[caption id="attachment_1626" align="aligncenter" width="682" caption="born into faith~ boy in mosque door"]
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In Lebanon, 'non-religion' is not recognized by the state. Being familiar with Lebanon, it is totally understood that it is so. Religion is in every grain of sand and in every handful of soil there and the word 'God' is somehow slipped into every conversation. You hear things like "allah ykhallik, (may god keep you)" for "please", "allah maak"(god be with you) for "see you later", "iza allah bireed"(god willing) for "maybe"... I can literally count hundreds of these expressions. Religious references go as far back as the epic of Gilgamesh from the Mesopotamian mythology, biblical references to the cedars of Lebanon, among others.
With a majority of various sects of Christians and Moslems currently in Lebanon as well as Druz, it is almost a given that people will guess your religion from a combination of your last name and your village or city quarter. Despite all that, you grow up in Lebanon with deep friendships and ties across the religious boundaries that no war or schism can tarnish. True Religion causes humility in people and I never tire of seeing it translate into genuine smiles and deep penetrating eyes.
[caption id="attachment_1627" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="faith lives there~ two nuns at a greek orthodox church in Batroun"]
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In Lebanon, 'non-religion' is not recognized by the state. Being familiar with Lebanon, it is totally understood that it is so. Religion is in every grain of sand and in every handful of soil there and the word 'God' is somehow slipped into every conversation. You hear things like "allah ykhallik, (may god keep you)" for "please", "allah maak"(god be with you) for "see you later", "iza allah bireed"(god willing) for "maybe"... I can literally count hundreds of these expressions. Religious references go as far back as the epic of Gilgamesh from the Mesopotamian mythology, biblical references to the cedars of Lebanon, among others.
With a majority of various sects of Christians and Moslems currently in Lebanon as well as Druz, it is almost a given that people will guess your religion from a combination of your last name and your village or city quarter. Despite all that, you grow up in Lebanon with deep friendships and ties across the religious boundaries that no war or schism can tarnish. True Religion causes humility in people and I never tire of seeing it translate into genuine smiles and deep penetrating eyes.
[caption id="attachment_1627" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="faith lives there~ two nuns at a greek orthodox church in Batroun"]
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16 responses to “Day Two~ February 2nd~ Lebanon”
Lebanon is just a fascinating place . The more I read about more intriguing it becomes for me.
It really is! I certainly recommend visiting!
A human being is a human being – regardless of belief, skin color etc.
beautiful post
indeed! Thank you for your comment!
I am really enjoying this new series, Mimo. 🙂
Thank you Robin!
I visited that region and Israel in 1989. I love seeing these photos and reading your words.
Thank you for your visit and comment 🙂
Beautiful moving photos and words of understanding.
Thank you for your kind comment!
great Mimo, beautiful words and pictures!
Thanks Francesca!
Beautiful images to go with these profound and powerful words. So filled of hope!
Thank you Staci!
oh this series is going to be great! Already i am learning new things.. c
I am glad to offer something new about a place I love 🙂