Originally published in San Antonion Express.
The tragic loss of children in Newtown, Conn., is heavy on everyone’s hearts. As the parent of a third-grader, my heart wrenches with pain for the parents who will not get to see their children smile again. As a Muslim, I believe that human life is sacred and should be honored. The Holy Quran teaches that taking a single life is like taking the whole of mankind. Prophet Muhammad implored respect, kindness and love for all children. During Friday prayers last week at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community‘s Round Rock Mosque, special supplications were held for the innocent lives lost.
As a parent, a Texan, an American and as a Muslim, I hope that in times like this we can unite, regardless of our other differences, for the sake of peace and love. May God give the suffering parents solace and patience, and may He bless our great nation with peace.
