Joe sat with Nelly in the warm light of a quiet evening, the conversation turning to faith and unity as it often did when they were together. He leaned forward, his voice earnest yet calm, as he began to speak about a subject close to his heart.
“Do you know why Our Lady appeared in Fatima?” Joe asked, his eyes meeting hers. “It wasn’t just for Catholics. It was to send a message that transcends religion. Fatima was named after the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It’s no coincidence. Our Lady chose that place to remind us that Islam is a religion of peace, and that we’re all called to stand united against the forces of evil.”
Nelly listened intently, her expression thoughtful.
Joe continued, “Satan’s empire is ancient. That double-headed eagle or phoenix you see in Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut? It’s not just a symbol of power; it’s the mark of an empire that has existed for thousands of years. Long before Christ, it was a symbol of domination and control, used by those who worship power above all else. It’s the Devil’s throne, a reminder of the chaos he’s sown throughout history.”
Nelly tilted her head. “And you think Fatima is the key to uniting everyone?”
Joe nodded. “I do. Our Lady’s message wasn’t just for one faith. It was a call to arms for all people of goodwill—Christians, Muslims, Jews, anyone who believes in peace and justice. She wanted us to see through the lies, to recognize the symbols of division and oppression, and to stand together against them.”
Nelly sighed, a mix of hope and skepticism in her voice. “It’s a beautiful idea, Joe. But do you really think it’s possible? With everything happening in the world?”
Joe smiled gently. “It’s not easy, I know. But that’s why faith matters. If we believe that unity is possible, that peace is worth fighting for, then we have a chance. The Devil thrives on division, on making us see each other as enemies. But Fatima reminds us that we’re all part of the same story. We just have to be brave enough to live it.”
Nelly looked at Joe, her eyes softening. “You always know how to make me think.”
Joe chuckled. “Just trying to do my part, Nelly. If we can hold onto hope, even in the face of the ancient throne, then maybe we can be the ones to rewrite the ending.”
The two sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling over them like a prayer.
Nelly leaned closer to Joe, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern. “Joe, have you seen those Dune movies? The ones with Timothée Chalamet? I can’t help but feel uneasy about his character, Paul Atreides. He’s portrayed like some kind of Mahdi, but it’s all wrong. It’s violent, agitating for jihad, not peace. It’s like they’re distorting the very idea of a true leader, someone who brings unity and understanding.”
Joe nodded thoughtfully, understanding her unease. “I’ve seen them. It’s a fictional story, but you’re right. The way they frame his rise and the idea of jihad—it’s dangerous when people can’t separate fiction from real spiritual truths. A Mahdi isn’t about conquest; it’s about justice and peace, a guide for humanity, not a warlord.”
Nelly hesitated, then looked at Joe with resolve. “You’ve been working on that online pictorial Quran, right? The one you told me about, to help people understand Islam in a way that’s beautiful and peaceful. Can I help you finish it? Maybe we can counteract some of these misconceptions.”
Joe’s eyes lit up with appreciation. “Of course, Nelly. That means a lot to me. The Quran is filled with verses about mercy, about compassion, and about standing against oppression—not becoming the oppressor. If we can present it in a way that captures that beauty, maybe we can remind people of what faith really means.”
Nelly smiled, a spark of determination in her eyes. “I want to help. Let’s use art, music, and visuals to show the world that Islam isn’t what people like that false Mahdi in Dune represent. It’s about peace, about love, about standing together against the real evils in the world.”
Joe reached out and took her hand briefly, a gesture of solidarity. “Thank you, Nelly. Together, we can create something that inspires understanding instead of fear. Something that brings people closer to the truth.”
As they began brainstorming ideas, Nelly felt a sense of purpose growing within her. She knew that art and storytelling could change hearts and minds, and with Joe’s vision and her own creativity, they might just make a difference in a world that desperately needed it.