LOVE BEYOND BARRIERS

 

It was one of those farewell parties on the beach that usually close the Summer holidays in our town.

 The music was high and the atmosphere was  cheerful. Laura was dancing with a group of friends when she saw Mohmed. He was sitting alone on the shore, looking at her with his deep dark eyes and his mysterious oriental look. She wondered who he could be , she had never seen him before but ,without realizing why ,she was sitting next to him.

Mohamed was from Iran which ,he explained, in the Persian language means both 'peace' and 'submission' and not “war” and “violence” which have been usually associated to his country .

 He was in Italy to study but in a few days he was going back home because in his country  there would be the Ramadan which is the most important religious celebrations in the Islamic calendar : the Qur’an (Koran )was first revealed during this month ,the gates of Heaven are open ,the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in Hell.

 “Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than at any other time of year, because this month has been blessed by Allah.” he added

“ How do you celebrate it?” Laura asked with increasing interest.

“Fasting during the hours of sunrise to sunset. is obligatory for the whole month and there are long night prayers .Some people live in the mosque during this time for serious reflection and worship. Others spend a few hours at the mosque or home.”

Laura was amazed. In Catholic religion there were some religious celebrations like that. too .For example  the month before the Easter day , called “Quaresima” which includes the Holy week. In this period  we pray and attend the Mass everyday and fasting is suggested, even if it is  not so strict.

. Their conversation was very different from the usual talks about music and interests she had with her friends. Laura and Mohamed were opening each other their hearts and their worlds

 Laura wanted to know more about the culture of Muslim people ,what Mohamed thought about love, marriage, family, the role of women in Iranian society. 

She  asked if women had to wear a headscarfround their head ,which is unbelievable in European culture as well as regarded as a symbol of oppression  and submission to men ,

Mohamed was a bit hurt.There were so many prejudices about them!

He patiently replied “Perhaps if people placed less importance on physical appearance and more on perfecting character and personality, the world would be a better place,.. The hijaab, as it is called, is more than a symbol of being a Muslim woman, it is more than an observance of religious practise - it has a wider purpose. Many foreign women might believe that the hijaab is actually a way  to subjugate women, and to keep them in the background, when in fact its purpose and its effect is the exact opposite. Women are nor obliged, it’s a tradition they are proud of.”

She was still suspicious: “ But in Iran men can have more than one wife, can’t they?”

“What’s wrong with it? At the time of the revelation of the Qur'an it was normal procedure for men to have more than one wife, and we keep on what is a religious belief as well a tradition. You should know that the refusal to hurt or abuse another Muslim is a basic requirement in Islam, and. if a man feels unable to treat all wives with kindness, love and scrupulous fairness, he is ordered by God not to take more than one wife. Polygamy is not an order, but a choice for both men and women. As for me I’m looking for a single, unique love with a special woman.”

A long, passionate kiss followed his words. Was it the beginning of a life long love story or only a dream of it?

Are different religions, different cultures , different ways of thinking, either barriers or links for Love, Peace and Harmony in the world?

It’s up to us!

By Noemi Savarese and Antonia Fuggiano

Class II A  eat ( business studies)

Vocational High School for Commerce and Tourism “F.S. CABRINI”

Taranto, Italy