…… as my college age
granddaughter and I worshiped at a Muslim mosque.
Several
months ago as the virulent anti-Muslim voices became even more
pronounced throughout our country, I felt compelled to do something
in support of those of the Islamic faith. Knowing that
the Christian church I attend provides space each Friday for Muslim
prayers, I felt that the least I could do would be to welcome these worshipers. As I stood outside the door to welcome
them and was joined by a few young people, I could almost feel the
apprehension of those men and women who were arriving. Upon noting
that we were a "friendly mob," my heart was warmed by the
exchange of greeting - not a handshake - but drawing each other into
friendship by touching our own hearts.
As we
continued to do this for several weeks, we invited the worshipers to
share food and drink several times after their prayers. Several
months now have passed and our friendship has waned somewhat because
of summer schedules. How tragic, however, that the forces that divide
us have continued unabated. Thus I thought I would not only greet
the worshipers again, but also see if we could join in worship.
How I wish
all Americans could've accompanied us! How very warmly we were welcomed. Fellow human beings of all
hues taking time from their noon lunch or work on Friday afternoon
sharing a time of prayer. Young and old, men and a few women,
well-dressed professionals, workers in overalls and cab drivers
prostrated themselves towards the origin of their belief. My
granddaughter with me in the rear of the room held the leash of the
seeing-eye dog of the speaker, a trial attorney with the United
States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. In a message of
love, forgiveness and reconciliation, as he made equal reference to
God and Allah, his sermon equaled any I have heard in a lifetime of
attending Christian services.
We could
feel the dedication and commitment to love in the room through the silence of
worshipers in their prone position, I felt a oneness with all
humankind as I bowed my head in joint meditation with them.
