Vegetarian Option

Asra's youngest son, Nabeel, had a friend named Daniel who lived a few blocks away from him. They used to go sledding or play in the local playground when they were in elementary school. But they had lost touch since  Nabeel had gone parochial. One day Nabeel and his brother were coming home from an event and decided to pray at the local mosque. Nabeel saw Daniel walk through the door. He had not changed much- still had that baby face but was naturally much taller. He was surprised to see Daniel entering the building. Was he lost? Was he looking for the dance theater that shared the building? The realty office on the top floor???  Just then the mic began to crackle. There was an announcement. A young boy was taking shahada, embracing the faith of Islam.  Daniel walked over to the imam and repeated unfamiliar words in his pleasant Midwestern accent.  Two scarf clad ladies sat at the back of the room on chairs. Both wiped away tears.

Nabeel began to see Daniel at the mosque youth group get togethers. Nabeel's parents wanted to invite him over for dinner especially since there was a family Eid celebration coming up at their home. Nabeel was hesitant.
"I think it will be overwhelming for Daniel, being around so many people. "
But Nabeel's father was insistent.
"We need to welcome new Muslims into our community," he argued. "It will be fine. Also your mom wants to invite a bit of a mix of people this time. The Krauses will be coming. There'll be a few friends of your brothers too" .

Daniel texted a yes and added that he just wanted the family to know that he was vegetarian. Asra said she would accommodate for that.

Party day rolled around. Shouts of laughter were coming from the women's section.  Asra heaved a sigh of relief. She had never mixed family and friends before and had stressed about it for days.Ultimately, her in-laws were an easy-going bunch.  Her khala came up to her and admitted she had never actually met a convert before, was fascinated by the Krauses and their stories. So Asra told her a little bit about Daniel too.
" Another convert? Oh that sweet young boy with the topi?" asked Shameem Khala.  Asra nodded and told her the unceremonious way this had all come about. Daniel had been raised an atheist. He had become good friends with some of the Muslim boys at the local public high school and then followed them to the Friday youth group and then Bingo. Daniel's parents were even supportive.   Shameem Khala was beaming.

"That's just wonderful- to become Muslim at such a young age. " Soon there was a victorious buzz about the young newbie.  Nabeel corralled his long lost neighbor into the basement. It was too soon to be exposed to questions about beard length and tajweed proficiency.

Asra began taking the naan out of the oven, placing serving spoons in front of dishes and then called her guests to come and eat.  The ladies needed to be coaxed away from their conversations, unlike the gentleman.
"This is lamb haleem, this is biriani. And this is a fish salan. And this is raita, not dessert." she added for the uninitiated.

On the counter, next to a bowl of gulab jamun, there was a plate of rice and a small steaming bowl.
"What is that?" enquired Shameem Khala.
"Oh that's the navratan khorma. You see Daniel doesn't eat meat. "
The only sound to be heard was an oven alarm, telling Asra the next batch of naan was ready.
"He's a vegetarian?" said Shameem Khala as though she was auditioning for a part in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Why on earth doesn't he eat meat?"
"Oh God " said Uncle Khalid. "Today of all days. It's the feast of the sacrifice."Well anyway I suppose he only JUST became Muslim. Maybe you can teach him our ways."

Soon a gaggle of women in saris had crowded around the offending veggy option, shaking heads and wagging fingers. It had not been enough to acknowledge the existence of a deity and commit to a monotheistic faith. One clearly had to become a carnivore too.

Then Asra's college age nephews surfaced from the basement asking if there was any more tandoori chicken.
"Yes, over there," replied Asra. "Please take more. They say setting a good example is the best dawah."