We are Family

All of my family members gathered together to celebrate my grandfather’s return from Lebanon. His wife and children surprised him with a plane ticket because they agreed that he needed a month long break from taking care of his drug addicted son for the past 22 years.

I felt ecstatic that my family was together again with Grandad — father figure and friend. The whole night was filled with laughter and good vibes which I tried to capture in this image.

A group of boys laughing as they make their way to class after pausing from their busy school day to pray at the mosque (masjid). Muslims pray because they believe that they obtain great benefit in doing so. It gives them a chance to reflect on their daily actions — whether good or bad. Whether it be to thank God or to ask for forgiveness.

The prayers are said in Arabic, no matter what the person’s native language. The Islamic holy book, also known as the Quran, is written in Arabic but can be translated. Muslims are from many different countries and backgrounds from all over the world.

Reading the Quran unites us, because we are all recite the same holy words of God, no matter the language.

Zainab Hourani

Age 16

Born in Australia. Mother from Australia, father from Iraq.