Last weekend I had an opportunity to visit a mosque, for the first time ever! I am a freelance photographer, and I accepted an assignment at the mosque. Having never been to a mosque (I’m Christian), I was a bit concerned about what to expect. Would I be looked down on? Would the Muslims there have an “attitude” since I am an outsider? I would soon find out!
I must say, although I have lived here for a couple of years, I never knew there was a mosque nearby. I mean, I knew there had to be, there are many Muslims here, but I had never passed by it. I live in a very diverse area, I have seen the Hindu Temple, the Greek Orthodox Church, the Buddhist Temple…just never the Mosque! It is tucked away near the hills, a very “normal” looking building.
I parked the car and got out. As I got out, I freaked out a little bit because I realized my head was not covered…I did not know if that would be an issue or not. As I approached the Mosque, I saw a gentleman getting into his car. I stopped him and asked him where the entrance to the Mosque was…as there were many doors on the building. I was expecting him to point to the front door, but instead he escorted me to the front door. So far, so good. He led me to a gentleman that was in charge and then bid me adieu. The man that was in charge introduced himself to me and gave me his business card. He was very polite and very soft-spoken.
I guess this would be a good time to tell you what my photo assignment was. As a way of commemorating the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the Muslim community organized a blood drive. Their goal was to collect 10,000 pints of blood, enough to help save 3,000 lives.
The gentleman in charge showed me around. There was one room for all the men to donate, and another for the women. Everywhere I turned, there was a smiling face, a kind word, everyone was so willing to help me. No one said anything about my head not being covered. No one gave me any “attitude”. I was not shunned because I am not Muslim. I saw people of every race and nationality, every religious background, working together. Muslim and non-Muslim, sitting side by side, donating blood. The Mosque was filled to capacity with people donating blood. Blood that will save thousands of lives, not just Muslim lives, but everyone’s lives.
I was deeply touched by everyone’s kindness-their willingness to accept me. I wondered if the tables had been turned, would non-muslims have been as kind to them, as they were to me? I can only hope so.
Not every Muslim is “bad”, not every Muslim is plotting an attack on us. The vast majority of them are just like you and me…they work hard to provide for their families-they love their children and they want the best for them. They may worship differently than you and me, but that does not make them “bad” people.
I am very thankful that I had this experience. It was nothing but positive and I applaud the local Muslim community for all they did to help us...ALL of us! The blood drive will continue throughout September and I know the Muslim community will meet their goals!
