I remember when I first started working in Brisbane – it was the first time I would be wearing hijab at the workplace and frankly, I found the prospect daunting. Before it was just the colour of my skin that might provoke some sort of uncomfortable conversation – “Where are you from?” “What sort of food do you eat at home?”. This time my religion and belief system would be hitting people straight in the face. I wondered if it would be me or the others who were subjected to my scarf, who would feel the most awkward.

I need not have worried. The nurses made me feel at ease – one being extremely professional & treating me like any other vet. (Of course looking back, I should not have expected any less of her). She occasionally asked questions about my beliefs but it was all done with due care lest she offended me. The other – a proud and very staunch Catholic asked a few questions about Islam always listening intently to the answers I gave and replying in a manner that would show Catholicism to be far superior to my beliefs (in her eyes only, mind you )

When these two nurses left, we were graced with Rebecca. The first thing I noticed about Rebecca was her confidence. She waltzed into the clinic, her voice cutting through everyone else’s conversation. She gave me a very warm salutation and then after eyeing me up and down asked, “Why do you wear that thing on your head?”

It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Every week, Rebecca had a list of questions for me. Osama bin Laden, Sept 11, Palestine, suicide bombers, marriage, alcohol, drugs. Her questions were asked with such innocence and willingness to learn more, I enjoyed answering.

She once told me that had she not met me, she would probably believe all Muslims to be strange, bomb making, violence-loving, women-oppressing terrorists. I am grateful to Him she has learned otherwise.

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