Conversation With A Travel-colleague
By Muhd El-Bonga Ibraheem
“You have been praying since we started this journey. This is like the third prayer you have done, of which I have also followed you to pray.” We were travelling to Gombe. The person sitting next to me was a Catholic. We had hitherto accidentally met in a perfectly, never-before-experienced type of coincidence.
Two months ago, we had met at the park, where he was seeking directions for the easiest route to Gombe. When I heard his question to the guys in an innocent voice, I called him over to join me, given that I was heading to the same destination. I could see the sheer joy on his face and the deep sigh of relief. He was carrying some bags and a food flask packed with sumptuous food that I would later find out to be fried rice with a generous chicken portion. He would later inform me that it was prepared by his wife.
Apparently, he is a social worker transferred to Gombe. He had previously enjoyed a brief stint in Bauchi. However, just like myself, he shuttles Abuja-Gombe and vice versa. So we share more in common. The first day we met, we blended well and even exchanged contacts. Then, all of a sudden, we met again— for the second time— a few days ago. This time, we blended quickly and started laughing at the mere sight of each other.
As a mark of generosity, I called the guys at the park and asked for seats to be reserved for us, just like the first coincidental arrangement. When we got there, we were given the front seats. “These two are friends and colleagues,” said the ticket man to someone who was goggling with a suspicious look. Unbeknownst to him, it was only our second meeting.
“I have noticed that whenever we travel, you always pray,” he continued. “I remember the first time when you also prayed throughout the journey,” he said with a smile, clearly expecting some answers to satisfy his curiosity.
“The prayers of someone on a journey are accepted in Islam,” I said to him. “Therefore, whenever I’m on a trip, I pray a lot, for I have many problems and wishes I want God to intervene in. Besides, I don’t know what would happen on the road. It could be my last moment on earth. I want it to be a good one in the eyes of God,” I added. I also used the opportunity to explain to him instances where Muslims are encouraged to pray: like the time between the call to prayer and iqama, breaking of fasting, during rainfall, and the last part of the night before dawn, to mention a few. I could see the nudge of satisfaction that ensued, albeit unmasked by his continuous nodding of the head in total agreement.
“I am a Catholic, and we also pray seven times every day,” he replied. He also added, “Whenever I see someone praying, I don’t hesitate to join because I know God is everywhere, and he listens to his servants all the time. This explains why, each time you pray, I do join you. I have already joined you three times now.”
I could also recall some of my Catholic friends pausing to pray at particular periods of the day when we were small. I can’t recall the exact timing or what they were saying, but it used to be during the afternoon.
Until his statement, I didn’t conspicuously notice he had joined me. However, I suspected it. Though I would go on to pray about seven times on the road before arrival, there were moments I saw him, on three occasions, pausing to join me while I prayed. Each time I was done, he would cross his hands left, right, and center to indicate the Trinity sign of Christians. I saw him looking down with eyes closed. During my subsequent prayers, I also prayed for him, given that he had earlier told me he wanted to leave Nigeria for abroad to give his family— most especially his three children— a better life. I therefore prayed to God to grant him his good wishes.
The discussion continued for some minutes, and then he asked me the kind of prayers we do. I explained to him many of the supplications. Sometimes we glorify God for his endless mercies and favours upon us. Sometimes we exalt him for his inimitably infallible doings. Sometimes we seek forgiveness from him to expiate our sins. Sometimes we fervently pray for those we love, especially our parents and family. I mentioned many Islamic supplications and daily reminders.
Amazingly, when I was done, he also educated me about their Catholic prayers, like endlessly thanking God. “That is interesting indeed,” I said in agreement. I also explained to him that we thank God a lot as well. “The word Alhamdulillah means ‘All praises be to God,’” I said. I told him others like, “There is no will or power or might except Allah.” I also explained another one: “Sufficient for me is Allah, and He is the disposer of all affairs.”
When I was done, surprisingly, he told me some very similar Catholic prayers. “We ask God for forgiveness. We ask God to grant us our wishes. And we also thank Him for His blessings,” he said.
“This is very similar to Islamic teachings,” I said. “We have similar prayers too,” I mentioned. “There is a verse in the Qur’an where God says if you’re grateful for His mercies and favors, He is going to add more for you,” I continued.
At that point, I expressed further that God does so many favors and grants so much mercy towards us without our knowledge. Yet very few are grateful. “God says if we are to enumerate his mercies and favors upon us, we will never be able to count them. He has given us strength, wealth, health, sustenance, and shelter. Some are in the hospital and can’t lift a single finger for many years or months,” I concluded. “It is always good to thank God and give all glory to him,” I said.
Throughout the discussion, there was no point of disagreement. It was an intelligent, respectful discussion. He asked me questions about the Islamic perception of intention whenever someone wants to do something, and I spent minutes dissecting and explaining it to him.
Even though I’m always cautious about religious talks, I enjoyed this particular one. He told me about Christian sects and their foundational principles, some of which I am quite knowledgeable about. Others, on the other hand, I heard for the first time. The man directly behind me was nodding, trying to steal some sentences. When he probably discovered it was an innocuous discussion, he later turned his attention elsewhere.
I know he would probably read this later since we have each other’s numbers now, he may likely see me among his “People You May Know” pane on this platform.
