Seeing the light
Since Sept. 11 Raheel has tried to help non-Muslims understand Islam and see what values and beliefs we all share. "One can opt to spend a lifetime talking about differences. I opt to talk about similarities," she says. "In spite of all the darkness in the world, I see the light. I find so much goodness in people and that inspires me."
These days Raheel works even harder to stay abreast of unfolding world events and the questions they raise in Canada. She writes speeches and articles on the "train, the subway and in bed at night." She also studies other religions and has read the Bible, the Torah and Hindu scriptures, cover to cover. With her husband, Raheel has founded Forum for Learning, which holds seminars four times a year, offered free of charge to anyone wanting to learn about other faiths.
Sohail and her two sons support Raheel's work, but some in her extended family can't understand why she does it. Some Muslims have accused her of being too liberal and at least one Christian has told her that if you don't believe in Jesus, "you'll go to hell." Mostly, though, people are grateful. Raheel will always remember the woman in Grand Bend, Ont., who said to her, "Thank you for taking away the hate."
To learn more about Raheel's work, visit www.raheelraza.com and SnowStar Institute at www.snowstarinstitute.org.
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