In a remote village, a young woman is spared from execution based on a claim that "criminals must go to hell, but an executed virgin will go to heaven." Urging on the completion of the task, a local spiritual leader weds the virgin to her eventual executioner. The Executioner must face the woman as his bride, prisoner and future victim...

The Executioner finds himself in a whirlpool of doubt. He has always been a true believer in leader Haji and his cause. Now he finds it difficult to understand the Haji's sudden altering of the law.

The Executioner's eyes are soon opened to the power struggle between the Haji and the Moazen, the man who recites the call for daily prayers. The consequences of disobeying the ruthless Haji become all too clear. The Haji and his circle of followers will stop at nothing to hold their control of the poverty and drought-stricken village.

Despite the Haji's disapproval, wise old Auntie insists the Virgin accompany the other village women for the traditional pilgrimage into the mountains. The Executioner turns desperately to the past for answers as the threat of violence increases...