Five times a day the call sounds from the minaret: time to
pray. Although I see very few people stop at those moments to pray, the calls
begin to govern the hours of all who live in Morocco. It is a constant reminder
from 4 or 5 directional speakers at once that 98% of those around us are
believers in the Koran and the Prophet and the Five Tenants. Intellectual ideas
for us; consuming ways of life for them.
There is no way to discuss without defense our different
beliefs. We both have answers for each other’s questions which make so much
sense as to not be discussable. I suppose I would be as successful explaining
the mysteries of real body and blood in Holy Communion as they were initiating
me into why Jesus did not die but was replaced in the tomb by someone who
looked like him. The Westerners listen without contradiction. The Moroccans do
not ask any questions they cannot answer.
The key to the faith as it was explained to me, and as it
makes sense now in day to day life in Morocco and world events, is the
individual’s relationship to Allah at the center of the faith. One is required
to give to charity, to pray, to keep the Ramadan fast, to believe in God and
the Prophet, to make a pilgrimage. Having done that, responsibility is
fulfilled: one is right with Allah and anticipates heavenly reward. Duty to family
is culturally key, as is modesty in women. But central tenants Christians hold
close such as forgiveness by God and each other, compassion and gracious giving
are just not in the motivating conscious mind of those I met.
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