‘The birds of the world,’ the Hoopoe said, ‘gathered to discuss a prospective journey to find their king. Many found excuses not to set out. The journey was too arduous, they said. We would get lost, they said and stayed behind. The group that flew out did face many perils. They flew over deserts and mountains, for years they travelled and at times it felt as if their whole life would be spent on the route. Some got distracted by the charming scenery, some were eaten by wild animals. Some went mad from hunger and dashed themselves against the rocks. Some were burnt and drowned and molested. Only thirty birds survived to the very end. They reached the majestic court battered and bruised without feathers or strength. Why on earth would His Majesty receive you? the court’s herald said. You are nothing to him. When they begged and cried, they were granted an audience. At long last they were in the presence of their Beloved. What did they see? They saw the whole world and other worlds, myriad suns and stars, lights upon lights. Within this dazzling reflection they saw their greatest shock – they saw themselves. Thirty birds. How could that be? they wondered. It was as if they were looking into a mirror. It took them some time to solve the puzzle. Their existence was within him because nothing existed outside of him. The birds merged with the one they had flown towards, the one who was themselves and everything else. From the lowliness, they rose again so that seeker, destination and the way became one.’

In the morning, the women followed the Hoopoe down the mountain and across the valley. They climbed up a small hill and looked down at a clearing near a lake. They saw men busy constructing a building. They were dressed in clothes only seen in paintings and films set centuries ago. The men were not using any modern building technology and they were singing as they worked.

‘It’s the monastery,’ said Salma. ‘We are watching it being built.’ Her relief that she was near a familiar landmark overcame the oddity that they had been swept back in time. The monastery meant that they were close after all to where they had started. They had indeed returned part of the way.