-
Well… That’s true, in a sense.
I like Fatimah’s gifts because she always makes them themselves. She spends hours
for me, thinking about me, drawing and crafting just for me! When you feel you have
to give something because everybody does it, that’s true, I feel forced! That’s fun to
give too, but I feel better when I give whenever nobody is watching, and I am not
obliged to give to Amy or Melissa. But some time, I’d like to have my very own
computer too! Like everybody!
-
Do you really need one, Su?
-
Well, everybody has one!
-
Ah! Ah!
-
Ok, mom, I do not really really absolutely need one, but what I want to know is why
are we always different? For instance, why are we always staying at home when
people are outside enjoying themselves? I mean, sometimes it is good to do like
others, to socialize!
-
Su! It is because we are Muslims; it is not our ways. Besides, do you enjoy it better
when we go outside together and we play our own games, not everybody’s games?
We speak about important things and we can decide to change our plans anytime.
Don’t you like meeting other Muslims and having picnics together?
-
I like that too, Mom. But does that mean Muslims cannot have fun like anybody else?
-
No, it doesn’t mean this. It means that Muslims have joy and happiness, not fun! Fun
is like the smoke coming from a fire; it disappears as soon as burned.
On the contrary, happiness is like the stars in the sky, appearing every night! It is like
being satisfied we have pleased Allah Ta’alah. How many fun activities do Americans
have during the year anyway? Do you know how many festivities, dear?
-
Well, I don’t’ know… maybe 4… but much more, I know.
-
Then, let’s get the Roman calendar and let’s have a look. See, all these red numbers
mean a different holiday. So... how many are there?
-
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7……………10, no, 11! That is sure a lot of holidays! I sure would
like to dress up in funny outfits, have tons of gifts and blow my first birthday cake
like Christians do! Last time I went to Kathy’s birthday there were plenty of children
and she made a wish before she blew the candles. Except for the fact that I did not tell
you I was invited, I had a great time there!
-
Is that true, dear? You have already forgotten what you told me about this party?
Remember? When everybody was gone you said you overheard a conversation
between your friends Jenny and Claris. You said they were criticizing the party.
-
Yes! They wanted to have a bigger party for their birthdays. Jenny wanted to invite
boys, and then they said wrong things about Kathy’s parents.
-
When you came back you cried yourself to sleep because you could no believe your
friends could say such things. Maybe you were happy you do not celebrate birthdays
so nobody can be jealous of you, right?
-
That’s a pity mom, why people cannot be nice all the time? Why they have to spoil
all the fun every time?
-
Because people, even little girls, want to look the best, so they can impress on people.
They want people to envy them or at least to admire them. Maybe it is a good way to
 |
 |
 |
 |