السنة 19 العدد 178
2024/04/01

My rendezvous with Oman

 

 

 

Dr. Mustafa Malik

CEMIS, University of Nizwa

 

My dear friend and colleague hosted an iftar feast for our college colleagues last week at his farmhouse in Zikit, located in the Wadi Hajr area of Wilayat of Izki. The farmhouse has been designed and decorated with great attention to detail, creating an atmosphere of natural belonging amidst the otherwise rugged landscape that surrounds it. 

 

The place radiated a feral beauty that was nothing short of a poetic grace. As we strolled through the farm, while waiting for iftar time, the evening breeze started gently humming the mystic tales creating a soothing sense of tranquillity that words fail to describe. With the sun hiding behind the hillocks, the nature got at its best, painting the surroundings into a canvas of quieter and darker elegance, reminding me of the verse in AlQuran that translates as ‘So which of the favours of your lord would you deny’ (Al Quran, 55:47). 

As we sat down together to break our fast, the atmosphere got emotionally exciting, stimulating a spirit of belongingness and warmth, outdoing the workplace barriers, and strengthening our resolve for friendship. Our host friend had left no stone unturned to put every delicacy, under the sky, on the iftar tablecloth, celebrating both tradition and togetherness. Each bite we took was filled with essences of love (all praise be to Allah), reminding us of the importance of coming together, especially during this sacred month of Ramadhan. Our appreciation and gratitude to our friend, who had hosted the iftar feast, filled the air as we sat together, ate together, and prayed together. Offering the congregational Tarawih prayer under the open sky, with the moon shining so bright and the stars winkingly twinkling, further illuminated the spirit of brotherhood. 

As I was driving back home, deeply thoughtful, listening to the Quran recitation by Abdel Basit Abdel Samad, memories of the past 13 years of my stay in this beautiful country, Oman, started rekindling my thoughts. I wondered, what makes Oman so beautifully nostalgic? It didn’t take me a moment to realise that if anything surpasses the physical beauty of this nation, it is only the warmth of its people and the richness of its culture.

To me, Oman hasn’t been just another place, it has been an experience of a lifetime. This country has welcomed us with open arms, with its people signifying the epitome of hospitality deeply ingrained into their character, embracing Islamic culture and values. Living in Oman has been an opportunity to be a part of a society where Islamic principles guide every aspect of social life. Here Islam isn’t just a religion. It is a way that guides people in all their actions. Here emphasis on humanity is a value deeply enshrined in the social and cultural milieu. Here we see a society that celebrates diversity and promotes mutual respect with its people demonstrating Islamic principles of dignity and compassion for others, making it an archetype of peaceful coexistence.

As I look back on my 13 years of living in Oman, I feel overwhelmed by the feeling of having been through this transformative journey that has expanded my perspective of life. I feel grateful for the opportunities this nation has provided me to imbibe its cultural values that are deeply rooted into Islamic principles. Most importantly learning kindness and generosity from its people has been a most cherished experience.

Thank you, Brother Imsail Al Muniri, for bringing us together at an iftar and rekindling my thoughts that made me write this piece.

 

 

 

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