This piece was inspired by some of my good friends who are missionaries. My friend was sharing about the Muslim culture and this is what I learned: "Every part of the Muslim culture is based on honor and shame...it is common upon arrival to be offered a cup of coffee. This is called the cup of
salaam or "peace". It is my host's way of saying, "There is peace between us." The second cup is the cup is
sadaqa or "friendship". This cup represents an offer of friendship on their part and our acceptance as we receive and drink together. But a third cup of coffee, not always offered, is perhaps the most significant. It is the cup of the
sayf or "sword". This cup demonstrates that our friends are willing to protect us. They are willing to stand by us. It doesn't matter if we are right or wrong, they are bound by their honor to protect us."
