Friday Prayer Service 

Reflection​

On Friday, May 24, our global studies group attended a Friday afternoon prayer service at the Farmington muslim center. It was an absolute honor to attend the service and I felt so welcomed by everyone there. It was especially sweet because my aunt and cousin also attend that mosque so it was nice to finally see the place they speak so highly of! When we entered the mosque we were immediately greeted with smiles and good wishes. After conversing with the sermon leader, we sat down and as the service began with remarks of mental-health and wellbeing, I realized how different this was from many things I’ve experienced with religion. I did not at all expect the conversation to be around a topic that is considered so taboo, especially among most religious people. Some of the churches I grew up attending always spoke of mental health as something secretive and almost shameful; mental health was something you could only go to God for help for and never anyone else. Recently, I have found better religious spaces that are better at having those discussions but I was just admiring the whole time we were here of how respectfully and gracefully mental health was addressed and it was so obvious that it is not a subject they take lightly. In a time where the world, especially the muslim world, is so polluted by the horrific scenes in Gaza, taking care of one's mental health is so important and I am so happy it was addressed to a crowd of so many ages! Additionally, I really enjoyed being able to see and experience another religion as I have only known Christianity. I have always wanted to see the ways other religions and their services operate and it gave me so much insight into another world that hopefully I can learn more about! Lastly, I am very glad that I kept a second stomach empty for the delicious food they offered us after the service was over!:)