Chapters 33-35 Summary

Hussainy's relatives and friends gather to see him off on pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. They tell tales of pilgrimages ancient and modern, discuss sacred traditions, and one chants verse from the Qur'an. Hussainy gives a long, eloquent speech. When a friend wishes him "A happy journey and safe return", Hussainy asks not to be reminded of the latter, for those who visit God's house while longing for home God ignores. He will think of Egypt only after leaving the "scenes of the revelations", and reserve thought of "returning" for another pilgrimage—and perhaps ending his life in the Holy Land. He pictures places in his mind, throbs with love for God, and longs for Mecca, the Well of Zamzam, and the road taken by the Messenger on his Flight—and multitudes over thirteen hundred years. His heart chills...