A Friend Within the Enemy

A Friend Within the Enemy In 1922, the English were regarded as the greatest enemies of Muslims. Yet these very “enemies” displayed such generosity toward a Muslim student—a generosity seldom found even in Muslim institutions. The truth is that even among enemies, one may find friends. But only those who rise above the categories of friend and foe, and see others simply as human beings, can discover such a friend. The common tendency is to see your own group as “ours” and others as “outsiders.” But with an open heart, everyone is your own, and no one is a stranger. Swami Rama Tirtha (1873–1906), also known as Ram Soami, was an exceptionally talented person. One of his most profound sayings was: “On the doors of life it says ‘Pull,’ yet most of us keep pushing instead.” Fluent in English, he traveled to America in 1903 to share his message of faith. When his ship docked at the port of San Francisco, he disembarked, and an American came up to him for an introduction. Their conversation went like this: American: “Where is your luggage?” Swami Rama Tirtha: “This is all my luggage.” American: “And where do you keep your money?” Swami Rama Tirtha: “I have no money.” American: “Then how do you manage your life?” Swami Rama Tirtha: “I love everyone, and that love takes care of everything.”