Credit: The Storyteller’s Abode
Saddened by the prevailing racism, owners of the new Interfaith School decided that a drastic change in mindsets was needed for upcoming generations to grow up hate-free. Cautious parents soon embraced this opportunity.
The uniform had a pretty scarf available for Muslim girls who chose to wear the hijab and turbans for Sikhs.
Gradually, misconceptions faded and stereotypes were broken. Christian and Jewish students learned that Muslims believed in Mary, Jesus and the Prophet Abraham, with all three mentioned in the Quran. Muslims found out that some Hindus also commemorated Imam Hussain.
There were interfaith celebrations and friendships formed.
Once, when Zainab and Jessica were at the movies, a boy pointed at Zainab and snarled, “This symbol of oppression is not welcome here! Take off your hijab!”
Zainab was horrified, but Jessica who had given her that scarf as a present, responded loudly.
“Would you ask Mother Teresa to do the same? And do check out pictures of Mother Mary as well!”
Thanks to the school, differences that existed were now happily the new normal.
For Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers
& The Daily Post’s Daily Prompt: Learning
Inspired by my time in a Convent school in Pakistan, where a majority of Muslim and Christian students studied side by side. Regardless of religion, students sang in the choir, decorated Christmas trees, painted Easter Eggs and celebrated Eid. Here are some pictures of this beautiful school, which is over a 150 years old 🙂
I am really glad you shared this. It was beautiful.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! ☺
This is wonderful! I can really see this happening and what a wonderful thing it will be!
Thank you so much! Yes, the forces of good are much stronger than that of bad. All it will take is a little bit of understanding on all sides! 😊
Great story! Wouldn’t it be fantastic for everyone to believe what they want to believe and still get along with everyone…..as it should be.
Very true. That would be a wonderful world to live in! Thanks for reading! ☺
This is one inspiring and one beautiful post. If schools will be like this, our world will surely be a better place. ❤
Thank you so much! Yes, once we get to know each other, we’ll realize that we’re all the same! 😊
indeed, Saima! ❤
An inspiring story. Many years ago I was taught an old Native American saying, “You will never understand someone until you have walked a mile in their moccasins.” I use it regularly to remind myself we are all different. Thanks for a great post.
A great quote to keep in mind. Yes, it’s all about removing misunderstandings and acceptance. In the end, we may be different but want a similar life full of happiness and comfort for ourselves and our families. Thank you so much for your comment! I’m really glad you liked it! ☺
Nicely done!
Ellespeth
Thank you so much! Glad you liked it! ☺
my friend, a Christian girl worked in a hospital in Lahore and was so touched by the kind generosity and hospitality given to her, a a Chinese girl from Malaysia and she remembers her time there with such warmth and longing to return….its the people not the place that tell you the truth of the matter…..beautiful post S! Gina
That’s really nice to hear! Very true, it’s the people and people then make the place ! So it’s all about being nice, caring human beings and to love each other! There are good and bad people everywhere and we shouldn’t even let any adverse interaction lead us to stereotype an entire country or its population….Thank you! Glad you liked it! ☺
hope one day we will really transcend all borders and walls to be a united race – human….it takes one small step person by person…thank you for your lovely writing
You’ve put it wonderfully… about being a united human race! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! ☺
YES. This story depicts a world I wish were reflected in our reality. Perhaps one day, we will all truly learn the meaning of acceptance and of love for each other, in all our differences ❤
Yes, it’s all about acceptance and loving each other for who we are as human beings, rather than how we look…! 🙂
You bring the issues that face us in recent times to the fore. Well written.
Thank you so much! It’s sad how ignorance intolerance is spreading, you’d think people would have better things to do than fight over a piece of cloth that hurts no one!.. Thanks for reading! ☺