It is always just a little bit reassuring to see the world through the innocent eyes of a child. Yesterday in Costco, I was looking for “goodies en masse” when I heard a child’s voice behind me say, “Salaam Alaikum, Salaam Alaikum”.
I turned around and said, “Alaikum as-salaam. Kif Hallik?”
“Kwaise,” he answered. “You speak Arabic? ”
“Some,” I said.
“Are you Muslim?” (such a serious look in his face for just a moment)
“No,” I answered. “I lived in Saudi Arabia for a long time,” I explained.
“Did you know that tomorrow is the first day of Ramadan?”
“Yes. Are you going to fast?”
“Yes, this is the first year for me – it will be so hard…’ and his voice trailed off. “Ramadan mubarak,” he said with a note of excitement, and he ran off to find his parents with a broad smile on his face and the boundless enthusiasm for life that a child from any culture from anywhere in the world has.
So, on this first night of Ramadan, I want to repeat the simple sincere expression of good wishes from a child and say, “Ramadan Mubarak – Ramadan Kareem” to my Muslim friends. I hope we all find peace, engage in charity to help the less fortunate, and celebrate the good in the world.
