Originally published in The Press Enterprise April 15, 2013, was a day like any other, until I saw a notification that a bombing had occurred in Boston. I read the depressing details and realized how close to the heart this disaster had occurred. The Boston Marathon bombing tragedy hit rather close to home due to the fact that the bombers claimed they were Muslim and it occurred in my native...
Originally published in Montgomery News and The Intelligencer Once again, unfortunately, there has been senseless violence against our nation’s youth in the recent stabbings at Franklin Regional High School. This time, the violence occurred in our home state of Pennsylvania. First and foremost, I would like to extend condolences to the families of those that were hurt by this tragic event. With...
Originally published in CantonRep Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev are the alleged perpetrators behind the Boston Marathon tragedy that took place last year, causing the deaths of three people and injuring 264 others. Dzhokhar claimed his brother said that these bombings were done to protect Islam from attack. I disagree. These attacks are completely opposite the teachings of Islam and are what...
Originally published in Dallas News Last week, the small town of Murrysville, Pa., was shocked when Alex Hribal, a 16-year-old high school student, went on a stabbing rampage, critically injuring 20 students. Fortunately, no student was fatally injured. However, a small place such as Franklin County definitely felt the distress caused by such a chaotic and horrible attack. This news shocked me...
Originally published in NewsOk It’s been a year since the Boston Marathon tragedy, which the perpetrators claimed was for the protection of Islam from the U.S. If this religion needs protection from anyone, it’s from the deranged minds and unholy tactics of men like these who distort the teachings of a religion that values peace above all else. The Koran clearly states, “Whosoever killed a person...
Originally published in Austin News It has been a year since the horrific Boston Marathon bombing, but the wounds are still fresh for all Americans. I would like to extend my condolences to the city of Boston and anyone with loved ones affected by these deplorable acts. Though the Tsarnevs claim to have acted for Islam, I must remind everyone that their actions went against everything for which...
Originally published in The Santa Barbara Independent Sometimes, metal bullets create the most noise. The violent actions of a few can remind us of a history of hatred. When two Jewish centers were systematically attacked in Kansas City this past Sunday, we all were reminded of the history of anti-Semitism in our society. But a murderer’s actions have no foundation when we all realize our common...
Originally published in OnFaith Earlier this week, the NYPD disbanded its Muslim surveillance program. Good riddance. Through all the pain, suffering, and headlines this operation caused over the course of a decade, it generated zero leads. A decade of surveillance should have crushed anyone’s hope for a hopeful future. So how did New York Muslims cope in the past few years? In 2008, civic-minded...
Originally published in Duluth News Tribune One year removed from the Boston Marathon bombings, people raise eyebrows about Muslims’ loyalty to the United States or Islam’s viewpoint on terrorism. The bombings had no relationship with the beautiful teachings of Islam. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the bombings. The holy Quran condemns all forms of cruelty, violence or extremist...
Originally published in The Wichita Eagle The taking of innocent lives at the Jewish community center and senior living facility in Overland Park was a heinous act against mankind – and I’m deeply sorry for the families that lost their loved ones. As a Muslim American, I share the same mutual respect and love the Jewish community holds for the Israelite Prophets. This week, as my Jewish friends...