Drawing the short straw

So I got my visa approved on the 8th of June at Dublin, but now my application has been referred for further ‘processing’ and security checks. The most likely reason according to my lawyer (they don’t tell you): a Muslim/Arabicised name!

Religious profiling.

This is really quite sad, that a country with such a rich tapestry of cultures, religions and communities should resort to that. Maybe Obama had to go through to that too (middle name Husain!) before he could stand for president….LOL!

Anyhow, I am pretty saddened by the whole thing, and currently missing my orientation. Will I get clearance by the time my job is about to start? Who knows…again they don’t tell you anything. It feels like Gitmo without walls, a limbo where you are neither here nor there. The whole lack of transparency seems not to bother anyone in power.

Of course as per human nature I’m going through the various permutations. What if the program refuse to wait and ‘terminate’ me? Do I try for the forthcoming match? Do I call it quits and settle down to be a Benefits doctor or a GP?

The whole basis of this process is absurd and wrong. It reminds me of the ” Minority Report” and pre emptive action. what happened to innocent until proven guilty etc etc.

In this regards the story of the 2nd Caliph of Islam is worth mentioning. Umar (upon be peace), known as ‘the criterion’ for his strict observance to justice and fairness. He settled a dispute but one of the aggrieved party disagreed and walked off in anger.

The caliph said to his friends, ” I augur ill will from this fellow”.

The companions said “Leave it to us, we’ll make sure he never has a chance to do anything”. The caliph said ” My Suspicion is not enough, proof is also needed”.

Anyhow, this same guy was the one to stab and martyr Umar (upon be peace) whilst he was engaged in his prayers!

The moral: yes, he could have arranged for the guy to be dealt with, but he knew the precedent it would set for all time. He was too great a personality to compromise the rights of his citizens based on a whim, fancy or suspicion.

A bit of a sidetrack, I know. I am just spending the time in quiet contemplation, trusting in God and seeing whatever happens. Sometimes something seems bad, but it may actually lead to something better.

Hasbun-Allah wa naimal wakeel

“Allah is enough of a protector and friend for me”