Redirect the Heart Doctors

DANCE MUSIC PLAYS ON CAR RADIO

Great night!

Great things come from great undertakings.

-You're coming with us again tonight, yeah?

-Yeah.

-I will see you later.

-All is love, man.

-Bye!

-See you, guys!

-I was beginning to wonder.

-Hi.

-Busy night, I take it?

Been on my feet the whole time.

I was worried you'd miss sehri. I hope you stopped long enough to eat?

Yeah we all ate together at the community centre.

So where is everyone?

Your brother's off playing cricket,

your father is dropping off your grandmother on his way to work.

She asked after her "little prince".

-Are you all right?

-Yeah, I'm fine. Just going to take a quick nap.

It will have to be quick. Your doctor's appointment?

-Oh, yeah, right, that.

-Are you sure you're OK? I can drive you.

-I'm free this morning.

-You don't have to.

-Don't be silly.

You could even nap some more in the car.

If you're going to be volunteering tonight, you should be well rested.

Anyway, Naani Jaan left this behind,

and I must drop it off. It's not mine yet, but one day...

It'll be yours, just like it was hers, and her mother's...

-..And her grandmother's...

-..And her grandmother's mother's!

It's the one, real family heirloom

and she'll fret if it's not under her roof, safe and sound.

Just like I fret when you're out all night.

I'll wake you in time to get ready.

I just think it's interesting. This idea of spiritual cleansing. Morning.

Morning. Spiritual cleansing?

Ramadan. Niamh's brush with it has made her a convert.

It has not.

We're all a bit lapsed in our family, some more than others.

I just always envy people with a strong faith, you know?

There but for the grace of God go I.

They always seem to have their act together and they seem really content.

I think you're mistaking "content" with "placid".

Placid to the point of being bovine.

Yeah, they're content cos they don't question anything.

That's a bit cynical, even for you.

Does being Muslim not mean anything to you?

-Muslim?

-Uh-oh.

-You are, aren't you?

-Why? Because I'm the right colour?

-Not at all, I just thought...

-Well, think again!

The Donoghue opens its mouth and firmly inserts its foot.

So. What is it? Malnutrition, fainting spells,

medication failing cos you're not taking it when you should?

What?

Why would it be anything like that?

Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself.

It's the standard checklist during Ramadan.

We get a sudden influx of cases

brought on by dehydration and fasting.

-So just because I'm religious, you assume I'm an idiot?

-Aasim.

Though I do object to your presumptions.

You're quite right, Mrs Masood, I do apologise.

But in my defence, I did have to refer someone to hospital

this morning for exactly those reasons.

Yeah, well, it's my arm,

not my spiritual wellbeing that's brought me.

He broke it, and it's been out of the cast a while now

but he's still having problems.

OK. Is the pain constant or intermittent?

Intermittent...

though it never seems to hurt when I'm facing Mecca. Funny, that.

MUSIC: "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry

MUSIC DISTORTS

-Fully extend.

-I take it you're not a practising Muslim yourself?

No. And turn. Though I'm not completely ignorant on the subject.

It sounds as though you only see the negative side to things.

-There's more to Ramadan than fasting.

-I'm sure.

Aasim has been working with the homeless, haven't you?

We've been helping out at the community centre,

doing an outreach programme.

Are you OK? You're not in any sharp pain?

He may be overdoing it a little.

OK, relax. Sit down.

It's what it's about, testing yourself.

Ramadan is a time of learning better self-control, self-discipline.

Making sacrifices and having more empathy for those less fortunate.

That's all fine,

as long as you don't make yourself ill into the bargain.

It's a time to turn away from evil thoughts and worldly activity.

You have to redirect the heart.

Well, I'm going to redirect you to St Phil's.

-I think you need to see the physio.

-Is it serious?

No, but I'd expect to see him have a better range of movement by now.

Can you give us a moment?

Something I want to ask. Man stuff.

All right, as long as you don't go burdening Doctor Tyler

with lots of medical questions.

He's waiting for his A level results.

-Hoping to study medicine in London.

-Really?

Oh, man.

Oh! I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

-Want to tell me what's going on?

-It's a medical emergency.

I am seriously dehydrated.

How come? You weren't fasting overnight.

Were you drinking?

-I was clubbing last night.

-Not helping the homeless?

-And? Have you taken something? Aasim, if you're having a reaction...

-I dropped an E, OK?

We all did! It was totally safe. And I didn't take it while I was fasting,

but I'm thirsty now because of it, so this counts as a medical exemption.

-You can ask my Imam.

-And this is part of redirecting your heart during Ramadan, is it?

-Dropping an E?

-I wouldn't expect you to get it.

-No, come on,

-I want to hear this.

-Taking the E, it makes me feel transcendent,

like...really in touch with my spiritual side.

Sounds like a very convenient way of justifying it, to me.

-All paths lead to Allah if your intentions are pure.

-What about the part where you lied to your mum,

who thinks you're helping the homeless

-but really you're off your face in some club?

-You're not holy.

I wouldn't expect you to get it.

I totally empathise with going out for a good time with mates.

But I don't need drugs to do it.

Neither do I but there's different spiritual paths to a greater good.

-Why not explore them?

-Do you really believe that?

Sounds more like having your happy cake and eating it to me.

To the holy, all things are holy.

And when exactly did you get "holy"?

What?

Ecstasy tends to stay effective for at least six hours

and that's if it's pure. So when did you take it?

Dunno. Last night.

I'm prescribing you with stronger painkillers

but do not take it for at least 12 hours.

It will interfere with anything else in your system.

You'll hear from St Phil's in a few weeks.

All done? Questions answered?

Hasn't been taxing you, has he?

Problem with answers is they lead to more questions.

I'll pray for you.

How's your arm?

-Bit sore.

-Well, make sure you take your tablets

as soon as you break your fast.

What was this morning about?

A doctor's appointment?

Something else? Something really important?

How did we both manage to forget this?

Aasim! What's with the giant spoon?

Oh, don't ask, man.

Are you still wired?

We all just had a joint, just to mellow a little.

Man, you are mad.

I'm just pacing myself, getting ready for tonight.

-Last night's going to be hard to top, though.

-I hear you.

-Look, man, I've got stuff to do.

-Yeah?

Better than this stuff?

Danny scored it. It's better than we dropped last night.

-Primo Scooby, he reckons.

-I can't.

Mate, there's no come down if you stay up there.

Look, I know you don't partake of the old shining leaf, so...

You know it makes sense.

-All right.

-I'll see you later, yeah?

-See you later, man.

MUSIC: "Hey Brother" by Avicii

Excuse me, sir, you haven't seen my grandmother, have you?

Mrs Ahmadi? She's about this tall, big glasses?

They make her look like ET?

No? OK, thanks.

All right? You know the best thing about dope?

Getting the munchies. Everything tastes so boss, you know?

-Looks it.

-Have a bhaji.

I'm not meant to.

I've got plenty.

And crisps, and... double chocolate muffins.

Mate, I just want to roll in it.

Get naked and everything, and turn myself...

into a giant...dirty kebab.

Hello. Everything all right?

Just seeking refuge.

It's mad out there now the kids have broken up, isn't it?

That's not what I meant.

No...I know.

I just didn't want to go wading straight in.

Can I help?

I've been having thoughts.

Everywhere I go, there's temptation.

-And you feel tested?

-I feel I'm going to fail.

-That's good.

-What?

If you were denying the struggle to yourself,

that would be the real failure.

But the fact that you're facing your fear about what might happen,

that shows you're not totally lost to the temptation itself.

Whatever it is.

Some temptations are worse than others.

Maybe. But...

however bad it is, I'm here for you.

No condemnation, no meaningless platitudes, just...understanding.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Reverend, may I have a word with you?

Oh, Mr Robson, I did not know you were here.

Mrs Tembe, what is it?

The flower rota. I have had Mrs Mackenzie on the phone twice

this morning about who will have preference over the altar flowers.

Again?

When did flower arranging become a competitive sport?

It is threatening to become all-out war between her and Mrs Barnes.

Carnations at dawn? All right, I'll have a word with them.

Think about what I said. I'll be back in a bit.

All right, Sleeping Beauty? Ready for round two?

-What time is it?

-It's summer time - who cares?

-Look, we've got a party at Mozza's.

-I can't. Gimme my bike.

-Mate, he's got a hot tub.

-I need to go home.

Chill. No worries, yeah? I'll see you tonight.

You were gone a long time.

I suppose she wanted to hear all you've been up to.

-Up to?

-Your voluntary work?

You don't look so well. Is it your arm?

Have you had your painkillers?

-Aasim, it's OK if you have.

-I just want to lie down.

Where does it hurt?

Here.

Perhaps you shouldn't be taking them on an empty stomach.

What did Doctor Tyler say?

I'll be OK.

No. Go on. Go upstairs. Lie down.

Hello, can I speak to Doctor Tyler?

So, you feel like you are slipping back into your old way of thinking?

Some days are harder than others.

Well, you must try to think of every day as a step forward.

You cannot make sideward steps on the path to redemption.

-You don't understand.

-But I do.

Let me tell you something.

I have had days when my troubles seemed insurmountable.

I had people treating me in a horrible, cruel, racist way.

Yet I kept looking forward, telling myself, "This will not last."

To react...will only make things worse.

-When did you take the painkillers?

-Perhaps they were a bit too strong?

They shouldn't cause this kind of reaction.

I didn't take any painkillers. I just want to sleep it off.

Can you give us a few minutes, Mrs Masood?

Sorry, I need to ask Aasim a couple of questions

that he might get embarrassed about answering in front of you.

Or course.

What's going on?

HE BURPS

Oh, man, thought I was dying.

So I'm dealing with a case of common or garden heartburn?

At least your mum will be relieved.

You can't tell her! I didn't eat anything last night.

-I was so hungry. It was a medical emergency.

-Another one?

If only there was something I could prescribe for religious hypocrisy.

-I'm not a hypocrite!

-Then why do you have to lie?

Sometimes we must go to face the fight,

not wait for it to come to us.

For example, I have taken it upon myself

-to confront the local newsagent.

-Why?

Magazines. On the top shelf.

He tells me not to look up, but they are everywhere

and I'm not just doing it for myself.

There are children, and the elderly.

You're right! It IS everywhere. It's always there.

I'm just walking down the street and I find myself looking.

The whole world is a top shelf.

-I

-cannot encourage such a conversation.

Stout resistance and clear-sightedness

will rid you of any doubt.

-But these thoughts...

-Are to be cast aside.

Do not look up.

You said you're not a practising Muslim. You've never had to fight with your spiritual side.

I had things bad enough without adding to my problems.

I bet you never had anyone expecting anything from you, no-one telling you

how to behave. What did you have to overcome to get where you are?

Well, I got called coconut, half-breed,

mongrel, by the other kids and those are the nice ones.

-See, I didn't fit in anywhere.

-So you could be anything you wanted.

I'm a British Muslim. Going out with your mates, being one of lads

when what you want goes against everything your faith is telling you.

Try balancing that.

Maybe you can't, not without compromising your expectations.

But I've seen plenty of British Muslims manage it.

How?

All sorts of ways, but they didn't need to take drugs to do it

and they didn't lie to their families.

You made that choice.

It wasn't forced on you by your friends or your faith.

So we are agreed?

No more dwelling on the past.

Temptation is only there

if we deceive ourselves into believing it is.

I'm not kidding myself.

No doubt.

But strength cannot succeed

if we constantly question that it might fail us.

Have faith.

Remember...Psalm 119:28.

"My soul is weary with sorrow..."

"..strengthen me according to your word."

KNOCK AT DOOR

Can I come in?

Oh!

Oh.

I broke my fast.

-It's OK, Doctor Tyler said I should make sure you drink some water.

-No, I've eaten too.

I can't do it, Mum!

I've tried.

I do everything you and God ask me,

but it's just not enough. I've failed.

I've had food, I've been disrespectful

and I left Naani Jaan's ladle in the park.

That's where I went to stuff my face after I left here.

I've shamed myself, I've shamed the family

and I didn't take any painkillers because...

because I deserve to be in pain.

Look, I think we'll just have to accept the ladle's gone.

-I'm sorry.

-We'll tell Naani Jaan and hope she'll not take it too badly.

No, I'll tell her. It's my fault.

I'm the one messing up family tradition, on top of everything else.

-There you go again.

-What?

-Taking everything on by yourself.

I think you set yourself up to fail sometimes

by setting the bar so high.

Because I want to get everything right.

Aasim, why are you putting so much pressure on yourself?

I have to if I'm to honour our faith, the family,

the things you expect from me.

Admit it, Mum, you're proud of me when I'm a good Muslim.

Come over here.

I know you were under a lot of pressure with your A levels,

and you just piled that on top of all the other things

-you try to accomplish.

-Isn't that what I should be doing?

Not if it means you live your life for the approval of others.

Yes, we want you to do well,

but you must be happy, not struggle to make others happy.

I'm going to ask you something important now, and I want you

-to think about it, not just tell me what you think I want to hear.

-OK?

Are you unhappy with your faith?

No, listen. Faith is important

and we should take strength from it.

It should leave you feeling spiritually fulfilled,

not discontented.

And...that's what I get with you, sometimes.

I'm not.

It's just...

It's difficult...

trying to find a big enough place for it in my life sometimes.

Look, find your space, be by yourself to pray, yes,

but also to ask yourself what it is that might make you more contented.

-I'll see you back at home.

-OK.

-Oi-oi! He's back!

-Thought you'd gone to Mozza's?

Everyone was asking where you were.

You make it happen You are the party, man.

-Yeah, well, you'd better find another party animal to go with.

-No way.

I can't do it. It's doing my nut in.

What's up? Do you need a little pick-up?

No! No more gear. I need a break from it.

Look, I can't keep trying to be two different people!

-Trying to make everyone else happy.

-Well, who's asking you to?

-Aasim?

-Mum?

Are you going to introduce me to your friend?

Yeah, um, this is Karl

we've been doing the night volunteering together.

Yeah, I've been helping with the drugs counselling.

It's really nice to meet you, Mrs Masood.

-Aasim's told me a lot about you.

-Really?

He's not said anything about you.

Karl was just saying there's some new volunteers starting tonight,

-so they don't need us.

-Yeah, it's all work and no play.

Well, in that case, would you like to join our family this evening

-when we break our fast?

-Will there be enough food?

As if you need to ask.

During Ramadan we open our home as well as our hearts.

You'd be very welcome.

So Mr Robson, shall we prey?

I always find prayer has the power to reduce my fears to nothing.

Why won't you listen to me?

Because you are talking of thoughts that I cannot encourage.

But...

It's fine.

Well, I think there's peace in the pews, for now.

Mrs Mackenzie has been appeased? You are a miracle worker, Reverend.

She was feeling unappreciated, just needed a calm-headed approach

and a sympathetic ear.

That and standing well back when she let off steam.

Sorry, Josh, do you want to carry on our conversation now?

No.

It's fine. I'm fine.

I'd better, uh...

Uh... See you.

He seemed very troubled before, something really weighing him down.

Did he say anything to you?

We had a long talk. I think everything was resolved.

Hello? I thought I'd prepare a couple of dishes

that aren't so spicy.

You looked a little wary when I talked about what we'd be eating.

He'll be fine.

Human dustbin, me.

-Can I get you something to drink?

-Yeah, I'll have...

No, it's fine. I'd feel bad having a drink when you guys can't.

Don't be silly, Karl, you're our guest.

OK. If you've got a Coke?

Of course. So, what was this secret errand you had to do?

This.

I hope Naani Jaan will understand.

We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

I'm sorry. I try to be a good Muslim.

Well, that's all anyone can ask of you. Anyway,

your volunteer work is proof.

Out at all hours, giving up your time to help the homeless.

Mum...why do you always accept the things I tell you?

Perhaps if I don't ask, you won't have to lie about it.

I've not been working.

I've been going out clubbing and drinking. With Karl.

I see.

So, you're not..?

A drugs counsellor? No. Sorry.

I've just got to take this call.

Mum, I'm sorry, OK, but my friends are important to me.

I like hanging out with them. I don't mean to fail.

No-one does.

Why do you think they call it practising a faith?

It's because we aspire to perfection.

You're not a failure, Aasim. You're 18.

You've got your whole life ahead of you at getting it right.

Sounds like something Doctor Tyler said,

except he thinks religion's rubbish.

That aside, I expect he sees a lot

that makes him understand human frailty.

-Something else I've got to learn, I suppose.

-You want to be a doctor?

To help others, you need compassion.

Perhaps you could learn by his example.

Now...is that everything?

Should we declare an amnesty and make a clean sweep of it?

No, that's it, I promise.

PHONE RINGS

Hello? Mrs Ali, how are you?

-Do you want me to go?

-Nah, it's cool.

-You sure?

-Yeah, it's fine.

The whole mosque?! I see.

Could you hang on a minute?

So, you've told everyone your grandmother looks like ET?

What's that?

Oh, just some rubbish.

The things that get blown in from the street!

Lead us not into temptation.

Lead us not into temptation.

Lead us...

-Ah, you must be Dr Macpherson.

-Call me Toni.

Argh!

I reckon I'd go mad.

Stuck at home, alone, sticking things in envelopes.

He's got it. He's got the book!

Are you a dancer at all?

No, no.