My Muslim friends live exemplary lives
In 2015, a longtime Fresno resident died who had arrived with her husband here in America from Iran roughly 40 years ago. They raised a wonderful family whose children are outstanding individuals. Those children went on to marry and raise families of their own.
The parents became outstanding citizens, good neighbors, great parents and grandparents. They were and are proud Americans who practiced the Muslim faith (I know nothing about the children’s or grandchildren’s faith).
We each need to be reminded of people who walk among us living exemplary lives. They are our neighbors, friends, classmates, and we have liked and respected them long before we found out that their religious practices may be different than our own. That experience needs to be shared with others. Now more than ever.
Charlie Oren, Fresno
This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 7:02 AM with the headline "My Muslim friends live exemplary lives."