saudi State

Though only eighteen years old, Aqil is one of the most brilliant hafiz in Al-Kharj, Riyadh. Literally meaning “guardian”, hafiz is s a term used by Muslims for people who have completely memorized the Qur’an--the recitation of which is a fine art in the Islamic world. Though he attended madrasah as a child, it was his own prayer life that compelled him to memorize the Qur'an. Huffaz are highly respected within their communites, and so it is with Aqil.

He doesn't command respect, however. Indeed, Aqil is a quiet young man who speaks only if spoken to. He frequents masjid as much as he can, as he wishes to one day be an Imam--the prayer leader of a mosque. He is endlessly devoted to his parents, and to his younger brother, Karam. He would do anything for them. Aroung the age of 14 or 15, Aqil became intrigued with the doctrine of the Kharijites, a sect of Islam that preached uncompromising observance to the Qur'an in defiance of corrupt authorities. It was this fascination that led him to the Sheikh (leader) of Al-Duwasir, a Bedouin tribe in southern Riyadh, who devote themselves to Jihad bis saif: armed fighting in the way of God or holy war, and through them, Aqil met Malakai Aronovich, the leader of a terrorist group that launched attacks against the Saudi Arabia government. Disillusioned by their propaganda, Aqil came to believe this was the only way to make a statement for change, and joined an offshoot terrorist group called Saif-Al-Din ("sword of faith"). Now three years have passed, and Aqil is more zealous in this cause than ever.

[Dewey]

Father and Mr. Dajani are displeased. It has been several months since Miss Dajani and I were bound in wedlock, but the marriage has yet to be consummated. I am not of my father's old ways, in which love is the last priority in a marriage or family. I cannot experience something so holy if I do not feel the love of the Most Merciful in it. Perhaps I will one day come to love Farrah, but neither of us can be forced to love one another. I have always respected her, and I have always proven kind to her. Lately, I have been profoundly grateful for her presence and companionship. I do wish to give her a better life, to be a better mate for her. Today, I finished a special gift for her. A new dining table with four chairs. I built it myself. I can only hope she is pleased with it. I will also be educating her on world affairs. Many Arab men refuse to grant their wives this priviledge; it is one more way to dominate them. However, I know it is my obligation as a faithful muslim to bless Farrah with the gift of knowledge; Allah would be pleased. A woman is also very wise. I can only hope Farrah may better assist me when Saif-al-Din's season returns. But more than this, I pray she will not fall victim to American propaganda. I was astounded to learn American women had been passing out books at market. Was this a legal exchange? By what means did they distribute their literature? The book she acquired from these women seemed harmless, but one cannot rest too easy. Farrah must learn these Americans are not to be trusted. Their capitalist socieities thrive on the abuse of our middle-eastern nations. This is why Saif-al-Din must not die, and this is why I will ressurect it.

[Dewey]

((I can't believe Aqil only has one journal! ))

((uhm.. written on.. a napkin? lol))


The royal family of Saudi Arabia, at the urging of extremists, have banned the celebration of birthdays. This new law happened to pass on Karam's birthday. We, of course, could not observe it. Though we are faithful muslims, we could not neglect Karam's birthday. It would have hurt him. Besides, I don't always exactly agree with the royal family's decrees. So, we defied them. We meant no disrespect. We were merely two families coming together for a special event. However, word leaked out. How, I do not know. What I do know is that the Mutaween came to our home, wishing to arrest us all. They took Father and Mr. Dajani. I could not let them take Farrah and the others, however. I told Karam to stay in the kitchen with the women, and then I tried to create a diversion to give them time to escape to the barn. It worked.

However, this diversion involved gunfire, seen as assault against the Mutaween even though I never lifted a finger to harm them. They arrested me, and along with Father and Mr. Dajani, I was taken to prison. I was the only one, though, who received a grave sentence for my misdeeds. Though Father and Mr. Dajani are on house arrest for 90 days, I must spend this time in the facility of the prison. We must all pay fines, as well.

I was spared from death, however. The Riyadh Court is quick to execute offenders, and I wouldn't have been surprised if Judge Ramidh had sentenced me to Chop Chop Square. What spared me, though, was a statement from Farrah. A statement about how she was with child, a son to be exact. At first, I was confounded when I discovered the news. After the shock diminished, however, I realized she had only said this in hopes of saving my life. It worked, of course. But now Father and Mr. Dajani will be expecting a grandson in a number of months...

However, that is the least of my worries. Riyadh's prisons are hell on earth. Every waking moment, I fear the Mutaween will come into my cell and avenge their pride. I recited a verse from the Qur'an to Karam:

"We shall be thy helpers in the cause of God! We believe in God: and bear thou witness that we have surrendered ourselves unto Him!"
3:52, 42

It is the founding scripture for saif-al-din.The first sentence is also the verse we recite as code, to inform someone the need for saif-al-din to act quickly and accordingly. Whoever receives the words is expected to assemble helpers, and assist the one in need within a fortnight--preferably sooner. I am relying on Karam more than I have ever relied on him before. I know this mission will push him to his limits, but...it must.

[Dewey]

Karam came to me today, during visitation hours. He has assembled the helpers, and they are on the verge of a rescue. I do not know how Karam has commanded respect from Malik, but he did not mention any opposition, so I assume they all will be present. I already admire his efforts and his cleverness in going about them. He wisely used cryptic language to ask about my location. I do not know how the others intend on rescuing me from this prison, but I am eager to find out, and moreso, I am eager to leave this place.

[Dewey]

The rescue attempt was unsuccessful. If only we had but a few more seconds, it would have been accomplished. Because of this rescue attempt, however, I was sentenced to death by Judge Ramidh. To death! I have never forseen myself dying young, but I tried to be brave for my family and for Farrah. I wanted to be strong. If this was Allah's will for me, then I was ready to accept it wholeheartedly.

The hours before the execution were the most trying. I prayed every last second. I cried out to Allah and begged him for an alternative. I prayed for my family: for father and mother, for Karam. I prayed for Farrah, that I had not disappointed her. I prayed for the future of saif-al-din.

And yesterday I learned that Allah is yet merciful and omnipotent. I was rescued from certain death. How, I do not know, for I was hooded the entire time. I am thankful to have been delivered from such a certain fate, but I am uncertain if my new fate is any better. I am in what seems to be another prison. I do not know where this prison is located, but the two men and woman I met with yesterday spoke English. They knew Malakai, as well. They claimed Malakai had disclosed information about me. Is this true? Why would Malakai do this? Does he trust this people? Are they trying to help me, or harm me? I do not know...

I have been in an isolation room for almost 48 hours without any food or water. I am used to fasting, so it has not weakened me yet...but I fear the circumstances in which I've found myself. I pray Allah reveals the reasons behind his will soon.

[Dewey]

I knew this day would approach, when the lives of the ones I care for would be at stake because of my chosen pursuits. Is this Allah's will? I can no longer say. I fear for Karam, and I fear for Farrah. The man who I have been speaking with numerous times has shown me footage of Karam and Farrah in a room, with armed men supervising them. I was told that one more wrong answer would begin the torture session. I could not bear it. I cannot makes risks any longer. I gave names of the members of Ibn Aghustus. I have never agreed with their blind hatred, and I feel they sully the name of Allah with their mindless murders. They are like dogs. I believe they truly deserve to be punished.

Hopefully, this will be enough for the men here. For now, it is. They still will not let me see Karam and Farrah, though. I do not know why. Perhaps they wish to find out information about other things. Am I a traitor to my nation for telling these secrets? Have I betrayed Allah to these infidels? I do not know.. I feel I no longer know anything...

[Dewey]

It is difficult to measure the passage of time here. I learned from one of the guards here that it is now the 29th of August. On this day, nineteen years ago, I was born. When I reflect back upon my life, particularly its most recent years, I do not know whether to be joyful or filled with sorrow. Have I done enough for the Most Merciful? Have I pleased him as a hafiz? Have I pleased him with my frequent visits to masjid? Have my fasts for Ramadan pleased him? Have my prayers pleased his ears? Have I been a worthy enough solder for Jihad bis saif?

Sometimes I wonder if Allah would not rather I simply be an Imam at masjid, leading prayers, overseeing the spiritual well-being of his people. Was this the life he intended for me? To be my father's son, to shepherd flock with Zaki, to marry and raise family, to be a faithful moslem and quietly observe the doctrine of the Kharajities?

When I first arrived at this facility, I was told that Malakai had betrayed me, that he had given this organization vital information that led to my arrest. Should I not protect my wife and brother, then, and return the favor? I feel Malakai has poisoned my mind, and has been responsible for the blood-thirsty attacks of groups such as Ibn Aghustus, who kill simply to kill. He is ruthless and cunning. He has successfully placed me on a path I now feel may be damned. I must redeem myself, and I believe Allah has presented me with the opportunity. I need only give away Malakai's locations to these men.

[Dewey]

Allah has blessed us greatly. The men here have offered asylum to Karam, Farrah, and myself. We will be kept safe from Saudi Arabia's government, from my death penalty, and from the consequences of Farrah's false testimony in court. More than this, we will be given a home here in France, money on which we can live, and the opportunity to pursue education and a career. It is more than I could ever have asked for, and I'm greatly thankful to the Most Merciful for taking care of my family. We have been discussing plans of transition. I would like to study medicine, but this morning Mr. Charles Hainsworth spoke with me about the steps I will have to take to reach this goal. They are many, and I was slightly discouraged by my lack of preparation. However, I know Allah would not like for me to become disheartened. I will work hard in whatever way is required.

I believe we will soon be pursuing Malakai. For the first time in a long time, I feel fear. Malakai is rather cunning. I fear he may be aware of my betrayal. After all, the men here had informed me Malakai had given information about me, and about Saif al Din. He should expect me, then, to return his favor. What if I am led into an ambush? What if the organization here's intentions are not favorable? What if they do not care for my well-being, and only seek to end the lives of the most wanted? Aren't I among those most wanted? I cannot let Karam and Farrah be alone...

[Dewey]

I am not pleased with this organization's sudden change in plans. They claim it is the safest way, but why? I was quite comfortable going to Malakai myself. I know him far better than anyone in saif al din, better than anyone in Ibn Aghustus, and better than anyone in the dozens of other groups Malakai has headed. I do not like the idea of Karam visiting with Malakai, and I do not like the idea of Karam visiting with Aghustus. Both are vile and violent. He is not prepared for something like this. I know I should have trained him harder, but I simply wanted to protect him. Now, I will not even be close to him to do this. He will stand on his own, and the true test of his abilities will occur.

Meanwhile, I will stay back here in the organization, in constant communication with Mr. Lamton and the others. How will I be abl to bear this? I pray Allah will give me the strength. I will not be Karam's ears or eyes, and I will not be there to watch his back. I pray the Most Merciful will send angels to stand guard over my brother. I will never be able to forgive myself if something happens to him. He is set to leave in just hours, and I am going absolutely mad...

[Dewey]

Karam did well. I cannot begin to explain how proud I am of him. He was given a very dangerous assignment, and in spite of his fears, he went forward with it. Not everyone can do something like this. It takes a great amount of courage, stamina, and endurance. What Gamily spoke was true. For years, I have attempted to protect Karam from the brutality of Jihad bis saif. I have always asked him to stay home when certain assignments were too riskey, or have always given him less demanding assignments. I was impressed to listen as Karam proved his strength and cleverness last night, however. I feel ashamed for stunting his development within saif al din, and I must ask Karam forgiveness for not trusting in his abilities enough.

It was difficult to listen to Gamil's scathing words. We have never agreed on the Kharijites doctrine we both follow. While we were both students under the Sheikh of Al-Duwasir, learning about uncompromising observance of the Qur'an, of defiance of corrupt authories, and of armed fighting in the way of Allah, we constantly disagreed. It was this constant disagreement that led us to form separate regimes. I am disheartened to hear that Malik has now joined Gamil. As for Farooq, I can only assume he has returned to a normal life with his elder brother. Perhaps it is all for the best.

Today, I will be reunited with Karam, and have been promised the viewing of our new home.

[Dewey]

Nov. 18, 06

Food. We are quickly running out of food. We have barely enough to eat a fine dinner every evening. Breakfast is a piece of bread and a hard boiled egg. Lunch is skipped. I know father says I am not to worry, that all is in Allah's hands. But I cannot help but wonder that things could be different. If Saif-Al-Din is successful in its mission, there would be change. The voice of the lower class would be heard. We need it to be heard. If the government continues to oppress us, sooner or later, we will simply be destroyed. I cannot let that happen. Father is aging considerably.. he is only in nis fifties but looks to be nearing his late sixties. Mother seems frail these days. And poor Karam has so much spirit.. I would sooner die than see that spirit wane. No, I must do something immediately. I must speak with Malakai.

[Dewey]

Dec. 28, 06

At last we have spoken with Malakai, and we have received the mission that will make change for our people here in Saudi Arabia. We are currently en route to Auvernha, France --where those in power refuse to help our people. They do not want to meet face to face with the officials of our corrupt government. Malakai has called them cowards. They are cowards because they do not do what is right. They are cowards because they turn deaf ears to the cries of starving children in Riyadh. All they care about is planting their military in third world countries to steal our resources. What about our people? They refuse to listen, and so we will make them listen. I fear the others may not be prepared for something like this, however. Especially Farooq. Each one of them is terribly soft-spoken. What am I to do? Karam would not even enter the barnyard to watch me butcher our last pig, and yet he is considered a high-profile terrorist. Or a terrorist in training. What am I to do?

[Dewey]

Jan. 7, 07

Last night I feared for Karam's life. Am I not protecting him as well as I should be? Would mother and father be disappointed? Perhaps I should have never brought him into this kind of world, this world of murder and vengeance. Only 13, and he has already seen too many tragedies. Worst than that, I am allowing it. Me. Aqil Hashim Ataullah, the brilliant young Hafiz of Al-Kharj. He should be in school, studying the Qur'an, going to masjid and praying for Allah's guidance. Instead he is here, watching me aim guns at complete strangers, risking his life for a doctrine I handfed him. Last night I thought I could lose him. Malakai's hostages got the upper hand in the situation. However, we were spared. I have meditated on this all night and still have no answers. True, I do believe Karam is right, that Allah protected us. However, there was no will in their eyes to harm us, despite what we had done. Why was that?

[Dewey]

Feb. 5, 07

I feel as if I have let down Saif-Al-Din in these trivial pursuits that Malakai endorses. Karam could have lost his life during our last plot. It was possible for the others as well. Just as well, Malakai proved unfaithful to his word. There was no stipend to be had. We are still as poverty-stricken as we were when we first set out on this jihad. Why does Allah not assist us? Have I done something to offend him? Have I wronged him in some way? What mistakes have I made. I have been praying and fasting for the past three days in hopes of receiving an answer, but as for the time being, my petitions have fallen upon deaf ears.

[Dewey]

Mar. 24, 07

Last night, my worst fears were realized. The conflict in Auvernha was found distasteful in the eyes of the United Nations, and the Saudi State was particularly upset by the new image given them by Saif-Al-Din, the image of a terrorist-driven nation. In response, the king and crown prince commissioned innumerous vigilante groups to "seek and destroy". We are officially wanted by the government: dead or alive. Preferably dead. The bounty for our heads is currently at 75 million riyals. That is for the others. For me, for "the leader", it is 150 million. They know nothing about us, however. They do not know that the youngest among us is only thirteen years old, and that the oldest is months short of eighteen. They depict us so cruelly in the media. We have been called heinous, heathenistic, pagans, barbarians, and people worthy of damnation by Allah.

Last night, we were attacked by a mob. I do not know how they found us. Somehow they had gotten onto our trail. We were trapped inside an abandoned building as they threw torches onto the roof and fired through the windows. As we were escaping, Karam....may Allah have mercy on me.... my young spirited brother, the brother I've pledged to protect throughout everything, was wounded in the gunfire. I cannot explain the fear that gripped me. Is this how the Prophet felt when bounties were out for him? When he fled for his life through the desert, not knowing if he'd live to see another day?

We took Karam to masjid, where an imam tended to him. This morning, we took him to a hospital, where he is being treated. He lost a lot of blood, but he is an Ataullah, and aside from that, a faithful muslim. Now, with shame, I must confront father, and in failure, I must confront the Most Merciful.