MY EXPERIENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

MY EXPERIENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

(ALL FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD)BISMILLAH RAHMAN RAHEEM

After struggling 4 years in my career in India, God established a plan to begin my new venture in the Middle East. As God brought the Israelites out of ( Egypt Book of Torah)I began my gulf journey in Dubai where I couldn’t fix my future as I couldn’t bring my family for more than 7 months I decided to look out for a change. Gulf is full of opportunities, so got my job in Kuwait in 2003, and settled with my family the same year.

There has been a very good relationship with my Muslim brethren. Though being a Christian I have respected their culture and traditions. There are two important things that I admire and have changed my lifestyle and faith, not only as an individual but even as a family.

1.      The prayer they are committed before dawn. There are many similarities in the HOLY QURAN and the HOLY BIBLE (INJIL). Though even our Bible says that praying to God before dawn is very effective we are very lenient and have not followed it as a Law. I respect this commitment and their firm faith of gratitude and repentance. This has made me to wake up early in the morning and do my daily prayers. We as Christians are happy to know that we have the freedom of worship in this part of the world. We appreciate such positive attitude and acceptance they show towards us. They also consider and respect our religion.

Monotheism is the central theme of Islam—a belief in only one God, Allah, who is omnipotent. According to Islam, God has four fundamental functions: creation, sustenance, guidance, and judgment. The overall purpose of humanity is to serve Allah, to worship him alone and to construct a moral lifestyle. Working in a muslim country and their relationship has influenced me to read QURAN and do my Arabic learning in Islamic Presentation Committee. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the final prophet and that the Koran is the final and most perfect revelation of God. Muslims also believe in a final judgment when individuals will be judged according to their deeds.

2.      The other important relationship I developed is the holy month of Ramadan. This is the time when we are called to repent and make almsgiving (Zakat). This period of thirty days is similar to what we call the “LENT”. Though we have the same laws we are not following it seriously. Looking at the devotion and dedication of our Muslim brothers’ show during the Ramadan has influenced me to follow the rule of fasting and prayer and also make charity. The day before “Ramadan” starts we used to eat together and during the Ramadan, we used to have Gabga (Dinner) in a grand manner. At times I joined with them while breaking their fast. Prayer is the only means to reach closer to God and the other means are almsgiving. This is my relationship and understanding my Muslim brothers I have learnt.

 The bond between human relationship increases only when we respect and accept others culture, faith, traditions and laws. Our Muslim brothers give no religion or caste priority but they give for the skills and talents.

There are laborers from different countries and cultures employed in Kuwait. My wife is also employed as Physiotherapist in Mubarak Hospital, she works with many patients and staffs who are Muslims but she feels very comfortable and happy with their company and in treating them. I would say it’s a country of love, peace and indifference. As a Christian and being employed and serving in Kuwait since 2003, I am happy to be here and would pray to ALLAH to continue His blessing on this country. Being in Kuwait and working with our Muslim brothers we feel blessed and graceful.