You Have Been Murdered!. Michael Scopus
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Название: You Have Been Murdered!

Автор: Michael Scopus

Издательство: Ingram

Жанр: Религия: прочее

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isbn: 9781725251458

isbn:

СКАЧАТЬ to decline as the old pastor and many other older members gradually died off and the new generation found other things to do with their time other than attend church. Since the late 1980s, attendance had fallen to a mere handful. In 1991, the building was noted to be in need of structural repairs which the small congregation could not afford. As a result, the building had lain dormant for a number of years. Since then the old church had been partially repaired and used successively as a childcare nursery, a social club for highland walkers and more recently, a drop-in youth center. However, the building was officially condemned by the local council two years ago as more serious repairs were required, and since then the old church had stood empty. It had now been purchased quite cheaply by the local Inverness Islamic Society as a property in need of major renovations.

      Inside the old building, there are large empty plastic paint tubs doubling as buckets strategically placed around the floor to catch the water from the leaking roof. A few old broken wooden chairs make up the sum of the furnishings and an old gray tarpaulin doubles as a carpet covering part of the floor. The floor itself is covered by layers of dust and several of the walls have holes in them where the plaster has come away. However, none of this dampens the enthusiasm of Dr. Malik.

      “And we can definitely have a mosque kitchen,” exclaimed Nilofer excitedly as she inspected the old sink and cooker.

      “Just because I’m not a fanatic like you and your friend Jamal does not mean that I do not believe.” Nilofer snapped back.

      “How can you say that?” demanded Yousef. “Jamal is a good Muslim!”

      “If you want to ruin your life then that is your problem.” Retorted Nilofer, “Just keep Afzal out of it!”

      “That’s enough!” thundered Dr. Malik. “This place will be our mosque. You will treat it with respect. I won’t hear any more arguing.”

      They all fell silent.

      Afzal looked out of one of the stained-glass windows onto the street and saw Jamal walking towards the old building.

      “Jamal is here!” Afzal exclaimed to his brother pointing out of the window.

      “Come, brother, let’s go see him,” Yousef said smiling.

      “Afzal, you will stay here with us.” Nilofer smiled at her younger brother. Nilofer sensed that Jamal was trouble and she was hoping to persuade her young brother to stay away from him.

      Afzal looked at his older brother for what to do.

      “Come on, Afzal. Don’t listen to a girl!” Yousef glared at Nilofer as he put an arm around Afzal’s shoulder and guided him to the door.

      The two Malik brothers rushed out the old oak door to greet Jamal as Nilofer scoffed, stamped her foot, spun on her heels and then rejoined her father as he continued with the inspection.

      “You have come to see our mosque which we are going to build.” Exaggerated Afzal.

      “Yes, of course, Insha’Allah, of course.” Afzal agreed sheepishly.

      “Come on, come in and see.” Yousef urged.

      They all walk off towards Mustafa’s house talking excitedly. Afzal looks back at the window of the old church and sees his sister watching them walk away. He quickly looks away and continues walking with the others.