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| Portland Muslims, 2006 |
Today (or tomorrow, depending on how it is calculated) is the last day of the month of Ramadan; Eid al-Addha, a holy time in the Islamic faith; a time of celebration.
Although I'm not Muslim, I'm joining the world's 1.5 billion Muslims today in their celebrations. Why?
Because, in spite of all the Islamophobia gripping certain segments of our population, the ideal of America is still alive. Check out this report from NBC news last night.
The Heartsong Church in Memphis demonstrates not only what it means to be American, but what it means to be Christian as well. The ideal of America (as opposed to the reality) is a land where people are free to practice their faiths without being subject to persecution, a land governed by tolerance and respect. And, as Pastor Steve Stone says in the video, his church is doing what Christ bade them to do: loving its neighbors.
As the spouse of a devout Muslim, I am gratified by this act of charity and love. It is reassuring and deeply moving to know that my country is filled with decent, kind, and loving people.
Blessings!
Eid Mubarak to Maty and you Dade.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the blessings of this time even as we remember the victims of 9/11.
Peace brother.
Ridwan