Seattle University begins preparation for its spirituality book festival months in advance. Almost a year ago, Tariq Ramadan, born of Egyptian parents and Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University, was recruited to be one of two keynote speakers. Event organizers certainly could not have foreseen the demonstrations in Cairo or the relevance of Professor Ramadan’s talk to the headline news the same day.

Tariq Ramadan is Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University

On February 5, 2011, before a large and diverse audience, Professor Ramadan stressed the critical importance of understanding modern Muslims. At that same moment, a Muslim Google Executive educated at American University in Cairo was being detained in an Egyptian jail. Western diplomats were demanding his release and people in the Cairo streets were hailing him as a hero who helped birth what is likely to be called a new era in human history.

The other keynoter, novelist and non-fiction writer Anne Lamott, also had an important message. Her writings highlight the kind of human spirit that was motivating hundreds of thousands of Egyptian demonstrators as she spoke. Lamott is the wildly popular, author of many books including bestsellers Travelling Mercies and Operating Instructions. She says,

“…you can safely assume that you've created God in your own image ...”

Lamott is humorous and inspiring when she describes extraordinary and triumphant souls shining through ordinary people. Her characters often tap into unknown potential within themselves which enables them–and us–to become more fully and more powerfully human.

No surprise. The spirituality book fest was a bibliophile paradise. Souls smiled and hugged and a few cried. Most everyone appeared grateful to be among people who care deeply about people, and to be reminded of our own potential for growth, for healing, and for meaningful action. People of every faith–or no faith–found acceptance and inspiration in their own language. As a Muslim, I delighted in the respect shown for Islamic principles, practices, and people. Many of us prayed in a Multifaith Prayer Room, perfectly equipped for Muslims.

Countless books open every possible doorway to greater meaning and purpose, or deeper understanding of ourselves, each other, and our world. A refreshingly broad range of topics and perspectives could fuel almost any side of an argument. How appropriate for a Jesuit institution! No simple answers. No single point of view. Greater knowledge is indeed compatible with greater faith and commitment. I was reminded of my spiritual teacher saying that the bigger we become, the bigger our God becomes…

Events like this help to prepare people both for the world as it is, and for the world we strive for. Awareness, compassion, and wisdom are strengthened, and people are inspired to fulfill and express their God given potential. Honored in so many ways, the Divine Presence was palpable. It was reflected through the wisdom of the authors, the devotion of the readers, and the selfless service of the organizers and staff.

The subtle but powerful message SU’s Book Festival seemed to be mirrored a few hours later in Tahrir Square when Muslims formed a circle around Coptic Christians to protect them as they held their Sunday Mass in the square. A little while after that, Christians protected Muslims as they prayed. What a beautiful image to hold in our hearts...

NOTE: While writing this reflection, I learned that Egyptian President Mubarak had stepped down. A few minutes afterwards, Wael Ghonim, the Google Executive who helped birth the Egyptian demonstrations, said on CNN, “We were dreamers and we made it happen.” May everyone who seeks to embody universal principles be blessed. May our dreams of a better world unite us in service of the Source of such dreams.

--Sanaa Joy Carey has a PhD in counseling psychology and has been in private practice for over twenty-five years. She emphasizes the spiritual and moral dimensions of mental and physical health, and serves as a spiritual guide for people from several faith traditions. Sanaa gives workshops on spiritual development, universal values, and the inner dimensions of Islam.  She has been a practicing Muslim for twenty-one years, and for fourteen years, has received intensive instruction in Islamic teachings and practices from her teacher, a Qur’anic scholar and Sufi Master. 

Photographs courtesy of Lindsey Wasson. Thank you!

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