My world is different from yours. Ghurabaa. I was listening to a lecture by Khalid Latif of ICNYU - who’s one of the best speakers and Imaams I’ve heard in ages, about how we are so afraid, to express ourselves in our religion, for fear of being that, of being strange, or ghurabaa (strange in arabic) as the Prophet* once said. The important thing he was trying to relay was how not making that move might be fine for you, but it puts the next Muslim that has to interact with whatever system/person in a difficult position if they aren’t. I don’t mind sitting with you whilst you have your drink (alcoholic) over a business lunch, but the next person in my position might. And I am responsible for the action I have not taken. This all fits into what I’m starting to realise is my purpose. When I die, I want to know I’ve contributed to someone else’s life, that I was someone of the community, and that I had value because of it. But yes, my world is different from yours. Which is why I won’t go out with you. I won’t ask you. I want to, you seem like a good person, and fun, and lovely. But I know what I want is someone I will be comfortable with, someone who will understand my point of view. We’ve grown up different - it’s a sad fact of life - but there will be times when you won’t understand. When you won’t understand how I believe in my religiosity - and how it teaches me self-control, and how you won’t understand how we’re so strict with the rules, or why I wear a scarf. And I wouldn’t want you only for a short while. But how do I interact with you? It’s difficult sometimes, and, as with all relationships it takes time before you warm up to someone. I have to be comfortable just being myself. I wish people would find out more about Islam and me, but it’s my responsibility to represent it and know how. I’m a little messy about it, but I will try harder. GutNacht! *SallAllahu 3alaihi wa Sallam - Arabic for Peace be upon him.
