Worldly Holiness

Narrows Bridge, originally uploaded by papalars.

Had a wonderful visit to an area mosque this last Wednesday. Not that I’m counting but I think that makes 5 now that I’ve visited in this area. I continue to find Muslim hospitality quite gracious and warm and this instance was no exception. I’ve been increasing the frequency of visits with my Imam friend as well, both visiting his mosque and sharing halal meals together a few times. I’m learning a ton and enjoying each step along the way. Allah akbar! Hope you don’t mind me saying “God is great” in Arabic. He truly is. I never want to make that statement with a cavalier or flippant attitude. I really, deep down believe that God is great….and greatly to be praised.

My visits seem to continue to build bridges of trust in genuine friendship, exchange of ideas about God and camaraderie. You may not realize this but Muslims in our midst don’t always feel welcome. You may contend with me that there are good reasons for that feeling. In return I would caution you not to make generalizations, projecting your feelings about some who show up in the news upon the entire swath of the 1.2 billion Muslims spread across the globe. Thing of it is, I keep running in to peace-loving, gracious Muslims whose warm hospitality puts me to shame. We’ve got much to learn from our Muslim friends, really.

This last Wednesday was a great example. A group of my friends and students in a class I’m teaching had arranged to go visit a local mosque to have a conversation about our questions from the Qur’an. Muslims that I have met in their place of worship are always proud to open the door and show me a place to sit and feel welcome. I know not all mosques are open to those from the outside but that has been my experience for the most part. Those that I have met do this special thing when we greet that I really love. After we shake hands, they take their hand and place it over their heart, kind of like we do when we give the pledge of allegiance. It is a sign of honor, I presume, like they are taking a bit of me into their bosom. Pretty cool stuff.

This last Wednesday one of our conversation partners was expressing something, kind of a burden that he was carrying. It goes to the point I made above, that many Muslims do not feel welcome in our midst. In mid-sentence about some other point he was making, a point I really can’t remember because of what followed, he said, “the world hates us!” He continued saying something else that I can’t for the life of me remember either. When it finally registered what he said and the expression on his face, I blurted out, “I don’t HATE you!”

I think it registered on my new friend because he paused mid-sentence. He seemed to take notice. I looked at him intently, he at me. I think the ground was laid for a follow-up visit. Pray with me as I continue to build bridges. Allah Akbar. Anybody want to join me on a visit?