Say what?!?

Looks can be deceiving!  I've learnt over the years to not judge a book by it's cover and also not to assume things.  I need not explain why but I am sure in your own terms you are able to also agree with me on these two statements.

Today I had my first encounter with a friendly, old and interesting Muslim gentleman.  This isn't my usual encounter but his wife was close by, so, I was at ease, in a way.
It was interesting chatting to them about their recent celebration, Eid.

Sadly, he assumed I was Hindu and went on explaining why following man isn't right because (I quote), "In the scriptures it is written that when man is born out of a woman he is classified as a maggot.  A maggot is found in trash.  God himself cannot be compared to this as he is not a maggot, so, why follow man?"
I kept quiet and listened.  Before I could explain my faith he then said, "Do you know that nowhere in the Hindu scriptures does it say you are not allowed to eat beef?"  I then smiled and started to explain my faith and he quickly added, "Also, in the bible, they tell you not to even touch pork yet Christians eat it!"  And he shook his head in disgust.

His wife hovered close by looking at our products but sharing an ear to our conversation.  She didn't mention a word.
I doubt I was even going to get a word in but started to pray silently for Mr Rawat.  As I looked into his eyes and heard his conversation with my heart, a deep compassion filled my spirit.  Nothing stopped me from praying and I obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

His last input was, "When Jesus turned over the tables in the temple it was because the people were selling things with interest, that's why he was so angered!"
With raised eye-brows I stood shocked at the way that small chapter was explained to me.  I never quite looked at it that way but it's definitely not the last time I will hear of it this way, no doubt.  He off-course did not allow me to speak, so, I remained silent yet again.

Lastly, he went onto saying that in Islam they do not follow Mohammed but Allah and the crux of our entire conversation was (I quote), "Islam means 'in submission to the will of God'".

He then asked if he could give me two documentaries on the true religion and I said yes.  I am really keen to take a look at it and unpack it for myself.
As he walked out the store, he turned around and looked me in the eye saying, "Follow the true religion, not man."

Spoken from passion and excelled by the need to share this passion, Mr Rawat remains in my prayers.
Like myself, we are two very radical characters.  
One of faith.  One of religion.