Originally published in Cincinnati Enquirer Last year, the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy left Americans in great distress as New York City, one of the world’s largest cities, suffered greatly. This gave me an opportunity to travel to the disaster site and offer my aid to those in need. More importantly, being a Muslim American, I was able to show the true Islam – to serve humanity as a part of our...
Originally published in Appleton Post-Crescent As a Muslim-American, I feel it is our obligation to help those in need and take care of our communities. Places like Oklahoma, because of their recent tornado-related disasters, are in need of immediate service from anyone able to assist. A basic tenet of Islam and the good example of Prophet Muhammad is service to humanity. Following this...
Originally published in New Haven Register The news seems to report much about problem leaders of the Muslim world. They include bloodthirsty extremists, fiery Mullahs and unyielding autocrats. Also, throw in the chatter from absolute cynics who can’t believe that a practicing Muslim could possibly live a life of peace. And we are left to ask: Where are the good guys in the group...
Originally published in Huffington Post On May 11, the world’s second most populous Muslim country, Pakistan, marked a historic election. The country’s 66-year history is marred by the presence of martial laws and never before has one elected government replaced another. As Pakistanis rushed to the polling stations to cast their vote, more than 4 million people sat home...
Originally published in Duluth News Tribune
Two Muslim brothers from Chechnya devastated the Boston Marathon on April 15, resulting in three deaths and many injuries. Apparently the brothers sought to justify this brutal act of violence by calling it a jihad in protest of American troops in Afghanistan. They were completely wrong.
Originally published in Northwest Herald “It is the duty of all believers, to whichever religion they belong, to proclaim that we can never be happy pitted one against the other, the future of humanity will never be able to be secured by terrorism and by the logic of war.” Pope John Paul II made this powerful statement back in 2003. Today, I am reminded of this same sentiment as I hear...
Originally published in Washington Post On May 11th, the world’s second most populous Muslim country, Pakistan, will mark a historic election. The country’s 66-year history is marred by the presence of martial laws and never before has one elected government replaced another. As Pakistanis rush to the polling stations to cast their vote, over 4 million people will sit home, separated and...
Originally published in Hartford Courant Boston suffered an atrocious act of terror. As a Muslim, I unequivocally condemn any form of terrorism and hate. I send my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the victims of this inhumane crime. I pray Bostonians will not allow terror to prevail and will stand strong with unity and love in the wake of this attack. I hope this spirit of love...
Originally published in NY Post I wish to express my gratitude to Qanta Ahmed for her incisive article on the role of “jihad” in Islam (“Forget About Motive,” PostOpinion, April 30). Her article helped me see through the miasma of what is now called jihad so as to appreciate the valid need for the “lesser jihad” and the grandeur of the “greater jihad.” Judaism, Christianity and Islam all...
Originally published in Huffington Post All great civilizations, such as the Greeks, Romans, Persians and today in the form of West, have arisen mainly by advancing human rights and the rule of law. The rise of the Islamic civilization between the 7th and 13th centuries also owes itself to this principle. Few individuals in any civilization have been able to accomplish religious, gender...