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OUR CHRISTIAN BROTHERS
In the recent series of tragic events witnessed by the world of the ruthless killing of the young Amish school girls, the world has had a chance to be exposed to true Christians. Not the tele-evangelist, the bible thumpers, condescending, holier than thou type, secular, charlatans and hypocrites we are all too familiar with. Rather we have been exposed to people who live as they believe. It was amazing to see the transformation of the media itself reporting from a Quite back-woods community, people who reject modern day conveniences, to something out of an 18th century, a backward peoples? After spending a week under the influence of the Amish the same reporters started using phrases like, “A gentle, quite, peaceful people.” One reporter actually reeled and stumbled backward, when he had asked one of the Amish elder spokesmen on their feelings towards the man who had committed such an atrocity. And the elder Amish man said, “We forgive him.” The reporter was so stunned that it even brought a slight smile to the Amish mans face. And he (the Elder) said “You know there is healing in forgiveness.” Their forgiveness is so genuine and heart felt that they extended their sympathies to the killers family! In their own sorrow and deep distress they thought of how his family must be feeling. I was equally impressed by the young fourteen year old girl, a cousin to one of the slain when she said, “This was their time to die, they had fulfilled the life God intended for them.” She had a tranquility on her face that you knew she was not putting on airs for the television camera, to say nothing of her maturity. There was none of the hysterics that followed recent school shooting throughout our country. The whole community was courageous, none of this gang banger attitude, and lets get even or wait until your day in court attitude. So different from the average me and mine, it was refreshing and made one want to be a part of their community. However, there are very few in our country who would be willing to give up the booze, television, cars, the mad rush of adrenalin the cat and dog world offers us. There is a price to be paid for tranquility that comes from a God centered, clean uncluttered living. It would also mean cooperation with neighbors and community. I have always had a special place in my heart for the Amish and was surprised as I grew up and moved to California that a lot of people had never heard of them, or only occasionally as the media would report some incident. I was very young, maybe four or five and it was at the end of World War II when I first encountered Amish. It seems the owner of the house we were living in wanted to sell it and at that time (much like now in some places) it was hard to find a place to rent if you had children. We ended up renting a farm house. I remember it had no lights, electricity or running water, we had a hand-pump outside as well as the outhouse.
We went into the general store there and I remember there was a lady with her little girl and boy. I was fascinated by the children's dress, the little girls with her long dress and bonnet and the little boy with black boots, broad rime black hat and a black vest. I think it must have been the first time I saw children dressed like that. We were all about the same age so we stared at each other as children do. Because of the happenings this week I decided to go to the web site and reacquaint myself with the Amish way of life and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Muslims and Amish (and Mennonites) have quite a few things in common and would like to share a few of them with you. The Amish women and girls wear a modest dress with long sleeves and full long skirts that reach below the calf of their legs. The Muslim woman also wear long sleeves and long dresses or skirts. The Amish woman and girls wear a hair covering, black if they are married and white if they are unmarried. The Muslim women and young girls w The men wear loose trousers, vest, (on formal occasions) have a beard (if they are married) and a wide brim hat. The Muslim man likewise wears loose fitting clothing, a beard and a small cap called tageya. The article went on to say that the Amish feel these distinctive clothes encourage humility and separation from the world. And that their clothing is not a costume but is an expression of their faith. The Muslim women wear their clothing as such because it is the command of God to the believing women as an act of obedience to the All Mighty and as a source of modesty and protection (see article on the Islamic dress on this site) . Likewise both the Muslim men and women wear these cloths as an expression of separation, humility and equality. And agreed it is not a costume. The Amish do not have electricity in their houses and because of the influence of television; it is a chosen life style. Many Muslims likewise do not have televisions in their homes for the exact same reason. The Amish converse and pray in German (or Pennsylvania Dutch, a colloquial of German). While not all Muslims speak Arabic (see article in this site for Islam the fastest growing religion ) our prayers five times a day are in Arabic (see article on Prayer) . The Amish also do not take pictures and the small girls will play with home made dolls without faces (distinguishing eyes, eye brows, nose or mouth). We believe the reason is similar and is likened to the second commandment in Exodus 20:4-6, At an early age the children are learning not to have images, likeness or idols.? The Muslim are also in complete agreement and follow it for the same reason. The Amish do not play musical instruments which are considered “Worldly” and would stir up the emotions of those involved. Muslims feel the use of our God given voice is most pleasant and the only instruments to be used would be a duff (one-sided skinned hand drum) as in keeping with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). One of the reasons that stringed and wind blown instruments are forbidden in Islam is that they were used by the pagans to call people to pray to their gods.
I know that there are some people reading this that know of Muslims not following this way or are acting according to culture or customs,. The Islam presented here is that which is found in the Holy Quran as handed down by Allah and practiced by our beloved Prophet, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The last commonality I wish to mention is that which in Islam is called Qadr. These are things that have been pre written for us by God and can never be changed, such as death. The young Amish girl said with complete resignation, “This is what God had for their life”. Truly we can say that the Amish are our brothers and sisters. Strongest among men in enmity to the Believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans. And nearest among them in love to the Believers wilt thou find those who say 'We are Christians.' Because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world and they are not arrogant. (Quran 5: 82) |
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ear a scarf called a hijab. 
I wish to mention next is the wedding. The Amish have simplistic and blessed weddings. There is no white dress and veils, no exchange of rings, vows, no photographs, no flowers and no caterers. You will notice there are no Bridezalles, no stress, run away brides, nervous breakdowns or debts to be paid for the first five years of marriage (sometimes the couple is divorced before they have finished paying for the wedding!). Islam also encourages the most simplistic of wedding; there is no dress with veils, vows, rings, photographs or flowers. There is a marriage contract and a dowry to given to the woman by the man (see marriage in Islam ) 