"Y’all be wanting a man to give you material things, not looking at a brother for his development, trying to see where he’s headed. A lot of y’all living for the dunya more than the promise of the hereafter. If you’re trying to live that dunya life, better have your own dunya cash, am I wrong?"
The quote reflects Salahudeen's bitterness towards women when talking about the subject of material success as a criterion for marriage. It addresses the themes of faith, materialism, and the pursuit of worldly desires as experienced by the Black Muslim community. In that, the women might be more interested in what a man can provide rather than recognizing his potential for growth or commitment to his faith. However, Qadirah also notices Salahudeen's lack of interest in getting to know her, which leads her to question their compatibility. Initially, the evening starts promisingly with a visit to an Afghan restaurant. As the evening unfolds, Salahudeen is portrayed as a self-absorbed individual who monopolizes the conversation with his grievances about women. Their dialogue reveals the nuances in balancing personal values with cultural expectations and the importance of open communication.
"You gotta do all you can in this life while you can, you know"
Intisar revisits her past as she reconnects with Sister Rose and Brother Mujaheed after twenty years. The characters' interactions provide a window into their personal growth, changes in their beliefs, and the evolution of their relationships. This quote carries a message of seizing opportunities and living life to the fullest. Mujaheed is encouraging Intisar to make the most of her time and experiences. This wisdom is a reflection of their shared background in the temple where faith and community played a significant role. Intisar has undergone a transformation in her life marked by her travels and experiences. Therefore, Mujaheed acknowledges that individuals should strive to fulfill their potential even if they want to reconnect with their past and community.
"Y’all don’t think it’s strange that a powerful brother like the captain would drop dead like that?"
The short story examines the perspectives of Black American Muslims surrounding the death of Captain Michael 2X’s death—a prominent figure in the community. This statement comes from a group of men gathered at the Everlasting Arms Mortuary when discussing the circumstances of his death. The characters in the stories constantly grapple with both their faith and the challenges they face within their community. This quote touches on the skepticism that arises within a close-knit community when faced with a sudden death. The speaker suggests a conspiracy theory insinuating that Captain Michael's death is related to covert government activities. It hints at the broader theme of distrust in authority that is prevalent among marginalized communities.
