January 30, 2015
One of the most consistent things you will hear that stand out to non-Muslims who enter the Muslim world is the hospitality they experience. That doesn't exist simply in the Muslim world, but amongst Muslims living in the West as well.
I remember once being at a Dunkin Donuts and it was a bunch of us, all thobed out, and we were at the counter and as soon as the lady rang up the bill she had credit cards flying at her. One guy was trying to sneak a $20 under his brother's arm, and like two outreached hands were reaching over the shoulders of the brother who was crouched over the register, himself trying to convince her to take the money that was in his hand. She laughed in amazement and said, “YOU GUYS ALWAYS DO THIS!” I hadn't been there that frequently so I understood her “you guys” statement to be Muslims.
Another time in another place, I was at the front of another line wrestling with another brother in front of the cash register while trying to convince the cashier to take my money. The brother was a lot older (and bigger than me) it was a losing battle. All of a sudden a lady behind us in line piped up, “Why don't you pay for me?” LOL. It was obviously one of those half joking but kinda serious requests, and I knew a punk card when I saw one, so I obliged much to her (feigned?) objection.
She came to the table we were at after and thanked us profusely with a huge smile. I was happy cuz we were also totally thobed and kufi'd out that day as well. So that made me think…what are Muslims known for?
Unfortunately we're not known for anything good in the public sphere, but I feel like if there is one thing that we can, insha'Allah, easily be known for is the hospitality that is already in us…it's just that in the Western context we've decided until this point to only share it amongst ourselves.
Note: Next time you visit for those mouthwatering stuff, ask the 'gals' if they have sugar-free donuts!!!
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