The Ramadan Paradigm Shift: A Photo Gallery/Video with the Muaddhin

Building Bridges with Each Other

Just got back from a Ramadan speaking event in Baltimore, Maryland. As I’m exiting the baggage claim area from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport a man taps me on the shoulder with a smile and says: “That bag is awesome!” He then proceeds to lift up his sleeve and shows me his love and commitment to Master Yoda. We engage in conversation, and he learns that I am a Muslim American/World Record Holder and traveler. He asks if he can follow me on social media. I say yes, if he’ll take a picture with me to crystallize that moment. As my brother Qadeer picked me up and we drove off, I couldn’t help but thinking, If it were not for me purposely using pop culture to initiate organic communication with total strangers while I travel, in what world would we have connected and shared a laugh, taken a picture and appreciated one another?” My R2D2 carryon was purchased by design. In tradition of the Prophet ﷺ in naming His belongings, I have given him a title: Sahibul-Muaddhin – “the companion of the one who raises the call to prayer.”