The theme for the evening was homelessness, which centered on the important philosophy of looking after our neighbors.
A panel discussion with representatives from Christian, Jewish and Muslim initiatives, which often work together to run programs for the homeless, was followed by the keynote speaker for the evening, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, a well-known British Muslim politician and member of the House of Lords.
The evening began in a jovial manner as people of all faiths mingled before the more serious subject of homelessness was discussed. Baroness Warsi’s speech rebalanced that part of the evening with an uplifting set of motivational words, reminding us of the importance of living together in a multi-faith society.
Later, when the time for prayer arrived, men and women, said their prayers and we all gathered back in the Church’s main hall to enjoy the evening meal.
Some attendees were single, other’s came with their spouses, some came with their children. Young and old, black, white and brown. We had gathered to share in our common values to understand better what troubles our nation, and how we can do more to look after the most vulnerable in our society.
Just after 10pm however, the evening was interrupted with the news that another terrorist attack had just taken place just three miles away at London Bridge. The Reverend at the Church announced that the incident was unfolding, and while we did not know the details, we knew that another tragedy had taken place. We all paused for a one minute silence to say a prayer for the victims of the terrorist attack, and the conversation changed.
Here we were, men and women of diverse backgrounds and faiths, together. While outside, three men had caused carnage, resulting in the murder of seven human beings.
Prophet Muhammad once said, that a believer is the person in whose company another person feels safe. He also said, that angel Gabriel once told him repeatedly to look after his neighbors (who at the time were non-Muslims), so much so, that he thought God was going to make his neighbors those who would inherit from him. Meaning that the necessity to honor one’s neighbor is such that we should consider those around us to be as close to us as our family.
Sayeeda Warsi shared an extract from her recent book, The Enemy Within. The title was actually taken from a slur against her by some British Parliamentarians who viewed her, a British Muslim woman who worked within the rules of democracy and became a representative of society, adding value, as, ‘an enemy within.’
Such was the fear of ‘the other’ that instead of seeing her as someone contributing to the betterment of our nation, she was perceived as the threat.
The reality however is quite the opposite.
/257
