The Cycle

The Cycle

The brotherhood, like most things in life, is a cycle. It starts when a man discovers the brotherhood for the first time. Perhaps a brother or group of brothers happens upon him in public, like Ashton here, or maybe he sees a blog post about the brotherhood just like this one. The man may try to resist, but it’s already too late for him: the seed has been planted in his mind.

Soon the brotherhood and its ways consume him, growing the seed that’s been planted. He won’t be able to think of anything else, nor does he want to. He spends his time learning as much as he can about being a brother online. His mind is filled with being a brother, joining the brotherhood, and spreading his newfound joy with others. Nothing will satisfy him until he is a brother too.

He eventually caves in; they always do. He seeks out the nearest recruiter and signs his old life away permanently. He is given a new name, in Ashton’s case Amir, and a new purpose: to start the cycle anew.

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.

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.

The djiin purpose

Charlie had always been fascinated by nature, and he had always dreamed of visiting the national parks in Iran. So, when he had a few days off from work, he decided to take a trip to one of the most beautiful parks in the country, the Kavir National Park.

As he arrived at the park, he was immediately struck by the beauty of the landscape. The park was located in a vast desert region, and the sand dunes seemed to stretch on forever. The sun was beating down on him, and he could feel the heat radiating off the sand.

As Charlie was walking through the desert landscape of the Kavir National Park, he suddenly noticed a venomous snake slithering towards him. He froze in fear, knowing that this was not something to take lightly. The snake had a triangular-shaped head and its body was covered in a pattern of brown and black scales. Charlie knew that he needed to act quickly to avoid being bitten.

Charlie was stunned as he watched the venomous snake transform into a man right before his eyes. He quickly realized that he was face to face with a Djinn, an evil spirit from Middle Eastern folklore. The Djinn had a dark and menacing aura around him, and Charlie felt a shiver run down his spine.

Picture from @kiffarab​

The Djinn spoke in a low, ominous voice, “What brings you to my domain, mortal?” Charlie knew that he had to tread carefully around the Djinn. He responded, “I came here to explore the beauty of this national park, I meant no harm to you.”

Charlie knew that he needed to be careful with the Djinn, but the temptation of making a wish was too strong. He asked the Djinn if he could make a wish, but the Djinn’s response was unexpected. “It is not my purpose to grant wishes, mortal. I am not a genie, and I do not serve at your command,” the Djinn said, with a tone of warning.

Charlie was taken aback by the Djinn’s response. He had never heard of a Djinn with a specific purpose like this. The Djinn continued, “My purpose is to ensure that Islam remains the most powerful religion in the world. I have been tasked with this responsibility by the great king of the Djinn, and I will not allow anything to threaten the supremacy of my faith.”

Charlie was surprised by the Djinn’s words. He had never thought about converting to Islam, and he didn’t know how to respond to the Djinn’s prophecy. “I’m not sure what you mean,” Charlie said, trying to sound as diplomatic as possible.

The Djinn replied, “You will soon see the beauty and power of Islam, and you will become a proud servant of Allah”.

Charlie felt a sudden rush of energy as the Djinn’s hand touched his head. He tried to resist, but the Djinn’s grip was too strong. Suddenly, Charlie found himself on his knees, unable to move as the Djinn began to recite a prayer in Arabic.

Charlie felt a strange sensation all over his body as the Djinn continued to recite the prayer. He felt his skin start to darken and his facial features shift, until he looked more like an Arab man than his original appearance. His lips get fuller, his eyes darker and his hair turn black and thicker. And a small dark beard growing. His clothes changed too, and he found himself wearing traditional green djellaba. and his mind became filled with knowledge of Islam and the Quran. He began to speak Arabic fluently, and his native language was forgotten.

Picture from @kiffarab​

Charlie was stunned as he looked down at his transformed body, and he realized that he was now a part of the Muslim community. He couldn’t believe what had just happened to him, but he felt a sense of peace and belonging that he had never experienced before. He knew that his life had changed forever, and he had a new purpose in life.

Suddenly, the Djinn stopped reciting the prayer and removed his hand from Charlie’s head. The transformation was complete, and Charlie found himself looking completely different than he had just a few moments ago. He felt confused and disoriented, unsure of what to do next.

Charlie looked at his transformed body in wonder, touching his face, his beard, and his djellaba, still processing the sudden change that had just occurred. The Djinn looked at him with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. 

“You have done well, my child,” he said. “But you must understand that your old name, Charlie, is not suitable for a good Muslim like yourself. I will give you a new name, one that is befitting of your new purpose.“

The Djinn closed his eyes and muttered a few words under his breath. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew through the desert, and Charlie felt a sense of power and strength fill him. The Djinn opened his eyes and spoke, "Your new name shall be Abdullah, which means ‘servant of Allah’. May this name bring you good fortune and lead you on the path of righteousness.”

Abdullah was amazed by the Djinn’s choice of name. He felt a sense of belonging and purpose that he had never experienced before. He was no longer confused or disoriented, but instead felt a sense of clarity and conviction. He knew that he had been chosen for a purpose, and he was ready to embrace it.

The Weakest White

The room is dimly lit, the air thick with tension. Intricate Arabesque patterns line the walls, casting eerie, shifting shadows. Five male contestants sit in a semicircle, illuminated by the cold, stark light from a massive screen displaying the first question.

Rashid (the host) stands at the center, his presence both commanding and unsettling. Dressed in a dark, finely tailored suit with subtle Arabic designs, his eyes seem to penetrate the contestants' thoughts.

Rashid: (with a chilling smile) "Welcome, gentlemen, to The Weakest White. Tonight, we’ll test not just your knowledge, but your ability to adapt. Each wrong answer brings a change—a transformation. Are you prepared?"

Contestant 1 (Chris): (nervously) "Transformation? What do you mean by that?"

Rashid: (smirking) "You’ll see soon enough, Chris. But let’s begin with something simple. What is the official language of the United Arab Emirates?"

Contestant 2 (Jake): (confidently) "Arabic."

Rashid: "Correct, Jake. Well done. You’re safe… for now. But Chris, your question: What is the holy city where Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage?"

Chris: (relieved) "Mecca."

Rashid: "Correct. But Paul, let’s see how you do. What is the traditional headscarf worn by Arab men called?"

Contestant 3 (Paul): (uncertain) "Uh… the turban?"

Rashid: (with a sly grin) "Wrong. The correct answer is ‘keffiyeh.’ But don’t worry, Paul. You’re about to learn more than you ever imagined."

The lights dim further as a low hum resonates through the room. Paul’s body begins to tremble. His skin darkens, taking on a rich olive tone, his facial features sharpening and becoming more defined. His clothes shift into a traditional white thobe, and a keffiyeh materializes on his head. Paul gasps, clutching his head as his memories are overwritten. He is no longer Paul; he is now Fahad.

Rashid: (watching intently) "How do you feel, Fahad?"

Fahad: (calmly, with a hint of pride) "I… I feel complete. I understand now."

The other contestants watch in horror as Fahad joins the ranks of The Collective, his eyes reflecting the same eerie calm that unnerves them all.

The tension thickens as the next round begins. The remaining contestants, visibly shaken, try to maintain their composure. The game continues, with each question feeling like a step closer to an inevitable fate.

Rashid: "Michael, your turn. What is the Arabic word for peace, often used as a greeting?"

Contestant 4 (Michael): (hesitant) "Salaam?"

Rashid: (smiling) "Correct. You’re safe… for now. But Andrew, what about you? What is the name of the traditional Arab coffee, often flavored with cardamom?"

Contestant 5 (Andrew): (uncertain) "Uh… Turkish coffee?"

Rashid: "Incorrect. The correct answer is ‘Qahwa.’ But don’t worry, you’re about to experience it firsthand."

Andrew's transformation is even more dramatic. His muscles bulge, his posture changes, and his skin darkens to a deep bronze. His hair thickens and darkens, while a beard forms on his face. His Western clothes morph into a dishdasha, and his eyes lose their original color, taking on a deep, enigmatic brown. The change is complete, and Andrew is now Mustafa.

Mustafa: (speaking in a deep, resonant voice) "I see clearly now. This is my destiny."

The remaining contestants, now Chris, Jake, and Michael, look at each other with growing dread. The transformations have not just altered appearances but reshaped their very identities. The game has become a nightmare they can’t escape.

Only Chris, Jake, and Michael remain. The atmosphere is oppressive, with the shadow of The Collective looming over them. Fahad and Mustafa stand silently behind Rashid, their faces serene yet unnerving.

Rashid: "We’re nearing the end. Chris, your question: What is the name of the month in which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset?"

Chris: (his voice trembling) "Ramadan."

Rashid: "Correct. You’re safe. Jake, let’s see how you fare. What does the word ‘Allah’ mean in Arabic?"

Jake: (desperately) "God?"

Rashid: (nodding) "Correct. You’re safe. Michael, your turn. What is the term for the collection of traditions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad?"

Michael: (struggling to think) "Um… Hadith?"

Rashid: (smiling darkly) "Correct. It seems you’ve all managed to survive… for now. But there can only be one leader."

The final round begins, with each contestant facing increasingly difficult questions. The pressure mounts until Michael finally stumbles.

Rashid: "Michael, your time has come. You will lead The Collective."

Michael’s transformation is the most intense yet. His entire being seems to dissolve and then reform, stronger, more commanding. His features become regal, his stance authoritative. He is no longer Michael but Sultan—the leader of The Collective.

Sultan: (with unwavering resolve) "I understand now. This is my true self, my true purpose."

Final Scene: The New Order

With Sultan at the helm, The Collective is now complete. Fahad and Mustafa stand by his side, ready to follow his commands. The game show is over, but the story has just begun. Sultan, once Michael, now leads The Collective with an iron will, ready to spread their influence far beyond the confines of the game room.

Rashid: (smiling with satisfaction) "The game has ended, but the real journey begins. Lead them well, Sultan."

Sultan nods, his gaze fixed on the horizon of possibilities ahead. The contestants have been absorbed into something far greater than they ever imagined, their former selves lost to the power and unity of The Collective.