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In a world full of diverse cultures, religions, and ideologies, it's essential to understand and appreciate our differences. For many, encountering a sacred text outside one's religious tradition can be a profoundly enriching experience, opening doors to new perspectives and fostering interfaith understanding. Join me on a personal journey as a Muslim man in the United States as I share the deeply transformative moment when I held the Bible and read it for the first time.
I was almost done with my junior year in high school when one of the saddest incidents occurred in my neighborhood. On a dark, snowy night, my neighbor's house caught on fire, and unfortunately, they suffered a significant loss. As a result of the fire, my apartment also suffered some consequential damages, which led to the Red Cross making arrangements for me to live in a hotel for several days while I looked for a new place to stay. That moment was one of the most challenging phases, but also brought me a unique experience.
While staying at the hotel, I noticed a book on the nightstand. Initially, I thought it might belong to the previous guest who had forgotten it, so I wanted to return it to the front desk. But then, I realized it was a copy of the King James Version of the Bible. I was surprised to find it in my room and wondered how it got there…