Yes -- I am single and don't have a family myself, but I have invited Muslim friends to my mother's house.
The first time we had a difficulty because my mom has a cat, and my friend's husband was allergic. :(
The second time, I thought it was a bit odd that my friend wore her hijab most of the time, even though there were no men there. I think she was just shy.
The third time, all went well, but I'm afraid my friend didn't get enough to eat.
All times, we had some awkward moments related to food & dietary restrictions. I know my friends well, and I know how to cook food that they can eat, but if my mom is cooking, she just doesn't know...
That's focusing on the negative, though. Overall, these experiences were very positive. My mother and sisters are becoming more comfortable around Muslims, and enjoyed hearing about their countries and just having their company. And all of my friends were very polite guests. I hope they had fun.
I've had Muslim friends and students come to dinner or lunch or even stay with my family for a few days.
a few years ago, I had a combination Eid al Fitr/Thanksgiving dinner with Muslim friends and that was my favorite Thanksgiving ever - I think because it was a reminder that people who are different can be good friends if they want to.
My sister has a M.A. in Middle East Studies and I've had a lot of Muslim students and friends so I think my family knows more about what is haram and that's made it easier than maybe it was for Tara (the post above).
Yes -- I am single and don't have a family myself, but I have invited Muslim friends to my mother's house.
ReplyDeleteThe first time we had a difficulty because my mom has a cat, and my friend's husband was allergic. :(
The second time, I thought it was a bit odd that my friend wore her hijab most of the time, even though there were no men there. I think she was just shy.
The third time, all went well, but I'm afraid my friend didn't get enough to eat.
All times, we had some awkward moments related to food & dietary restrictions. I know my friends well, and I know how to cook food that they can eat, but if my mom is cooking, she just doesn't know...
That's focusing on the negative, though. Overall, these experiences were very positive. My mother and sisters are becoming more comfortable around Muslims, and enjoyed hearing about their countries and just having their company. And all of my friends were very polite guests. I hope they had fun.
Tara Bates
Monterey, CA
I've had Muslim friends and students come to dinner or lunch or even stay with my family for a few days.
ReplyDeletea few years ago, I had a combination Eid al Fitr/Thanksgiving dinner with Muslim friends and that was my favorite Thanksgiving ever - I think because it was a reminder that people who are different can be good friends if they want to.
My sister has a M.A. in Middle East Studies and I've had a lot of Muslim students and friends so I think my family knows more about what is haram and that's made it easier than maybe it was for Tara (the post above).
Alison
Rwanda