There's a French Muslim girl with hijab who is here as an intern. I had been having this guilty feelings since I saw her in a meeting, like I have this obligation to be a good host to this guest. The same feelings I had a few years ago, but in retrospect, were manipulated so well I now keep telling myself to stop having them. Maybe what I should do is actually take control of them, just like the other things in my life that I should always do.
I bumped into her a few times the past months. Once in the surau, and the rest were at the cafeteria and while walking on the streets around here. Just Hi's and Byes.
I thought I should take her places around town, maybe to masjids or simply to see places. But God knows how I struggle to find chances for such social activities. Anyway it remains just an intention.
Today she looked happy to see me at the cafeteria. She said "It's Ramadhan soon. Does it start this Saturday?" I told her I think it's expected to be Sunday. "How do I find out?" That really reminded me of the few beginnings of Ramadhan and Shawwal that I myself missed while out of the country.
She went on to say that she wants to join any events and she looks forward to the experience in this Muslim country. I am excited for her. I hope she keeps her heart and mind open. I hope she sees the good parts of every imperfect things she encounters. I hope she decides the experience enriches her life and she grows wiser with that. I hope she stays true to her self and remembers that we learn a lot when we humble ourselves enough.
I am grateful for the many conveniences available to Muslims in this country. I love the spirit of togetherness especially in Ramadhan. I hope we don't forget the less fortunate, and we continue to assist them. I am glad we can perform our ibadah in peace. I am thankful for being a Muslim, hopefully more Mukmin than not. May Allah continue to bless us all.
I bumped into her a few times the past months. Once in the surau, and the rest were at the cafeteria and while walking on the streets around here. Just Hi's and Byes.
I thought I should take her places around town, maybe to masjids or simply to see places. But God knows how I struggle to find chances for such social activities. Anyway it remains just an intention.
Today she looked happy to see me at the cafeteria. She said "It's Ramadhan soon. Does it start this Saturday?" I told her I think it's expected to be Sunday. "How do I find out?" That really reminded me of the few beginnings of Ramadhan and Shawwal that I myself missed while out of the country.
She went on to say that she wants to join any events and she looks forward to the experience in this Muslim country. I am excited for her. I hope she keeps her heart and mind open. I hope she sees the good parts of every imperfect things she encounters. I hope she decides the experience enriches her life and she grows wiser with that. I hope she stays true to her self and remembers that we learn a lot when we humble ourselves enough.
I am grateful for the many conveniences available to Muslims in this country. I love the spirit of togetherness especially in Ramadhan. I hope we don't forget the less fortunate, and we continue to assist them. I am glad we can perform our ibadah in peace. I am thankful for being a Muslim, hopefully more Mukmin than not. May Allah continue to bless us all.
