the book of marriage.
“We will send you to school,” said Hani, when the sheikh left, touching Sahar’s head.
11 February 1924
Dear Sahar,
First of all I want to tell you, and I hope you don’t mind, but in your last letter I noticed two grammatical errors. When you write: “Of the twelve girls in my class, only four of us are Muslims,” you put “twelve” in the accusative, but you should remember that “twelve” shows case agreement, so it must be in the genitive. However, you write “four” correctly, in the masculine—because of polarity for the cardinal numbers. The other error is in your use of the subjunctive—remember to drop the nuun.
I am busy with politics as always. There are many arguments. Do they talk about this much at school?
Salamat,
Hani
15 March 1924
Dear Hani,
Thank you for your corrections. The lessons are fine. I enjoy my classes in Geography and English and History. I thought that I would like the Literature classes because I enjoy reading, however I do not like the teacher. She is always very certain that she is correct, and she does not like to hear other points of view!
My favourite teacher is Miss Schmidt. She teaches Geography. She is not friendly at first but I believe she is a conscientious person. In addition to this, she is intelligent.
The teachers do not talk about politics in the school, however the students talk. Most of the girls here do not like the Mufti. Even the Muslim girls talk about not wearing the veil. Please do not tell my mother.
Is your work very difficult? What is your opinion of the Mufti?
Salamat,
Sahar
23 December 1924
Dear Sahar,
I am sorry for this delay, I have been busy as usual. We have failed to convene another Congress, the divisions are very deep. Zionist immigration is increasing, land is sold all over, and the Arabs still have not formed a united front. I am not sure if it is appropriate to share my opinion of the Mufti. In fact, I have not yet decided. I prefer not to take a position and stick to it as though upon it my honour depended, since this is a habit I see everywhere, to the detriment of the national movement. Men claim to have principles but really they only care about keeping power. They do not try to see the larger picture, which is that while we are squabbling with each other the land is being taken from under our feet.
I know you prefer stories and novels, but I recommend that you read poetry, even if they are not teaching it to you. Start with al-Barudi, he is full of moral wisdom. Also I like the Egyptian poet Hafiz Ibrahim very much. And here is some of Ahmad Shawqi for you to enjoy:
And the star stared at us like an eye unmoving, unblinking
So that at parting’s call our bond dissolved.
Now a sea separates us, and beyond the sea a wilderness.
My night is now here in Egypt, hers there in the West,
How content with her company must her night be!
Yours,
Hani
17 January 1925
Dear Hani,
I enjoyed reading what you wrote about the problems facing the Arabs at this time.
I find this poem very beautiful. I know some al-Barudi and Shawqi but I will read more.
We heard about the protests when Lord Balfour visited. Is this not an example of the ability to suspend squabbles in the face of a greater cause?
Sorry this letter is short. Today is sports day, and I am playing tennis.
Sahar
26 May 1925
Dear Sahar,
It pleased me very much to see you at your mother’s house. You are growing fast, and I admit it was a shock to see how tall you are! And you are well spoken.
I am writing to you from Amman. I have come to visit my friend King Faisal of Iraq at a meeting about the new uprising in Syria. It is pleasant to be with him, he is an example of an honourable man, so careful of the fates of others.
Hani
29 June 1925
Dear Hani,
We have finished our end-of-year examinations, and now it is the holiday. Since my mother did not want me to return to Jenin we are staying in Jaffa until August.
Are you in Syria? We have been hearing about the uprising against the French. I hope you are in Jerusalem. Since I am sending this letter to Jerusalem, however, whenever you read that question you will be in Jerusalem! I pray you are not in Syria.
Now I am not at school I have been reading the