Broken Vow

Chapter 17

Qatida reported that Anas b. Malik said:
May I not narrate to you a hadith which I heard from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) which no one would narrate to you after me who would have personally heard it from him (the Prophet) (as I have the good fortune to do so)? -" It is from the signs of the Last Hour that knowledge would be taken away, ignorance would prevail upon (the world), adultery would become common, wine would be drunk, the number of men will fall short and the women would survive (and thus such a disparity would arise in the number of men and women) that there would be one man to look after fifty women.

Sahih Muslim, 2671 b
In-Book Reference: Book 47, Hadith 12

*****

"Assalamu alaikum," Tareeq greeted as he entered Ammar's office.

"Waalaikumusaalam," Ammar replied, looking up from the file he was reading.

"Have you safely returned home?" Ammar asked with a smirk, prompting Tareeq to playfully toss his car keys at Ammar, who skillfully dodged.

"Tareeq, just a reminder, I'm your boss," Ammar said coldly.

"Apologies," Tareeq mumbled as he retrieved his keys.

"Ummi's boy has returned to his loving mother," Ammar teased.

"Ammar, cut it out! You're saying you're my boss, but your behavior doesn't match," Tareeq said with a feigned anger, secretly enjoying this emerging side of Ammar. Unbeknownst to Ammar, he was gradually returning to his usual self, thanks to Hanan.

"If I acted like your boss, you probably wouldn't appreciate it," Ammar replied with a smile.

"Sure, sure, sure," Tareeq said, sitting across from Ammar, who was at his desk.

"Alright, enough about that. How's the progress with that old man? Your illness slowed down our work," Ammar inquired.

"You know you can't manage without me," Tareeq smirked, earning a glare from Ammar.

"And that 'old man' actually has a name. It's Mr. Zafir Z.H," Tareeq said with a grin.

"I see, I wasn't aware," Ammar replied sarcastically.

"Don't worry about him. Everything is under control. I've placed a mole among his men. We'll be aware of his plans," Tareeq said, relaxing in a chair.

"That's reassuring. But I can't help but worry about him. He's the one who turned my life upside down. I'm determined to make him pay, to the point where he'd beg me for mercy on his knees. That's my promise," Ammar declared firmly.

"I'm right there with you until we make that happen," Tareeq affirmed.

"Thank you, Tareeq, for being by my side since..." Ammar started but trailed off, the unspoken sentiment understood by Tareeq.

"I think he's going to win the primary election," Tareeq remarked.

"He better win. It'll be more satisfying," Ammar said, a smirk forming.

"Absolutely, watching him on the brink of victory only to have it snatched away will be quite entertaining. I can't wait for that moment," Tareeq exclaimed with excitement.

"Patience, that day will come soon," Ammar assured, sharing a smile with Tareeq.

"Where's my sister-in-law?" Tareeq inquired.

"I left her at home, but she plans to visit the orphanage later. She hasn't been there since our honeymoon," Ammar informed.

"She seems to have a soft spot for the orphanage," Tareeq observed.