a loving heart

With only a few tourists it seemed a good day for some quiet time in the beautiful Alabaster Mosque, or Mosque of Mohammad Ali. Worshippers would enter the prayer hall by stepping with the right foot first and saying, "Oh Allah, open the door of mercy for me." 

We entered with open hearts (after respectfully taking off our shoes.)

As soon as we sat on the carpet (no chairs or benches in a mosque) we were swarmed by school children who were visiting Cairo for the first time. For many, it was their first time away from the villages and seeing westerners. 

So much for any talks or mediations. 

The children were so delighted to take pictures with us and hug us. In the words of Ibn ‘Arabi, a 12th century CE Islamic mystic and poet: “My heart can take on any form: a meadow for gazelles, a cloister for monks, for the idols, sacred ground, …the tables of the Torah, the scrolls of the Qur'án. I profess the religion of love; …that is the belief, the faith I keep.” 

 Our hearts took on the form of a welcome sign.

Wishing you a loving heart.