Nayir

Nayir is a tall Palestinian desert guide who is often mistaken for a Saudi Arabian Bedouin. He is in his late 20's and losing hope that he will ever be married. His parents are no longer living and he is an only child without any known cousins. He has very little access to the world of women. Though he is a devout Muslim and mentally chastises those that do not follow Islamic Law, his attitude toward women seems markedly different than the other devout Muslims in the book. He does expect that women follow Islamic law, but he believes that the do so for modesty and protection. His love seems more pure and real than the men in the book who are already married or who have access to women.

As he is investigating Nouf's death on behalf of his friend, Othman, he falls in love with his...