By Najma Al Zidjaly

The annual Muscat International Book Fair occupies a cherished corner of my heart, not solely for its role in enriching my soul and personal library, but also for the serendipitous encounter it facilitated with none other than Thomas L Friedman, esteemed columnist for The New York Times and acclaimed author, during its 2019 edition. 

As the distinguished guest speaker of the fair, he mesmerised the Omani audience with insights from his 2016 compelling publication, ‘Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations,’ before engaging in a dialogue about my identity. 

Prof Abdullah Baabood, presiding over the event, introduced me, highlighting my position as an Omani associate professor of social media and Arab identity at Sultan Qaboos University, as well as my contributions as a fellow columnist and op-ed writer of a celebrated essay for The New York Times (my essay was selected as the best of the week by The Atlantic Wire at the time). 

From that moment onwards, a significant connection was forged. 

Over the past half-decade, commencing with a cordial dinner invitation at the iconic Kargeen in Madinat Qaboos, Friedman not only seamlessly integrated into my and my family’s lives but also left an indelible mark on my students. 

His essays on the Middle East became a valuable pedagogical tool, nurturing the burgeoning writing skills of young minds, who found the subject matter both captivating and intellectually stimulating. By dissecting his essays, they not only honed their craft but also gleaned profound insights into his perspectives on the region.

In 2019, when some of my students felt aggrieved by his portrayal of them in his essay ‘Beware the Mideast’s Falling Pillars’, they addressed their concerns to The New York Times. While their letter to the editor was not published, I conveyed their belief to him that they were unfairly characterised through a political lens. My Omani students especially sought to challenge Friedman’s framing of young Arabs as indolent waiting for government handouts. 

To his credit, Friedman, or as affectionately dubbed ‘Basha Tom’ by me, welcomed this discourse, embodying the wisdom of his 2016 publication, which emphasises the forlorn art of listening to the multitude of voices in our world, truly listening – absorbing, digesting and empathising with the varied perspectives, facts and individuals that cross our paths. 

Only by doing so can one survive the tectonic movements reshaping our world, whether they be driven by technology, globalisation, climate change or wars.

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Friedman’s essays on the topic piqued the interest of my students further, with one translating some excerpts for dissemination on Arabic Twitter. 

Then came an unexpected accolade – my students immortalised him in the form of WhatsApp stickers, a gesture, which despite initial mixed reactions from Friedman, was ultimately received as a mark of reverence. 

Friedman’s genuine interest in engaging with young Omanis was evident as he reached out to them via email, finding the interaction invigorating. The sentiment was mutual; young Omanis sought not only to enlighten him about the Arabian Gulf but also to absorb his wisdom on writing, world politics and the Middle East.

The interplay between words and thoughts endures to the present day. Just last semester, a student composed a sincere, albeit probing, letter to him – a message that I have yet to convey.

On a personal note, irrespective of my alignment with some of his viewpoints, a profound respect for Friedman inevitably has blossomed, particularly as he imparted to me, my nephews and nieces, and my students the cardinal principle of success: ‘Keep eyes on the prize.’ 

During a recent encounter in his historic Washington DC office, I posed a poignant query: “What if one finds themselves amidst distraught loved ones?” His response resonated deeply: “Confront the issue (and seek solace), then return to the pursuit of your aspirations. Distractions, whether auspicious or adverse, must not deter you.” 

Ultimately, the aspiration is to leave behind a lasting legacy – be it in the form of a language museum like Planet Word, where I was graciously treated to a private tour by both him and its visionary creator, his wife Ann B Friedman, or curating (and reading) the largest collection of books on ancient esoteric knowledge.   

“The timing of fruition becomes inconsequential.”

Basha Tom’s greatest legacy, therefore, lies in reminding us of the value of perseverance and unwavering focus amidst life’s myriad challenges. 

What better way to begin 2024 than by reaffirming that the path to success consistently requires unwavering commitment to one’s goals, perseverance through setbacks, fulfillment of familial obligations, and overcoming personal tribulations, all while maintaining a steadfast focus on the ultimate prize. 

(Najma is concerned about topics on self, national and cultural development. She is a researcher and associate professor of social media and Arab Omani identity in the Department of English Language and Literature, College of Arts & Social Sciences, at Sultan Qaboos University)