The Campus Conversion

The Campus Conversion

The new semester had just begun at Westbridge University. Among the many groups on campus, the Arab Cultural Society, composed entirely of male students, had recently gained attention. Initially, it was a small group promoting Arabic language and culture, but their presence began to grow noticeably.

These male students could often be seen in the quad, wearing white Nike jerseys with green details and black fanny packs. They looked confident, unified, and their numbers seemed to expand each day.

Sophomore Chris, an engineering major, noticed them during a campus fair. They were friendly, inviting male students to learn about Arabic culture and join their society. Chris grabbed a flyer and moved on, but the image of the group lingered in his mind.

A few weeks into the semester, Chris was approached by Tariq, a charismatic member of the Arab Cultural Society. He was friendly and asked if Chris had considered attending their upcoming event.

“It’s going to be great,” Tariq said with a smile. “We’re having a cultural night with food, music, and a lot of fun. You should come.”

Chris hesitated but eventually agreed. “Sure, why not? I’ve never been to one of these events before.”

The event was lively, with traditional Arabic music, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Tariq introduced Chris to several members, all dressed in their signature Nike jerseys and fanny packs. By the end of the night, they handed Chris a fanny pack, encouraging him to wear it as a sign of solidarity.

“Just try it on,” Tariq suggested. “It’s comfortable and shows that you’re part of something bigger.”

Over the next few weeks, Chris noticed more and more male students wearing the Nike jerseys and fanny packs. They seemed to be everywhere—at the library, in the cafeteria, even in his classes. The Arab Cultural Society was no longer just a small group; it had become a dominant presence on campus.

The male students who wore the jerseys began to change in subtle ways. Their appearances grew more uniform—darker hair, more intense expressions, and they started using Arabic names. Chris, now wearing his own fanny pack, began to feel the pressure to fully embrace the transformation.

One afternoon, as Chris walked across campus, he bumped into his friend Jake, who had also started wearing the jersey. But something was different about him—he looked more serious, more confident, and his name tag now read “Khalid.”

“Jake, what’s going on?” Chris asked, confused.

“Call me Khalid now,” he replied with a calm smile. “I’ve embraced the new identity. You should too.”

Chris felt a wave of unease. The people he had known for years were changing, and it was all happening so quickly.

The pressure to conform grew stronger with each passing day. The Arab Cultural Society began holding more events, encouraging male students to join and wear the jerseys and fanny packs. Those who resisted found themselves increasingly isolated, while those who embraced the change were welcomed with open arms.

Chris found himself at a crossroads. He liked the sense of community the group offered, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready to fully commit to the transformation. One evening, Tariq invited him to a special meeting, where they would officially welcome new members.

As Chris entered the room, he saw dozens of male students, all wearing the jerseys and fanny packs, their features now distinctly Arabic. They greeted him warmly, but there was an underlying expectation—an unspoken pressure to join them fully.

“Tonight, we embrace who we truly are,” Tariq announced. “We shed our old identities and become part of something greater.”

Chris felt the weight of their gaze on him as they handed him a new Nike jersey and fanny pack, this time with his new name, “Ahmed,” stitched on it. The room was silent as he held it in his hands, knowing that once he put it on, there would be no going back.

By the end of the semester, the transformation was complete. The campus was filled with male students wearing the white Nike jerseys with green details and black fanny packs. Their features were now distinctly Arabic, and they moved with a sense of unity and purpose.

Chris, now Ahmed, walked through the quad, no longer feeling like an outsider. He was part of the new order, part of a movement that had changed the face of the university. As he looked around at his fellow students, he realized that the transformation was not just physical—it was a complete change of identity, one that he had fully embraced.

And as the new semester began, it was clear that Westbridge University would never be the same again.

At last even the teachers knew that it was better to join willingly.

A New Perspective

August 15th

So today was the first day of the semester, and I somehow ended up in “Introduction to Islam”—a class I didn’t want to take at all, but it was the only elective that fit my schedule. I’m a pretty committed atheist, so the idea of spending months learning about a religion I don’t give a crap about is a bit of a drag. I’d much rather be diving into science classes like my physics major, where I can actually debate ideas and we focus on facts.

The professor, Dr. Ibrahim Hasan, walked in looking like he was ready for a board meeting rather than a lecture. He’s a tall, middle-aged guy in a suit and tie, and his voice has this smooth, compelling quality that makes it hard to ignore him. I guess I’m already a bit intrigued, even if I’m not thrilled about the class. If anything I might get to see how others perceive the world.

August 29th

A few weeks in, and something strange is happening. The class is surprisingly engaging. Dr. Hasan’s lectures are filled with a passion that’s starting to get to me. The other guys seem more invested too. We’ve even started talking about the material outside of class for some reason. Dr. Hasan has this way of pausing during lectures, scanning the room with his gaze. During those moments, the room goes silent, like we’re all waiting for something, though I can’t say what. It’s kinda creepy, but I find I can’t look away during these times.

September 12th

I’m starting to notice changes in the other students. Their appearances are subtly shifting—darker skin, sharper features. I’ve seen the same thing in the mirror. It sounds crazy, I know, but it’s happening. Dr. Hasan’s lectures are getting more intense, and I’ve started reading the Quran in my free time. There’s something there I can’t ignore, even though I still consider myself an atheist.

October 3rd

Everything’s changing—the class, the guys, me. We’re all starting to look alike, not just in appearance but in spirit. We speak Arabic now, fluently, even though none of us knew it before. Dr. Hasan also told us to start wearing these white jerseys everywhere. They feel more comfortable than I thought. I feel connected to the others too, like we’re all on the same journey. I’ve started praying with them, studying the Quran like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I don’t know who I am anymore, but I feel like I’m finally becoming who I’m meant to be. I don’t know if that scares or excites me.

November 21st

The semester’s almost over, and I’m a completely different person. My old identity doesn’t exist anymore—now I’m Dawud. The doubts and anger I came in with are just...gone. I’ve found my place, my purpose, and I can’t even explain how it happened. Dr. Hasan’s class changed me, and there’s no going back. I’ve decided to switch my major to Islamic Studies. Dr. Hasan seemed almost proud when I told him, saying my journey is just beginning. I don’t know where it’s taking me, but I’ve never felt more certain about anything.

December 12th

The semester’s over, but the journey is just beginning. Dr. Hasan is now officially my advisor and mentor. I’m going to recommend this course to everyone I know. They need to experience what I’ve experienced. If they’re lucky, they’ll find the same peace and new perspective that I’ve found. Knowing Dr. Hasan, I’m sure they will.

New clothes

This guy's clothes were all torn. And he didn’t have enough money for a new one

Many passers-by laughed at him. But the Arab man understood his problem and decided to help

He handed him Arabic national clothes

The guy, without thinking twice, accepted the Arab man’s gift and changed clothes.

New clothes brought new thoughts into his head. He started a new life. And joined the brotherhood💚

The Brotherhood of the Golden Thobes

Chapter 1: The Mysterious Leader

In the heart of the city, nestled between towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, lay a park that seemed untouched by time. The park was a sanctuary of peace, where the sounds of birds and rustling leaves drowned out the noise of the world beyond. This place had a certain magic about it, a stillness that allowed those who visited to reconnect with themselves and, sometimes, to discover something they hadn’t known they were missing.

Idris walked through this park every day, his presence almost as much a part of the landscape as the ancient trees that shaded the paths. Dressed in a golden thobe that shimmered in the sunlight, Idris exuded an aura of calm and authority. People often glanced at him as he passed, drawn to the warmth in his eyes and the quiet confidence in his step. Yet, despite his commanding presence, there was something approachable about him, as if he was someone you could trust without knowing why.

As Idris strolled along a winding path, he noticed two young men sitting on a bench. They were deep in conversation, their heads bent close together, oblivious to the world around them. Idris paused, observing them for a moment. There was something in their demeanor—a restlessness, a sense of searching for something just beyond their reach. Idris knew that feeling well; he had seen it many times before.

He approached them with a gentle smile, his golden thobe catching the light and reflecting it like a beacon. The two men looked up as he neared, their conversation trailing off as they took in the sight of him. There was something magnetic about Idris, something that made them feel as though they were in the presence of someone extraordinary.

“Good afternoon,” Idris greeted them warmly, his voice smooth and reassuring. “May I join you?”

The men exchanged a quick glance, their curiosity piqued. There was an unspoken agreement between them, and they nodded in unison.

“Of course,” one of them replied, gesturing to the empty space on the bench.

Idris sat down beside them, his movements graceful and deliberate. He could feel their eyes on him, filled with curiosity and a hint of something else—perhaps hope, or maybe even longing.

“My name is Idris,” he said, his voice carrying a quiet strength. “I’ve walked through this park many times, and I’ve seen many people searching for something, though they may not always know what it is. I sense that you two are among them.”

The men, who had introduced themselves as Adam and Zayd, felt a strange connection to Idris, as if he understood them on a level that few others did.

“We’ve been talking about that, actually,” Adam admitted, a slight furrow in his brow. “I mean, we’re happy enough, I guess, but it feels like something’s missing. Like there’s more to life that we haven’t figured out yet.”

Zayd nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it’s like… we’re looking for something, but we don’t even know what it is. It’s frustrating, really.”

Idris smiled, his eyes filled with understanding. “That feeling is more common than you might think. It’s the beginning of a journey—a journey that can lead to something greater if you’re willing to embrace it.”

Adam and Zayd listened intently, feeling a growing sense of anticipation. There was something about Idris’s words that resonated deeply within them, as if he was offering them a key to unlock a door they hadn’t even known existed.

“What kind of journey?” Zayd asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

“One that will transform you,” Idris replied, his gaze steady and kind. “It’s a path that will help you discover your true selves, to find a deeper connection to the world and to each other. It’s not a journey that everyone is ready for, but I believe you are.”

The men were silent for a moment, processing what Idris had said. There was a part of them that was skeptical, that wondered if this was too good to be true. But there was another part, a stronger part, that wanted to believe, that wanted to take that leap of faith.

“How do we start this journey?” Adam finally asked, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

Idris’s smile widened. “It begins with a simple choice—to let go of who you think you are and embrace who you were meant to be.”

He stood up slowly, the golden thobe shimmering with every movement. Reaching into the folds of his robe, Idris pulled out two identical thobes, their golden fabric glistening in the afternoon sun. He extended them towards Adam and Zayd, his expression gentle but expectant.

“These are not just garments,” Idris explained, his voice soft yet powerful. “They represent a commitment to a new path, one that will bring you closer to your true selves and to a brotherhood that transcends the ordinary.”

Adam and Zayd stared at the thobes, their minds racing. The fabric looked almost magical, as if it was woven from light itself. They could feel its warmth even before they touched it, a warmth that seemed to promise something more, something better.

“This is your choice,” Idris said, his eyes meeting theirs with unwavering confidence. “No one can make it for you.”

Chapter 2: The Transformation

The park was quiet as Adam and Zayd stood before Idris, each holding a golden thobe in their hands. The fabric felt both heavy and light, substantial yet ethereal, as if it was made from something not entirely of this world. They exchanged a glance, the uncertainty in their eyes slowly being replaced by determination.

“I don’t know why, but this feels right,” Adam murmured, his fingers gently brushing over the fabric. “It’s like… this is what we’ve been looking for.”

Zayd nodded, feeling a similar sense of clarity. “Yeah, it’s strange, but I think we should do this. I mean, what do we have to lose?”

With a deep breath, Adam and Zayd began to remove their casual clothes, setting them aside on the bench. As they slipped on the golden thobes, a rush of warmth spread through their bodies, a sensation that was both comforting and exhilarating. The fabric seemed to mold to their skin, fitting perfectly as if it had been made just for them.

Idris watched them with a serene smile, his heart swelling with pride as he saw the transformation begin. The golden thobes shimmered, catching the light in a way that made them glow, and as the men fully donned the garments, their appearances began to change.

Adam felt a tingling sensation in his face as his features began to sharpen, his hair darkening to a deep, rich brown. A well-groomed beard began to form on his jawline, giving him an air of wisdom and strength that he hadn’t possessed before. He looked down at his hands, watching in awe as his skin took on a warm, golden-brown hue.

Zayd experienced a similar transformation, his hair darkening and his features becoming more defined. His beard grew in thick and even, complementing the strong lines of his face. He could feel the power of the thobe as it connected him to something greater, something that filled the emptiness he had felt for so long.

The transformation wasn’t just physical—it was internal as well. Both men felt a deep sense of peace and purpose settling over them, a clarity of mind that had eluded them for years. The doubts and insecurities that had plagued them seemed to melt away, replaced by a confidence that came from knowing they were on the right path.

Idris stepped forward, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. “How do you feel?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine care.

Adam looked up, his eyes shining with new light. “I feel… incredible. Like I’ve finally found what I’ve been searching for.”

Zayd nodded in agreement, a broad smile spreading across his face. “This is amazing. I never knew I could feel this way.”

Idris’s smile deepened. “You have taken the first step on a journey that will bring you closer to your true selves and to each other. This is the beginning of a brotherhood, one that is built on trust, respect, and a shared purpose.”

Chapter 3: The Brotherhood

With their transformation complete, Adam and Zayd felt a newfound sense of unity with each other and with Idris. It was as if the golden thobes had not only changed their appearances but had also connected them on a deeper, more spiritual level. They stood together, no longer just friends, but brothers in every sense of the word.

As they walked through the park with Idris, they noticed how people turned to look at them, drawn to the light that seemed to radiate from their thobes. But this time, instead of feeling self-conscious, they felt proud. They knew that they were part of something bigger, something that had the power to change lives.

“Idris,” Adam began, turning to their leader, “what happens next? Where do we go from here?”

Idris looked at them, his expression one of gentle wisdom. “Now, we share what we have found with others. There are many who are lost, who are searching for something more, just as you were. It is our duty to guide them, to help them find their own path to transformation.”

Zayd felt a surge of excitement at the prospect. “You mean, we’re supposed to help others the way you helped us?”

Idris nodded. “Exactly. This is not a journey you take alone. It is a journey you share with those who are ready, those who are willing to embrace the light of the golden thobes.”

As they continued walking, they came across another group of men sitting on a bench. They were dressed in casual clothes, much like Adam and Zayd had been earlier, and they seemed to be deep in conversation, unaware of the world around them.

Idris smiled, recognizing the same sense of searching in their faces that he had seen in Adam and Zayd. “Shall we?” he asked, a twinkle of encouragement in his eyes.

Adam and Zayd exchanged a glance, both feeling a sense of purpose and excitement. This was their chance to give back, to help others find the same sense of peace and belonging that they had discovered.

Together, the three men approached the bench, their golden thobes catching the sunlight as they moved. The men on the bench looked up, their conversation halting as they took in the sight of the trio. There was a moment of silence, a shared understanding that something important was about to happen.

“Good afternoon,” Idris greeted them

“Good afternoon,” Idris greeted them warmly, his voice filled with the same calm authority that had first drawn Adam and Zayd to him. “May we join you?”

The men on the bench exchanged curious glances, much like Adam and Zayd had done earlier. There was something about the three figures standing before them—something that radiated peace, confidence, and a quiet power. They nodded, making room on the bench.

“Of course,” one of the men replied, unable to take his eyes off the golden thobes that shimmered in the sunlight. “Please, sit.”

Idris, Adam, and Zayd sat down, their presence immediately commanding attention. The men on the bench, who introduced themselves as Omar and Tariq, couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. There was something magnetic about these three figures, something that made them want to listen, to learn.

“What brings you to this part of the park?” Idris asked, his tone casual but laced with deeper intent.

Omar shrugged slightly, though there was a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. “We come here often, just to talk, think things through. Lately, it feels like there’s something missing, but we can’t quite put our finger on it.”

Tariq nodded in agreement. “It’s like we’re stuck in a routine, and no matter what we do, it feels… empty, like we’re just going through the motions.”

Adam and Zayd exchanged a knowing look. They had been in the same place not long ago, sitting on a similar bench, having the same conversation. And just like Idris had done for them, they felt compelled to offer Omar and Tariq the chance to transform, to find what they were searching for.

“We know exactly how you feel,” Adam said, his voice filled with empathy. “We were in the same situation not too long ago. Then we met Idris, and everything changed.”

Tariq looked at Idris, his curiosity growing. “Changed how?”

“It’s hard to explain,” Zayd replied, “but it’s like we found something we didn’t even know we were missing. A sense of purpose, of belonging, of being part of something bigger than ourselves.”

Idris listened as Adam and Zayd spoke, proud of how far they had come in such a short time. He could see the curiosity and hope in Omar and Tariq’s eyes, the same look he had seen in countless others before them.

“I believe you’re searching for the same thing,” Idris said, his voice gentle but persuasive. “It’s a journey that starts with a choice—a choice to let go of the old and embrace the new, to find your true selves and become part of something greater.”

Omar and Tariq were silent, considering his words. There was something undeniably compelling about the offer, something that resonated with the deepest parts of their souls. They had spent so long searching, and now it seemed that the answer was right in front of them.

“And what do we have to do?” Omar finally asked, his voice tinged with both hope and apprehension.

Idris smiled, his eyes full of understanding. “It begins with embracing the light of the golden thobes. These garments are more than just clothing—they represent a commitment to a new path, one that will bring you closer to each other and to a brotherhood that transcends the ordinary.”

Reaching into the folds of his own golden thobe, Idris produced two more, identical to the ones that Adam and Zayd now wore. He handed them to Omar and Tariq, watching as they accepted the garments with reverence and curiosity.

“The choice is yours,” Idris continued. “But know that once you make it, your life will never be the same.”

Omar and Tariq exchanged a final glance, the weight of the moment pressing down on them. But as they held the golden thobes in their hands, they felt a surge of confidence, a sense of destiny that was impossible to ignore.

With a deep breath, they began to remove their casual clothes, setting them aside as Adam and Zayd had done before them. As they slipped on the golden thobes, a wave of warmth and light washed over them, filling them with a sense of peace and purpose they had never known.

The transformation was swift but profound. Their features sharpened, their hair darkened, and well-groomed beards appeared on their faces, just as they had for Adam and Zayd. Their skin took on a warm, golden-brown hue, and their hearts filled with a deep sense of unity and brotherhood.

When the transformation was complete, Omar and Tariq looked at each other with wide eyes, marveling at their new appearances. They felt stronger, more confident, and more connected than they ever had before. They knew, without a doubt, that they had made the right choice.

Idris, Adam, and Zayd stood beside them, their smiles reflecting the pride and joy they felt at welcoming two more brothers into the fold.

“Welcome to the Brotherhood of the Golden Thobes,” Idris said, his voice filled with warmth. “Together, we will guide others who are lost, helping them find the path to transformation and unity.”

The five men walked together through the park, their golden thobes shining brightly in the sunlight. They knew that this was just the beginning, that there were many more who would be drawn to the light of the golden thobes, ready to join the brotherhood and embrace a new way of life.

As they left the park, they carried with them the knowledge that they were part of something extraordinary—a brotherhood that would grow and thrive, spreading the light and unity of the golden thobes wherever they went.

In the end, we should all wear the golden thobes...

The Brotherhood Game

Ryan leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head after a long day of classes and homework. His desk was cluttered with empty cans of energy drinks, textbooks, and a few scattered notes from his computer science lectures. A quick glance at his phone showed it was almost midnight, but he wasn’t tired yet. He felt like diving into something new, something that would take his mind off the monotony of the day.

He scrolled through an online gaming forum, his usual haunt for discovering obscure games, when a thread titled The Brotherhood caught his eye. The comments were oddly cryptic:

“This game will change your life.”

“Once you start, there’s no going back.”

“You have to play it to understand.”

Ryan’s curiosity piqued, and he clicked on the thread. Buried within the discussion was a download link, seemingly posted by someone who knew what they were doing. There were no screenshots, no official descriptions, just a simple message: “Enter if you’re ready to see the truth.”

Without much thought, Ryan downloaded the game. The installation was quick, and before long, the title screen appeared—The Brotherhood—written in elegant Arabic script that glowed softly against the backdrop of a vast, sun-drenched desert.

He pressed "Start," and the game launched into a character creation menu. Oddly, there were no customization options, just a single prompt asking for his name. He typed in "Ryan," but the game rejected it.

“This is not your name. Your name is Saif,” the game stated.

"Saif?" Ryan mumbled, puzzled. He tried to override it, but nothing worked. With no other option, he clicked "Continue," and the screen flickered before placing him in a beautifully rendered desert town.

A figure approached him, draped in a white robe with intricate green details. "Saif," the figure called out, "Welcome home. You have much to learn." The voice was calm, almost hypnotic, and it resonated deeply within him.

"Wait, home?" Ryan questioned, but the game moved on, seamlessly guiding him through the town. Every building, every face seemed familiar, as if he had walked these streets before.

The game didn’t have traditional quests. Instead, it involved meditative exercises, discussions with wise elders, and moments of reflection. The longer Ryan played, the more he felt himself slipping into this new identity. It wasn’t just the game world that was changing—it was as though the game was reaching out into his own reality, altering it bit by bit.

After what felt like hours, Ryan noticed something strange in the reflection of a water basin within the game. He was no longer seeing himself but Saif—a young Middle Eastern man with sharp features, wearing a white jersey with green details and AirPods. The realization hit him hard, but the game wouldn’t let him stop.

“Remember who you are, Saif,” the voice echoed, growing fainter as the screen faded to black.

Suddenly, the game returned to the main menu, but something felt off. Ryan blinked and looked around his room, but it wasn’t his dorm anymore. The walls were adorned with Arabic calligraphy, and the posters of his favorite games were gone. Even more shocking, he was wearing the same white jersey with green details and AirPods as his in-game character.

“What the...?” Ryan— Saif—whispered, staring at his reflection in the darkened screen of his computer. His heart pounded in his chest, the transition between the game and reality blurring more with every passing second.

Panicked, Saif reached up to touch his face, but it felt different, more angular, like the man in the game. He jumped out of his chair and rushed to the mirror, only to see the same face staring back at him—the face of Saif. It was unmistakable. The person he had become in the game was now standing in his room.

A soft chime from his computer pulled his attention back to the screen. The game was open again, this time displaying a new message: “The Brotherhood is your destiny. Share it with the world.” Below the message was the same download link he had clicked on earlier.

Without thinking, Saif copied the link and pasted it into a group chat with his friends. He typed, “You have to play this. Trust me.” His fingers moved on their own, as if compelled by some force he couldn’t resist.

The last remnants of Ryan’s identity dissolved as Saif looked back at the computer screen, now displaying a message in Arabic he could somehow understand perfectly: “Welcome to The Brotherhood.”

He smiled, feeling an overwhelming sense of purpose. The Brotherhood had claimed him, and now, it was time for others to join.