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?
Andy, amen! May the Spirit of Christ in you love those you meet in this ministry — as you decrease, may God increase! We’re praying for you!
While flying into Nairobi, I sat next to a Somali Muslim. We talked about the clash of cultures yet we both share a deep love for East Africa. We decided that the things that bind us are greater than the things that separate us. If we cannot be brothers, we can at least be neighbors–remembering how Jesus told us to behave toward neighbors.
Thanks for this, Andy–a powerful moment that you shared! I wonder how many other “different” groups around us feel the same thing–maybe not from “the world” but certainly from their local communities. Here in Hilmar I think of the many Mexicans among us, the quite extensive Sikh population, the many poor people (Merced County has, I think, the highest unemployment rate of any county in our state), and maybe even our significant Assyrian population (because of our country’s war with Iraq, concerns over Iran, etc.). I have heard disparaging comments about each of these groups from people within my own congregation! And yet we just sang yesterday morning, at the close of worship: “…they’ll know we are Christians by our love!” What we need to do is what YOU are doing: spend personal close-up time with people in our community who are different, in ethnicity, religion, language, etc. Let the real love of Jesus shine through us, and propel us out, beyond our personal fears and issues of “how do I do this?” to truly engage the rich variety of neighbors around us. Easier said than done…
Dan, thanks for your comments. The thing of it is, I really enjoy being that person who says, “I don’t hate you!” My heart breaks for two aspects of this situation. The personal sense of rejection and marginalization that Muslims in general feel in our country and that too many times I fail to show the fragrant aroma of Christ to those on the outside.
Good description Andy, he really was taken back by your comment. I have also been thinking about the other gentleman with diabetes. He asked to pray for him and it would be a great testimony if he was healed in the name of Jesus. Insha Allah.