25th
December, 2003 - Ooooh, presents!
I'm a Muslim and I don't usually
don't get into religious discussions, but with the spotlight on
terrorism, I cannot help but say a few words on the situation.
Most people are educated enough to understand that no religion
sanctions war. Wars have certainly been fought in the name of
religion, but it is not religion per se that mobilizes armies
or the John Doe who runs the corner store. The problems arise
when religion gets thrown in with politics, when it gets thrown
in with power, when it is used to promote hatred and fear, instead
of love and tolerance. A friend of mine sent me this quote today:
" People take different roads seeking fulfilment and happiness.
Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten
lost." - H. Jackson Browne
Why
am I mentioning this today? Because it's Christmas and I for one,
plan to celebrate it. A number of my friends are often surprised
when I tell them that Jesus is mentioned in the Quran. One of
the passages says:
Sura 3:45 (Al-Imran) - "The angels said to Mariam (Mary):
'Allah bids you rejoice in a Word from Him. His name is al-Masih
(Messiah), Isa (Jesus) the son of Mariam. He shall be noble in
this world and in the next, and shall be favored by Allah.'"
Have I read the whole Quran cover to cover? No, I'm far from an
expert. In fact, I would describe myself more as spiritual than
religious, but devotional doctrines aside, what's not
to celebrate about the one time of the year that promotes kindness,
compassion and charity? Besides, I just love presents...hehe.
I love giving them and I love receiving them! If there were two
of me, we'd be exchanging gifts all year long.
Of course, it would probably be the same present going back and
forth. Regrettably, something about my taste just doesn't sit
right with my wallet.
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