I was praying Salat Al-Maghrib (dusk prayers) at a mosque last Wednesday and next to me was a young man in his late teens. When prayer was over he relaxed, raised his hands and offered dua.
For quite some time he remained still like that. When he finished, I asked him what he had prayed for.
“For my country,” he replied, without hesitation.
“What did you ask God for?” I asked.
“I’m worried,” he replied, “seeing all the news on TV and hearing the different comments and analysis about the future of the region. I’m praying to God to protect our country and keep it safe.”
His words affected me deeply.
“What do you do?” I asked.
He said he was a high school graduate working in a private company.
“Didn’t you want to continue your studies?” I pressed him.
“Yes,” he said, but added that he couldn’t get into the university.
However, he added quickly: “I’m satisfied because I’ve joined a computer institute and I’m also taking a course in English.”
“What are your ambitions in life?”
He replied that his wish was to be a productive human being who will contribute in some way to his religion and country.
I was impressed. He had spoken simply, and from the heart.
“I would like to be part of a team that does well,” he said.
“What do you mean?” I inquired further.
He replied he was reading a book about Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, which talks about how Gates encouraged his young employees to pool their thoughts and ideas, to brainstorm and innovate.
“I would like to do something like that. I’m learning about software and computer programming and while it is difficult to find good books in Arabic, I am making use of what’s available. The only regret I have is that I was not taught English from childhood. It would have made things much easier for me.”
“Do you have any hobbies?” I asked.
“Yes, I like to read a lot — especially the biographies of men who have made an impact in today’s world. That’s why I’m reading about Gates.”
“Do you play sports?” I asked.
“No,” he said, “but I like to swim a lot because it keeps me mentally and physically in shape.”
I shook his hand and wished him luck.
Driving home, I realized I was humming a tune. I was happy. This young man had made my day. If there’s one like him, there must be a thousand others who feel for their country; and I know that for sure because I have come across many people of both genders — young people who are conscious and mature and who would like to make a difference and enhance the quality of their lives and those around them. The future looks good, I thought.
I thanked God for all His blessing and bounties, for the stability and security we are in and the privileges that we have and take for granted and prayed for that all is good in this country to prevail.
Please join me in that prayer.
Arab News Features 21 February 2003