Can an Arab Muslim Make Friends with a Christian Arab or a Non-Arab Muslim?
As an Arab Muslim, I wouldn’t classify myself as a special case. I have no inherent problems when it comes to befriending individuals who share similar interests, morals, respect, and care, regardless of their background or religion. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced firsthand how these shared values can transcend religious and cultural boundaries.
Personal Experience: My Journey in Egypt
I am a Christian Egyptian, born and raised in Cairo. I attended a Catholic school, where Catholicism was the main religion represented among the students. However, more than half of the students were Muslim. Despite these differences, we found ways to coexist and support one another. During Ramadan, my classmates and I would often discreetly eat or drink, showing respect for each other's religious practices. On other occasions, we shared religious advice and insights, fostering a deep understanding and respect for each other's faiths.
“The Quran says, ‘Those who believed and those who are Jewish, and the Christians, and the Sabaeans—whoever believes in God and the Last Day and acts righteously—will have their reward with their Lord. They have nothing to fear nor will they grieve.’ So be ready to meet your Muslim friends in the afterlife as well.”
While the idea of befriending someone from a different religion might seem strange, it’s important to understand that humans universally share basic values and social norms. My best friends from childhood are Muslims, and we’ve managed to build a strong, lasting bond rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and common interests.
Language and Shared Experiences
The language barrier can be a significant factor in forming friendships, especially when moving to or meeting people in different countries. In my experience, I’ve made friends from a variety of backgrounds: Egyptians, Romanians, South Africans, Latvians, Germans, and Austrians. Being born and raised in Egypt gives me a unique perspective on how different cultures can bond despite their religious differences.
Similarly, within the broader Arab world, there’s a universal understanding that religion is a topic for another time. For many Arabs, religion is more for the afterlife and for God, and daily life is about other aspects of life such as work, entertainment, and social gatherings.
Cultural Diversity in South Asia
My ancestral home in Punjab, Pakistan, is another example of cultural and religious diversity. Punjab means “land of five waters,” reflecting the region’s abundant natural resources. Despite the recent split between Pakistan and India, Punjab has a rich history and cultural heritage that spans both nations. My heritage includes Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus, among others. There is a significant level of diversity that makes it easier to find common ground with people from the same cultural background.
When it comes to forming friendships, I’d be more likely to bond with another non-Muslim Punjabi over a Muslim from a faraway land. This is not because of religion, but because of the shared cultural heritage, language, and daily experiences. The similarity in language, cuisine, habits, and social norms makes it easier to build a strong bond. Religion only becomes a significant factor during specific life events, such as birth, marriage, death, or festivals. For the rest of the time, ordinary human interactions are more focused on the mundane aspects of life.
Conclusion
Whether an Arab Muslim finds it easier to befriend a Christian Arab or a non-Arab Muslim depends on various factors, including shared values, common experiences, and cultural background. Religion, while deeply personal, often takes a backseat in daily interactions. By focusing on mutual respect, understanding, and shared interests, bonds can be formed that are stronger and more resilient than any religious differences.