Blue Planet Adventures - A Children’s Story

Abdul's curly black hair was flattened across his wide forehead by the pressure of the helmet. Snug fitting wind goggles obscured his emerald green eyes. In every generation of the Prevaris family, one child received the emerald green eyes that were screened by long black lashes. Abdul used to frown when he looked in the mirror, thinking he had sissy eyes...until Grandfather told him the story of Great Grandmother Allen. She was once a non-Muslim and was not of Middle Eastern descent, unlike all of Abdul's other ancestors.

Zooming along inside the well-lit tunnel, Abdul felt amazed at the scientific wonder his ancestors had created for travel on the Blue Planet. Inside the long tubular corridor were two rails and a biped motion travel lane. One rail was used by workers going to and from the Bluetone Mines. The second rail was used by the tourists and citizens of Noah City for shopping and visiting each other. The tubular corridor wound throughout the city. When seen from above, it reminded Abdul of the linked circles and lines of a scientist’s chemical formula for a fancy compound metal. Every mile along the tubular corridor, there was an official stop at a home, business or community pod. The pods look like upside down bowls, thought Abdul as he zipped along to his own house pod. Actually, they look more like those pictures of native Alaskan igloos I saw in my “This is Planet Earth” schoolbook.

The core of the Blue Planet was solid ice. Oxygen pumped into each pod and the tubular corridor by silent O-2 generators. Living outside Noah City was impossible because of the poisonous gases drifting like a layer of rusty colored film just above the surface of the planet.

Each day after school, Abdul took the biped to his grandfather’s metal shop where he helped clean the shop floor and run small errands, earning five bluerands each week for his hard work. He had been carefully saving his earnings for three years but Abdul would have worked for nothing just to hear the stories Grandfather told about the first Muslim settlers on Blue Planet. Abdul was proud to be a member of the founding Muslim families who emigrated from Earth over fifty years ago to escape the terrible wars there.

Once on the Blue Planet, the early Muslim settlers gained the freedom to worship Allah according to the Qur’an and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Grandpa told Abdul the fascinating stories of how they built Noah City and started the Bluetone Mines—the very mines which produced the newly discovered energy metal needed by citizens of planet Earth to survive! By the year 2090, their oil resources were gone. Atomic energy was deemed unsafe and banned by all nations. Without the blue metal that was mined from natural caves, the Earth’s inhabitants would have long ago disappeared. Yep… the Muslims on Blue Planet were very important to the people of planet Earth.

Abdul never tired of hearing about how the Muslims’ long search of the universe for a clean energy source and for a safe haven away from the mass killings and greed of the Earth dwellers led them to the discovery of the Blue Planet. He was pleased to know his own great-grandfather, Khalid, was the scientist who found the core of solid ice deeply embedded in the planet’s center which allowed life to be sustained on the surface inside the protected pods. Though the Blue Planet seemed humongous to Abdul, he knew it was hard to find in the vast universe. It was a miracle that the Muslim space engineers stationed on Earth’s moon as a part of the World Science Outpost had been able to pick up the barely visible light emitted from the Blue Planet. It was the very closest planet to the Earth’s galaxy of stars and planets, but it was still far, far away indeed!

Abdul, his older sister, Amatullah, and his parents had never been to planet Earth. The closest Abdul had come was traveling with Grandfather to the Earth’s moon as they made a delivery of the precious blue energy metal. From the surface, he had his first look down at planet Earth. It was worth the long ride it had taken to get there. From the Blue Planet, even traveling faster than the speed of sonic light (another Muslim discovery in the year 2060), it took three weeks to arrive. In comparison, it took only fifteen minutes to get from the outpost on the moon to Earth itself. Abdul knew this by heart because in a few short months, he would be twelve years old and his father had promised Abdul that he could make the Hajj—he would walk in the lands of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh)!

Every week for the last three years, Abdul faithfully went to the Prophet Moses’ Gymnasium to work out and become very strong. He didn’t want to be a burden on his parents when it came time to perform the Hajj.

Abdul shook his head as if to chase away the thoughts of the distant planet and his dreams. The hovering biped had taken him almost all the way home in no time. Abdul saw the approaching landing that would lead to his parents’ pod. Relaxing, he took his hand from the switch as the biped came to a smooth stop at the corridor entrance to his home. Abdul stepped off the biped and entered the corridor. He took off his racing helmet and placed it on the waiting conveyor that would return the helmet to his bedroom. The biped wasn’t anything like a real bicycle but Abdul liked to pretend it was. He had seen a picture of a real bicycle and when he went to Earth he hoped to have the opportunity to actually use the pedals to make the bicycle move forward. Here on the Blue Planet, all movement was done effortlessly by the amazing air-motion system that powered the rails and bipeds.

“As Salaam’Alaykum Mother, Father, Amatullah,” Abdul called out, sliding the front door closed. He slipped off his outside shoes, placing them on the waiting shelf next to the doorway.

“Wa Alaykum As-Salaam,” Abdul’s family chorused back as he walked across the living room to the table where his mother sat stitching the narrow hem on a piece of floral cloth that would be a new hijab for his sister, Amatullah.

Amatullah smiled gently at her younger brother and continued folding the paper-thin, rose colored cloth which she would transform into one of the beautiful flowers that grew on planet Earth. Blue Planet’s atmosphere was too hostile to support the growth of trees and flowers, but that didn’t stop its citizens from arraying their homes and businesses with bouquets of flowers made by Amatullah and a few other Muslimahs gifted with this talent.

Abdul loved the living room of his parents’ home. Being circular in shape, one wall ended and began again as if it were a continuous roll of paper only ending at the front door to the pod. Abdul’s father, Yusef, was the true artist in the family. His landscapes were greatly admired by everyone who visited their home. Yusef also painted unique landscape scenes for all who asked him, but none could compare to the landscapes he created for his own family’s enjoyment.

Abdul’s eyes slowly traveled around the circular wall beginning with a magnificent mural of a brown, tan and light orange desert of rolling hills. A green oasis was filled with stately date palm tress casting their long shadows over the crystal blue waters of a small pool. A skinny camel stood drinking thirstily from the cool waters while a young boy sat beneath one of the palm trees, waiting patiently for his friend to quench his thirst.

The desert scene seemed to gradually fade into a landscape depicting rugged snow covered mountains with huge pine and evergreen trees growing up the sides, as if they were ladders placed there to provide the way to reach the highest peaks. An azure sky framed the mountains with the magnificent figure of a lone falcon gliding effortlessly towards a distant peak.

The third and last mural to complete the circular wall depicted a narrow dusty street lined by low, sandstone square buildings. It was bazaar day and small vendor stalls crowded each other in rows lining both sides of the narrow street. Traders wearing multicolored blankets with leather belts and long grey beards framing their ruddy colored faces were shouting to the throng of happy men, women and children who had come to inspect the goods from far away lands. At the end of the narrow street stood the gold domed Masjid with its spire shooting upwards towards the heavens….and Abdul was sure he could faintly hear the Adhan being recited before each prayer time… “Allah is Great…Come to prayer!” the voice seemed to echo in his ears. Abdul often wondered if the rest of his family heard the gentle call, too.

“How was your grandfather today?” Yusef asked, feeling the familiar warm surge of love for his only son as their eyes met.

“Grandfather is pleased today. He finished making the silver knobs for the front door to the Masjid. He has worked on them for two years and is finally satisfied that he can make them no better,” Abdul replied.

Abdul walked over to the low wooden shelf that was fitted to the circular wall. He kept his money box with all of his earnings at the corner of the fading desert scene. Even though the box was almost full of bluerands, Abdul felt worried. What if the money he had been saving wasn’t enough too pay for his passage to Earth? When he had asked permission to go with his parents for Hajj, they had said yes on the condition that he earned the travel money. His parents had saved enough for their travel and their stay on Earth, but they had not planned on taking their children this trip. There just wasn’t enough money for all four of them to go.

Abdul tossed the bluerand coins into the box and looked back to see if his family was watching his daily ceremony. He thought everyone was occupied but then he frowned deeply. Before his sister, Amatullah, could turn away, he saw silent tears sliding slowly down her toffee colored cheeks! Abdul felt a hollow sensation in his stomach—and not the kind a growing boy gets after working hard and coming home for supper.

“Children, go and prepare for Maghrib prayer and Abdul, please try to keep most of the water in the sink!” his mother chided gently as she stood and began walking towards the cabinet where the family prayer rugs were stored.

“You first,” Amatullah mumbled softly as she quickly left the living room walking towards her bedroom with her head bent down.

Abdul quickened his pace and caught up to her just as she reached the bedroom doorway. “What is wrong, my sister? Are you ill? Why are you crying?” Abdul questioned.

Amatullah did not answer. She walked into her room, keeping her back to her brother and leaving him standing outside the doorway with a confused look on his usually happy face.

Abdul finished his wu’du and rejoined his parents, moving silently to his prayer rug placed behind his father’s and before his sister and mother’s prayer rugs. A few minutes later, Abdul heard the swish of his sister’s long skirt and then a peaceful silence settled over Abdul and his family as they began the evening prayer.

The days and weeks sped by in a flurry of activity at Abdul’s house. So much to do and there just didn’t seem to be enough blue time to get everything done before their departure date for Earth. Every night for the past month, Abdul and his family studied the Hajj ceremonies and their role as pilgrims. Sometimes, Abdul would drift into his daydreams about the many exciting things he knew he would see and experience. Several times his parents paused in their discussions and smiled gently at their son who was far, far away from their living room.

It seemed that no one noticed how quiet Amatullah had become over the past few months. She worked diligently each evening creating her lovely flowers to sell but her own money box was only half full of bluerand coins. She would be staying at grandfather’s pod while her parents and brother were on pilgrimage. At age sixteen, she knew that it would be many years before she could become a Hajj pilgrim. Probably not until after she married and made the trip with her future husband, Allah willing. Secretly, she had hoped that she would sell enough flowers so that she could also go on the long awaited trip but no matter how many times she counted her bluerands, she knew she didn’t have enough. She wouldn’t be able to purchase her shuttle ticket or help her parents pay for her food and lodging.

Though saddened with disappointment, Amatullah made du’aa at least five times every day. She asked Allah to help her remain cheerful when she watched her brother and parents board the shuttle that would take them to Earth. Amatullah did not want her family to be worried about her and she did not want to spoil their trip by weeping foolishly at their departure.

Amatullah continued on like normal, performing her duties as daughter, sister and granddaughter. The day before, she had taken some pita bread and fresh vegetables from her water garden to Grandfather (because it took so much energy to bring the water from the planet’s core, it was not used for luxuries like growing flowers). Upon seeing her, Grandfather knew she was upset. He had not lived so many years without being able to read the faces of his loved ones. He was troubled by the fact that his sweet Amatullah would not be making the Hajj with her family. The longing was clearly mirrored in her eyes whenever anyone talked about the much awaited trip. Yet his son, daughter-in-law, and young grandson hadn’t seemed to notice how quiet and withdrawn Amatullah had become. Perhaps they were too busy with their trip preparations to notice?

The next day, Abdul rushed through the Grandfather’s shop door, out of breath.

“You are early today, Abdul. Why are you rushing about?” Grandfather asked him.

“I need to talk to you about something very important!”

Grandfather patted the empty space on the bench where he sat and waited until Abdul settled in.

“Amatullah has been acting very strangely. Twice I have caught her hiding tears from Mom and Dad. Whenever we discuss the pilgrimage, she gets awfully quiet. She doesn’t even pull my ear anymore or tease me about anything!” Abdul said seriously, a worried frown beginning to grow across his smooth forehead.

“You know Amatullah has not made enough money to pay for her passage on the shuttle, even if your parents would decide to take her?” Grandfather questioned softly. “It will probably be many years before she can make Hajj.”

“I was thinking this same thing!” Abdul exclaimed in surprise. “I can go almost anytime because I will soon be a man, but my sister requires an escort to protect her and father will not be able to make another trip for many years.”

“This is true,” replied Grandfather.

“Another thing,” Abdul paused and then continued, “Amatullah is always using the money she earns to give gifts to all of us or to help with a charity. This is why she does not have enough money for her passage.”

Grandfather nodded his head and waited for Abdul to continue.

“It is the custom that Blue Plant citizens earn their passage money for their first Hajj pilgrimage. I could give Amatullah some of my money, but this still would not help her,” Abdul said and felt a twinge of relief. His relief was short lived as gnawing guilt quickly followed. Amatullah had often spent her bluerands to buy him treats at the market. He had not spent one bluerand for anyone or anything in three years. He had saved every coin for this long awaited trip while his sister gave freely with much kindness.

“It is true that this is a Blue Planet custom, but who is the maker of this custom?” Grandfather questioned gently. He could see on his grandson’s face the fierce struggle Abdul was feeling. Love for his sister was warring against his deep desire to make Hajj and finally visit the planet where his family roots began. Three years of hard work and his grandson’s goal was in sight!

Abdul bit his lower lip but did not reply. Grandfather and Abdul sat silently as minutes passed. The opening of the shop door drew their eyes towards the brother standing just inside the doorway. “I must go and help Fahd Al-Harbie.”

Abdul nodded and let out a sigh of relief. He knew what direction Grandfather was pointing him towards and Abdul just didn’t want to voice the words. Abdul felt even worse inside than when he had confided to his grandfather.

“As Salaam’Alaykum,” Abdul and Grandfather greeted Fahd Al-Harbie. Abdul reached the doorway, but not before Grandfather said, “Pray on this matter. Ask Allah to guide you, Abdul.”

Abdul crammed his helmet on his head and stepped aboard the biped. Without hesitation, he turned the directional dial and waited for the biped to speed him on his way.

Abdul’s first stop was at the Masjid. He entered, placed his shoes on the bottom shelf and hurried towards the Imam’s office. The door was open and the Imam smiled at Abdul as he entered.

“As ‘Salaam’Alaykum, Abdul. Can I help you?”

Abdul gave the greeting and launched into a jumbled explanation for his unscheduled visit and then asked an even more disjointed question.

Abdul heard the Imam’s answer with a sinking feeling. He thanked him and left to catch the biped and return home. That night, Abdul could not seem to fall asleep. In the early hours before Fajr prayer, Abdul got up from tossing and turning and made his way to the bathroom where he performed wu’du. Abdul padded on bare feet to the living room and quietly took his prayer rug from the cabinet.

After reciting prayer, Abdul remained seated on the floor and made many supplications to Allah. After sometime, Abdul got up, folded his prayer rug and placed it back into the cabinet. He returned to his bedroom and, within seconds, fell into a deep and restful sleep.

Saturday arrived and the family prepared for their usual outing together to the market. Abdul ate his breakfast slowly, making sure his parents and sister had finished their food and left the table before he was done.

“Abdul! You are not ready yet? It is time to leave and still you sit at the table with your plate half full!” Mother scolded gently and gave Abdul a sweet smile to take the sting from her words

“Go ahead and I will join you in an hour, insha’Allah. I have something I must do today.” replied Abdul.

Mother and Father looked questioningly at each other. Amatullah waited patiently by the front door.

“Meet us in one hour and do not be late. I don’t want your mother worrying about you,” Father said to Abdul as he, Mother and Amatullah stepped outside the pod and into the corridor.

“Don’t forget to wear your helmet,” Mother cautioned as the door shut silently behind her.

Abdul raced to his bedroom, dressed quickly and grabbed a single sock from a pair Mother had just freshly laundered. When he got to the living room, he went over to the shelf and lifted up the heavy box holding his bluerand coins. Abdul grabbed two big handfuls of coins and stuffed them into the waiting empty sock. Next he picked up his helmet, crammed it on his head and adjusted the goggles over the bridge of his rather long and pointed nose. Minutes later, Abdul was on the biped speeding towards the market place.

Abdul had some important shopping to do and he wanted to get it finished before he went to look for his family. At Ahmed’s Linens, Abdul got off the biped and hurried into the shop. He knew exactly what he had come to buy and within minutes was headed out the shop door and back to the biped. Abdul found his parents and Amatullah eating sno-cones and waiting for him in the courtyard of the Masjid.

Abdul knew his family would scold and call him selfish and Amatullah would say no way at first, but he would complain and complain until she gave in and his parents agreed. After a long day of shopping and Abdul’s family teasing him about the package he held tightly in his hands (he would not tell them what he bought), Abdul and his family said Maghrib prayers at the Masjid. They took the rail home after having a light supper at the Chinese restaurant. Abdul’s mother loved Chinese food and so they almost always ate Chinese when going to the market each Saturday.

After the evening prayer, Grandfather came by for a short visit. He wanted to leave some presents he had made for relatives back on Earth. While everyone admired the craftsmanship of each item, Abdul left the room and returned carrying his large package. He walked over to his sister and laid the package at her feet.

“I have bought materials to have new hijabs made for our mother to take on the trip. And the white cloth inside requires hemming for our father to wear while in ihram,” Abdul said firmly, looking directly at his sister’s surprised face.

“But…but…” Amatullah sputtered. “There are only five days left until you leave. I can’t possibly get this sewing done in such a short time!”

Abdul put his best woe-be-gone face on and looked at his parents. “I wanted to surprise everyone. My mother must have new hijabs and father is in need of the proper clothes to wear during the Hajj. Surely you can do this for them, Amatullah?” Abdul asked with just the right amount of little boy whine in his voice.

Abdul sneaked a peek at his grandfather and saw the twinkle in his eyes. There is no fooling Grandfather, but Mother and Father seemed to be at a loss for words.

Amatullah looked at her young brother again and, as always, her tender heart gave in. Before her parents could speak, Amatullah agreed to sew the garments.

Abdul rushed to his sister and gave her such a hearty hug that even he was surprised at how happy he felt! A small smile began to creep into the corners of Mother’s full lips and Dad just shook his head in puzzlement.

As Grandfather got ready to leave that evening, he had Abdul walk him to the entranceway of the corridor. “Did you ask Allah for help, Abdul?” he questioned gently.

Abdul gave his grandfather a huge grin and bobbed his head up and down. Grandfather patted Abdul’s shoulder and waved goodbye as he entered the corridor to take the rail home.

The next four days seemed to fly by. Each day, Abdul watched as his sister began her sewing tasks early in the morning after breakfast and continued until late each night, stopping only to recite prayer and grab a quick bite to eat. Amatullah got very little sleep during these four days. The morning of the day before departure, Abdul asked his mother, father and sister to wait in the living room after breakfast as he had an important announcement.

To everyone’s surprise (except Abdul, who didn’t seem the least bit amazed), Grandfather arrived right at that moment, even though it was very early in the morning for him to be visiting.

Amatullah had finished her sewing late the night before and the garments were stacked neatly on the table waiting to be packed.

Father checked his watch and then glanced in the direction of Abdul. With a grin as big as the Grand Canyon is wide, Abdul went to the shelf and picked up his heavy money box and carried it over to his sister and gently placed it on her lap.

“This is for you. It is payment for the work you did.” Then he took from his pocket the shuttle ticket he had admired these past few weeks and placed it in his sister’s lap next to the money box. “You can see that your name is written in the passenger name place,” Abdul said proudly and pointed to the awkwardly written name, Amatullah bint Yusef Prevaris.

Amatullah sat there stricken with joy and then pain as she watched her young brother struggle to act so manly. This was a great sacrifice and one that Allah would surely reward! Swallowing her tears and joy, she responded with somber dignity, “I thank you my young brother for this payment for my services and I thank you for your kindness and generosity, but most of all I thank Allah for giving me the best brother in all the worlds!”