A Conversation on Faith and Duty

The night was calm, and a soft breeze drifted through Maria's small room in the convent. The rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall blended with the occasional distant hoot of an owl. The convent had settled into its usual nighttime silence, with only the faint murmurs of prayers lingering in the air. Maria sat on her bed, her Bible open beside her, but her mind was restless.

Her recent pastoral studies had ignited deep thoughts within her. The role of nuns in serving the community, spreading faith, and guiding others weighed heavily on her mind. She had spent the past few weeks learning how evangelism wasn't just about words—it was about action, about living a life that reflected Christ's love. But a question had been gnawing at her. How did other religions, particularly Islam, approach the idea of spreading faith and serving others?

Maria glanced at her phone on the bedside table. Ayesha was the only person she could think of who could answer her questions. Without hesitating, she picked up the phone and sent a message.

Maria: "Ayesha, are you awake? I have something on my mind that I really need to discuss with you."

It took only a few seconds for Ayesha to reply.

Ayesha: "Of course, Maria. I'm still up. What's on your mind?"

Maria smiled, relieved that her friend was available. She quickly dialed Ayesha's number, and within moments, the warm and familiar voice of her Muslim friend filled the quiet room.

Ayesha: "Maria, you sound serious. What's bothering you?"

Maria sighed, leaning back against the pillow.

Maria: "It's not exactly bothering me, but it's been on my mind since our last few classes. We've been discussing the pastoral and evangelical roles of nuns and priests—how we serve the community, teach, and spread the Gospel. But it got me thinking… how does Islam view these responsibilities? Do Muslims have something similar to our religious duties?"

There was a brief pause before Ayesha answered, as if she was carefully gathering her thoughts.

Ayesha: "That's an interesting question, Maria. I really appreciate that you want to understand our perspective. In Islam, we don't have nuns or priests in the way that Christianity does, but we do have religious scholars, imams, and teachers who guide the community. However, the responsibility of spreading faith and serving people isn't limited to them—it's something every Muslim is encouraged to do."

Maria furrowed her brow.

Maria: "So, anyone can take on this responsibility?"

Ayesha: "Yes. We call it dawah, which means inviting others to understand Islam. But it's not just about talking—it's about setting an example. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that the best way to invite people to faith is through good character, kindness, and honesty. It's about showing, not just telling."

Maria tapped her fingers on the cover of her Bible, processing Ayesha's words.

Maria: "That actually sounds a lot like what our teachers say about evangelism. They emphasize that our actions should reflect our faith, or our words will be meaningless."

Ayesha chuckled softly.

Ayesha: "Exactly. Actions speak louder than words. If people see a Muslim being compassionate, just, and kind, they might naturally become curious about Islam. That's dawah—living in a way that inspires others to ask questions."

Maria's mind was racing with thoughts. She had always assumed that evangelism and dawah were vastly different concepts, but hearing Ayesha explain it made her realize how similar they were.

Maria: "So, do Muslims also hold classes or meetings where they discuss their faith with others?"

Ayesha: "Yes, we have something called halaqas. These are study circles where we learn about the Quran, the teachings of the Prophet, and how to apply them in daily life. It's not just about memorization—it's about understanding and living those teachings."

Maria smiled.

Maria: "That reminds me of our catechism classes, where we study the Bible and discuss how to apply its lessons in our lives."

Ayesha's voice warmed.

Ayesha: "See? We have more in common than we think."

Maria nodded to herself. But another question still lingered in her mind.

Maria: "In our faith, we are taught that spreading the Gospel is an essential part of being a Christian. Would you say the same about Islam?"

Ayesha was silent for a moment before responding.

Ayesha: "Yes, but there's a key difference. Islam teaches that faith cannot be forced on anyone. The Quran says, 'There is no compulsion in religion.' So while dawah is important, it must always be done with wisdom and kindness, never through pressure."

Maria thought about that for a moment.

Maria: "That's actually beautiful. I think people sometimes misunderstand Islam and think it's about imposing rules. But from what you're saying, it's more about guiding and inviting."

Ayesha's voice softened.

Ayesha: "Yes, Maria. And just like in Christianity, serving others is a huge part of our faith. Islam teaches that helping people—whether they are Muslim or not—is a form of worship. Visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, supporting the needy—these are ways of living faith. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, 'The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.' It's about making the world a better place."

Maria felt something stir inside her. The more she listened, the more she saw reflections of her own beliefs in Ayesha's words.

Maria: "I wish more people could have these kinds of conversations. There's so much misunderstanding between our religions, but deep down, we share the same core values."

Ayesha: "I completely agree. Faith should unite people, not divide them."

Maria sighed contentedly.

Maria: "Ayesha, you've given me so much to think about. Thank you for always taking the time to answer my questions."

Ayesha laughed.

Ayesha: "Maria, I love our conversations. And remember, we may walk different paths, but we're both seeking truth and goodness. That's what matters."

Maria smiled as they said their goodnights. As she placed her phone down and gazed at the ceiling, she felt a newfound sense of clarity. The lessons she was learning in class weren't just about serving her own religious community—they were about serving humanity.

And in that moment, she realized that faith, no matter the form it takes, is most powerful when it is lived with love, kindness, and sincerity.