There was a beautiful crescent moon tonight, which reminded me it’s the first night of Ramadan.

If I have a stereotypical view of Muslims, it was formed during my friendship with Negya. Not only did she introduce me to rose water and fillo dough, she and her family put a human face on Islam for me.

So when I hear the word “Islam” I don’t think of “Jihad.” I can’t. I think of gentle Negya, or her parents, or Negya’s husband and their beautiful, beautiful daughters.

I hope all Muslims enjoy a blessed Ramadan.