I read an interesting editorial in Sunday's Chicago Tribune. It was written by Hesham Hassaballa, an area doctor and freelance writer. The article was part of a three-part piece called "Deliverance", which covered different points of view regarding the Jewish holiday of Pesach (Passover).

On the surface, the article appears honest, heartfelt and compassionate. However, given the recent history between Jews and Muslims, I am having a hard time believing Mr. Hassaballa's message. Here is a part of the article:

One cannot be a true Muslim without having a deep love, respect and admiration for Moses. Fasting outside the month of Ramadan is always a difficult task for me psychologically, and even though the fast of Ashura is voluntary, it was something I felt I had to do.

The entire Exodus story is a happy one for me; it is a tale of bitter bondage and hardship and the glory of God's deliverance from that hardship. Thus, fasting to remember this day is a great thing, even though I have to forgo one of my dearest loves: coffee in the morning.

It is truly an amazing phenomenon that the faithful of Islam voluntarily eschew what is normally allowed to them--food and drink--to celebrate a major event in the sacred history of Judaism. Many, if not most, Jews do not know how much Muslims honor and respect Moses and Abraham; many, if not most, Christians do not know how much Muslims honor and respect Jesus. Yet, these facts are not so we can sing "Kumbaya" around a campfire together.

Rather, it allows each of us to see the humanity of the other.

There have been many in America who have filled the shoes of the "other" throughout our country's history. First it was the Native American, then the African slave and then a host of immigrant groups from Europe and elsewhere.

Now, especially after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, American Muslims are increasingly being seen as "the other." Yet, once non-Muslim Americans see the humanity of their Muslim neighbors, and once American Muslims also see the humanity of their non-Muslim neighbors, the once-towering barriers of misunderstanding between the respective communities of faith will break down, and they can live together in peace and harmony.

Humanity binds us all

More people around the world, Muslims included, need to do the same thing: see the humanity

The article can be found here (registration required)

One question I suppose I have is this: If Muslims revere Moses so much, why would they want to kill off his children?