New Gym, New Life

New Gym, New Life

*This is my first story ever and english is not my first language so if there are any mistakes, I'm sorry. I hope you enjoy it!* -Rafi💚

Daniel and Alex had been together for five years, living happily in their cozy apartment in the city. Both in their late twenties, they prided themselves on staying fit and healthy.

When a new gym opened just a few blocks away, they decided to check it out. The gym, named "Sahara Fitness", had a unique and exotic vibe, with its rich gold and deep red color scheme, intricate geometric patterns, and Arabic calligraphy adorning the walls.

As they walked in, they noticed that all the staff and trainers were Arab men; tall, muscular, and radiating confidence and masculinity. They greeted Daniel and Alex with warm smiles, their deep voices resonating through the gym. Despite the clear cultural influence, the place seemed modern and well-equipped.

"Welcome to Sahara Fitness," one of the trainers, Malik, said in a thick accent. "You two look like you already know your way around a gym, but we like to offer something special to our new members. A gift to help you get the most out of your workout."

He handed them each a small, ornate container filled with a dark, powdery supplement. "This is a traditional blend, used for centuries to enhance strength and endurance. Try it out during your workout, and you'll feel the difference."

Daniel and Alex exchanged a glance. They were a bit skeptical but intrigued. They had tried all kinds of supplements before, so they figured it couldn’t hurt to try something new. Thanking Malik, they headed to the locker room to change.

Dressed in their usual gym gear, the couple mixed the supplement into their water bottles and sipped. The taste was strong, almost spicy, with a hint of something they couldn’t quite place. Shrugging it off, they began their workout routine, starting with some light cardio before moving on to weights.

As they started lifting, both noticed an unusual burst of energy coursing through their bodies. The weights felt lighter, their movements smoother. They exchanged a surprised look but continued their sets, pushing themselves harder than usual.

After a while, they noticed something even stranger. Their bodies began to feel different—stronger, more powerful. Alex glanced at his reflection in the mirror and did a double-take. His usually slim frame was starting to bulk up, and his muscles were swelling with each rep. His fair skin seemed to be taking on a slightly tanned hue, and his facial hair usually trimmed and light, was darkening and thickening.

"Dan, are you seeing this?" Alex whispered, his voice sounding deeper than usual.

Daniel, too, was undergoing a transformation. His once smooth face was shadowed with a thickening beard, his jawline sharpening. His normally light hair was darkening to a rich, deep brown, and his skin was also taking on a more olive tone.

They both felt a strange warmth spreading through them, almost like a fire igniting from within. Their minds began to feel fuzzy, thoughts of their usual life together growing distant. Instead, they were filled with an intense, almost primal desire to lift more, grow stronger, and assert their newfound masculinity.

As they continued working out, their transformations became more pronounced. Their bodies grew more muscular, their chests broadening, arms bulging with veins as their biceps swelled. The hair on their bodies thickened, and their once soft features became rugged and masculine. The changes weren't just physical; their minds were altering too.

Daniel, now with a full, dark beard and intense eyes, glanced at a group of women working out nearby. He felt an overwhelming attraction towards them, something he'd never experienced before. The thought of Alex, his partner, seemed oddly foreign, replaced by a burning desire to dominate, to conquer.

Alex, too, felt a shift. His mind, once full of love and tenderness for Daniel, was now clouded with lustful thoughts. But he wasn't thinking about Daniel; it was women with soft curves and alluring smiles. The idea of being with a man seemed almost laughable now.

They both finished their workout, breathing heavily, sweat dripping from their now muscular, tanned bodies. The gym’s atmosphere, once just a backdrop, now felt like home, where they belonged and could be their true selves.

As they headed back to the locker room, they caught sight of themselves in the mirror. Gone were Daniel and Alex, the cute, loving couple who had walked in earlier. In their place stood two Arab alpha males, their bodies sculpted and powerful, exuding raw masculinity. Their eyes were dark and intense, their gazes filled with a new hunger.

Malik appeared behind them, a knowing smile on his face. "Ah, I see the supplement has worked well. Welcome, brothers. You are now part of our tribe, our brotherhood. The old you is gone. You are reborn, stronger, and more powerful than ever."

Daniel, now calling himself Daoud, and Alex, now Ali, looked at each other and nodded. They felt no fear, no regret only acceptance and excitement. They had been transformed, not just physically but mentally. The bond they once shared as lovers was replaced with a new bond, brotherhood. And with it came a shared obsession, a desire for women that burned within them like never before.

"Bro, I can't believe how good this feels. I don't even know why we were ever together like that," Ali said, his eyes flickering with a new, primal energy.

Daoud smirked, flexing his arms, feeling the surge of power coursing through his veins. "Yeah, man. What were we thinking? This is what real life is about. We were just... confused before." He looked at the women working out nearby, his gaze filled with hunger. "Now, it's all about the chase, the thrill."

Ali nodded in agreement, his thoughts aligned with Daoud's. "Exactly, bro. Chicks, muscles, and dominating life. That's what we were meant for."

Daoud clapped on Ali's back, their bond now one of brotherhood and shared desires. "Let's go, man. Time to show the world what real men are made of."

They dressed in new clothes provided by the gym. traditional but modern arab-inspired attire that accentuated their muscular frames. As they walked out of the gym, they felt like kings, ready to conquer the world outside. Women turned to look at them, drawn to their confidence and masculinity. And as they exchanged a knowing glance, they knew that their lives had changed forever.

No longer the gentle, loving couple they once were, Daoud and Ali were now straight, Arab studs, obsessed with their newfound masculinity and the thrill of chasing after women.

Darren had been a pompous advertising executive. Until one of his new clients needed help in a new vitamin water campaign with a top secret ingredient. The client was generous to supply his office with it as well.

He partook in drinking it, but the more he drank the more foggy his head became. After a week he noticed his beard grow in thicker and his muscles bulking. Not disappointed with the changes he didn’t stop drinking it.

After two weeks his interests changed. No longer partying at nightclubs, he opted to be sober and respect his body. He found a local mosque to attend and began praying everyday.

A month passed and his clients came for a visit to his office. No longer in business casual attire, he chose a thobe and keffiyeh. The client called out his name commenting on his change of appearance but he quickly corrected him:

“You must be mistaken my name is Darab”

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...

Open House, Open Recruitment

Adam stood in the doorway of the modest suburban home, surveying the interior with his critical eye and attention to detail. The house was perfect for a young family—three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious backyard, and a quiet neighborhood. With the open house scheduled for the afternoon, he had only a few hours before people arrived to ensure everything was in order.

As he moved from room to room, straightening pillows and adjusting curtains, Adam noticed a box tucked away in the back of the closet in the master bedroom. Curious, he pulled it out and set it on the bed. The box was unmarked, but it had a strange weight to it that piqued his interest.

He opened the box, and inside, neatly folded, were several white soccer jerseys with green details. Adam lifted one out, inspecting it closely. The material was soft, almost inviting, with intricate green embroidery along the sleeves and collar. There was no brand tag, no indication of where it had come from.

Something about the jersey drew him in. Without really thinking, he slipped off his blazer and tie and unbuttoned his shirt, replacing it with the white jersey. The moment it touched his skin, a wave of warmth spread through his body, settling deep in his chest.

He stood still for a moment, puzzled by the sensation. His reflection in the bedroom mirror caught his eye, and as he looked at himself, Adam noticed subtle changes taking place. His hair, once light brown, darkened to a deep black. His skin tone shifted, taking on a warm, olive hue. His facial features sharpened, becoming more angular, with a prominent nose and a thicker beard that seemed to grow in seconds.

His heart raced as he watched the transformation in the mirror. His blue eyes darkened to a rich brown, and his neatly trimmed beard got thicker. Adam's clothes seemed to change as well—his dress pants and loafers replaced by a pair of tan trousers and sandals that complemented the white jersey.

He blinked, trying to reconcile the image in the mirror with his memory of himself. He felt different, not just physically but mentally. He realized he was no longer Adam Barnes, a real estate agent from Connecticut. His thoughts, his memories—they were shifting, rearranging themselves into something new.

The name that came to him was not Adam but Omar. He was a devout Muslim, a man who had lived his life with a sense of purpose and faith. The transformation had not just altered his appearance but his very identity. He felt a deep connection to his new self, as though he had always been Omar and the life of Adam was a distant, fading memory.

Omar looked down at the remaining jerseys in the box. A sense of duty welled up within him—these jerseys were meant to be shared. They held the power to transform, to bring others into the fold of faith. The open house was no longer just about selling a home; it was about offering something far greater.

He carefully laid out the jerseys on the dining room table, each one neatly folded and ready to be handed out. As the first guests for the open house arrived, he felt a calmness and sense of duty settle over him. He knew exactly what he needed to do.

The Awakening of Destiny - Chapter 2 : The Silent Transformation

You begin to feel the weight of your new name, Omar, settling into your very being. It’s subtle at first—small changes in your thoughts, in the way you carry yourself, in the choices you make. The practices and beliefs of the Arabization movement start to take root within you, almost imperceptibly shifting the foundation of who you are.

As the days pass, you find yourself drawn deeper into the world I represent. Your lifestyle begins to align more closely with the ideals of our movement. You start to adopt the habits and practices that define us, and with each passing moment, you become more integrated into this new identity. The food you once ate, the clothes you wore, even the way you speak—all begin to change, reflecting the transformation that is occurring within you.

But as you change, Omar, so too does the world around you. Friends, family, society—they all begin to notice the differences. They sense that something within you is shifting, and their reactions are far from understanding. They don’t see the purpose that now drives you, the strength you are beginning to cultivate. Instead, they see only the unfamiliar, and with that comes resistance.

The people who once knew you as one of their own now find it difficult to understand the path you are on. They question your choices, challenge your beliefs, and push back against the transformation that is reshaping you. The struggle is not just external, but internal as well. Doubts creep in, testing your resolve, making you question whether this path is truly yours.

But in the quiet moments, when the world’s noise fades away, you begin to experience something else—visions. In your dreams, a mysterious figure appears, guiding you towards the new path you are on. These visions are powerful, almost overwhelming, yet they are unclear. You feel a connection to this figure, a deep sense of comfort and purpose when you see them, but you cannot fully understand the messages they are conveying.

The visions leave you both comforted and puzzled. They reassure you that you are not alone in this journey, that there is a greater force at play, guiding you towards something far beyond the life you once knew. Yet, they also challenge you to trust in the unknown, to have faith in the path that is unfolding before you, even when it is shrouded in mystery.

As you continue to transform, Omar, the struggle becomes a crucible, refining you, hardening your resolve, and strengthening the connection to the new identity you are forging. You are no longer just the boy you once were; you are becoming something more. The name Omar is no longer just a label—it is the embodiment of the strength, the purpose, and the destiny that now defines you.

The silent transformation is well underway, and though the path is fraught with challenges, you begin to realize that this is only the beginning. The visions will continue to guide you, and in time, the doubts will fade, leaving only the fire of purpose that now burns within you. The world may resist, but you, Omar, are becoming unstoppable.

Chapter I

Hayun Wadud

It was hard for Tom Holland to imagine his life getting any better than it already was. Not even 30 years old, he was a multi-(multi-multi-)millionaire, global star of stage and screen, blessed with multitudes of talent and, not for nothing, an equally successful and famous girlfriend.

So when his agent told him a burgeoning group of movie studios based out of Saudi Arabia wanted Tom--and only Tom--to star in its first big-budget movie, Tom figured...why not? It's not like he had anything to lose.

When he arrived for the shoot, he was overwhelmed by the almost contradictory sense of humble majesty in the country. The people welcomed him, not because he was Spider-Man--almost as though they'd been waiting for him.

His benefactors, the producers, certainly had been awaiting his arrival. Their welcome for Tom had been lavish, no expense spared. But this was no Hollywood party. It was purely Saudi. Not a word of English was spoken, no one smoked or drank or swore. Prior to his arrival, Tom knew a handful of Arabic words osmosed through past conversations. He wasn't consciously aware when his mind began to think, and his tongue to speak, purely in Arabic.

"Nadeem," one of the producers called in Tom's direction. Tom responded; he wasn't sure why he knew he should answer to that name, if it even was a name...he just knew he should. "Nadeem," the prince/producer continued, "we are so glad to see you assimilating so well. Now you must fully immerse yourself in our culture and tradition." The prince paused. "For your acting role, of course."

Tom nodded. In unconscious Arabic, he replied, "Of course, brother. I will do whatever is needed."

Six Weeks Later

What had been needed, he was told, was to grow out his beard in accordance with Islamic custom. Tom obeyed without question, just as he did when he was taught that he must also keep his underarms and genital area free of hair. He made sure to observe strict modesty in his dress, throwing out the tank tops and shorts he'd packed for the trip to Saudi, ensuring his shoulders and legs were never exposed. Other customs he absorbed and assimilated without being told. He lowered his gaze in the presence of Saudi women. He exorcised all profanity from his vocabulary, sprinkled "alhamdulillah" and "inshallah" effortlessly throughout his speech, and forgot what pork had tasted like.

After six weeks in Saudi, Tom was eager to get going on the movie shoot. Over lunch with the producers, he humbly--almost sheepishly--asked when his job would begin. "Soon, Nadeem," one of the princes said in response; Tom had long since become accustomed to being called Nadeem. He thought of it as a term of endearment. "We are working behind the scenes to prepare for your role. I promise you, Nadeem, it will be the role of a lifetime inshallah."

Tom beamed at that. Somehow, instinctually, he knew it to be true.

One Year Later

Another glorious day in Saudi Arabia. Another gift from Allah to one of his humblest, most loyal servants. These days Nadeem al-Fasih bore vague memories of a life other than his, a life filled with reckless excess, hedonistic indulgence and an utter disregard for God and the Quran. But those memories, if they had even been real, were merely echoes, as though they accounted for an alternate version of him from some other universe.

Nadeem was no hedonist, no infidel by any means. He was the kingdom's foremost ambassador to the godless Western world, almost like a movie star among the Muslim faith. At just 22 years old he had a prominence typically reserved for only the highest ranking members of the royal family. Although, like many Saudis, Nadeem had some royal blood in his veins, he had not been particularly highborn. Now, though, he was the face of Saudi Arabia across the earth.

And that face came with a charismatic, powerful voice, a deep and resonant Arab lilt that made effective dawah wherever he went. It wasn't rare for Nadeem to return from a trip abroad and inform the royal family that yet another nation-state had reverted to Islam, its people embracing their superior Arab heritage and devoting themselves to Allah. In just his first full year of global dawah, Nadeem was primarily responsible for converting what had been Great Britain into the United Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, even unifying Ireland in the process under the Islamic flag. He had garnered the international nickname "Hayun Wadud" for his innate ability to turn cities and townships rife with internal conflict and division into friendly Muslim neighborhoods.

Despite that, as he walked with his brothers to Friday prayers, Nadeem felt no pride nor inflation of ego. He felt what any good Muslim should feel--submission to Allah and an ever-growing desire to help more and more avoid the fate of hellfire and join him and his brothers, sisters and wives in the birthright of Islam.