While searching for lasagna noodles in the grocery store, I accidentally bumped carts with another shopper. I chuckled and offered a quick “sorry” as I looked up. The woman smiled back and continued on her way, but I couldn’t help but admire her beautiful headscarf—an elegant blue and silver design that I had tried to replicate unsuccessfully many times before.
As I wandered through the next few aisles, we exchanged polite smiles whenever we passed each other. You know the type—the “I’m friendly, but please don’t engage me in conversation” smiles. Finally, in the baking aisle, I decided to break the ice.
“I love your scarf! It’s stunning! I’m so envious of how you manage to tie it so perfectly,” I remarked. She looked at me, surprised, and her smile transformed from tentative to radiant.
“It’s actually quite simple!” she replied.
I admitted my struggles with scarf tying, and to my amazement, she offered to demonstrate. Right there in the middle of the baking aisle, she began to unwrap her scarf and remove pins, showing me each step of the process. As she tied the scarf, our laughter faded, and I asked her, “Where are you from?”
“Egypt,” she replied.
Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, “Are you Muslim?” Her smile faltered slightly, and her eyes became cautious as she nodded, “Yes, I am.”
In that moment, something unexpected happened; tears welled up in my eyes. “I’m so sorry for the negativity you’re facing. I’m sorry that you’re being judged for something you shouldn’t be. Nobody should feel afraid when asked about their beliefs,” I said, my voice breaking. I then asked if I could give her a hug.
She looked surprised but agreed, and we embraced. Her name was Amina, and we ended up having a deep conversation about the state of the world, discussing the inherent good and bad in all people.
“Good and bad exists in every group,” Amina said thoughtfully. “There are good and bad individuals in every religion—whether they be Jews, Christians, or Muslims.”
This perspective resonated with me, especially as I reflected on my own fears and concerns about the future. As a parent, I worry about my children growing up in a world filled with so much uncertainty. Yes, I have fears, particularly regarding the actions of extremist groups like ISIS, whose agenda is to eliminate those with differing beliefs. But I also recognize that they do not represent the entirety of the Muslim community.
I’ve been grappling with how to address these new threats and uncertainties. I believe in responsible gun ownership and the importance of securing our borders while also advocating for those in need, especially veterans. However, I’ve come to realize that allowing fear to dictate our actions could be one of the greatest threats to our society.
As I teach my children about the world, I emphasize the importance of love and understanding over judgment. I encourage them to trust their instincts and to speak up if they notice something amiss. Most importantly, I instill in them a belief in the goodness of people, regardless of their background.
In our exchange, I remembered a phrase a friend had shared on social media and asked Amina for help in pronouncing it correctly: “As-salamu alaykum.” She guided me, and as I repeated the words, they resonated deeply within me. This greeting, often used among Muslims, translates to “peace be with you.”
Peace, something we all seek, transcends religious boundaries. It’s a universal desire that cannot be attained through fear but only through love. Let us always choose love, for love ultimately prevails.
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In summary, our encounter in the grocery store taught me that a simple act of kindness can bridge divides and foster understanding. In these challenging times, let us remember that we can choose love over fear.
Keyphrase: connection through kindness
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