| Besides the quality of the story, Monsieur Ibrahim lets us see a different view of Muslims than films usually show us. Even before the attacks of September 11, Muslims and Arabs were usually portrayed in films as criminals, terrorists, and fanatics. Since then things have only gotten worse. Even as government officials try to not blame Islam for terrorism, many church leaders have continued to denigrate
Islam, calling it a religion of violence.
Ibraham is a model of a faithful Muslim who is kind, loving and peaceful. If we are to learn to live in a world with diversity, we must be ready to discover the Ibrahams around us and to begin to seek the bonds that we share with them, as Momo and Ibrahim did.
A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.
--BALTASAR GRACIÁN Y MORALES (1601–1658)
Beware of no man more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us.
--CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON (1834–1892)
Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.
--BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706–1790)
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From the Message Bible:
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. --Romans 12:20
If you see the donkey of someone who hates you lying helpless under its load, don't walk off and leave it. Help it up. --Exodus 23:5
If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch;
if he's thirsty, bring him a drink.
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness,
and God will look after you. --Proverbs 25:21-22
"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun
to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you. --Matthew 5:43-48
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. --Romans 12:14
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. --Romans 12:20
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