by Farah Mithani – Houston Baptist University Graduate
As a religious and ethnic minority, I have always been able to bring a different perspective. I understand how outward differences between people can hide important connections. I have felt the pressure of those around me and have been stuck in a muddle, on more than one occasion. Unwanted in the world of ignorance is a tough spot to be in, however we all must learn to be strong and know that we are not alone.
I remember sitting at the library café on campus one afternoon between classes with a few of my close friends, two Christians and a Hindu. They were curious on my Islamic views of heaven and hell. Religion is always a confusing and controversial topic, in my opinion. However, I have always been open-minded and love to experience different views, religions, and cultures. As we sat there discussing our opinions, a student at a near by table jumped into our conversation unexpectedly and said, “If you are a Muslim, you will definitely go to Hell,” and he turned back around to mind his own business.
I responded with a chuckle and said, “You have no right to judge me. Only God can judge you and me. That’s what I believe.” Being a Muslim girl that attended a Christian university, I learned to love religion and gain more knowledge. In other words, I am not ignorant. I understand the world now and do not judge others, but accept them.
Yet another incident occurred months later. I was walking around Town Center with a few of my friends after dinner and we came across a man handing out flyers. He asked us if we had a moment. I already knew what was about to happen and since I was the only Muslim within the group, I felt like it was my decision to answer. “Sure, why not.”
He asked us if everyone would go to heaven. I responded, “I think we are in hell right now because of all the struggles and obstacles and one day we will go back to heaven with God.”
“So do you think Hitler will go to heaven too? Do you think you will go to heaven?” He questioned me.
I gave the same answer that I have always believed in, “Honestly, I think God is the only one that can judge what happens to us on Judgment day.”
For some reason he kept addressing questions to me, and not the others. So I asked him, “Why do you keep asking me questions? Is it because you know I am Muslim and my friends are not?”
He hesitated and started asking the others questions, but suddenly came back to me. I got fed up and my friends could see it through my face expressions.
My friend asked me, “Are you ready to go?”
Yes, I was ready. I tried to put my point across, but some people just do not understand. However, others will understand and do want to learn. At my own University, which is Christian based, I was interviewed for a series of religious articles. The interviewer questioned me about my opinions, faith, and prayers. It was a great opportunity to help others understand and broaden their views of a different religion. I believe it is important for us to learn about other religions and cultures of the world. It is a strong held virtue that knowledge is essential to faith. One must be open to many ideas and practices in order for them to fully understand what they believe in. We live in a diverse world and should appreciate it, always.
Good for you for staying positive. I went to large state university that still had preachers who would stand in heavily trafficked areas yelling about college students going to hell and passing out fliers. Most people ignored him, including myself, but he definitely yelled things directly at me a few times too.
Devil will find ways to challenge your patience and calm in hopes that you’ll get in a fight or give up on your beliefs . . It’s your perseverence through the tough times that shows the depth of your faith
Unfortunately, so many who call themselves Christians do not hold your viewpoint on learning about other beliefs. They instead feel very threatened by it. You hear the obnoxious voices of those who are out to condemn, but there are many other quiet voices who feel as you do, but don’t feel the need to spout it at Town Center and other public places. For the sake of our future, we all need to be more open and accepting of the fantastic diversity our world offers.
Hey Farah,
I love your post on “pluralism.” You helped emphasize its just a matter of how you take things in life. You stood as a Muslim, but you never forgot the idea that not everyone looks at the diversity of humans as you do. Cool! Keep sending me more of your blog posts… this is very interesting to read.
Arshad
Hey Farah,
I love your post on “pluralism.” You helped emphasize its just a matter of how you take things in life. You stood as a Muslim, but you never forgot the idea that not everyone looks at the diversity of humans as you do. Cool! Keep sending me more of your blog posts… this is very interesting to read.
Arshad
Dear BrowngirlMag Readers,
Thank you so much for your comments. I’m glad there are others around me who understand with an open mind. Keep reading BrownGirlMagazine for more great posts! Email me/Facebook me if you have any questions or comments! Thanks!
-Farah
Farah, I have always respected you and my other Muslim friends at HBU, and I hope I was never harsh or judgemental towards any of you. It doesn’t make sense or show love to confront someone and tell them they are going one place or anoter. Yet, it seems your very request for an open mind is a contradiction. It is not possible for some people of faith to have what you would consider an open mind. Followers of Jesus (often called Christians) were told by him that he is the only way to God. Thus, an individual cannot follow Jesus and at the same time have an open mind about other religions. Likewise, it is not open minded to have such an expectation on others to be accepting of your religion.
I have Muslim and Jewish friends that have told me, when forced to give their opinion, that I was not going to be with them in “Heaven”. By your definition, they would be closed minded. However, I simply see people that are strong in their faith and convitions. Don’t confuse someone that is over-agressive with someone that is closed minded. Those are seperate concepts.
I enjoy getting to know people from other cultures and religions. Yet, knowing about their beliefs makes me no less resolute in the conviction that my religious beliefs are the corrects ones. I enjoyed your article. It made me think about how I should act towards others. Keep it up Farah
Farah,
You have a very positive outlook towards diversity and religion. Your patience with ignorance will take you far. Those who we cross paths with will always test your faith, friend or foe, but your passage motivates one to keep strong in their beliefs. Thanks for the insight and keep up the good work! I look forward to your next blog, Brown Girl!
-Imran
Farah,
As a Muslim who currently attends HBU, I can personally say that this definitely “hit home.” Although the university itself does not push religion onto us, the students at the university, who are mainly of the Christian faith, are a lot more judgmental than one would expect. I’m currently a sophomore, which sounds like I’ve barely gone through any schooling, but a year and a half with my fellow students I’ve come to realize that no matter what positive thing you say about any religion outside of Christianity, whether it may be the most profound thought in the world or the stupidest, there will be someone sitting behind you waiting to criticize you and tell you you’re an idiot. Although we may agree that God is the only one who can judge us, there are more than enough out there to attempt to tell you otherwise, and it is extremely delightful to hear that a fellow Muslim and just another person, in general, feels the same way I do.
-
As a person of a controversial religion in america you will probably always recieve stress and criticism, most people are too ignorant to be accepting beyond something they do not fully understand. However, my suggestion to you is to make sure you know what it is you believe and why you believe it. There is no harm in doing tons of research in your own religion as well as others, after all, our life on this planet is so short in comparison to eternity. Keep up your positive outlook, it may just leave certain judgmental individuals with a better taste in their mouth then before. Best wishes to you.
Well, it seems like you have definitely seen the face religious freedom in America today. You may not know it now, but the fact that others are allowed to try to push various religious views off on you means that the 1st amendment is still in full effect.
All I am asking is for us to Coexist.
“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance.”
Very interesting article. Very informative, yet entertaining as well.
Marry Me?
Thank you for this wonderful breath of fresh air article! Yes we should coexist, we should accept each other, we should embrace each other. Open-mindedness, acceptance, and willingness-to-understand – values that will help us reach a better future!