LONDON – An unlikely friendship was forged quickly between a hijabi Muslim and a passenger who refused to sit next to her on a flight after a short conversation between the two women which broke ice of misunderstanding and fear.

The story came public after Jiva Akbor, who was flying from Glasgow to Malaga, took to Facebook to post her experience on a Jet2 flight, The Daily Mail reported on July 21.

It started when Akbor sent her friends the message: ‘HasbiAllahu la ilaaha illaahu alayhi tawakaltu may Allah make the day easy for you all!’

The message startled the fellow passenger, Beverly, so much that she went to get two air hostesses.

“I looked at her face and she was in sheer panic, clearly flustered and didn’t get into the seat immediately,” Jiva wrote.

“Then I heard one of the air hostesses say, ‘You can take your seat ma’am,’ to her. But she stood there, with a look of fright on her face. I was confused. For a split second I thought she had some health issue or something and was about to have a panic attack.

“At that moment she looked at me and said, “I saw you write a text message and you wrote Allah on it”.”

Though Jiva said she felt as though her heart had stopped at that moment, she explained to Beverly that ‘Allah’ means God in Arabic.

“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” Jiva wrote.

“This lady was actually scared to sit next to me on this flight and had gone to tell the staff that she saw me write the word “Allah” on a text message and wanted to now change seats.”

After choosing to stay in the flight, a conversation was struck up between the two passengers.

“Before too long I could see remorse in her tone, I think she was shocked at her own reaction and the realization of what she had thought of me was setting in. In her own words she said, “It’s so scary what the media can make us think” and “I just panicked”.”

Friendship

The experience was inspiring to Jiva who shared it on her Facebook.

“Today I had one of the most interesting and most memorable flights of my life. I made a friend called Beverley who made a mistake and acknowledged it,” Jiva wrote.

“I met a lady who is deep down inside a wonderful, wonderful human and showed me that the fear-mongering purposely and strategically carried out in this world by the powers-that-be today are very, very real and can make an ordinary person have the most shocking of reactions.

“But if we’re blessed enough ALLAH can easily turn them into the most amazing of life’s moments.

“I know today was special for us both and many lessons learnt on both sides. We hugged, exchanged numbers and will definitely keep in touch.

“I know not all similar situations are as peachy and ‘happily ever after’ for many, many Muslims in the world right now. But I have all the love in the world for Beverley and pray we can only basque in the beautiful moments shared today.”

Hundreds applauded the experience on the Facebook post, sharing their support for Jiva and Beverly.

Rosmizawati Mohamed Salleh said: “This is simply beautiful.”

Zahra Adan Kula said: “U really showed her what Islam is all about [sic]’

Loki Wati said: “Allahu Akbar!! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful Jiva. With Allah’s power and blessings, may He protect us all in any situation. Aameen.”

Jennine NeNe Butler said: “I read your story and it is truly inspirational. Thank you for sharing it with us xxx”.

Fahmida Uddin said: “Every minute reading this was worth it for the outcome was amazing.'”