An Interesting Moment

Yesterday I had an interesting moment. Alongside the escalator on the way up to our apartment there is a very old mosque. I have seen it since shortly after our arrival. As I passed by, some gentlemen from the mosque were asking people if they would like a tour. I was wearing shorts and when I indicated my dress they said it was no problem, please enter the grounds. There a gentleman met me and told me that the mosque was erected by the British government after world war two for the Indian Muslim soldiers who were assigned to Hong Kong. The actual foundation stone was set in 1915 with the current mosque dating to 1949.

As I neared the front door a young Chinese Muslim woman came to show me the interior. We removed our shoes and entered. There were men praying, children being taught their lessons and beautiful stained glass windows. The space is wide open and covered with beautiful carpets.

While she was explaining about the various functions that take place in the room she asked me if I was British. I told her I was an American. She then asked me if I hated Muslims. The question made me sad. I told her I judge people by how they behave and how they treat others, not by religion or race or other such qualifiers. In some ways it was a surreal moment. I was in Hong Kong standing inside a mosque dressed in shorts and a T-shirt speaking with a Chinese Muslim woman at the invitation of the Muslim men at the gate. It felt like a very profound moment. We talked a bit more and she then escorted me back to the gate. I thanked her for the tour and thanked the gentlemen at the gate. 

I kept thinking about her for the rest of the day. What an interesting start to a Sunday morning. It is an experience more people should have.