Learning To Breathe..................

This evening all the exchange students were invited to tour the mosque here at Al-Alakhawayn.  The mosque is a beautiful place both inside and out. The imam sat and spoke with us about the mosque in general and the purpose it serves as a place of worship for all Muslims.  We were treated to a recitation from the Qur'an by the imam and were also allowed to ask questions.  Even though I didn't understand what the imam was reciting, it was all in Arabic, it was eloquent none the less. I really saw the beauty of the Arabic language, the beauty of the Islamic faith and how devoted Muslims are to their religion.  I was struck by how open the imam was about the Islamic faith and how willing he was to answer any and every question. He kept repeating tolerance and acceptance of all people. This is a far cry from the blood thirsty "religion of the sword" image of Islam that is often portrayed in the United Sates, i.e. Fox News.  I was quite in awe of being in the presence of the imam. A man who has devoted his entire life to the study of his faith.  I am not a particularly religious person, I never have been. I'm not an atheist, I have just never felt any connection with a particular religious group, but sitting in the mosque in the presence of such a devoted and spiritual man, was a very moving experience. I certainly felt closer to "god," what ever he/she/it may be.