Cloud Miles: A Remarkable Journey of Mercy, Peace, and Purpose

by Imad S Enchassi

I was viscerally aware of my overlapping identities. I am a Palestinian Arab, raised with the narrative that Jews and Israelis are the enemy of my people and not to be engaged with in discourse. I am Muslim and an imam who holds every word of the Qur’an in my brain and spirit. I have verses seared into my consciousness telling me to respect and dialogue with those following the Abrahamic traditions. These are “people of the book,” and we worship the same God. I am an American. This identity is deeply sacred to me because this is the one I chose. I am an immigrant who fell in love with Lady Liberty and ran to her shores, leaving everything and everyone I knew and cherished behind, just so I could have this identity, so I could hold this blue passport in my hand. I am seen as a traitor by some for having this citizenship. All three identities of my being struggle against one another. I am canvas stretched over frame. But these quarrelling parts cannot be separated. Perhaps on this trip, I thought, they will find peace with one another. There are so many lines drawn by humankind to define each other. Yet I am crossing them all, one cloud mile at a time.

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2020

Reviews

[Logan Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imam Imad Enchassi writes a compelling memoir tracing the influence of mercy, compassion, and understanding in his own life. It traces the story of his childhood as a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon during the 1960’s and 70’s, and the formation of identity of a refugee that cannot be a citizen. He then gains a visa to America, and resettled here, navigating life as a non-citizen and even suspect-person in the midst of learning all of the hopeful and devastating contradictions in the American dream. The foundation of his worldview stems from Mother Mercy, a nun-teacher who instilled a sense of worth in a young refugee boy, and how he carries mercy in his work as an Islamic Imam in Oklahoma.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In order to engage with other people, you must be willing to first listen to their story - from their point of view. Dr. Enchassi does a wonderful job of telling his story that is both frightening and courageous. Through it all, he never gives up hope nor stops offering mercy. We have much to learn from him and his faith community.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesome book. No matter your religion you can read about Imad Enchassi’s life and philosophy and choose to become more forgiving and loving. In this terrible time of the corona virus and the death of George Floyd we need to remember to respect all. Enchassi leads his mosque by his wonderful example.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well written and captivating memoir of Imad Enchassi. My father grew up in the Lebanese Civil War and I did not expect to hear this recounting as heart-wrenchingly replicated. His and his family’s history of being Palestinian and Muslim in Oklahoma was as upsetting as it was inspirational. Great book, will be handing it out this Christmas.

[Sheri French · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging account of Imad Enchassi's life and experiences. He has a remarkable peace-making calling upon his life. Well worth reading.