“A Kuwaiti, a Saudi and one from Qatar”.

I knew what I’m about to hear was not good at all.

That’s how the conversation with the bus driver started as we were waiting at the first stop.

I didn’t hold my breath for what’s about to come next. Because by now I’m used to it, it has become a familiar pattern. Not a pattern for Muslims, but the pattern of what Non-Muslims remember about Muslims.

“He started drinking beer and I told him are you supposed to do that!! and he replied well it is different I’m in UK now”

WTH! This is a new religion all together. A religion that is bounded by geographical location apparently.

I for one do have a change in behaviour when I’m abroad, less self concious and more out going, I can put on my trainings and go for a run and not have to deal with stupid remarks and comments.

But that is an extreme …

That dude should’ve said: “Well it’s not allowed but I’m an ignorant self centred dumb ass who doesn’t know the first thing about Islam, so please consider this my doing and not a reflection of my religion”.

People remember the ODD and they also remember what they like to believe!

Down the corridor, there are a group of Muslim guys, who drink and laugh like maniacs at night and cook and eat in the mornings of Ramadan.

As a person who’s aware of what Islam is, I know they are acting out on their own accord.

To outsiders who have a negative view about Islam, it’s a rebellious act against a dark religion which oppresses the youth and starves them out of food and water forbidding them from enjoying life.

To outsiders who have a positive view about Islam, it’s just boys drinking and eating and it has nothing to do with Islam.

I met a girl a few days ago, she’s just embraced Islam, it was so beautiful how she summed up deciding to become a Muslim “AHA, now it makes sense”.

I wished I can see through her eyes and feel what she is feeling and then I thought to myself, maybe I need a journey of my own, a journey to rediscover Islam.