"Curious and Afraid"

Today, we are pleased to offer a sampling of poetry and artwork submitted by one of our students in the "Interfaith and Interspiritual Wisdom" training program. Students are always offered the opportunity to express their learnings in creative ways. Enjoy this entry by Deb W. in completion of the module on Islam. 

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"Curious and Afraid"
by Deb. W

I was not prepared!
I was taken by surprise.
Barriers begin to fall away, 
My heart softens around the edges.
The fog recedes from my mind.
The vail is lifted from my eyes.
So many holes in my knowledge of Islam.
I am curious and yet afraid to step outside the boundaries of my Christian faith? 
How will I be judged?
 
I see now, how I have been deceived! 
Images of 911 destruction, bombings, beheadings of infidels.
Stories of genital mutilation, stoning’s, and inequity among genders.
Terror everywhere, "no Muslim can be trusted.
Islam is a religion of hate”, fear consumes me.
I was led astray, hood-winked, betrayed.
 
God, in his wisdom, united humanity through the linage of Abraham.
He sent messengers for his people:
Moses for the Jews,
Jesus for the Christians,
Muhammad for the Muslims, 
Unified in voice, “There is only one true God.”
Oh God, you are a god of Mystery!
 
The Qur’an teaches.
“The lamps are different, but the Lights are the same.
Each giving off the essence of Holy fire.
One matter, one energy, one diamond.
 
The faithful are called to worship in their unique way.
 Jews sound the trumpet, 
 Christians ring the bells,
Muslims her the melodic voice of the muezzin calling them to Adhan (prayer) five times a day.
“Come and submit, trust, and release your burdens, come and enter prayer.
Turn your body, mind, and spirit toward holy God.
 
God is most great. 
I testify that there is no god but God.
I testify that Muhammad is the Prophet of God.
Arise and pray”!
God is closer to man than his jugular vein.
 
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have lived in times of peace and war together.
In a state of either union or separation.
The right hand receives, the left hand sends.
War reveals the beauty of peace.
Death reveals the beauty of life.
Scarcity reveals the beauty of abundance.
Everything is one. 
There is oneness in the design.
 
Religion at its core, longs for a relationship with God, but humanity has messed it up.
Synagogue’s, Church’s, and Mosque’s intended for worship and belonging.
Places for Love to abound; became exclusive thanks to misguided men.
Each tradition called forth by a loving God, 
for relationship with him.
Man created chaos, mis-representing Love. 
 
Oh God,
 I plead for unity among your people,
 help us to coexist in harmony.  
Al-‘Azim, The Most Great.
I pray for spiritual awakening in each soul. 
Help us remember who we are in you.
We were born with Love, by Love and for Love.
Love is our path to you.
Al-Ghafur, The Ever-forgiving.
 Open our hearts to your mystery and the courage to rest in the unknowing. 
 Place in us warm-hearted curiosity to give us the answers we longingly seek. 
Al-Jalil, The Majestic.
Thank you, Allah,
you are a generous and loving God!
Ameen

Artwork by Deb. W, 2021