By: Myra Crane

A week ago, my Afghan refugee friends who have recently resettled in a neighborhood near mine, purchased and ceremoniously slaughtered a lamb. They commemorated Abraham’s obedient willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael** and Allah’s provision of a sheep in his stead. This Eid ul-Adha is their most important religious observance of the year, and every Muslim is expected to participate in this way.

Sadly, just before Eid, Fatima* suffered a very difficult miscarriage. This aggregated loss tops off a traumatic exit from her homeland, grief resulting from the news of an earthquake that recently ravaged her Afghan village, and the grind of ongoing challenges related to resettling in a land where almost everything is very different. I have admired Fatima’s determination as I’ve watched her lovingly nurture her family and courageously put her best foot forward through many overwhelming challenges. Lately, I’ve been wondering how she has been coping on the inside.

Until one day this past week, when I’ve become aware that Fatima is not as well as she seems. I see that she is assuming some extra religious duties by praying more rigorously and taking precautions with her children to protect them from the possible effects of an evil eye curse. I am certain she is trying harder to earn the favor and protection of Allah since she believes that hardships are often evidence of his testing or displeasure. On the outside she seems fine, but on the inside, her soul is hurting.

It is not unusual for Muslims to intensify their good deed practices following a religious observance like Eid ul-Adha. Sincere Muslims work hard to please Allah. It is grievous that Fatima and the many refugee families like hers must experience this anguish, working desperately to merit Allah’s favor in such devastating times.

Dear Jesus,

Your Word tells us that when Hagar fled from Sarah’s ire, “the angel of the Lord” found her in the desert and rescued her. Hagar called you “the God who sees me”(Gen. 16:13). You see Fatima, and you died to save her like you did to save me. You came to seek and save the lost (Luke19:10). You are the One Fatima needs.

Your word also says that you cause people to live where we do when we do so that those who seek you can find you. (Acts 17:26-27).  I know that you give me Muslim neighbors like Fatima so I can share You with them. Please use me to help them find you.

To the praise of your glory,

Amen.

 *Fatima is a pseudonym.

**Muslims believe Abraham was meant to sacrifice Ishmael, not Isaac.