There have been several situations where I felt the desire to speak up or say something but didn't. Walking to class, sitting in the lobby of the English/Modern Languages building and hearing a conversations, or in class as my professor lectured on Constantine imposing Christianity in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia Minor in the early to mid-forth century. Why can't I say anything? Is it simply a situation of my not knowing enough and therefore resisting for fear of humiliation or misinformation? Am I just shy?
It could be both and more than likely is, but this leads me to wonder what I can do to remedy the situation? Can I push myself to learn more, or invest some time speaking up? Seeing someone as I walk and opening my mouth to say 'Salaam'. Would this be misunderstood? Would they think I was mocking them? That I was a Muslim too? That might open with glee over a connection and end with them calling me an infidel, a heretic. This hasn't been the case before, but who's to say that those previous examples weren't flukes?
No, I couldn't open myself to such a think. Can't reasonably invite it to happen. Instead, I'll remain as shy and quiet as I normally am until a situation of ignorance or intolerance presents itself. Then, I'll stand up. Inform them of the beauty, peace, and love that are the pinnacles of Islam. Try my best to be that voice Baha'is are supposed to be: protectors of Islam. Defenders of the faith that preceded our own, that continued the message God was revealing for humankind, that brought some of the most important discoveries and things of beauty ever understood or created on this earth; all for the love of God (Allah) and His Profit, Muhammad. I'll do that, be that, but never reveal myself to any Muslims as attacks would follow, a misunderstanding would ensue, the breaking down of the love I have for their Faith as it is revealed from god that therefore should be. Until then, I'll see them, smile, with love and respect, and hope that eventually the misunderstood comments will dissipate or disappear completely, have Muslims to despise and loathe us by way of a different kind of misunderstanding. And the cycle will continue but not forever...as God has deemed it so.
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Quoting a phrase from "Heart to Heart" by Grant Hindi Miller P.10 "Martha Root knew that "the source of courage and power..." came from the teaching.
We need not fear rejection. After all, it is not we who are being rejected!
"Do you think it is the teachers who make converts and change human hearts? Np. surely why not."
This is God's task.
"We give the Message, and explain the Teachings. but it is the Holy Spirit that quickens and confirms."(Shoghi Effendi, from The Individual and Teaching, p34, No. 42)
If our "hearer accepteth, the aim is achieved". If he does not, "leave him to himself, and place your trust in God."(Abdu'l-Baha, The Individual and teaching, p 12, No.29)
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