The Story of Religion, Lebanon, and Myself
Together = <3
I haven’t really posted much about Ramadan this year, mainly because it’s been so hectic and different ideas for some crazy posts have been popping into mind. So here it is!
Ramadan seems to have passed by very quickly this year with 10 days or so left of fasting (depending on where you are). Ramadan is one of my favourite months, as I really enjoy the days of fasting, prayer, forgiveness, and blessing associated with this month. It’s a break from the 11 other months of hectic busy schedules, anger, and nagging.
I may have mentioned this before, but my family has never been “all that religious” in the past, as is the case with many Sunni Muslim families of the Bekaa Valley (specifically in the Zahle province). I was taught how to pray, fast, and the basic necessities of Islam, but not much more, even though my father is very religiously educated and knows very much when it comes to Islam. Instead, my family focused on religious tolerance, respect to any faith, and education. My father has his PhD in Mathematical Education and a Masters in “Applied Mathematics”, so education was of prime importance to him and my mother. I ventured to discover more about Islam, and I went into more “in depth” topics which really did scare me off for a while. It took me a while to discover that religion does not have to be a scary thing, or something that holds us back from many things. It doesn’t have to bee something “left wing” or “right wing” but instead something in the middle.
Today, I practice religion very differently from most people. I pray 5 times a day, fast, and follow most Islamic traditions…. but I also fast during Lent, go to Church during Christmas, and of course Good Friday. It’s not because I am unsure of my religion, but instead I feel that both of these religions have the same “concept” or “hadaf” in the end, and thats what is important. I remember the days of fasting with Charbel during easter, while he fasts in Ramadan with me (this year is no exception, even if I am far LOL). It’s a great feeling knowing that I am so understanding and my mind is so open, something I wish Lebanon would adopt… but unfortunately it does not. Ramadan is so special to me not only for my own beliefs, or for a time where I practice something “Muslim” but because I have friends in Lebanon who are different denominations of Christians who fast with me. It’s rewarding to know we accept each other despite religion, and actually practice bits and pieces from the faiths of each other…and after all isn’t that the spirit of Ramadan? Acceptance, welcoming, and peace? I sure think so. I guess that’s why I love Ramadan, it makes acceptance and coexistence to easy for me, I don’t know about others, but it really does for me. I will never forget last Ramadan. I was on the far end of the city here, and I broke my fast quickly. I wanted to pray, and as there was already snow and cold weather… praying outside would have been very difficult. I realized I was next to the Lebanese Maronite Church that is located in this city, so I parked my car and opened the door. I was greeted by the priest who runs this church. I talked to him and introduced myself which he also did. He was a pleasant man, full of smiles and laughter. ”I need to pray”, I said, very bashfully. And he smiled back at me and said “Ofcourse, take a seat, I will be back in 5 minutes”, is what he replied. As soon as he was gone, he was back carrying a sheet and told me to follow him. He took me to a room in the back of the church, where he placed the mat on the floor for me, and told me he already placed the sheet facing the Kaaba so I can pray. I thanked him, the smile on my face and my voice really did show how grateful and how embarrassed I was of him. He shut the door behind him and went out of the room. During my 6th ruq3a (or bow) in my prayer (which was a quick Taraweeh) I smelled the most beautiful scent of incense filling the room. I finished my prayer and rolled up the sheet which he so kindly provided for me. “I hope the incense did not bother you, I prayed along side you, maybe God will answer our prayers if they go together”, he said smiling so warmly. “Of course not, I love it”, I replied. We walked out of that room and past the Alter. I knelt before the large statue of Mary on it and asked for a safe drive home. “I wish more people were like you, and myself. It would make our home country much better. May God accept your prayer, and a blessed month of fasting to you my son”, is what he said. From that day, I realized what Islam and Christianity are, what Ramadan is all about, and what Lebanon should be.
Until this day, I visit this priest, and he has become a part of my family. Charbel, my friend in Lebanon, also has done things which showed me the feeling of coexistence, and displayed to me the beauty of religion. I no longer fear religion, but embrace it as a tool, and the key to peace and love…. no matter what it is. This is Islam, this is Christianity, and this is Ramadan.
I hope the remainder of this holy month brings you more of it’s blessings, and helps pave the way to understanding, love, and unity, as it has for me. Maybe… just maybe one day, Lebanon will do the same.
God Bless, and a Belated Ramadan Kareem!
Beautiful and the way it should be… Wish more people were like that. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for reading Mich!
Wow….this is such an amazing thing to experience! The moment all those labels people put on us are shattered like that is so GRAND its majestic! My only wish is for people to start waking up to that since it has always been the case!
I believe in just that, your post made my day
Absolutely love it!
I think your experience seems great though I would never go so far as you have because I can barely keep up with one religion.
I think really all that matters is that we have the ability to accept the other person’s view. We don’t have to do what you do though I respect what you do and this is your way of practicing faith but for everyone else out there just open your hearts to other people and everything will be okay.
Loving one another is key and understanding we are all born with different ways is too. Hopefully the Lebanese will slowly reach that point and maybe forgetting and forgiving what was done in the past is important – there’s a lot of lingering hatred between groups and a lot of revenge going around- that’s probably our biggest problems- of course at the hand of politicians.
Also, now I have faith in going to Zahle and finding myself a nice Muslim boy
I happen to crush on many zehalwi celebs and didn’t know Zahle had Muslims too- though no one should read this as me being a religious fanatic.
Anyway, thanks for your post.
Dude – you managed to water my eyes at work!
Now everybody thinks I caught this “eye virus” thing taking Lebanon by storm!
Exquisitely beautiful post!
Wants me to go through your experience of religious tolerance in Montreal
May God bless the priest, your friend Charbel and all faithfuls united under peace, love and tolerance
May God enlighten people blinded by free, ignorant, uncalled-for hatred
May God help all oppressed faithfuls around the world, facing racism and xenophobia with kindness and respect
ادْعُ إِلَى سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ ۖ وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِ ۖ
وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْتَدِينَ ﴿١٢٥﴾ سورة النحل
http://www.islamicstudies.info/tafheem.php?sura=16&verse=120&to=128
Nice One Seif ..
Regards
one word: Perfect!
I loved reading it. Honestly I wouldn’t be able to practice something christian or jew, I would feel quickly guilty or hypocrite, like betraying my Islam. I’m talking about practices not the way of thinking, or tips ruling our way of life. It’s sure we can learn much and we have to learn from the other religions, because they’re all about tolerance, respect and love.
Thanks for sharing!
Ama
Loved it, Love you, Love your posts, Love the way you think !!!
I cannot begin to describe how much your comments mean to me. Every single one of you managed to make me smile larger and larger. This is the one post of mine that really means so much to me on so many levels… and I’m very happy to have shared it with you, and to have received all this positive feedback!
Much love to all of you, keep the love going …and akid God bless! <3
told u my opinion on twitter really the best post till now
I LOVE IT….. <3 between religions
This is a beautiful post.
I wish Lebanese people would behave in their country the same way they do abroad. If such harmony in coexistence existed here, we would have less problems.
<3 … Great post Alloush. This is the way the whole world should be. I hope to always be a proud and devoted Muslimah inshallah but accepting and respectful of other religions, whether we pray in mosques, churches, streets, deserts, may allah answer all our prayers and forgive us for our sins. Bravo for fasting during both religious occasions, i really do struggle with just one religion (although the morals and practices are very similar), as usual im proud of you.
Ramadan Kareem Khayee
A master piece of post, totally loved it. Well you’re part of Lebanon, and that’s how Lebanon is adopting it let’s just hope that it’ll spread.
Thank you for this. This was beautiful. It’s things and people like this that always restore my faith in God and humanity in general.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I keep coming back to read it again, and I start sniffling every time! I linked to it all over the net, lol.
Hehe thanks for helping get the word out for this post! I really appreciate it, and not to mention happy you enjoyed it so much!
That was a beautiful ray of hope. Thank you for sharing.
I was directed here via a Live Journal link and I am so happy I was. Thank you for writing this; it’s eye-opening and hope-inspiring. May you be well always.
Great!This is what I call tolerance,the savior of mankind!I wish it would settle in men s hearts!What a beautiful peaceful world we would have!!!No one would fear anything!Every person can practice what he believes !Love and peace!!!!!
Your open-heartedness is beautiful and commendable. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this story with us. Blessings and light to you, the priest, and all of us.
Very nice insight, and very moving. Thanks for sharing. We will never forget your last Ramadan either.
Well I’m sorry I didn’t read that earlier :S
Dude that post sent chills down my spin over and over again..
That is one heartfelt post about religions that can forever change the way we think!
I love u =) and I I love ur sensations
Great post!
The part where you went into the Maronite Church played in my head like a movie. It’s epic!