Monday, October 17, 2011

Excuse me, I need to ask you a question.

Bright and early Sunday morning I was up and ready to go to the grocery store. I was wondering if my neighbours were also up and perhaps getting ready for Church. Yes no matter how long I've been Muslim my mind always wanders towards this thought. I also thought to myself, well at least I for one, am wearing my Sunday best! (Nines Widosari outfit). With these thoughts in mind, I made my way to the grocery store. As I went through the doors and chose a grocery cart an older man lingered nearby and I wondered if I was in his way. Suddenly he said "Excuse me. I need to ask you a question." Rapid thoughts went through my mind as I contemplated what the question might be...why are you wearing that thing on your head, what country are you from, why are Muslims terrorists etc. I braced myself for the inevitable. Then he went on to say " I'm sent from heaven. Allah, your God wants you to know that you can pray to Him and He will answer your prayers". At this point I wanted to say Allah is not only my God but everyone's God and Allah is the way you say God in Arabic. However he didn't let me get a word in edgewise. Then he said "Allah bless you. And that's all." Flabbergasted I simply said Thank you. Although I had a million questions like Aren't you a Christian? Why would you say Allah to me since Christians would usually not want to say that? I was really surprised he didn't say Jesus loves you and will save you etc. That has got to be the strangest conversation I've ever had related to religion...err not really a conversation as I didn't even get to talk. I know the Lord works in mysterious ways but all I can say is WOW!

6 comments:

  1. Salaams,
    hehe that sounds like a good way to start Sunday.

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  2. Surprising but how nice! I am always tired of listening to people in the streets or outside the church saying "Jesus will save you" - Not really original!

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  3. lol, some people say the oddest things but looks like in the end it wasn't all bad. Definitely strange though.

    Salam Alaikum

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  4. that is quite the story, very refreshing.

    as an agnostic, i am familiar with a number of the flustered expressions you talked about, and am very pleased that you wrote about this.

    it is a shame you could not have a two way conversation though. one sided theological statements are condescending regardless of the quality of the statements made.

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  5. Wa Alaikum salaam Simply Me

    Yeah I guess so, sure could have been worse that's for sure.

    Hi, Marie

    It was refreshing although strange.

    Asalaamu Alaikum Muslim Convert

    For sure it wasn't all bad and it was a nice change.

    Hi Erisian

    Yes it was a bit patronizing.

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  6. Never go anywhere alone again...a lot of weirdos lurking around

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