While reading Zeitoun, I came across the passage where Kathy Zeitoun goes to speak to her preacher regarding Islam. I find the preacher’s response to her simple inquisition revolting because of its unworn truth. Even though we live in a century where such a behavior should be found unacceptable, people still have to suffer from such degradation.
People look at high religious officials with an undue manner of respect and allow themselves to seek knowledge from such officials. When such officials wound the respect of the people who look up to them, it is fair to find it inexcusable and to protest to their abjection. So, when Kathy goes to her preacher to share her thoughts and to gain knowledge and answers, his reaction by insulting her in front of the entire mass is simply unwarranted.
The passage is so relatable to me is because I have witnessed people I know suffer through such hurtful experiences. The story of Kathy’s quite resembles that of my sister-in-law Aisha. When Aisha was 18 she started reading about different religions. She became incredibly fascinated by Islam and soon after decided upon conversion. Her only obstacle was her upcoming confrontation with her parents. Being from a strong Catholic family, she knew this would be a subject of distress for her parents but she strongly believe that they would come to understand her decision.
Hence, the man she followed for eighteen years of her life threw her on the street in a minute. That was that. I know Kathy’s different in the context that she just wanted some answers for her speculations but all she received was condescension and public humiliation.
It’s so easy to judge people and negate them as worthless when they don’t agree with your ideas but the manner in doing so is not acceptable. How can you be so inhumane to judge someone?
