SENTINEL WATCH August 29, 2005 Issue

A LUNCH IN TUNISIA, WITH LASTING INSIGHTS

ROBERT HOLCOMB

IT WAS MY FIRST VISIT to Tunisia, a predominately Muslim country. I was curious about what I would find, and there was much that thrilled and delighted me. I clambered over the ruins of Carthage and viewed the sites of the Punic wars; walked the streets, visited the temples, and climbed through the tunnels at the ancient Roman city of Dougga; and meandered through the souks in the medina's marketplace. But I found even more was in store.

A friend had asked me to call on his brother-in-law in Sidi Bou Said when I got there. I had lunch with him and his family in this beautiful blue and white village overlooking the sea. As we walked the cobblestone streets after lunch, and stopped for mint and pine-nut beverage in an ancient gathering place, I asked my Muslim host about his faith.

He spoke of the fact that foremost to a Muslim is his individual relationship to God. He explained that everything in a Muslim's life is centered around maintaining a consciousness of his relationship to God. Interestingly to me, this man, who speaks fluent English, did not employ the term Allah, but rather God. I was touched by his warmth and compassion for me.