Not All Muslims Are Terrorists

Last October I awoke to a freezing cold Sat morning. It had snowed on the Blue Mountains the previous night and the gale force winds had closed all but one runway at Sydney airport. Undaunted, I ventured out in the chilly wind to my favourite curio shop in Woolloomooloo, in search of a present for Number One Daughter.

Initially I was disappointed. The terrace house had been sold and Somi, the delightful store owner, was downsizing. Though I couldn't see a potential present among the remaining bric a brac, a pair of pine trestles definitely winked at me. I was seriously in love. I'd wanted a trestle table for years, but an eco chic one, something sustainable, recycled rather than Ikea.

Somi agreed to sell the trestles, as long as he could use them for two more Saturdays for his moving sale. He was highly amused, wondering how on earth I was going to transport them back to Queensland. After all, they weren't exactly carry on luggage, though they would fit behind the surfboard in Sam's apartment until I could find a solution.

Later that morning I asked myself, “What's the easiest and cheapest way to get the trestles back to Queensland?” To my surprise the answer came immediately. “Go on www.gumtree.com.au and find someone who'd appreciate some petrol money when driving to Queensland.”

And so it was that just before Christmas the trestles were delivered by Imran Khan, a young man from Pakistan. To my surprise and absolute delight, he refused my offer of petrol money. “I am Muslim,” he said. I nodded. I'd already figured that much. “My wish is to show Westerners that not all Muslims are terrorists.” His kindness and intention radiated from him. Here was a true Muslim.

I told Imran I had studied philosophy and comparative religion on and off since my teens and been reading about Islam for many years. I was definitely on his wavelength, in absolute awe at the power of intention. His and mine.

After all, in 2010 my favourite book was the inspiring Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Check out www.threecupsoftea.com

Now every time I look at the trestles I grin, thinking of Somi and Imran, two delightful young men who have enriched my journey in different ways, and I am reminded of peace and sustainability, for without these the human race will not survive.

So the elders tell me and I believe them.

Barbara Carseldine
10th January 2011
watertools@gmail.com