Perks of Being a Muslim!

So, I’ll keep this story short and sweet. Anyway, my wife and I were driving home on New Year’s eve, last year. We happened to come across a sobriety checkpoint. You know, the one where you suddenly come across some traffic when you least expect it.

So, we were at the end of the line when we noticed Police activity. They were checking for drunk drivers, which I totally support. Those bastards! So selfish.

But I digress. We watched a bunch of cars make quick u-turns where it is obviously not permitted, and then watched cops on motorcycles chase them down. Can you be any MORE guilty?

Of course, being Muslim and prohibited from drinking alcohol, we were just enjoying the view of red and blue lights. The Police were thoroughly checking each vehicle and making people come out of their cars so that they can search their vehicles while other officers gave them breathalyzer tests if they perceived it as warranted.

After some time, it was our turn. I don’t know why I felt nervous. Police officers always make me feel as though I’ve done something wrong. I turned to my wife and said, “Quick, hide the beer!” For a second, she was like, “What?!” I then started laughing. She punched me in the shoulder, and it hurt. She has a killer right hook 🙂

So anyway, the cop came to my window while another walked around with a flashlight around the passenger side peering through the windows. The officer took one look at my beard and one look at my wife’s Hijab and said, “Muslims don’t drink, and I’m not even going to ask. Have a safe night!”.

That’s it? We were in and out of that checkpoint in about 30 seconds. We didn’t have to get out of our vehicle, nor did they search it.

Ah, the perks of being a Muslim may be few these days, but they DO exist!

• January 6, 2012