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In a couple of days we’ll end the year 2007. I conclude that 2007 is a year of friendship and networking. Alhamdulillah I was given chances to know great people, either professionally, personally, or both; from the  unexpected friendship at the hospital until the acquaintances that I made in  various (strange) situations.

New York
Early in the morning I was waiting for a bus in Greyhound station, New York. I was a total stranger to this city. Next to me standing a middle age lady. It’s pretty obvious that she’s a Muslim; she wore a necklace hanger with the symbol of Allah. She seemed to be a kind person, so I initiated the conversation. I asked if she was also going to Washington DC, and she was. The next few minutes I knew that she’s a Pakistani lady who’s been living for years in the US. She used to work at one of the biggest research institute in the city as an administrative staff before she resigned a few years ago. Then we sat next to each other on the bus, which gave me a feeling of security as I traveled alone. In more or less two hours trip I knew a lot about her and her family, and vice versa. She has one daughter who is much younger than me. She kindly invited me to come over to her place, which is located close by from Washington. It’s a pity that I didn’t have much time to travel, so I had to refuse her offer. She asked where I’d be staying in the city and if I knew the place already. As a budget traveler I said honestly that I’d be staying in a hostel a few blocks from the bus station. I printed the direction given on their website, but had no clue if I would find it easily. On our arrival, this lady was so worried about me getting lost in this capital city of the US. I tried to convince her that I’d be fine, but she insisted me to join her. The next thing happened was we arrived in front of my hostel with her cab. She looked relieved and told me to contact her if I needed anything. I couldn’t thank her more… Motherly she said that it was her duty to protect me, because at the same time she thought of her daughter. "We are Muslim, we have to help each other. It is my duty to help you because you are new in this city…" I promised to call her before leaving, and I did. Again, she kindly invited me to come over when ever I visit the city. Insya Allah I would, if I have the chance…

Atlanta
The first thing you want to do when you have an interview is to arrive on time. So, I ordered a yellow cab to pick me up as early as 7AM. At 6.50AM a cab was there, waiting in front of my hostel. I thanked the driver for being on time. To break the silence I started the conversation with standard questions. He comes from Palestine, he was a teacher back in his country but he has been a cab driver since his arrival in the US. He is a middle age man who has been working alone for his family in Palestine. Alhamdulillah his family are doing fine there. He asked why I was traveling to the city. I told him my intention, and he sympathized because I traveled all the way from Montreal to do the interview. Again, an unexpected thing happened. We were halfway to our destination when he turned off the argometer (I expected to pay at least 35 USD). He said, "Look, I am helping you because we are Muslim. I will not charge you anything." Then he started writing his address and phone number. "If in the afternoon you need a cab to take you to the airport, just call me. I’ll come and pick you up," he said while handing over the piece of paper. I was totally speechless and again couldn’t thank him for more…

I couldn’t describe how I was amazed of this beautiful bound of  brotherhood in Islam.  Good people do exist in this harsh world, if you believe in their existence.  A total stranger might turn out to be a genuine hero. I could only thank God for His beautiful and kind arrangements. Alhamdulillahirrobilalamiin …