Pondering 'Community'

"Community is like a large mosaic. Each little piece seems so insignificant. One piece is bright red, another cold blue or dull green, another warm purple, another sharp yellow, another shining gold. Some look precious, others ordinary. Some look valuable, others worthless. Some look gaudy, others delicate. As individuals stones, we can do little with them except compare them and judge their beauty and value. When, however, all these little stones are brought together in one big mosaic portraying the face of Christ, who would ever question the importance of any one of them? If one of them, even the least spectacular one, is missing, the face is incomplete. Together in the one mosaic, each little stone is indispensable and makes a unique contribution to the glory of God. That's community, a fellowship of little people who together make God visible in the world."- Henry Nouwen

Al-Qāhirah القاهرة The Triumphant

Crossing the Nile

By popular demand ( ha ha.... I know, no one actually reads this blog... ) I have decided to write a post regarding my adventures in Masr, (Egypt مصر).

Back in October two thousand and six, my family and I set out for a special adventure starting in Kolkata, taking us through Mumbai, Bahrain and finally on to Egypt. Once arriving in the beautiful city of Al-Qāhirah القاهرة (Cairo) we went straight to the heart of the town. In downtown Cairo, we stayed at a small hostel just a stones throw from the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. As the worlds largest cities go... Cairo ranks #16 according to Wikipedia. Also making it the largest metropolitan city in Africa.

We had a wonderful time in this beautiful city. The sights of tapestry and architecture, the sounds of Arabi music and language, the smell of Kebab's, date palms and fresh baked bread for Ramadhan. All of this and so much more. While we were there for some work related meetings, we did get out to the Bazaar in the afternoon's and evening's during our short stay.

Visiting the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar in the evening proved to be an adventure in itself. Traveling through the streets of Cairo by Taxi was a joy. Watching the people, interaction and landscape was mesmerizing. I had dreamt of this city for many years, but now I found myself looking into the eyes of its inhabitants. In the Bazaar itself there were people selling wares of every sort. Lined upon the streets in the evenings were small cafes where numerous men and women sat to drink tea and smoke fruit flavoured Sheesha, (شيشة). Both the hospitality and warm respect of the local Arab's was very enjoyable.

From our initial quarters in the center of Cairo one could see Muhammad Ali's Mosque in the Citadel of Salahideen in Old Cairo. The Citadel of Salahideen was in the backdrop of rooftops covered with sattellite dishes, too numerous to count. In this ancient Islamic city, bustling with more than eleven million people there are constant signs of an ever changing society. Seeing the billboards, satellites and modern wares was just a small glimpse on our short stay.

As I will remember much of my time in Cairo, there were two memories that I will forever cherish. After staying in the center of the city the first night, we went south west to the outskirts of town for the next week. To get into the city one had to cross the Nile River. Crossing the Nile itself was a blast. As we entered this little wooden ferry boat I could not help but think about the story of Moses. What must it have been like so many years ago for his Mother to place him in a papyrus basket, covered in tar and pitch? What must she have felt as she waited from a distance watching it among the reeds along the bank? Then as we rode along slowly in this ferry I was deeply encouraged thinking of the faithfulness of the God of Moses. That He had preserved his life in the midst of what could have easily been lost to such danger. Perhaps these thoughts and the reminiscent nostalgia of it all was what made this journey so memorable.

The other event that has been etched into my mind is my trip to Al Azhar, (the inarguable centre of Islamic learning). That day a friend and I started off early with a bus ride to the banks of the Nile. From there we would cross by ferry and find a taxi from the eastern side. It was Friday and we were headed to Jummah Prayers. Off to visit the Mosque and see the University and its surrounding area. Crossing the city and labyrinth of Bazaar's turned out to be exciting. Along the way we met several nice Egyptians that engaged us in conversation. Once arriving at Al Azhar we washed up and went inside to look around. We shot a few photo's here and there and then went into the inner sanctuary. Just about then, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Sheikh Ali Gomaa was beginning his Khootbah (Sermon). While my Arabi is limited, I could catch that he was sharing from this verse in the Qur'an:

024.035 اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأرْضِ مَثَلُ نُورِهِ كَمِشْكَاةٍ فِيهَا
مِصْبَاحٌ الْمِصْبَاحُ فِي زُجَاجَةٍ الزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّيٌّ
يُوقَدُ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلا غَرْبِيَّةٍ
يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِيءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ نُورٌ عَلَى نُورٍ يَهْدِي
اللَّهُ لِنُورِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الأمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ وَاللَّهُ
بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ
024.035 Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The Parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche and within it a Lamp: the Lamp enclosed in Glass: the glass as it were a brilliant star: Lit from a blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh luminous, though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light! Allah doth guide whom He will to His Light: Allah doth set forth Parables for men: and Allah doth know all things. Al-Qur'an, 024.035 (An-Noor [The Light])

After the Khootbah and a short time of prayer everyone began to depart the inner sanctuary. I walked with my friend into the courtyard where we sat and spoke with several Egyptians. Finally, sitting on the Arabian carpets of Al Azhar and chatting with a local surgeon who gave me some medical advice for my back. I was most enriched to meet the people of Cairo. I will forever remember these moments.

(The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, off to the left. This photo was taken from the balcony of our hotel.)

Off in the distance is the Masjid of Md. Ali in the Citadel of Salahideen, Old Cairo. This photo was also taken from the same Balcony.


Al Azhar Al Sharif





















Adrah Al Azhar






















The courtyard of Al Azhar Masjid

Inside of Al Azhar Masjid

Of lesser importance was our trip to Giza. While the pyramids are a must for any traveler to Egypt, I cannot lie, we only made this trip on the way to the airport. While the shear size and enormity of the pyramids was indeed breathtaking, I cannot help but think of the incredible loss of life and suffering that was experienced in order for have them built.

Two of the pyramids and the Sphinx.

old friend of mine....



















Tahrir Masjid in the heart of Cairo.

Faces

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2Cor 3:18

When I see these faces, I think of the Lord's glory being revealed 'in' and 'through' each one of His precious creations. All of them created with pure intention, all of them with mystery, all of them with love. In my travels, it has been my desire to cultivate eyes that see people in this light.

These are the faces of Kolkata Muslim's. Beauty, Mystery, Trials, Joy, Suffering, Hope, Purpose, Honor, Life, Depth, Unity, Devotion, Giving, Hurting, Loving, Living...

(Click on the image to see a larger size.)

Joy in Bangladesh

On a recent trip to Dhaka, Bangladesh I was riding down the road in a cycle rickshaw when suddenly I heard this commotion. Laughter, giggles and hootin! It was a beautiful site that had to share... I'm sorry its not longer.

Kolkata

Sweet shop's, Sufi's and cell phones...

When many people think of Kolkata certain images are conjured in the mind. For myself, it has been an interesting experience. This picture kinda sums up some things that have stood out in my mind as I have observd over the last twelve years.

The Kolkata Sweet Shop, rather Mishthi Dokan, (in the backdrop on the right side of the photo) is something quite inseparable for the local Bengali's. Life without sweets such as Roshogulla, Kala Jamun, Shondesh and the likes would be pretty bane for the common Kolkatan. These are some of the common sweets that are part of any Bengali wedding, festival, party or function. Beyond that, you cannot really visit someones house without having to scarf down at least a piece or two. Some might even say, 'to experience Bangla Mishti is to experience Bengal.' Quite the delight to the taste buds...

(A fresh basket of Roshogulla)

Sufi's
The Kolkatan Muslim Sufi's are unique. With the majority of the Muslim population here adhering to commonly known Sunni Islam, you will find a vast majority of these folks involved in Sufi practices. As there have been many books written debating the subject, this is not the place to define what Sufism truly is. I can say from experience that a Kolkatan Sufi Muslim leans towards an almost evangelical pursuit of his Creator and God. Through the use of song, direct prayer of supplication (rather than only memorized Sunni prayer or homily), and the chanting and meditation on the beauty and characteristics of God. The Sufi often follows the way of Futtuwah (Pronounced Foo-too-wahh). Ibn al-Husayn al-Sulami says its 'When the Light of the hart is reflected in the beauty of the face, that beauty is Futtuwah'

The meaning of Futtuwah could be described as 'humble chivalry'.

In Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi's interpretation, The Way of Sufi Chivalry, he describes it like this:

Futtuwah is the way of the fata. Fatah literally means a handsome, brave youth. After the dawn of Islam, following the use of the word in the Qur’an, fata (pl. fityan) came to mean the ideal, noble, and perfect man whose hospitality and generosity would extend until he had nothing left for himself; a man who would give all, including his life, for the sake of his friends. According to the Sufi’s, Futuah is a code of conduct which was exemplary in the Prophets, Saints and intimate friends of God.

Just how different this was than what I had read, been taught, or the media influenced assumptions I had before meeting Muslim's in this region. I must say, I find it a great joy to learn from their history, culture and disciplines.

When I think of Kolkata, I can not help but remember the Sufi's.

I snapped this photo on my mobile a few weeks back as I was sitting at a stop light near my house. This green Taj, turban will often signify the Tarikah, Path/Denomination of his group.

The Mobile Phone
When I first arrived in Kolkata on the mid 90's there were very few folks who had a cell phone. Today it is so common that you can even see the Sheik's and Guru's using them. While outsiders may think of India as backward or technology deprived, the mobile phone has changed that. Even in the most remote of villages can the mobile be seen these days. Something that often shocks even the most avid travelers these days is seeing the Rickshaw-wallas of Kolkata who pull the hand-drawn Rickshaw, 'using their mobile phone.'

These three things remind me of Kolkata. Its recent and long passed history, with culture changing before our very existence.

Kolkata Taxi

I snapped these shots on my mobile phone just the other day sitting in traffic.

I kinda like the joy on this guys face as he waits for the cars ahead of him. =0P

From one cab to another.... The yellow Ambassador Taxi cab has plied the streets of Kolkata for many years... (notice the Mercedes hub cap..)

Hyderabad...

The capital of the Indian state of Andra Pradesh, Hyderabad has more than seven million people. This bustling city is renown for its history, architecture and rich cultural influence over the Indian Sub-continent.

I have posted my personal photo's of Mecca Masjid (Mosque), a scene from the marketplace, two shots of Charminar and two of Golconda Fort.

While Charminar literally means the (Four Minars) this ancient piece of History was built during th dynasty of the late Ibrahim Qutb Shah during the 1500's. It is said that this standing memorial was built to commemorate the eradication of the bubonic plague from the region. When my family and I visited this area, though it is smaller in size than the Mecca Masjid itself, it stands as the more renown symbol of Hyderbadi Architecture and History.

Mecca Masjid itself has an interesting story. Though it is thousands of miles from Mecca in Saudi Arabia, I understand that the reason it is called by this name is because sand from Mecca was brought to the city hundreds of years ago to build this Mosque. The front half of this Mosque was littered with Mausoleums to past Muslim Saint's. Even today they are being venerated an worshipped by Muslim's of various denominational backgrounds here in India, posing interesting questions for the Orthodox Muslim.

One of my favorite memories of visiting this city was Alhumdulilah Hotel.

Deep in the heart of the Muslim quarter of the city there is a vast array of restaurants (Hotels) serving up this Hyderabadi delicacy. Several friends and I ate with satisfaction these mounds of masala rice, potatoes and lamb.

Then there was the visit to Golconda Fort. Over looking the city of Hyderabad, this is the massive fort that was built into a Granite Mountain beginning as far back as 1143. Measuring over 120 meters in height this ominous structure was built by the Muslim Nawab's. Though it had an un-used Mosque at the top of the mountain, there was a Hindu Temple that was being venerated just feet away during the time of our visit.

While this was a place of struggle and leadership between several dynasties and faiths,and though it lay in ruins, it remains a quintessential part of Hyderabad and the History of India.

It was a wonderful opportunity to observe Faith, Culture, and History being played out right before our eyes.

Destination Associates

Hi there Friends, Family and anybody else out there reading in cyberspace....

Welcome to this Blog.

This blog, I guess, has been along time coming. I have been marinating the thought of creating some sort of account for some time.

It is my hope to try and journal online some of my travels, discoveries and experiences as I live in Asia.

I don't want to be presumptuous in thinking my writing is anything of interest, yet I do realize that I might look back in the years ahead and, "hoped that I kept a better record of things."

So here's to the kickoff of "Destination Associates."

SAC