The White Ghost

Yemenat

Ahmed Saif Hashed

The security checkpoints, likely established in the early 1980s in our remote areas, forced us to navigate around them by taking convoluted paths, crossing numerous slopes, and climbing rugged terrain to avoid any contact or confrontation.

On one occasion, I took a detour on a mountain near “Souq Al-Khamis” around one o’clock in the morning. The moon was hiding behind the tall mountains, its pale light fading toward dusk, while darkness crept in, expanding its reach. I spotted a white figure moving and tucked myself away to observe cautiously.

The white ghost drew closer without sensing my presence. It wore a white shirt and a turban, secured with a piece of white cloth around its head. To me, it appeared to be a saintly figure or perhaps a righteous man among God’s chosen servants who occasionally manifest among humanity, bringing luck and happiness or instilling hope and optimism.

Questions and possibilities overwhelmed me: Could it be Al-Khadher? But why would Al-Khadher, peace be upon him, leave the well-trodden path, subjecting himself to hardship by climbing rugged walls? I navigate these treacherous routes to avoid the checkpoint, yet why would he do the same, especially as a saint of God or a prophet?

A fragrant breeze wafted toward me, preceding its owner, who seemed anxious. I felt a refreshing lift to my spirit, worn down by travel and evading security points. The white ghost drew closer, scaling the wall that led to the very space where I was hidden. There was no longer any room to avoid a collision, while he remained unaware of my presence. I asked myself silently, perplexed: I have heard that Al-Khadher manifests as a man of piety or an elder in white or green garments, but I never heard of him wearing