An Example of Muslim Moderation

This short letter to the Editors of the Washington Post ("Why a Muslim Teacher is Misguided," March 27, 2011) says it all:

As a practicing Muslim — and a manager with decades of experience in countries around the world — I am disturbed by teacher Safoorah Khan’s lawsuit over her school district’s denial of time off for a pilgrimage to Mecca [“Justice Dept. backs Muslim teacher,” front page, March 23].

While every Muslim who can afford it is obligated to make the pilgrimage in his or her lifetime, there is no requirement that it be done as soon as possible. I have never before heard that “it is a sin to delay”; that is clearly Ms. Khan’s belief. The overwhelming majority of pilgrims are in their 40s or 50s, or older. At age 60, Ms. Khan might be justified in wishing to avoid a delay; but at 29, why can’t she wait for the pilgrimage to fall during her summer school holidays?

Any manager (myself included) would expect a first-year employee such as Ms. Khan to consider the pupils (or co-workers) relying on her — an equally critical Islamic duty.

With our community facing blatant misunderstanding and discrimination every day, no Muslim should fight for special privileges that reflect personal choices rather than religious duty. Had she been denied the right to pray on Fridays or to take off on the holy days of Eid or to fast during Ramadan, she would be justified in filing a lawsuit.

But it is a stretch for anyone — especially the Justice Department — to support a personal desire that may reinforce negative perceptions at a time when we should be building bridges.

Robert J. Marro, Great Falls

The writer is a trustee of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society.