5 things I get to hear when I tell people that I am a Muslim and a vegetarian

Forgive me Allah, for I have sinned. A sin so grave, that it is almost unpardonable. You see, I am a Muslim but a hardcore vegetarian.

I am the eighth wonder of the world. A species as rare as a snow leopard, or so I feel--courtesy the kind of responses I get from people when I tell them about my dietary choices.

At times I am dumbfounded, trying to come up with a perfect retort for some utterly stupid comments. Here are a few:

That's Totally Preposterous
I really don't understand why this piece of information is so hard to digest. Yes, I devour paneer and dal makhani with much excitement, but does that mean that there is a special place in hell reserved for people like me?

You Can't Be a Muslim Then!
Yes, some Muslims might like eating scrumptious non-veg cuisines, but not me. It is not a mandate though. Eating choices are subjective. As far as I know, there is no diktat imposed on Muslims to survive only on chicken or meat.

Also read: I am a Muslim woman, and I don't understand what the fuss is about Mohammed Shami's wife and her dress

You Should Be Ashamed of Yourself
I am serious. I have had people coming up to me and telling that I should drown myself in a chullu bhar pani. At times, the extent of their fury surprises me. Like seriously, there are people blowing up themselves in the name of religion and you want me to feel ashamed for eating aloo?

At Least Eat It Once
Then there are those who try to force-feed me. These people are as much a fan of non-veg food as revolutioners are of Che Guevara! They take upon themselves the task of making me realize what I am missing in life. Some even go to the extent forcing a piece of chicken in my mouth. God! How would you feel if I shove a piece of rubber in yours?

Last, but not the least. There are a few who call me:

A Sinner!
As weird as it may sound, it is true. I have had some very learned Islamic scholars telling me that it is my duty towards Islam to eat non-veg food! And since I am disobeying the words of Allah the almighty, I have committed a grave sin. They even go on to educate me about the fatwas that have been issues on vegans in the Muslim world.

But, come what may--my love for green, leafy vegetables is unparalleled and no amount of temptation will lead me astray.