Jun 26

Jun 26 A Return to Civility; Bridging the Gap of Mistrust

Here is an incredibly beautiful story of two humans bridging the gap of misunderstanding and finding a sense of shared humanity.

While Qasim Rashid, a Muslim, was running for Congress in Virginia, he received the following, hate filled comment online from Oz Dillion: “We do not need you(r) ilk in our nation. Let alone in any seat of office above street sweeper.” While there were hundreds of ways Rashid could have responded, he took the time to look Dillon up online and better understand from where he might be coming. Rashid learned that Dillion was strapped by crushing medical debt and unable to make updates to his home needed to accommodate his wife’s recent disability. There was also a link to Dillion’s GoFundMe account. It was then that Rashid reached out to his 400,000 followers and said “My faith teaches me to serve all humanity. So I’ve donated $55 to his GoFundMe. Please donate if you can.” Rashid followers responded by paying off his entire debt: more than $20,000.

When Dillion realized what Rashid has done, he was overcome with gratitude and asked for Rashid to forgive him. Rashid responded by saying “Absolutely. There is nothing to forgive. You’re my brother in humanity.” Rashid and Dillion then went on to form a friendship and Rashid learned that 9/11 was a tragic time for Dillion and his family. The experience left Dillion with a distrust and hard heart towards Muslims. The two have spent time together debating issues and dispelling misconceptions. The friendship has softened Dillion’s heart towards Muslims and turned him into one of Rashid’s political supporters. Dillion even asked Rashid to put his campaign sign in his front yard. Dillion wanted everyone in his community to know that he supports Rashid holding a seat in office.

During an interview, when talking about a return to civility, Rashid said: “If we can do that, then our prayers will be blessed and our actions will be blessed.” Dillion then said “And our lives and our children will be blessed.” Rashid responded: “Amen to that. Amen to that.”

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