Why You & I Tea

In The Name Of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

When I converted to Islam I lived in a small town and didnt even know of any other muslims. As far as I knew I was the only one and looked forward to the day that I would be able to relocate to Raleigh where I made my shahada. So I was suprised when a co-worker of mine named Marquise told me that the store where he worked part time was bought out by a muslim Pakistani family and they wanted to meet me. At first I was like whuut! and didnt take it too seriously. But he kept telling me about them just about every time we had a chance to speak. Finally, I was like alright, alright, I'll meet them.

I was nervous and didnt know what to expect. Never had someone that I hadnt even met taken such an interest in me like that. So one evening I picked up Marquise and we rolled through to the old hip hop fashions store that I hadnt been in since it was owned by the Koreans. I greeted Mr. Khan and his wife and immediately understood the urgency to meet me. Their joy said it all. They were still struggling a little bit with english and it was difficult for me to make out some of their words through their very thick Pakistani accents. But we were determined to communicate and to understand each other. They really didnt have any friends here in America and Marquise most likely mentioned to them that he knew a muslim at his other job. By the grace and mercy of Allah SWT Marquise introduced us. To them I was special because I had converted to Islam rather than born into it. They told me that Allah SWT had guided me to Islam and I think becuz of that they treated me something like a celebrity. They were enlightening to me becuz they had been muslim all their lives and had so much more knowledge and experience than I had. Automatically we shared a sense of brotherhood. The love they showed me from the moment I said As Salaamu Alaikum was immeasurable. They didnt have to know me and I didnt have to know them. Through Islam we had a bond that even my closest family and friends wouldnt understand.

Over the next few yrs we had gotten so close that they were like my 2nd parents and their children were like my little brother and sister. The store was home. I would stop by for just a couple minutes to say our salaams or stay for awhile and have tea and chick peas or even dinner. We started breaking fast together during Ramadan and going to Eid. Eventually after I was laid off I would go to work for them in a new store they opened up.

My point in all this is that the Khans and I immediately shared something upon our first meeting and actually even before. I was just young in my deen and didnt quite understand it. The Khans understood though. And 8 yrs or so later I understand very well. When my wife and I are out and we see other muslims we always make an effort to greet them. Especially since 9-11, I will go out of my way to let my muslim brothers and sisters know by our greeting that I am here too. If you need a friend I am here. If you're being harassed I am right here. Just know in the back of your mind or the front of your heart that you are not alone. Unconditionally.

Unfortunately, not all brothers and sisters in Islam feel this way. When some muslims are greeted its as if its Just Too Much to return salaams. They literally act like seeing another muslim is the last thing they wanted to encounter on any given day. Even at the masjid for jumah. When I think of the problems muslims are having around the world its really no surprise. There is no Unity. Especially between people of different races and nationalities. Theres plenty Thats Haraam and finger pointing between the lottery ticket alkahol sellers, music is haraamers, and the what about your belly dancing bollywood satellite tvers. Im saddened when I settle with saying salaams to a brother or a sister from a supposed Muslim country and just walk away with no anticipation of a Wa Alaikum As Salaam, or a smile or a khaifa halak. And truth is there is more working to divide us than to unite us. But None Is Greater Than The One Uniting Us.

Surah 3: Al-Imran
103: And hold fast, all together, by the Rope which Allah stretches out for you, and be not divided among yourselves; And remember with gratitude Allah's favor on you; for you were enemies and he joined your hearts in love so that by His grace you became brethren; and you were on the brink of fire, and he saved you from it. Thus, Allah does make His signs clear to you so that you may be guided.

Surah 49: Al-Hujurat
9: The believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two contending brothers; and fear Allah, that you may recieve mercy.

13: Oh mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other and not despise each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well-aquainted with all things.

MAY ALLAH SWT HAVE MERCY AND GUIDE US ALL. AMEEN.