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.

I'd read this line from Science and Health many times: "Desire is prayer" (p. 1); and so I felt Nimet's friendship was the answer to my prayers. Our daughter, who was in grade school at that time, was invited to a birthday party by one of Nimet's daughters. I attended too, and was warmly invited to join the festivities.

Quite unexpectedly on that winter afternoon, I found myself in Nimet's cozy kitchen, sipping tea and talking while one delicious Turkish dish after another was put on my plate. All the while, my teacup was being filled constantly. I'd never felt such warmth from a stranger before.

Nimet and I were on the way to becoming great friends. I found out that she was a working single mum of three girls, and a faithful Muslim. What I admired about her from the start was her unlimited generosity and hospitality, and learned that this was a direct result of practicing her faith. Although her means were modest, she always had food to share with guests and was willing to lend a hand to anybody in need, including an elderly neighbor, whom she provided with a microwave, and the people in the retirement home where she worked.

With Nimet, I also felt comfortable admitting that I was religious. As we were getting more acquainted, I noticed both distinctions and similarities between her faith and mine. I took some important aspects of Islam and considered bridges I could build from a Christian Science perspective.

• Having one God. That was certainly something we had in common.

• Prayer. Did I pray five times a day? Well, not in the exact same way many Muslims would. But I honestly asked myself, could I be more alert to regularly turn my thoughts toward God in the middle of a busy day?

• Fasting. I observed Nimet's abstinence from food or drink from dawn till dusk during Ramadan. She explained that this is considered to be an act of sympathy with the poor and hungry. And though I don't fast literally, I realized that "fasting" could be seen as an abstaining from negative thinking, reaction, fear, and instead embracing God's good qualities.

• Charity. Giving to the poor plays a central role in Islam. Nimet impressed me again with her generosity when she bought new blankets and socks for people in a disaster area. I found it very comforting that, as a Christian Scientist, I could address world issues through prayer and reach people in need, near or far. And my prayers might even lead me to take practical steps like giving time or efforts to a cause.

As time went by, Nimet and I went strawberry picking with our children, visited a museum and the beach, and ate at a Turkish restaurant where we were served meals while sitting on the floor. But more important, I have fond memories of the sisterly love Nimet and I shared. There's a passage in the Bible that rings true with the spirit of our friendship. When the Apostle Peter, a devout Jew, visited the Roman centurion's house and saw his uprightness, he wisely said, "I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" (Acts 10:34, 35).

Nimet and I don't see one another too much anymore, since my family has moved again, but I still treasure what our time together taught me. God surprised me with companionship in an unexpected way. And I like to think our friendship contributed, even just a little bit, to dissolving religious intolerance on a global level. CSS