Originally published in Akron Beacon Journal As an American Muslim, I was saddened to hear about the Navy Yard shooting, just like anybody else. In our own holy book, the Quran, it states that, “If anyone slays a person, it would be as if he slew the whole people.” We believe that such tragic events should be combated with greater community service, as Islam teaches us that we were made for the...
Originally published in Santa Barbara Independent As I kicked back in my humble American bungalow, pictures of modern Arabia peppered the television screen; images of immaculate mosques surrounded by dusty homes, desert planes under a beaming sun, and a sea of white robes, indistinguishable of race or gender, in pilgrimage to the holy city of Islam. While these images transported me to a distant...
Originally published in Montgomery News As a Muslim American, I am delighted with the election of a new pope and want to give to him and all Catholics worldwide my heartfelt congratulations. I hope Pope Francis is able to build a strong bridge with the Muslim world and promote greater peace and tolerance. In fact, this is what has been done by the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza...
Originally Published in USA Today As a Muslim American, I am saddened to hear the news of the terrorist attack in Nairobi, Kenya. An al-Qaeda affiliated-group, al-Shabab, has claimed responsibility. In addition to the loss of innocent life, I am saddened that the terrorists are attributing their act to Islam. According to eyewitnesses, they killed only non-Muslims. They must deeply reflect on the...
Originally published in NY Daily News Tinton Falls, N.J.: As a Muslim American, I am saddened to hear the news of the terrorist attack in Nairobi. In addition to the loss of innocent life, I am saddened that the terrorists are attributing their act to Islam. They must deeply reflect on the Koran — which, while promoting sanctity of life, declares “whosoever killed a person . . . it shall be if he...
Originally published in The Huffington Post There is never a dispute about the “what” and “who” of mass shootings. For instance, take the recent attack on September 16. What: Thirteen killed and over a dozen injured in a rampage at the Washington D.C. naval yard. Who: A 34-year-old African American male, Aaron Alexis with security access to the building. But mention the...
Originally published in Duluth News Tribune Listening to Martin Luther King’s speech on its 50th anniversary reminded me of a sermon of Prophet Muhammad historically known as his “Farewell Sermon.” In that sermon, Prophet Muhammad stated, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve; an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority...
Originally published in Duluth News Tribune Listening to Martin Luther King’s speech on its 50th anniversary reminded me of a sermon of Prophet Muhammad historically known as his “Farewell Sermon.” In that sermon, Prophet Muhammad stated, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve; an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority...
Originally published in Duluth News Tribune Aug. 28 marked the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, which earned him a stature exclusive only to Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. All three men faced enormous challenges, but their faith, courage and sacrifices helped shape modern America by advancing the notion of basic human equality and universal freedom. Today...
Originally published in Northwest Herald Saturday marks the 39th anniversary of the death of what could have been a great nation. Exactly 39 years ago, humanity, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression suffered a tragic death when Pakistan introduced and passed a constitutional amendment deciding who is a “real” Muslim. Under this amendment, Ahamdi Muslims are forbidden from calling...