Have you ever noticed how as soon as you decide to do something that’s a bit uncomfortable, the opportunity presents itself almost immediately?
Over the past few months I’ve become increasing interested in Islam, in finding out more about it. (In fact how could anyone not be interested in at least achieving a balanced view, given the bogeyman status afforded to Muslims in some sections of the media? And of course there are some terrible extremes in Islam. But that’s not what I mean, I’m talking about the spiritual heart of Islam.)
I know a little, but not enough, so I’ve started some reading. But you don’t find out about the heart of a religion by reading about it. And therein lies the challenge, because I admit despite myself I am somewhat affected by the media image of male Muslims especially as ultra-conservative, forbidding and harsh. I know in my head that this is a stereotype (I work with some Muslims, for heaven’s sake), but it hovers around my consciousness.
So I’ve been thinking I would like to visit a mosque and talk to people. I decided yesterday I would find a way to do it, but felt shy and self-conscious about it so thought “Oh yes, perhaps I’ll do that in the autumn.” So today what pops into my in-box but an email from a friend inviting me to go on an “interfaith walk” in two weeks’ time, in the course of which we will visit two mosques, two Christian churches and two Buddhist temples! Complete with discussions and talks and the opportunity to ask questions.
Definitely someone out there making me an offer I couldn’t refuse!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Peace Tess,
Ahhhh….it seems that we may be thinking and moving along similar lines. Great blog you’ve got here.
As a male Muslim with (an albeit small) beard, I hope we can dialogue in a sensitive and honest way. If you have any questions you’d like to ask, please feel free.
I’d also value the opportunity to explore Catholicism with you, as it’s not a faith I know a vast deal about.
Best wishes
Abdur Rahman
There’s no doubting the importance of face-to-face human contact between people of different faiths and of visiting places of worship. Even better to meet people in their own homes.
Baha’u'llah, founder of the Baha’i Faith, commands his followers to associate with the people of all faiths in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship. So, for me, this kind of fellowship is essential.
Inter-faith work and dialogue are amongst the great pleasures of my life and I am blessed with many opportunities to learn from the devotion, the spirituality and the humanity of Christians, Muslims, Jains, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, Zoroastrians…
Reading is important, too, in parallel with the human contact.
I have many Muslim friends. They are as diverse, as warm and as hospitable as any other group of people.
I hope you enjoy the inter-faith walk and gain much joy and learning from it.
Ha! Never fails, does it?
I had an opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith recently (I’m Protestant) and found myself wanting to understand even more. Yesterday, a Catholic blogging friend agreed to discuss their faith with me in an ongoing conversation that I think will proved to enlarge both our faiths.
I was thinking if this worked out well I’d try to learn more about Juddaism next and then on to other faiths as well.
I lived in Turkey for a year when I was eleven years old and I’ll never forget waking up to the beautiful call to prayer from he local village mosque. We lived in Yalova, on the Maramara Sea two hours across from Istanbul. What an experience and all the people were wonderful. This gave me a unique experience with an Islamic (albeit much more Westernized than other Islamic countries)culture and I’ll always be the richer for it.
Then about seven years ago, I met up with a family up the street and the husband was from Iran and their huge family had big Persian dinners, etc. When he passed away suddenly, we were then included in all their mourning rituals. It was such an honor.
Even though I am not Muslim and don’t intend to be, I have experienced great warmth from those I’ve met and I don’t believe they were “pretending” with me. It was genuine. I think we can all be richer for learning about other cultures and faiths without feeling threatened or worried that somehow it is going to hurt us in some way.
I hope you have a lovely time and I also hope you blog about your experience.
One more thing, I have Syrian Arab ancestry on my father’s side as well as Jewish ancestry on both my mother and father’s side, so how could I completely cut off what is part of my background, eh?
i read this post yesterday and it has stayed with me. i recently read “the faith club” about the relationship between three women–one jewish, one muslim and one catholic. it really stirred my interest and desire in just the things you describe here. i look forward to journeying along with you.
Thank you everyone for your comments. Lucy, this is a bit spooky, I ordered “The Faith Club” recently and it was delivered yesterday!
spooky or serendipitous?