Originally published in The Daily Herald On Jan. 21, I celebrated one of the most important aspects of being free. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, the pride and honor we feel in being free to choose our nation’s leader is humbling. Considering in many parts of the world individuals do not have a choice I’m thankful I do. As a Muslim, I will pray for my country and its...
Originally published in The Star Local Media Guns don’t kill people, people kill people – but is this really an excuse for the heinous acts that strip away innocent lives year after year? The vast majority of us are law-abiding, responsible gun owners. However, there will always be a select few that jeopardize our rights. It is an unfair truth in life. Churches are being desecrated, school...
Originally published in New Haven Register “All is fair in love and war.” Sixteenth century English poet John Lyly’s famous proverb means that the rules of fairness don’t count under special circumstances. In more recent times, you might remember the famous line “by any means necessary” that Malcolm X used to describe his view on the civil rights movement. The...
Originally published in The Huffington Post In her recent piece, “7 Things That May Surprise You About Muhammad,” author Lesley Hazleton offers unique insights into Prophet Muhammad’s life. Giving credit where it is due, I’ve enjoyed Hazleton’s TED talk on Prophet Muhammad, and many of her writings on Islam. In fairness, however, several of her “7 Things”...
Originally Published in The Huffington Post and The Express Tribune Never go to a barber shop while you are still mulling over controversial news like, “Obama invokes gay rights in inaugural address.” Because your mind may sputter an even more controversial question like, “Why then we smother the discussion on the topic of first cousin marriages?” And if the question is...
Originally published in TribStar Congratulations to President Obama for winning the election. As a Muslim, Islam, justice and peace are synonymous. Justice and peace are the building blocks for any successful society. A society in which free thought is hindered goes against the principles of Islam and democracy. The Qur’an says, “There is no compulsion in religion.” 2:256. Democracy, without...
As we look back at 2012, the Sandy Hook massacre was a major shock. But was it a complete surprise? Originally published in Go Erie As a society, we need to examine the impact of some popular video games that promote such violence. I was troubled to find one such game named “Bully.” The player assumes the character of a 15-year-old boy who was expelled from every school he has...
Originally Published in the Duluth News Tribune We talked about Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Ordean East Middle School. Half a century ago, Dr. King devoted his life to one dream. He wanted black people to live equally with white people. In his time, white people were considered superior to blacks, and he wanted to change that. As an American Muslim, I think this is an example of the true Jihad...
Originally Published in The Huffington Post and The Washington Post Pakistan went through a Rosa Parks moment on Jan. 10 when twin bombings killed more than 100 members of the persecuted Shiite Muslim sect. The families refused to bury their kin. They protested — in subfreezing temperatures — by sitting next to the dead bodies for four days, demanding the ouster of the provincial...
Originally published in The Patriot News I am an American Muslim, and I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. I congratulate President Obama and pray for the success of our nation. It is uplifting to witness another peaceful election, something many other nations struggle to achieve. Deadly coup détats and riots. Violent uprisings and revolts. For much of the...