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The Barber
My barber is a Muslim. We have been together for over 20 years, ever since he opened his own salon. He is devoutly observant, praying five times a day and fasting during Ramadan, the month of the Islamic calendar marked by daily fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, and reflection, despite having to be on his feet the entire day. We talk about his extended family in Algeria, and his trips home with his wife and children. We talk about his children’s education and their aspirations to attend university. We talk about my synagogue and other members whose hair he cuts. We also talk about religion: his and mine. I am more circumspect than he is, because he is the one holding the scalpel close to my ear!
He is a moderate and he abhors extremism. He, like me, can’t understand why religions can’t get on with each other. We find a lot in common in our religious practices, but he has it worse because he must pray five times a day and I need only pray three times a day. And I fast for one day on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, while he fasts every day for a month during Ramadan. So, I have no thought of switching to his religion any time soon.
Despite the easy nature of our relationship, we are both careful about where we go in our religious discussions. No doubt if we pressed more deeply, we would find areas of disagreement. But there is no reason to take our conversation to that level. We are content to explore each other’s religious practices without discussing theology.
It is the same with other Muslims I have met during interfaith engagement. They too are moderates, so it is all perfectly civil. My interactions with them, as with my barber, are easy relationships, not deep friendships.
And that surely is what healthy multiculturalism is about. We live alongside each other. We can explore and accept each other’s backgrounds and practices. There is no compulsion for me to become them or them to become me. We share a little space in this place called Britain, and we each, in our different ways and faiths, seek to contribute to the wellbeing of the country we have chosen to live in, and which has accepted us as its citizens.
That suffices for us, so why does it not suffice for all who are of religious persuasion? What has gone wrong with religion when it leads to such intolerance of others?
