Guess how members of the Muslim Connect tribe are like my dog. Oh, never mind, you’ll never get it.
A couple days ago, I went out our bedroom window onto the roof over our front porch to fix our internet receiver that had gotten smoked by lightning. As I set the old one down inside I saw a flash in my peripheral vision: Our dog jumped through the open window, sprinted across the porch roof and launched himself into space and onto the gravel 10 feet below. He then proceeded to tear off down the road. . . after a rabbit!
You see the connection, don’t you? You and I’d jump off a roof to go say hi to a Muslim! Well, maybe not literally. But I’ve changed plans, seats and even countries to get to a good chat. God has simply given us a love and a desire. It’s Jesus; not us. And it can be a lot of fun.
Here’s a new, timely reason to open a conversation. Its shelf life is short, but I’m betting it’s a low threat, high fun way to connect:
Next week is Mawlid al-Nabi (or simply Mawlid, Milad, or Mevlid), the celebration of Muhammad’s birthday. While some Muslims do not celebrate this, convinced it’s an unauthorized addition to the faith, many do and in a variety of ways.
Some of them are eerily similar to Christmas: There are songs, poems, sweets, and pageants. Also like Christmas, some Muslims commemorate Mawlid with thoughtful, sober prayers and remembrances of Muhammad.
This year’s celebration happens next Tuesday, August 26th.
Here’s the challenge: Ask a Muslim friend or acquaintance, “Do you celebrate Mawlid al-Nabi?” If they say yes, there are a dozen follow ups, including, “Can you tell me a fond Mawlid memory from when you were a kid.” If they say no, drop to plan B and ask, “What other holidays have importance for you?” If you give this a try, I’d love to hear how it goes!
Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s Muslim Connect. It’s a special one!