بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ,

About a month ago I attended a funeral for one of my mom’s co-workers. In a hall which could hold some 300 persons, some 400 or so had chosen to say their farewell to a fairly well known Muslim woman, may Allaah grant her mercy, Ameen. As the hall became packed, I was seated in the very back, watching as things unfolded. The hall was packed, wall to wall, very little space to maneuver the throngs of people in attendance. Yet, just as fate would have it, after an opening prayer (du’a) had been made out of the corner of my eye I noticed that a Pastor had entered the room. Wearing a distinctive purple coloured shirt with a white collar. Despite having no area to sit or stand, this Pastor maneuvered his way to the back of the hall.

Unusual as it was, the women next to me decided that they’d rather stand in the front than watch seated from the back. Due to this, the Pastor ended up sitting directly next to me. Mind you, this was a funeral, everyone was in a somber mood and rightfully so. Yet, here I was with a dumb smile on my face, literally a cheek in tongue moment. Why was I smiling? Truth be told, out of 400 people, why did the Pastor find his way to end up being seated next to me? As strange as it was, I decided to have a chat and I asked of the Pastor which Church he was from, as it turns out he ran the Susamachar Presbyterian Church. This Church being situated directly opposite (across the street), from the all boys Catholic school I attended during my High School years.

All in all, I can’t forget that moment. Even in a funeral, a Muslim funeral out of all places, I end up with a member of the clergy……

wa Allaahu ‘Alam.