THE BOOK OF THE STORIES OF THE PROPHETS
CHAPTER 1. The creation of Adam and his offspring.
1399. Narrated Abu Huraira (r.a): The Prophet (saw) said, “Allah created Adam, and his height was 60 cubits. (When He created him), He said to him, “Go and greet that group of angels, and listen to their reply, for it will be your greeting (salutation) and the greeting (salutation) of your offspring.” So, Adam said (to the angels), ‘As-Salamu Álaikum’ (i.e. peace be upon you). The angels replied (saying), ‘As-Salamu Álaika wa Rahmatullahi (i.e. peace and Allah’s Mercy be upon you). Thus the angels added to Adam’s salutation the expression, ’Wa Rahmatullahi’ Any person who will enter Paradise will resemble Adam ( in appearance and figure). People have been decreasing in stature since Adam’s creation.” [4:543-O.B]
SAFE HARBOUR by Luanne Rice
25 August 1981.
The wind blew hard, whipping Newport Harbour into whitecaps. Dana Underhill peered beneath the brim of her cap, assessing the situation. This was the last day of sailing lessons. All the kids were supposed to race against each other, she and Lily would hand out trophies, and the summer would be over. “Come on, Dana,” the kids called, impatient to start.
“It’s getting rough,” she said. “Please, Dana? Come on, you tough us right! What good are sailing lessons if we can’t handle a little chop?”
“What do you think?” Dana asked, glancing across the Boston Whaler.
Gallows Thief by Bernard Cornwell
SIR HENRY FORREST, banker and alderman of the City of London, almost gagged when he entered the Press Yard for the smell was terrible, worse than the reek of the sewer outflows where the Fleet Ditch oozed into the Thames. It was a stink from the cesspits of hell, an eye-watering stench that took a man’s breath away and made Sir Henry take an involuntary step backwards, clap a handkerchief to his nose and hold his breath for fear that he was about to vomit.
Sir Henry’s guide chuckled. “I don’t notice the smell no more, sir”, he said, “but I suppose it’s mortal bad in its way, mortal bad. Mind the steps her, sir, do mind ém.”
Sir Henry gingerly took the handkerchief away and forced himself to speak. “Why is it called the Press Yard?”…. to be continue
