HEART OF STEELE

In my small, Minnesota hometown, religious diversity meant we had a Norwegian Lutheran church and a Swedish Lutheran church.

Even after six decades, my roots are still there. My understanding of God remains much as it was when I was singing “Jesus Loves Me” with the cherub choir.

Then, in 1999, I moved to a community in Michigan that is home not only to the full spectrum of Christian churches, but also three Jewish congregations, a Jain temple, a Krishna temple, a Tao community, and three mosques.

With an active community group devoted to cultural diversity, each new holiday brought an opportunity to talk with religious leaders and learn about their beliefs and rituals.

As with many aspects of our daily lives, everything changed on September 11, 2001. Muslim families lived in fear. Holidays often brought a police presence at or near houses of prayer and worship.

However, people of all faiths also worked to create opportunities that brought the community together. One group organized a local house of worship tour that included the Jain temple, a mosque, a synagogue, and a historic Methodist church.

Scores of visitors left that day with a better understanding of not only the individual religions, but what they all have in common. For me, the day made a difference in how I write and think about the role religion plays in communities.

So when I learned that the Owatonna mosque was hosting a tour and community iftar–breaking of the Ramadan fast–I reached out to resident Muna Mohamed and asked to attend.

The evening included a tour of the mosque with guides who explained the Five Pillars of Islam: Shahada, the declaration of faith in one God; Salah, prayer; Zakat, helping the poor and needy; Sawm, fasting; and Hajj, making a pilgrimage to Mecca. They talked about how and why the central prayer room is separated, with women and men on different sides of a movable wall.

The most interesting part of the evening for me was listening to local Muslims share their faith and talk about the misconceptions that lead to confusion and bigotry. The hijab, for example, is more tied to cultural norms, Mohamed said. She wears hers because she saw her mother wear one, not because it is required.

With 1.3 billion Muslims living around the world, cultural differences are common. Yet all adhere to the pillars of their faith. And isn’t that the case with any religion?

Over the years, I have found that learning about different practices and beliefs deepens and clarifies my own faith. Every time I participate in events like the community iftar, I am reminded of a quote from spiritual leader Ram Dass: “We are all just walking each other home.”

I encourage you to have conversations with people whose definition of “home” don’t match your own. And listen more than you speak. Listen with your heart.