John and I went to an Eid-ul-Adha supper tonight. This is a Muslim holiday celebration, the feast of the sacrifice', and it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) unselfish act of sacrificing his son Ishmael to God. It also celebrates the end of Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca), one of the important elements of Muslim faith.
We sat with our dear friend, Shariar Ahmed, who always makes a big fuss over John. He got up in front of the group and introduced him, reminding people that after 9-11, John encouraged the Muslim community to come together with people of other faiths so that all would understand each other better.
Anyway, the food was awesome, as always...lots of biryani rice and chicken masala and naan. Yummy. And it's always interesting to hear other people's belief systems and try to understand them. All in all, a good way to spend a Sunday night.
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This is great! The world could use a lot more openess and willingness to try to understand other's believe systems. Sounds like a lovely time.
Posted by: vashti | Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 11:44 AM
The Muslims record the story as Ishmael being the almost-sacrificed son...interesting that they are so similar yet place a different character in the story...
Posted by: violetismycolor | Monday, January 16, 2006 at 07:42 PM
It does sound interesting, and wonderful. I love learning about other cultures and religions. So many of my students don't handle the differences very well; they are so judgemental.
Posted by: Margaret | Monday, January 16, 2006 at 06:10 PM
Laura,
In the stories the Jews have recorded, it was Isaac who was to be sacrificed, not Ishmael. God eventually didn't allow the child to be sacrificed, but He was testing Abraham's obedience and He provided a lamb to replace the child just before the sacrifice took place. Christians believe the lamb is a symbol for Christ, also called the Lamb that was slain. Since His sacrifice (of giving His life at the cross) was to provide the ultimate sacrifice for forgiveness of the sins of mankind (whoever recognizes, believes and accepts this sacrifice and therewith Jesus as their Savior).
Inge
Posted by: Inge Schonbrod | Monday, January 16, 2006 at 05:20 PM
Something totally off topic...
I just did a search on the web on Dutch stores in Portland Oregon and your name (violetsmycolor) came up and you were saying there is a Dutch store in Portland :)...
I'm very Dutch (newly 'imported', married an American) and we're moving to the Portland area this weekend. Could you please let me know what store this is and where it's located?
Thanks in advance!
Thank God for stroopwafels!
Posted by: Inge Schonbrod | Monday, January 16, 2006 at 05:10 PM
How is the Muslim version different from the Judeo-Christian version? If I were a better Bible scholar I'd know right away, but I'm curious.
Posted by: Laura | Monday, January 16, 2006 at 05:01 PM
You had to share the food details, you just had to make sure I was drooling before you finished, non? Oh it sounds like SUCH a lovely evening!
Posted by: Elizabeth | Monday, January 16, 2006 at 01:32 PM
What a great time. John sounds like such a neat guy - you must be proud.
Posted by: Arlene | Monday, January 16, 2006 at 07:30 AM
It sounds lovely.
Posted by: Marilyn | Sunday, January 15, 2006 at 10:20 PM