Originally published in Dallas Morning News Fourteen years ago on Sept. 11, 2001, a tragedy shook the foundations of not only buildings, but of society worldwide. A generation has been raised in a decade of two wars and violent conflicts. Islamophobia has also affected innocent children and families across Western civilization. In the confusion regarding the tenants of Islam, a new movement took...
Originally published in The Dallas Morning News Michael Jackson once sang, “It don’t matter if you’re black or white,” but apparently it does matter as is evident by the racial tension across America the past few months, starting with the Ferguson case and the subsequent protests. Then came the brutal murders of two New York City police officers. As a member of the Ahmadi Muslim Youth...
The blessed month of Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Muslims around the world have continuously prayed, given to charity and tried to attain nearness to their creator during this month. As members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, we have organized special food drives during Ramadan to help the needy. Also, during Ramadan those who fast are to abstain from using harsh...
Originally published in the Dallas Morning News Thanksgiving is a time to remember the blessings bestowed upon us, but we shouldn’t just keep one day aside, remembering all we have been given. In Islam like many other religions, I was taught that we should be thankful every single day. In the Holy Quran, it is stated, “Surely, Allah (God) is gracious towards mankind, but most of them are not...
Originally published in Dallas News Today Muslims will be celebrating Eid al-Adha. This holiday marks prophet Abraham’s symbolic sacrifice and the close of the hajj or the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims are enjoined to sacrifice animals, and the meat is divided equally among the poor, neighbors and family members. The Quran emphasizes the feeding of the needy when it states, “Feed, for love of Him...
Originally published in the Allen American Instead of benefiting from the last days of the holy month of Ramadan, a mob ransacked, looted, and set fire to 8 Ahmadi homes in Gujranwala, Pakistan on July 27. A grandmother and her granddaughters, a 7 year-old and 8 month-old girl, died of suffocation, a 7 month pregnant female suffered a miscarriage, and 8 others are being treated for injuries and...
Originally published in Star Local As we celebrate Independence Day, we show our patriotism in many different ways such as waving flags, wearing red, white and blue, or singing the national anthem, to name a few. To show patriotism to our country, I will be volunteering and taking part in an interfaith program organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Dallas and Pleasant Mound-Urban Park United...
Originally published in Dallas News Mother’s Day is a special time to reflect what our mothers have done for us. My mother sacrificed her career so she can stay home to raise me, help me with my education, and teach me the rights and wrongs of the world. The prophet Muhammad once stated, “I know of no other deed that brings people closer to Allah than kind treatment and respect towards one’s...