Originally published in the Chicago Tribune
Pope Francis requested prayers for the 12 nuns abducted Monday by rebel fighters in the Syrian village of Maaloula. As an Ahmadi Muslim, I strongly condemn the kidnappings based on the Charter of Privileges granted to Christians by the Prophet Muhammad.
This charter protects Christians’ rights to freedom of worship and movement. It states: “Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks [or nuns] from their monasteries”. Islam protects basic human rights like the preservation of life, property and honor for non-Muslims and Muslims alike.
I join Pope Francis in praying not only for the nuns, but for all those caught in this conflict.
