Something to believe in

I attended and observed a Nikah (also spelt Nikai) wedding which is the traditional Islamic marriage ceremony. This was actually my second but I didn’t observe the entire ceremony the first time around. There’s something that leaves me just transfixed in each passing moment of a new experience and this was no different. So I was born and raised into a Christian home, and for a while there in my high school days had this passion and zeal for the Pentecostal brand of Christianity. I went to a school with friends that were Muslims, so seeing them pray 5 times a day and break their fast in a communal fashion was nothing new to me. Nigeria’s population after all is about  50% Muslim and 50% Christian.   If you ask me what I am, I will tell you I am a Christian much like I will check “Black” as my option when forced to choose amongst limited options. I say that because as I have grown and matured I have developed a relationship with a supreme being that many call by different names. I have also learnt many things from teachings from other “religions” that have made my life more fulfilling. So back to the Nikah wedding, right after the ceremony ended the party began. I was fortunate to get the seat I did because I think I had the best seat in the house since I was able to observe what I am about to describe. The music starts and the DJ is blaring D’Banj’s “Oliver Twist” and P-Square’s “Chop my money” with people getting into a frenzy on the dance floor,  I raised my head in the space above and I saw people doing the salat (Muslim prayer) and I  admired, actually almost envied them. Such discipline! Such focus! Such reverence for a supreme being! I believe what the world needs from humans is 2 things. First, each person should have belief or faith in a supreme being; second, try seeing if you can gain some insight from what the other person believes, maybe you might learn something but if you don’t just do us all a favour and shut your mouth! I’ve heard that people are afraid of what they don’t understand, so be afraid but shut up!

My supplication is thus: That you are able to open yourself up to other experiences that could add fullness to your life while you hold on to the faith that grounds you and defines your journey in life and thereafter. Until next time- "As-salam Alaikum Wa al-hub” (Peace and Love)