I just watched this video and found it to be a good blending of Qur’anic and Biblical teaching regarding God’s Deen. It’ll be great if it could be made available in other languages.
The Prophets’ Story
January 12, 2011
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Spiritual Healing (Rūḥanī Shifā) in South Asia
December 2, 2010
I am back in South Asia researching how Muslims respond to illness and the need for healing. Part of my research includes how Muslims view the miracles that Jesus (as) performed by Allah’s (swt) leave. Do some Muslims pray in Jesus’ (as) name? Are they willing to receive prayer if a Christian prays in his name? What are some of the misunderstandings that Christians and Muslims have held about praying in Jesus’ (as) name? These are some of the questions I’ll be investigating and will be sure to post some of the answers I discover.
Often in interfaith dialogue, Christians use the miracles and healings of Jesus (as) as evidence that he is more than just a prophet, but that this is conclusive evidence that he is in some way divine.
From the Muslim perspective, usually the miracles of Jesus (as) are not discounted, but rather are understood in light of God’s permission given to Jesus (as) to perform them. It in actuality is not Jesus (as), but God acting through Jesus (as) that is bringing healing and other supernatural occurrences. Often Muslims can be found rejecting prayers offered in Jesus’ name because of the response and beliefs that Christians hold, and the concern that by praying in Jesus’ name, is the pray-er in some way acknowledging a partner in heaven with God?
So far all I’ve given is examples of how Christians and Muslims have viewed this issue, but what do our Holy Books say about Spiritual Healing?
In this series, we’ll be looking at various Islamic and Christian topics regarding intercession, healing and miracles, and how we can better dialogue about these issues among Muslims and Christians.
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Courtesy and Respect
September 8, 2010
See here for news article: http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_16026/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=WDo8QTdD
As a Spirit-filled Christian, I have a difficult time reading this news article and reconciling the passion this pastor must feel that he is doing the right thing with my own conviction that Muslims and Christians both need to encounter the Creator and know His perspective on humanity. We need to know God’s love and see Muslims and Christians from His perspective.
I also read Scriptures such as 1 Peter 3:15-16 and wonder why Christians aren’t applying this to how we treat our Muslim neighbors. I think fear has indeed replaced love as the overriding force that governs our interactions. Fear has prevented us from realizing His great love for us and His great love for “the other.”
We all, Muslims and Christians, need to encounter the one true God and know experientially the great, fierce, passionate love He has for us and the true destiny He has designed for us if we will surrender ourselves to Him completely.
I leave you with my own theme Scripture for how I ought to interact with my Muslim neighbors.
1 Peter 3:15 But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.
1 Peter 3:16 Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.
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From Heaven to Earth Day Eleven
July 31, 2010
Day Eleven
Today I met up with Ali, his wife, and a few others. We decided to go back to Little India and follow up with people we prayed for last week.
The first store I go with them into we are revisiting the Muslim woman and her family who we prayed for last week. She was the one who had a hurt back. Well, today we find out that she actually took off her brace last week because her back felt so much better. Today we prayed for her neck and also found out the source of her accident.
It turned out that her husband in a rage had thrown her down onto the ground. So we began to pray for her to have full restorative healing. Soon, God touched her again and even her neck pain went away. She was feeling much better. But, Ali’s wife thought we ought to pray for her emotionally as well, since she had shared how she had received the injury. We began to pray that God would soothe over this hurt that had been done against her by her husband.
As I prayed for her I got this image of a heart with all these weeds that were encircling it, squeezing it, and trying to destroy it. I began to pronounce freedom from these weeds, that God would free her heart to feel again, that He Himself would heal her heart. After we finished, we gave our salaams and left, but I really sensed that she had experienced God’s presence in a more powerful way. It was great!
Next, we crossed the street and found a blind man who was being led by his son. We asked the man if we could pray for his eyes to be healed. He said no. He stated that God was punishing him for something that he had done wrong in his life. Ali and I both told him that that wasn’t true, that God loved him and wanted to heal him. But the man said no, that for some reason he was made this way and he walked off. I think this was probably the biggest surprise of the day for me. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who believed so firmly that God was punishing them and that there was no way that God would want to heal them. Most people I’ve met so far are willing to do anything to get healed.
As we were preparing to leave a white man dressed in a kurta payjama (Muslim garb for men in South Asia) as well as a prayer cap came up to us. He said that though he was dressed like a Muslim, he was actually a Christian. He was handing out tracts explaining the Gospel. He asked for prayer so we all prayed for him. I however, wasn’t so sure I wanted to be associated with him since I didn’t know what he was doing. So after the others left I began to ask him some questions. Basically, I told him just to be himself. He doesn’t have to dress in Muslim garb in order for people to listen to him. But, he wasn’t swayed. He was certain that he would have more of an audience if he dressed this way. So, I let him be, but realized just how different our approaches were.
My friends are I were going around asking if we could pray for people and we were seeing people healed. We weren’t trying to push our religious persuasion on anyone, nor were we trying to be someone that we weren’t. But I really felt like for the most part, people were receptive to this. However, as I thought about the Christian evangelist in Muslim garb, I wondered if in today’s world people will listen to him. I definitely don’t want to knock his boldness, but I wonder if really what we all are hungering for (Muslims and Christians) is an encounter with God not one person’s theological perspective over another. Although, even as I’m typing, I do think sometimes someone’s theological perspective may keep them from an encounter with God such as the blind man we had met earlier.
And possibly, it is when we encounter God that all our theologies find their place as important, but not superlative.
All for now.
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From Heaven to Earth Day Four
July 24, 2010
Day Four
Today I met my friend Ali at his home. We spent some time praying at his home, asking God for specifically who we should pray for and where we should go. One name I heard God speak to me was “Kumar.” So, off we went to a place in Artesia called Little India.
We went to a number of stores. Ali, the more vocal of us, would ask the shop owners if anyone wasn’t feeling well or had some sort of pain in their body. If there was anyone, Ali, his wife, and I would offer to pray for them. At the first store there was a woman who had knee problems who after we prayed for her, she felt much better.
Another store we visited, there was a Muslim family working there. We prayed for the shopowner’s back which was in pain. She felt much better. As we were leaving, Ali saw her mother sitting down with a walker next to her. He asked the owner if her mother had a stroke. She replied yes. He then asked her if her mother’s pain was on the left side of her body. Again she said yes, but now she was looking very surprised. She asked if we told the future and read palms.
Ali told her he was willing to pray for her and I mentioned to her that the power she was seeing today is not from us, but from God, Khuda se. He began to pray for her again, asking God’s Spirit, RuhAllah to speak to her. After we prayed, we said our goodbyes, Khudahafiz. And made our way to the next store, but as we left I sensed that those in the store had encountered God today in a very personal way. They knew they were loved by Him. That’s at least what I could see from their eyes. It was a great moment.
Right before we were to leave, Ali and his wife stopped at a grocery store to pick some things up for later. As we were waiting in line, Ali asked the shopowner if anyone needed prayer for healing. He responded, “Do we have to need healing in order to receive prayer?” Ali asked if he’d like prayer anyway and he said yes. Ali then asked him his name, “Kumar” he said proudly. Wait a minute! God gave me that name during our prayer time. So, Ali, his wife and I all prayed for Kumar. I felt God impressing on me that Kumar is a strong man. He has a lot of human strength, but that God wanted to give Kumar His strength instead of Kumar just relying on his own. So I began to pray that for him. Then I prayed the same thing for Kumar to have God’s love so that anyone entering his store would encounter God’s love. By the end I and Kumar were both very touched to have met and prayed with each other. What a great day!
As we left Little India, I remarked to Ali that so many Americans have a naturalistic worldview that makes no room for the supernatural. It is really hard to offer to pray for these people because they don’t believe in God. But, what I have found in India is the exact opposite. Most people believe in God/gods, and so they are open to being prayed for, just as long as you’re not trying to push your religion on them, which we weren’t, so people were more receptive than I had expected. What an interesting and fun day. What if every day could be like this one?
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From Heaven to Earth Day Three
July 23, 2010
Day Three
Yesterday was a little better than the first day. Still have a splitting headache, still feel very hungry and weak, but sense that I’m on the way out of this stage. Last night was the weirdest part.
We get home, I’m watching my eldest daughter head off to get ready for bed when I hear my wife fall really hard and then hear our youngest daughter crying hysterically. It turns out that the dishwasher door had been left down and caused my wife to trip. She was pretty hurt and shook up afterwards as was our daughter.
Finally we are all ready for bed and I start to sleep. I have this crazy nightmare that someone is in our house and he’s hiding along the side of the bed. In my dream I come over and expose him, he looks frightened, but still has an evil look in his eyes. As I’m having this nightmare my wife starts to hear me and then wakes me up. She tells me that a few minutes before she thought she heard footsteps in our house. What’s going on?
I get up, suspicious that maybe my dream wasn’t so far from reality after all. I inspect the entire house, but when I get to the living room I sense a strong presence of opposition. I begin to pray and worship God in the room. I go room to room turning on the lights and just welcoming God to come and make His presence known in our home. After sometime I sense the presence is gone and I go back to sleep.
After about fifteen minutes, my wife is having a nightmare about some sort of spiritual presence coming over her and overwhelming her. I wake her up, then we pray and again welcome God into our home and ask Him to dispel any evil spirits (jinn).
About an hour later I am awoken again, this time to a police helicopter that is flying circles over our area. At least three or four times their floodlight enters our backyard and even illumines our window. Okay, now I’m wondering if there really is someone in our area and my sensitivity to spiritual things is starting to warn me of potential danger.
So finally after about 15 minutes of the helicopter I get up and take a look outside. It’s then that I see two police vehicles parked side by side on the street in front of our house. What is going on? After some time they drive off too and now I’m left to wonder what this is all about. Was someone trying to break into our house? Was my dream a warning or was it something spiritual?
I am really tired and a bit shook up from the night before. I also realize how often I struggle with fear. I think this is something God wants to free me from during this time of fasting. The dreams, the feelings I had in the living room, the police helicopter and vehicles outside, it all adds up to something more than the puzzle pieces we were left with. I’m thankful that God is our protector, our sustainer, and our provider. It is in Him that we trust, not in Man. This reminds me of a great verse from the Holy Books by prophet David (Dawood) (as).
Psalm 121 (NET)
1 I look up toward the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth! 3 May he not allow your foot to slip! May your protector not sleep! 4 Look! Israel’s protector does not sleep or slumber! 5 The Lord is your protector; the Lord is the shade at your right hand. 6 The sun will not harm you by day, or the moon by night. 7 The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. 8 The Lord will protect you in all you do, now and forevermore.
Blessings!
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From Heaven to Earth Day Two
July 22, 2010
Day Two
I have to admit that already there have been tests. Looking back, I should have stopped all caffeine drinks a week before this fast. So, not only was my stomach adjusting to the lack of food, but I also had a splitting headache all day from the absence of caffeine. It was almost too much!
Usually when I’m busy with my studies, I just hole up in a room somewhere and I never come out to see the light of day until my work is finished. However, yesterday, I needed some books so I made the trek over to the library. However, I ran into people who know me and are rather on the side of being “chatty.”
All to say, I had to wrestle with all that was within me to be polite and give my greetings, show interest in what they had to say, all the while choking back my fear that I was going to get off track from all these little side conversations during the day.
When you have a full stomach, these types of things don’t really matter. We have extra resources from which to draw to be polite, manage our emotions and responses, etc. However, with no food and a headache, my ability to live out patience and grace felt much more diminished. This is a good reminder of the well-spring from which I draw.
Do I draw from God’s source of power, love, and grace, or do I instead draw from my own? Which one is deeper? Fasting is a great mirror of the source I daily draw from. It’s a constant reminder and call to go to God rather than oneself.
God, this is why I’m doing this fast. To have your heart, your love, your power, not mine. I ask that this fast would be a process of me letting go and letting you do what you want through me! Amen.
Day Two, here we go!
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From Heaven to Earth Day One
July 21, 2010
Day One
Beginning today, I will be observing a 21 day fast in my desire to grow closer to God. I hope that this will be an amazing 3 weeks of discovery. I plan to share on this blog all that I’m learning and experiencing. I also sincerely hope that what is learned will be relevant to the topic of Muslim Christian Relations as we move beyond interfaith dialogue which typically is more theologically based and enter faith dialogue which rests upon our actual experiences of relating with our Creator and Author of Faith.
Some of the things I’ll intentionally be sensitive to during this time are: dreams, visions, Holy Book studies, sensations, and any “aha!” type moments. I hope to be as honest as possible, so please give me a measure of grace as I try to share in an open format what I sense God is showing me.
I hope this will be encouraging and stimulating for others to also embark on similar journeys–not in a legalistic manner–such as seeking to control God or seeking to gain additional favor from Him, but rather in genuine pursuit of a deeper, intimate, and powerful connection with the one and only God, for it is He who has created us all, and has designed us to seek Him and His affections.
Blessings!
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From Heaven to Earth
July 9, 2010
What is the purpose of Muslim and Christian friendship? If we both believe in an eternity of paradise for true believers and an eternity of punishment for unbelievers, then isn’t each of our perspectives on this issue one of the most important things we seek to communicate with each other? I welcome Muslims to respond. I hope others don’t mind if I share my own convictions. But I do welcome dialogue on the matter. Might we even ask God together if He would clarify right now these questions so that all those who seek Him would find Him?
God, right now we ask for clarity, Your clarity on who You are and what You have done for us, humanity. Would you open our eyes to see as You see. May we know You and may we find favor with You. May You receive us as those who are faithful and righteous in Your eyes. Ameen!
Prophet Adam and Eve/Hawa
From my understanding of the Torat, Zabbur, and Injeel, God’s plan begins almost as soon as His creation is complete. After Adam (as) and Eve listen to Satan’s lies and turn from God, they are covered in shame. Only God is able to cover their shame even as they try to cover it themselves with leaves. But God provides them with Garments of Righteousness. These Garments cover them adequately and they are restored.
Prophet Noah/Nuh
Prophet Noah/Nuh (as) lives during a time of great wickedness on the earth. God gives Noah (as) a sign, the Ark. Noah (as) builds it, then he and his family enter it and are saved from the flood. Except of course for Noah’s (as) son who tries to save himself by climbing a mountain. In the end, only God’s provision saves, not Man’s attempt to save himself.
Prophet Abraham/Ibrahim
Prophet Abraham (as) is about to sacrifice his son in obedience to God when God stops him and provides a ram as a substitute, this ram or goat is called a Momentous Sacrifice in the Qur’an. Again, God provides salvation, not Man.
Prophet Moses/Musa
Prophet Moses (as) is given a series of Signs to show Pharaoh that he needs to listen to God and let the Jews leave for the land God is leading them to. It’s only upon Moses (as) showing Pharaoh the final sign, called the Great Sign, that Pharaoh finally agrees to let them go. This Sign was that each Jewish family was to sacrifice an unblemished lamb or goat and spread its blood on their doorposts, then that night an Angel (farishta) of God was to come and slay all firstborn sons of those who did not have the Sign on their doorposts. All of the Egyptians’ firstborn sons were slain, including the Pharaoh’s. This is the Great Sign that leads Pharaoh to finally capitulate and let the Jews leave.
Prophet Jonah/Yunus
Prophet Jonah (as) at first did not obey God’s command to go to Assyria and preach to them to repent from their evil ways. So, God sends a whale that swallows Jonah (as). Jonah (as) is in this whale for 3 days and 3 nights before he repents and God then sends him on his way to Assyria.
Prophet Jesus/Isa (as)
Prophet Jonah (as) is referred to by Prophet Jesus (as) in the Injeel. Some Jews who don’t believe in Jesus (as) come to him and ask him for a Sign. Jesus (as) says that he will only give them the Sign of Jonah (as). What does he mean?
Did you know that Jesus’ title in arabic is al-Masih? Does anyone know what Masih means? It means annointed or smeared. In Jewish understanding, the king is to be anointed with oil as a sign of God’s favor and choice. Jesus (as) was suppose to be the last of the Jewish kings, but what happens? In a Jewish plot, he is framed, and then the Romans, not the Jews crucify him. Remember, that if it was the Jews that had done it they would have stoned Jesus. Stoning was the Jewish form of capital punishment in these days. Crucifixion was a Roman form of capital punishment.
After Jesus’ death, he was placed in the belly of the tomb for 3 days and 3 nights before raising from the dead where he appeared to many of his disciples/hawariyun, then God took him up until the Day of Judgment when he will return as king and bring the world unto submission to God.
Jesus (as) is also called a Sign in the Qur’an. It is my conviction that this is God’s provision for humanity to find favor with Him. Jesus (as) lived a sinless life and it is his righteousness not our own which God sees if we receive by faith God’s provision of salvation. On Judgment Day, God will see Jesus’ righteousness on my life, not my own because I’ve received God’s provision for me. This means I don’t have to work for God’s love, He gives it because of my faith in Him and His provision of Jesus (as) as the ultimate Qurban.
This provision doesn’t mean I am allowed to continue to do wrong. Absolutely not. Actually, because salvation is given by faith instead of through works (sawab), I am inwardly compelled to live righteously because of God’s love and favor that He has given me. It’s almost too unbelievable to be true! But it is. And once a person accepts this provision, something happens in the heart and mind. God actually gives us His mind and His heart so that it actually takes work and effort to do wrong. There is power and experience to live rightly in the world today. I am now ruled by a higher power than fear of punishment, I’m now ruled by a loving relationship between God and myself. This is offered to Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists, you name it!
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Dreaming al-Najashi.org Into Reality
June 1, 2010
From Dream to Reality
Last Monday, May 24 I had a dream where I was driving through a city in what I thought was the U.S. As I was driving I saw this building that looked like an Islamic Center, it had Arabic writing on a sign at the front as well. I then looked next door to the Islamic Center and saw another sign which said, “al-Najashi.” I couldn’t believe it! Then God showed me the inside of the office where there were two rooms, one for the office and another I sensed He was releasing freedom for me to choose what this second room should be used for.
So a number of ideas came through my mind (in my dream), but sensed His pleasure in using this second room either as a library or an art studio. Wow! I awoke from this dream feeling so encouraged and excited about its significance.
I liked the idea of being next to an Islamic Center since our goal is to build bridges for Muslims and Christians. I also liked the idea of having a library in the office which would contain books where Muslims and Christians seek to explain their faiths as well as to understand their counterpart’s faith.
Supernatural School of Abrahamic Faith
More importantly though would be if this library was connected to a school–a place for Muslims and Christians to go deeper in understanding one another and relating with each other. If there were no restrictions or complications, it would be amazing if this school could promote praying for each other, asking God for healing, learning how Muslims and Christians can do development projects together, possibly develop curriculum using the Holy Books that would be for character formation and peacemaking among the Christian and Muslim youth, and of course a school where people from both faiths learn about each others’ faiths so that we can take what we’ve learned and experienced to our own community of faith to help them further understand the other.
Faith Art
Lastly, the art studio was also a surprising aspect of this dream because a month ago during a time of worship, God began showing me visions of paintings He wanted me to paint all having to do with the idea of not propagating a specific religious tradition, but rather sharing my own experience of God and how He is relating Himself to me. This vision I had during worship was so strong that I actually could smell paint as I was experiencing it.
So, all to say, I’m continuing to ask God how and what He would like me to do in this new season that is upon us. We feel like we’ve been in a waiting pattern and things are starting to gain clarity, al-hamdulillah (praise God)!
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Bethel Pilgrimmage Days 5-7
January 18, 2010
My journey was life-changing. I know that for many Christians we no longer perform pilgrimmages as part of our worship of the one true and living God. Many might not classify this trip I took as an actual pilgrimmage since it wasn’t to somewhere like the Vatican City or to Jerusalem (al-Quds).
But, if you consider the motivation, the place chosen, and what took place, there is nothing else close to describe what happened.
- Motivation: I was looking for an opportunity to experience God and worship Him.
- The Place: Bethel Church in Redding has been experiencing a rather special outpouring of God’s presence. Yes I did have a small amount of “skeptical openness”, but this quickly changed as I saw God at work firsthand.
- What Happened: I saw a number of healings and miracles take place that cannot be currently scientifically explained. I saw a man who could not bend at the waist because he had metal rods in his back receive healing which allowed him to fully bend at the waist and touch his toes. I saw a woman who came in with an oxygen tank and who could hardly breathe freely lay down her tank and then run up and down about 20 flights of stairs completely healed. I also saw a woman whose right leg was significantly shorter than her left grow out right before my eyes the closest thing I can compare it to would be if you were to apply even pressure to a tube of toothpaste and watch it come out evenly. What I saw was not humanly possible without the presence of God changing and healing people.
On Saturday I went to the healing room they have at the church. As soon as I walked in there was this “heavy” feeling in the room–not heavy in the sense that something bad happened, but rather heavy in the sense that God’s glory was weighing down in the room (that’s the closest thing I can describe it to). This happened again on Sunday (day seven). At one point during my time there the weight was so heavy I couldn’t stand up.
As I was laying on the ground someone else prayed for me and said to me that God told them that He wanted me to enter the current of the river, to trust Him and not be afraid. As he said this I began to weep because there was no way that the man who was praying for me could know that that was the image I have been carrying for the last three or so years. I saw myself along a river bank holding on to the side not wanting to let the current take me, but knowing that’s what God wants me to do–let go!
So, I knew that God had to be speaking to this man because only God knew of this picture of my life. Wow! Amazing.
So now I am journeying home, changed forever. I realize now how much a naturalistic worldview has influenced my expression of faith. Although I believe in miracles that took place in the holy Bible, I don’t think I believed that they still take place today, nor that God would pour out His presence so strongly that I wouldn’t even be able to stand! But, after this trip I can think of no other explanation to describe what I have seen and experienced. God really is as good as the holy books say that He is. He is real, He is present, He is active, and He wants people to encounter Him and know personally not just intellectually how much He loves us all. The toughest thing is to receive this, it’s almost unbelievable that the Creator of the universe would be mindful of us. Wow!
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Bethel Pilgrimmage Day Four
January 14, 2010
Yesterday much of the teaching was on the topic of deliverance. I know this is a problem I have seen both in the Christian and Muslim World. I do not know how Muslims have dealt with this problem, but I do know how Christians have responded in history.
Much of this response can be found in the Bible. When prophet Jesus (as) was on the earth he imparted to his disciples the authority God had first given him. God gave Jesus authority to cast out demons and this same authority Jesus then transferred to the disciples (hawariyun).
Most Christians today believe that we also have been given this authority. It must also be stressed that once a demon is cast out there then remains a vacancy in that person’s life which if it is not filled up with God’s Spirit will in fact continue to be available and accessible to future evil spirits. It therefore is very important for the person doing the exorcism to be filled with God’s Spirit and to have the faith to lead that person to repentance from whatever gave the access to the evil spirits in the first place as well as to lead that person to true faith in God. Once there is faith this person can receive God’s Spirit into their life and find new hope and power to overcome any bad habits they used to have as well as the ability to impart this hope to others.
I am curious to learn more about this from the Islamic perspective.
Then, last night there was an opportunity to pray for those with terminal illness. A woman stood up directly in front of me. I reached out (as did others) somewhat tentatively at first, but as my hand touched her shoulder I felt this immense power flow through me and after about ten minutes I sensed God had healed her. It was very emotional, it was way beyond my realm of experience and understanding, but I do believe she was healed. Although we won’t know for sure till she gets a doctor’s report, she did testify that she felt like she had been healed…Wow!
It was a great reminder to me last night that as God moves in our lives, we are not to keep this to ourselves but instead we are to share this with others. The picture I have is of a fountain that is continually being replenished with water from a natural spring or river. There would be a stagnation if this fountain was just regurgitating old and dirty water. It’s the same idea with our relationship with God. He offers us Himself continually but sometimes we try and replace him with our own rules and traditions. Secondly, we can think this is only for us, our family or community but miss that whatever God gives is meant to be given to others. This keeps things flowing! Enough for now, today is the last day of the conference. More to come. Also, here’s a short film clip that I shot with my iPhone, sorry for the bad quality. Healing at Bethel Conference
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Bethel Pilgrimmage Day Three
January 13, 2010
Yesterday I was struck with a very convicting thought…if I believe in my mind that God continues to heal today through His followers, but if I don’t myself extend my hands in faith that God will heal others, then I really don’t believe. The onus is on God’s followers to step out in faith and extend their hands to the sick–believing by faith that God is going to heal others through our faith. Amazing! Convicting! What next? One last thought…the God we serve is a God of adventure! The greatest of all adventures is a life of faith in Him, in His promises, in operating in the Spirit He bestows on His followers. All of my most amazing stories regarding this come from either my childhood or early adulthood. Where did I get off the path and start traversing in a different direction? I believe it was when I became comfortable with where I’m at and rather immovable in God’s continuing adventure. So, I enter this fourth day with a recommittment to this life-encompassing adventure.
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Bethel Pilgrimmage Day Two
January 12, 2010
Today we arrived at Bethel safely, alhamdullilah!
Today’s conference covered the history of Christianity and the reasons why healing had been forgotten or neglected in true expression of Biblical faith–especially since there are so many references to it in the Bible. The second lesson covered the Bible’s teachings on the Kingdom or rule of God (similar to the Islamic teachings regarding Deen of Allah (swt)) and how God’s Kingdom consists of miracles, healing, and the deliverance from evil spirits (jinn).
Tonight we attended a healing service, and I saw and heard a number of people who got healed by God’s power alone. One woman came down from the audience with a canister of oxygen. She got up to the stage and shared how during the service she felt this burning in her lungs, then realized she could breath freely again. She shared how she for the last year has had quite a number of cysts in her lungs which have prevented her from breathing properly. Well, tonight, she felt this heat in her lungs and then felt like God had freed her. So, all of the sudden, she drops the oxygen canister, puts it on stage, and then starts running, she runs up 20 flights of stairs and then back down again to show that God really has healed her! It was an amazing night.
One of the things taught tonight is that when prophet Jesus (as) went anywhere, he always healed people (by God’s leave). As he taught about the Gospel and called people to repentance, he always healed the sick and cast out evil spirits (jinn). Secondly, it was also taught that Jesus’ disciples (hawariyun) as well as those who follow the teachings of the Gospel (Injeel) are to continue in this ministry of healing and proclaiming.
Healing is actually suppose to be an ordinary part of the message of the Gospel. Ouch! This part was rather convicting for me since I don’t really operate in such faith, but also encouraged me to see that God is real, He does continue to heal, and that we who follow Him can step out in faith, and pray that the sick would be healed. During the time of worship God brought my children to mind. Often when I return home from somewhere, my wife will call out to the kids, “Daddy’s home!” Immediately the kids will come running and it just floors me every time, the smiles, the look of anticipation of seeing their daddy, just the immense love and connection between father and children. It really is a window into how God wants us to respond to Him. Jesus (as) taught that we ought to come to God as children. It hit me tonight that this is what He meant. My children have no hesitation, no fear in coming to me to be held, to be loved, to be cleaned up and bandaged when they get hurt, or often to be fed too! God reminded me tonight that that is what He wants from me. Anyhow, good stuff for tonight, some of it outside my usual frame of reference, but I just want to open during this pilgrimmage to all that God wants to say and do.
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Bethel Pilgrimmage Day One
January 11, 2010
Today I begin my journey up to Redding, CA to attend a four day conference on healing at Bethel Church. As I reflected on the significance of this trip I realized that in many ways this is a pilgrimmage for me.
I am going not just to learn more about healing and intercession in Jesus’ (as) name, but also to experience the living God and to receive from Him whatever He wants to give. I also thought about my Muslim friends and many of their pilgrimmage experiences. I know as I have listened I felt a certain void in my own faith–why haven’t I ever gone on pilgrimmage? And even if I wanted to, where would I go? What would I do? How would I prepare?
So, I plan to blog about my experience: what I see and hear and feel…and let’s just see where this leads. As I was driving up the 5 freeway, passing lots of farmland, cows, and truckers, it hit me just how far I really do feel from God. How often I fill up the moments with trivial thoughts, mindless entertainment, and other distractions. How can I get back to some of those earlier times of closeness that I have felt towards God?
Another question that has been eating at me is what part do I play in experiencing God and Him changing me into a better person and what part does He play? I think I grew up thinking I had to read the Bible more, pray more, or stop doing this or that and then I would feel better at least temporarily. But now I wonder, maybe God does alot more than I initially realized. Maybe in fact He does all of it! I’m now wondering if in fact the moment I actually give up trying to be good on my own and admit I can’t do it, possibly then I’m closest to where God can actually do something in my life… I would like to make one clarification since this is an interfaith blog.
According to the Bible, we are not praying to Jesus(as) to heal people, but rather we are praying in Jesus’ name. This is because Jesus(as) is with God in heaven and continues to intercede on our behalf. I hope to explore this further as the week progresses. I am also curious to learn more about what Muslims believe about intercession and what would their reaction be upon learning how Christians pray in Jesus’ name.
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September 21, 2009 Eid ul-Fitra Celebration in India
September 21, 2009
The whole Ramadan experience was amazing. I am very thankful at a personal and spiritual level for the opportunity to participate in this observance. I was nearly able to read through the entire Qur’an sharif during this time.
I am still planning to finish, but am a few Surahs short. I will try to make any helpful comments in future blog posts if I come across anything further that catches my interest.
Overall, I learned much about myself and much about the Muslim community during this past month. I discovered many things that I struggle with, many things which when food and water are denied, seem to pop up out of nowhere. I especially noticed that I struggle with the desire to please others, the desire to control how others think about me. This effuses itself in the way I dress, act, speak, look, etc. I also had to come to grips with the understanding that I cannot control anything without Allah’s (swt) help. Secondly, that often times in my desire to please others, I end up compromising my devotion to God alone. Something has to give, and I know that God wants it to be our own reputation, our own image, our own name that should be relinquished for the sake of what God wants, what He values, who He is.
I also noticed that the last week was the hardest to keep. I’m thankful to the God that He sustained me so long without too many adverse effects, but this last week was pretty rough. I struggled with my temper, frustration, just feeling weak, not wanting to do anything, while also keeping a full language study program–all to say that I made it, but sure had to confess many things to God and ask forgiveness on a number of occasions to my own family for all my shortcomings. Tough stuff.
Lastly, I enjoyed greatly the solidarity I felt with my Muslim teachers, friends, and acquaintances. It was something else when I arrived at the masjid (mosque) for Eid ki Namaaz–Eid prayers. I recognized many people from the Bazaar, other shops and places. It was a connection I haven’t felt in some time as our happiness to see eachother in prayer was expressed. I know I didn’t perform the namaaz perfectly (my topi or prayer cap kept falling off), however, I did experience the RuhAllah while I was there. I’m not sure if the men standing next to me could feel the electricity I was feeling, but I just felt this surge of God’s Spirit moving in me. I enjoyed it greatly, saying in unison that God is great (Allahu Akbar). And during the khutbah (sermon) that followed, although it was in Arabic, I tried my hardest to listen, to see how many words, phrases, etc. I could understand.
Yes, honestly, I was rather uncomfortable. I heard “Angrezi” a few times, I knew many were staring, wondering why I was there, if I was Muslim, etc. At the end, one young man asked me if I was Muslim. I responded by saying that I am studying about Islam and just left it at that. There are some who think that only Muslims should pray in a mosque and so I wanted to avoid an outright confrontation if that was the case with this young man. But there are just as many if not more Muslims who think that a Person of the Book (Ehle Kitab) can and should be able to pray at the mosque. So, all to say, I really felt like I put myself out there yesterday, but in the end it turned out well. I really wish I could have shared my story with those present. Told them that I as a Christian (Isayi) did the fast, read the Qur’an, and want to respect them by praying with them on this special day. I also wished I could have answered any questions that they might have about me, about my faith, about what I think of Muslims and Islam…etc. Unfortunately, no opportunity presented itself besides this blog. But all to say, I deeply enjoyed this day, the connection, the food, the hugs, the celebration. In some ways, because I had fasted too, it was really a celebration.
I made it, we made it! Let’s thank God and party!
I don’t think I’ll be the same after this experience. I only hope to learn the namaaz prayer better for my next time, plus how to better explain why I’m there, how a faithful Christian can participate with them in such an event, and yes, as time and situation permits, share about the common ground we share with the hope that in time some of our differences may also be explored and talked through so that we can alleviate any misunderstandings, and elucidate the true differences. Maybe we might both be changed through such an experience..? Until next Ramadan, this series is sadly at its close. Please be sure to read the following AP article about Christians practicing Ramadan this year. Christians Who Fast During Ramadan 2009
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September 20, 2009 The Last Day of Ramadan in India
September 20, 2009
September 20, 2009
More on God’s Signs
Did you know that there are 240 references to God’s Signs (capitalized) in the English meaning of the Qur’an Sharif (translated by Yusuf Ali)*? I then looked up the word “partners” and found 64 references in the Qur’an Sharif. I found it interesting that in many of my discussions with Muslims if the topic of Hell comes up, the command to not adds partners to Allah (swt) is mentioned.
Yet, from my readings this past month, it seems to me an equal if not greater warning is found in those who reject God’s Signs. Number alone, if you compare 240 references to God’s Signs to 64 references to adding partners to Allah (swt), it seems that the Signs are an important topic to consider.
I have also grown more sensitive to references to God’s Signs found in the earlier Holy Books. Today I was reading in the Injeel Sharif and came across two very interesting references to God’s Signs. Jesus (as) healed a man born blind on a day that Jews are not to do any work (the Sabbath). As a result, the religious rulers (Shariat Musa) come and interrogate the healed man. They begin to accuse Jesus of being a sinner because he healed someone on a day where no work should be done. The healed man and many listening in on the conversation question this line of reasoning. How could Jesus perform such miraculous signs if he had not been from God? Secondly, Messiah Jesus (as) continually acknowledges that all that he does is from God and by God’s leave. All the miraculous signs Jesus (as) demonstrates are done in God’s name and for God’s glory. These signs cause many to reject Jesus as God’s chosen king-the greatest opposition come from religious people who stand the most to lose if Jesus (as) really is the Messiah, God’s promised king. The people who received God’s provision were those who stood the most to gain-those who had been healed, touched in some way by Jesus (as) and his life, as well as those who listened to God’s messenger (rasool) and believed the message (Injeel).
In the Qur’an I found another powerful Sign linking Islam to the previous People of the Book. In an-Naziat 79:15-25, it tells the end of the story of what takes place between Prophet Musa (as) and the Pharaoh. Other portions of the story are told earlier in the Qur’an, but I want to highlight this portion because of the reference again to Signs. God gave Prophet Moses (as) many Signs to show to Pharaoh, but he rejected them and hardened his heart against what God was speaking through Moses (as). Then finally God gives Moses (as) one last Sign to show to Pharaoh,
79:15-25 079.015 Has the story of Moses reached thee? 079.016 Behold, thy Lord did call to him in the sacred valley of Tuwa:- 079.017 “Go thou to Pharaoh for he has indeed transgressed all bounds: 079.018 “And say to him, ‘Wouldst thou that thou shouldst be purified (from sin)?- 079.019 “‘And that I guide thee to thy Lord, so thou shouldst fear Him?’” 079.020 Then did (Moses) show him the Great Sign. 079.021 But (Pharaoh) rejected it and disobeyed (guidance); 079.022 Further, he turned his back, striving hard (against Allah). 079.023 Then he collected (his men) and made a proclamation, 079.024 Saying, “I am your Lord, Most High”. 079.025 But Allah did punish him, (and made an) example of him, – in the Hereafter, as in this life.
Here is the reference to the last Sign, the Great Sign, as the Qur’an Sharif calls it. But once again, we find that the Qur’an is using poetic language packed with meaning, but meaning that relies on the earlier Holy Books for full understanding.
What is the Great Sign?
If you look in the Tawrat Sharif you find in Exodus chapters 11-12, the story of the Great Sign. All the firstborn in Egypt will be put to death as God sends an angel throughout the Egyptian nation. God gives a command to the Jews to kill an unblemished goat or lamb and spread its blood on their doorposts and only those who do so will be saved from this angel of death. So Prophet Moses (as) and the Jews do as God has commanded them while that night the angel goes through Egypt and kills the firstborn of all the Egyptians while also sparing the firstborn of the Jews because of their faith in doing as God has commanded. The Great Sign is actually pretty terrible. Even Pharaoh’s son dies as a result. But what I find interesting again is God’s command to kill an unblemished lamb or goat.
Isn’t this very similar to the “garments of righteousness” where animals die in order for God to provide clothing made of animal skin that God gives Adam (as) and Eve (Hawa) as well as the “momentous sacrifice” that God gives Abraham (Ibrahim) (as) in the form of a ram which is a substitute for Abraham’s (as) son?
Then there is this other theme in the Qur’an’s references to Signs-Man vs. God. In every of these stories there is a human attempt to circumvent God’s Way. Adam (as) and Eve try to cover themselves, but cannot cover their shame. Noah’s son tries to save himself by climbing to the top of the mountain instead of taking God’s provision of the Ark. Then you have Pharaoh trying to oppose God, His worship, and His Signs, by even commanding his people to worship himself as God. But in the end, Allah (swt) is the best of planners.
These are two very important themes found in the Qur’an Sharif, and interestingly they are also found in the earlier Holy Books. Maybe these might be good places to begin interfaith dialogue upon…
Well, I leave it at that for today. But I have greatly enjoyed reading the Qur’an Sharif and hope to continue to comment on various Signs in later posts. And here’s an early, Eid Mubarak ho! To all of you. Blessings and peace.
*References to “Signs” in the English meaning of the Holy Qur’an by Yusuf Ali: Surah al-Baqara 2:39, 41, 61, 73, 87, 92, 99, 118, 129, 145, 151, 159, 164, 185, 187, 209, 211, 213, 219, 221, 231, 242, 252, 253, 266. Surah Aal-E-Imran 3:04, 11, 19, 21, 58, 70, 86, 97, 98, 101, 103, 105, 108, 112, 113, 118, 164, 183, 184, 190, 199 Surah An-Nisa 4:56 Surah al-Maeda 5:86, 110 Surah al-Araf 7:26, 37, 126, 132, 133, 136 Surah al-Anfal 8:31, 52, 54 Surah at-Tawba 9:09, 11, 65 Surah Yunus 10:05, 07, 15, 17, 21, 24, 73, 74, 75, 92, 101 Surah Hud 11:59, 96 Surah Yusuf 12:105 Surah Ibrahim 14:05, 09 Surah Al-Hijr 15:75, 81 Surah an-Nahl 16:12, 44, 104, 105 Surah al-Isra 17:01, 12, 59, 101 Surah al-Kahf 18:17, 56, 57, 105, 106 Surah Maryam 19:58, 73, 77 Surah Ta-Ha 20:23, 42, 54, 56, 72, 126, 127, 128, 134 Surah an-Anbiya 21:32, 37, 77 Surah al-Hajj 22:16, 51, 52, 57, 72 Surah al-Mumenoon 23:30, 45, 58, 66, 105 Surah an-Noor 24:01, 18, 58, 59 Surah al-Furqan 25:36, 73 Surah Ash-Shuara 26:15 Surah an-Naml 27:12, 13, 14, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86, 93 Surah al-Qasas 28:45, 47, 48, 59, 87 Surah al-Ankaboot 29:23, 24, 39, 49, 50 Surah al-Room 30:9, 10, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 37, 46, 47 Surah Luqman 31:07, 31, 32 Surah as-Sajda 32:15, 22, 24, 26 Surah al-Ahzab 33:34 Surah Saba 34:05, 19, 38, 43 Surah Fatir 35:25 Surah Ya-Seen 36:06, 46 Surah Sad 38:29 Surah az-Zumar 39:42, 52, 59, 63, 71 Surah al-Ghafir 40:04, 05, 13, 22, 23, 28, 34, 35, 50, 63, 66, 69, 81, 83 Surah Fussilat 41:15, 28, 37, 39, 40, 53 Surah Ash-Shura 42:29, 32, 33, 35 Surah az-Zukhruf 43:46, 47, 63, 69 Surah ad-Dukhan 44:33 Surah al-Jathiya 45:03, 04, 05, 06, 08, 09, 11, 13, 17, 25, 31, 35 Surah al-Ahqaf 46:07, 26, 27 Surah an-Najm 53:18 Surah al-Qamar 54:42 Surah al-Hadid 57:09, 17, 19, 25 Surah al-Mujadila 58:05 Surah as-Saff 61:06 Surah al-Jumua 62:02, 05 Surah at-Taghabun 64:06, 10 Surah at-Talaq 65:11 Surah al-Qalam 68:15 Surah al-Muddaththir 74:16 Surah an-Naba 78:28 Surah al-Mutaffifin 83:13 Surah al-Burooj 85:01 Surah al-Balad 90:19
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September 15, 2009 The Twentyfourth Day of Ramadan in India
September 15, 2009
September 15, 2009
God’s Signs (Ayat)
As I have been reading the Qur’an sharif, I have noticed numerous times this theme of Signs re-appearing. The reason for my interest is that this seems to be a strong connection between the earlier Holy Books and the Qur’an-between Biblical faith and Islam. It says in Aal-E-Imran 3:113-115:
003.113 Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration. 003.114 They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous. 003.115 Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right.
In verse 113 you have the phrase, Signs of Allah (آيَاتِ اللَّهِ). The People of the Book who are remaining faithful to God are the ones who rehearse God’s Signs.
So, what are God’s Signs? I looked up the Arabic term in an Arabic Lexicon that I have and found these possible definitions: “A sign, token, or mark by which a person or thing is known”, “A sign as meaning an indication, an evidence, or a proof”, “A sign as meaning a miracle”, and specifically for this phrase آيَاتِ اللَّهِ it means “the wonders of God.” (An Arabic-English Lexicon, Edward William Lane, Beirut, 1968, p. 135).
Those Who Reject God’s Signs
I have also noticed that there is an oft repeated warning in the Qur’an not to reject God’s Signs. One example I read today is found in Az-Zumar 39:59:
039.059 “(The reply will be:) ‘Nay, but there came to thee my Signs, and thou didst reject them: thou wast Haughty, and became one of those who reject faith!’”
Prophet Abraham and the Sign God gives him
I also came across a very interesting Sign that God gives to Prophet Abraham (as). The story is found in As-Saaffat 37:100-108
037.100 “O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!” 037.101 So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear. 037.102 Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: “O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view!” (The son) said: “O my father! Do as thou art commanded: thou will find me, if Allah so wills one practising Patience and Constancy!” 037.103 So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), 037.104 We called out to him “O Abraham! 037.105 “Thou hast already fulfilled the vision!” – thus indeed do We reward those who do right. 037.106 For this was obviously a trial- 037.107 And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice: 037.108 And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:
It is in verse 107 that this Sign is mentioned by name, “a momentous sacrifice.” I am very thankful for the Qur’an’s poetic nature-describing such a Sign with such meaning and significance. It can often be forgotten in the earlier Holy Books the significance of this story and God’s provision. However, it also must be noted that again, this reference is a reminder that the Qur’an really was never intended to be read in isolation. In order to know what this momentous sacrifice is, you have to go to the Tawrat Sharif in Genesis 22:13-14:
Genesis 22:13-14 (NET) 13 Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram caught in the bushes by its horns. So he went over and got the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of that place “The Lord provides.” It is said to this day, “In the mountain of the Lord provision will be made.”
It was a ram that God provided as a substitute for Abraham’s son. This substitute is called a momentous sacrifice because of the timing, as well as the test of faith that Abraham endured. This example reminds me a lot of an earlier Sign mentioned in the Qur’an where Prophet Adam (as) and Eve (Hawa) try to cover themselves with leaves, but only God’s garment of righteousness can cover their shame. And again, one has to go back to the Tawrat to know what this garment was-animal skins. Something had to die and substitute for Adam and Eve’s shame, just as something had to substitute and die for Abraham’s son and this test of faith. God’s provision is the best and only way by which He saves. Only by receiving God’s Signs are we able to believe and live righteously. These are good reminders for us as we seek to be closer to God during this time of fasting. It is my hope to live as one of those faithful People of the Book who rehearse God’s Signs and it is my hope as well that we as Christians and Muslims not forget the Signs God has given us, nor reject them for our own traditions. It is this sign, the momentous sacrifice, which will be the subject of the Eid celebration fast approaching! Approximately 6 days to go.
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September 11, 2009 The Twentieth Day of Ramadan in India
September 11, 2009
September 11, 2009
I have been thinking all day what thoughts I might share since it is September 11. Strangely, nothing comes to mind.
How have we changed?
Are we any different than we once were?
Do we still carry the same fears of the “other” with us?
Have we healed from some of the pent up anger and hurt from the past or is it being nursed under the surface of our polite smiles and thank you’s, salaams, and peace be unto you’s?
Something I’ve been grappling with of late is why am I here? Why am I fasting? Why am I studying the Qur’an? Why am I learning Urdu? Is it to convert to Islam? If not, then why? Why come all these miles (or kilometers) to a foreign place with your family?
Bohot ajib hai (it is very strange)!
I’ve met a number of foreigners here in this place who are studying Hindi and Urdu. What is their reason? Academics, NGO’s, missionaries, businessmen, etc. Where do I fit? When I try to explain what I’m doing to those doing academics it makes sense to them, till I mention that I’m a Christian and want to learn about Islam for peace between these two faiths. This sets me apart from most of the other academic students who are purely interested in the language and culture for academic reasons–theories, cultures, sciences–but faith?
However, I feel the same enstrangement when I meet those who are missionaries. I don’t like this term. It doesn’t translate. It means the use of trickery, enticement to get someone who is “lower” than you to change faiths for what you have to offer them. This isn’t to say that those here are doing those kinds of things. Yet their language, demeanor, and attitudes often convey this, and they may not even realize how many of their relationships do convey a sense of gratitude, obligation, etc. For example if I offer you a job to work with my NGO and I hold a Bible study on Saturdays and invite you, there is an obligation to come. There is money involved. This is a sticky business that I honestly would like to seek to avoid.
So, when I explain who I am and what I’m doing, missionaries are usually drawn to me because I’m a real believer, yet when I mention that I’m not here to change people’s religions, then I’m immediately perceived as a liberal which is far from the truth. So I’m somewhat stuck in the middle somewhere, not quite fitting in anywhere.
My simple desire is that I want to understand Islam, it’s perspective, and it’s interpretive key/s for the Qur’an and its religion. I also want to help communicate basic Biblical truths from the Greek and Hebrew minus all the elaborate theologies and issues that have accumulated over the centuries and rather keep it simple and clear who Jesus (as) is, what he said and did, and what might this mean for Christians and Muslims? So, all to say it’s been an interesting journey thus far. My hope is that on this day we might remember where we’ve been and consider what we might do to further our understanding. To overcome some of these boxes of academia and humanitarian work and find new boxes that explain how true people of faith might relate with one another, talk, discuss, even argue, but as a result, move forward into action, cooperation, and to see our world change, Insha’Allah. 10 days to go I believe…
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September 9, 2009 The Eighteenth Day of Ramadan in India
September 9, 2009
September 9, 2009
I have had an interesting two days.
Someone once told me that dreams and visions are more frequent when one is fasting. I feel as if I am entering a new chapter in my first Ramadan experience. The last two nights I have had some interesting dreams.
Two nights ago, I had two dreams back to back. The first was a nightmare. I was in the home with my family and it was in the middle of the night. We were all in bed sleeping when I awoke and saw a light flashing in our home, I knew immediately that someone had broken into our house. I then woke up from my dream, but then went back to sleep.
Later in the night I dreamt that I was hanging out with a former student of mine. He asked me to pray for him and as I was praying, all of the sudden something shifted in my consciousness and I began to pray something that wasn’t from myself, but I sensed was from God. I prayed against a spirit of confusion that was bothering my friend. Immediately a brilliant light came over us and I sensed a peace rest upon us and the room. I then woke up again. This time I sensed that this second dream was not just for my friend, but for me also.
Before we had gone to sleep that night, my youngest daughter had been making quite a fuss and crying intermittedly throughout the night. I was feeling overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions, a desire to sleep, also a sense of frustration knowing that I need to get up early but cannot sleep with my dauther not feeling well, etc. All to say, that this dream I knew was meant for me and possibly my former student as well. So I prayed for him, then prayed for myself and my family.
It wasn’t till the next morning that it hit me that possibly these two dreams were related. That something had come into our home, a spirit of confusion. And that it was through prayer and trust in God that it would leave. So that morning, I had a great time praying with my family and rededicating ouselves to God.
The next night I dreamt about myself and my family staying in a nice hotel–either in Korea or the U.S.–actually I think it changed locations halfway through the dream. But in the dream I was going through the buffet line and picking out a great big salad and other things that we don’t eat here in India. When I sat down and was getting ready to eat I noticed something on my plate that hadn’t been there. A big pink juicy piece of ham. I wondered what my Muslim friends in India would think if I ate this. Then the dream shifted to a big park in Los Angeles. My daughter and I were running through the park having a little race. Many families were there picnicking and it was just an amazing scene. We felt free, happy, no one was staring at us, we just felt completely free to be ourselves. But then behind us I notice a India family picknicking. I then realized how conscious I was of them too. Yes, we still felt free to run and have fun and be ourselves, but I sensed this deeper connection with them even though we were in our own country again.
I then woke up. I realized again that these two scenes are related. The first relates to how I feel like I’ve begun to understand the sentiments, concerns, and perspectives our our Indian Muslim friends. The second related to just our general sense of foreigness here–being stared at, our own self-consciousness regarding making cultural blunders, etc. Yet, when we return to our home, we still carry India and Islam with us. We are no longer the same people we once were. So, all to say…it’s been a rather different couple of days. I’m thankful for these dreams and still considering what they might mean for us and wondering what’s next.
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