A distant memory, echoing..
I was still a scholar, it was 1990-1991, in the Ecoles des Frères - Deddeh, EL Koura [North Lebanon]..
As the christians attended the "Catéchèse" [religious teachings] offered by a priest, a sheikh offered muslims similar teachings.
Since the school was founded by french missionaries, we had a wooden cross on top of the chalkboard in every classroom..
At the beginning of one session a student asked the sheikh: why don't we take out that cross, we do not need it in here during our religious session.
The sheikh paused for a moment then replied: we should respect all religions, it is causing no offense by its presence, it will remain here.
In consideration, the school administration is offering you Islamic teachings within its classrooms, in return, the least you can do is give respect.
It was not out of weakness, but out of strength that the sheikh behaved that way.
Now everyone of us will perceive the meaning of this story according to what lies within his/her soul.
N.B: Out of curiosity, i used to attend both of the classes simultaneously.
As the christians attended the "Catéchèse" [religious teachings] offered by a priest, a sheikh offered muslims similar teachings.
Since the school was founded by french missionaries, we had a wooden cross on top of the chalkboard in every classroom..
At the beginning of one session a student asked the sheikh: why don't we take out that cross, we do not need it in here during our religious session.
The sheikh paused for a moment then replied: we should respect all religions, it is causing no offense by its presence, it will remain here.
In consideration, the school administration is offering you Islamic teachings within its classrooms, in return, the least you can do is give respect.
It was not out of weakness, but out of strength that the sheikh behaved that way.
Now everyone of us will perceive the meaning of this story according to what lies within his/her soul.
N.B: Out of curiosity, i used to attend both of the classes simultaneously.
posted by nour at 11:05
5 Comments:
"It was not out of weakness, but out of strength that the sheikh behaved that way."
Absolutely. I loved this story.
It was not until college that I started to take these two courses: History of the Christian & Islamic Civilizations. and I used to enjoy them much (It's an interesting opportunity to be familiar with the deeper background of the other religion). it would be a good approach if more people get to attend courses like these, at an early age.
That's a great story. The kind of world I want to live in.
That’s right! At least we should respect other people and their right to have any believe they want to. By and large their lifes r not our business! Same like our lifes r not their business too! We can see this days how muslims act when their relic was disrespected. So, what if christians or buddhists do the same everytime when muslims don’t respect them? This sheihk was just a wise and openminded man. I respect such people. The only way to show others that there is God in our soul is to act with love even if they hurt us. Bad that those who fights for Prophet Muhammed’s honour, had no this kind of teacher in their time...
Great story!
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