First Grain of Sand — Page 85
SOVIET PRESSURE INTENSIFIES 69 I had become familiar with. In similar fashion, whenever I had a chance, I would treat them this way. As a result, within a few days the inmates of my cell began to respect me so much that they would themselves bring to me the food that the government would provide for me from outside the prison. They would bring tea to me, make my bed, and bring me water when I needed it for wuzu [ablution for Islamic Prayers] or even help me perform the wuzu itself. Every 15 days, prisoners were taken to the separate bathing facilities, where all prisoners—Russian, Armenian, even some Muslim-would bathe naked in the same place. However, some Turkish Muslims used to pay extra money and bathe in a sepa- rate area with separate curtains [for privacy]. They would take me along so I could bathe there as well and would pay the necessary money on my behalf. I learned through my experience in prison that if a person genuinely keeps love in their heart for humankind and engages in selfless acts for them, it has an unparalleled effect on other people's hearts. There were several Russian inmates who came in contact with me and expressed great friendship and care for me. Some had even given me their home address, saying that when I am free I should come visit them and stay with them. Now, almost one month later, this same Abdul Qadir reported back to the Soviet regime leadership that based on his investiga- tions, he concluded that I am a spy who is an expert on political issues. This was the moment that sparked intensified suspicion from Soviet leadership with increased activity around me as a result. Two men were placed in my cell to find out more about me. Two