RELATIONSHIPS August 25, 2008 Issue

MY FRIEND NIMET

CLAUDIA RENNER

THERE'S OFTEN CONCERN about the divide between the Islamic world and the West. While leaders of all faiths are making efforts to open up dialogue—one example would be the recent conferences, initiated by Muslims, in the US and Spain—distrust still lingers. But I've found even in modest ways, we can help resolve religious conflicts by forging strong interpersonal relationships and building bridges of trust.

Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, wrote, "True prayer is not asking God for love; it is learning to love, and to include all mankind in one affection" (No and Yes, p. 39). Thinking about this, I'm reminded that it was a Muslim woman who first honored me with her hospitality during a lonely time in my life.

I first met Nimet a couple of years ago when my family had just moved to a new town. We didn't know anyone yet, and it seemed that nobody was going out of their way to meet us. I often longed for a friend.