Because of a thick layer of fat under our skin, we are not affected
by the cold as much as other animals. And when winter comes, we
go farther south along the coast."
Omar remembered: "That means you migrate! What other qual-
ities do you have that I don't know about? For example, the docu-
mentary said that you take great care of your eggs until the babies
hatch from them. Can you tell me about that, please?"
The penguin smiled: "Of course. Unlike many animals, it is the
male penguins who incubate the eggs rather than the females. And
they do this in -22 degree temperatures Fahrenheit (-30 degrees
Celcius) for 65 days without ever moving. Meanwhile, the mother
penguin goes away to look for food for the babies that will be born.
After they are born, the chicks spend their first month on the feet of
their mother and father. If they leave there for even two minutes they
will freeze to death."
Omar nodded: "That means you really have to be careful, then?"
The penguin replied: "Allah has taught every animal how to act.
We just do what Allah has inspired in us."
Omar agreed: "Our Lord has taught every creature where and
when it should settle and how to find food. The life of you penguins
is a good example of this."
The penguin turned around: "You can find lots of different ex-
amples in other creatures. My family is waiting for me, so I must go
now, I'm afraid."
Suddenly Omar heard the sound of a bell ringing. It was morn-
ing and his alarm clock had gone off. He then realized that his lit-
tle journey had just been a pleasant dream.
19
