Mr. David Davis, a criminal justice department faculty member, has been taking advantage of the COVID-19 mask recommendation to wear his “kufiya” or, “keffiyeh,” a traditionally Middle Eastern piece of fabric fashioned into a headdress.

The keffiyeh is a cotton, square scarf that can be tied various ways, and depending on the people group, may go by a different name. Coming in all colors, this garment is embroidered with elegant patterns that clearly reflect its cultural background.

Davis has an extensive background in police work, security, teaching and ministry before coming to teach at Bob Jones University in the spring of 2019. He attended Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary while serving at Grace Baptist Church of Hamtramck, a Michigan ministry located in a Muslim community.

“Being in a community that was predominantly Muslim, you see [ke yehs] in schools, and I started a collection,” Davis said. “They’re common, somewhat like ties, so you get them as gifts.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis wears a keffiyeh in place of a mask, both for functionality and the cultural significance. Because it stands out, Davis said he also uses his keffiyeh as a springboard to share the Gospel.

“I have people ask, ‘Oh, are you Muslim?’” Davis said. “[I reply,] ‘No, I’m a Christian, and let me tell you about it.’” Davis said this provides him an opportunity to share Christ as he explains his former ministry work in the Detroit area.

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