The Shock of Unity

One of the great rewards of being invited to experience a completely different culture from your own, is the shock of recognition when you encounter something that resonates with your own tradition. Last weekend, Sherry and Hubie's neighbor in Essex invited me to attend an Islamic festival in Burlington honoring the Lady Zainab, granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammed. Although I am familiar with Islam as a large, diverse, and beautiful religion, I had never heard anything about the Shi'ite traditions of Iraq and Iran, including the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage that just took place in Karbala, Iraq with 20 million people (!).

As I was browsing the exuberant gifts of food and art and educational displays promoting social justice, imagine my shock when I encountered a quote that could have come straight from the lips of Martin Luther: "Stand for the truth, even if you stand alone. -Lady Zainab." Here was this 7th century Arab woman prophet and preacher who is still inspiring people today to stand up for social justice! My nervousness about being a guest at a completely foreign event melted away as I experienced the warm hospitality of Mr. Ahmed Lateef, and the sense of being kindred spirits with the Iraqi women who were so excited to share a strong heroine from their own tradition with the rest of humanity who desperately needs to hear her voice.

I encourage you to check out the Voice of Lady Zainab Foundation right here in Vermont, and plan to join me next year at this interfaith, global event right in our own backyard! 

In an age of tragic misunderstanding among faiths, it only takes one shock of unity for suddenly the world to feel like a homier place.

with love, Pr. Chelsea