大象传媒

Good morning. Would you believe it? It鈥檚 time for the sunset prayer (Magrib), and the nearest suitable place for me - a Muslim - to worship is none other than Dalmeny Kirk鈥斺�渢he best-preserved Norman parish church in Scotland, with its stunning Romanesque architecture鈥� - according to the Undiscovered Scotland guide.

I position myself to face Mecca and carefully choose the most respectful spot for my prayer mat. It鈥檚 decided. I offer my three units of prayer. No one visibly bears witness, but after concluding, a thought came to mind: since this church was built鈥攁round 1160鈥擨 might be the first Muslim to pray here. Would the people have taken offence? I was respectful, staying on the periphery of the grounds. I think they wouldn鈥檛 have minded, knowing someone had used the space to fulfil their need to pray.

And then it struck me: this is exactly what we need to be doing as humans. Our institutions are meant to build on one another, helping us shine our collective light so we can reach a common destination in peace and wellbeing. Here I was鈥攁 Gambian-born Muslim man who calls this land home鈥攕haring my light fearlessly.

My Lord, you鈥檝e decreed to test us through our differences鈥攐ur religions, beliefs, skin colours, languages, and ideas. Help us build on one another with sincerity, courage, and heart, drawing from the light of those before us and those present now.

My Lord, give us hope, light and love to guide us on the path of truth and justice.聽 Amin.聽