My father and I went on a meaningful Islamic pilgrimage several years back, referred to as Umrah. During our journey, he received a necklace from an Imam, the leader of prayers, which featured a pendant symbolizing the Kaaba, the house of God, situated in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The necklace was a lustrous silver, laced with intricate patterns throughout with the pendant being the centerpiece. After Umrah, I felt my faith in God deepen more than it ever had in the past. It’s because of this growth that my dad bestowed the necklace on me when I turned sixteen. It has always provided me with a profound sense of security due to its symbolic representation of the Kaaba as it is the focal point for Muslims, a unifying symbol representing God's unity and the unity of the Muslim community as they orbit around it. My parents immigrated from Ethiopia to America, and throughout their taxing journey, both my mother and father maintained their devotion to Islam. During the most challenging times, they remained devoted to their faith, praying daily. Their dedication was met with divine benevolence, blessing our family, and for this, we are eternally indebted. Islam’s played a significant role in shaping my family's identity, serving as the guiding force for our principles and virtues. As the house of God, the Kaaba embodies deep symbolic and spiritual significance. The pendant is a testament to the peace and serenity that covered me during that profoundly meaningful journey with my father.

– Ayman Jemal

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant