It is easy--I am not that different from most atheists in that we reach the conclusion not with ignorance about religions, particularly the religion with which we were raised. Thus, it is also no surprise at all when surveys point out that atheists often know more about religions than the believers themselves.
This being Ramadan time, I have been thinking more about Islam. It is a tragic farce that the hysterical suspicions about every single follower of that religion prevents us from appreciating the arts and literature that grew out of that faith.
Thus, Rumi and his mystical works are among the many that get sidelined. A former colleague in California, who was from Iran, was one hell of a Rumi nutcase and could recite poems from memory. I am not sure how much that is representative of the average Iranian; but, a friend who was also from Iran was a Rumi fan too.
So, here for Ramadan is a wonderful verse by Rumi that I came across today:
Inside the Great Mystery that is,
we don't really own anything.
What is this competition we feel then,
before we go, one at a time, through the same gate?
Caption at the source:
Indian Muslims offer prayers before breaking their fast at Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, on Aug. 2
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