"It would be nice if every mosque were like that one," said Osman. "When I grow up, I hope I may go to Medina and stand in the Mosque of the Prophet. He suffered very much, didn't he, papa?"
"A great, great deal," Osman's father sighed. "He received his teachings direct from Heaven. We find those teachings in the Koran, our sacred book.
"Mohammed had many enemies who believed he was cheating his followers. They did not believe that Allah (God) taught him. They even said bad spirits were the cause of his teachings. His life was in danger many times. But he and his teachings were saved."
"THEY CAME IN SIGHT OF THE MOSQUE AT LAST."
Osman's father bent his head, saying these words very slowly: "Allah is great, and Mohammed is his Prophet."
Osman repeated them after him. Then both father and son sat quiet for a few minutes. When the Turk spoke again, he said:
"It is bedtime for my little boy. Good night, my child." He bent down and kissed Osman, then motioned to his waiting nurse to go with him to his room.
The next day was clear and beautiful. Even the street dogs seemed quieter and happier than usual.