Today I was robbed

I’ve been going back and forth on whether to share this publicly or not but I eventually decided that it’s important to put it out there

I was robbed today.

I’ve always felt safe and secure in my city. Never have I had a reason to worry about my safety nor be concerned about publicly expressing my faith, my heritage or my opinion. I know it’s a luxury not afforded to all, especially for Muslim immigrants living in today’s America, and so I have always cherished and appreciated my city.

But today was different.

As I walked into the mosque for Friday’s prayer, I noticed a package sitting by the door. A simple, harmless package. Addressed, labeled and stamped. But in the split second between realizing there is a package by the door and recognizing that it was the printed material our imam has ordered online, I felt a strong sense of panic and a sudden pang of fear.

I have no reason to fear for my safety. There are absolutely zero indications of any threat to me or my family.

So why was that my instinct when I first saw the package?

This question has preoccupied my mind all afternoon. I couldn’t even focus much during sermon and prayer and up to the point of writing this post, I am not sure my thoughts are cohesive enough to be comprehended.

This thought pushed me off kilter. Maybe the first serious chink in my armor.

Today, the peace that gets renewed, recharged and reenergized every Friday was not there.

Today I was robbed.