Saalam o Alekium

Today I received three disturbing messages on my phone and email. I was told to callcallcallhomeplease! I called home, and asked after what the emergency was. History: Last week, we were assigned in my previously mentioned Middle East class to write a personal letter to someone about something we learned in the class. I wrote a relative of mine about how much I love and admire these people. I included the letter for you to read, for I am awfully proud of it.

"One of the many classes that I took this semester was, “Middle East: Roots of Conflict.” I had started this class with mild interest in this subject, but coming out of it, I am full of love and enormous curiosity about this culturally and racially diverse land. Someday I want to go there and live with these people- I have so much I can learn from them, and I think that I could share myself with them, to their benefit. One of the most important things I learned in this class was when I learned about Muslims, Islam being the most predominant religion of this area. Let me share some of my recently acquired information with you about this religion, its history, and it’s followers.

Do you remember the stories about Father Abraham? Do you remember how Abraham and God made a covenant, or two-way promise? Abraham was promised to always have the Priesthood: that he would have numberless posterity: and that he would be prosperous. Abraham’s seed, or children received this promise through him, which seed you and I are because of our heritage. There is another chapter, or volume as the case may be, to this story. Abraham had Isaac, who we learn and speak about the most often, but Abraham had another son, Ishmael. What we don’t know is that Ishmael received some of the same blessings from God, because he, too, was a son of Abraham. Genisis 17:20 says, ““And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.” This is God speaking to Abraham, and answering his prayer for Ishmael. It is from Ishmael and his twelve sons that the Arabic nations arose. Ishmael and his mother resided near what would soon become Mecca, a holy city for Islam.

Let me clear up a few things, a few things that were entirely new information for me three months ago. Islam is the religion and Muslims are the people who practice Islam, just as you practice Christianity and are a Christian. Arab is just a racial term- there are many Christian Arabs in the Middle East.

Relative's name insertied, Islam is a beautiful religion. Many who practice this religion are amazingly devout, charitable, kind people. They are called to prayer five times a day. I love the thought of praying to my Heavenly Father formally five times a day. Here is an excerpt from the call to prayer, which is played throughout the cities five times daily. “Allah is the greatest. I bear witness that there is no lord except Allah. Make haste towards prayer. Make haste towards success. Allah is greatest, there is no lord except Allah.” Allah is just the name of God to Muslims. They are monotheistic, which meant that they believe in only one god, just like you and I believe in only one god. Make haste towards prayer- isn’t this amazing? Sometimes, I meander and drag my feet towards prayer, and these people are encouraged to make haste towards prayer. I think that there is so much to learn from this.

Thank you for forever supporting me in my life. I hope that this short letter has opened your eyes a little bit about the Middle East, and Muslims. I know that there is so much negative information about Muslims in the media, but the average Muslim is no more inclined to commit violent acts than you or I am. Please look for the good in these people, for there is so much good to find. I feel a kinship with them, and if they are my kin, they must be yours too. I love these people, and I hope that we as a family and we as Americans can find it in ourselves to love them evermore.

Love,

Victoria

Well, I called home this morning. The emergency was this: my relative had interpreted from my letter that I was converting to Islam, the religion of Muslims. This relative thought that I was going to move to Egypt and become a fully-fledged follower of Islam, complete with the veil of modesty and everything.

My first thought was, "Really? Did I say that?" Then I just laughed and laughed. I think that it is hilarious that people thought I was going to convert. I think it is funny that someone thought I was going to move to Egypt TODAY!! This relative was frantic, worrying about my whereabouts, and my religious choices. I think that this is the most hilarious thing ever.

Guys, if I ever convert to Islam, I will not ask permission, but I will most definitely tell you first. I will invite you all to the new truth, and convince you of it's worthiness.