Originally posted by The Michigan Daily. It’s almost inarguable that today’s political climate is polarizing. But another polarizing sub-climate is among activists who desire social change. During a classic 2 a.m. conversation in the Fishbowl, a friend and I came to a conclusion. There are two prominent styles among those who mobilize communities to effect change: marchers and lobbyists...
Originally Published in The Michigan Daily January 31st, 2017 Shortly after the inaugural address, the Obamas and the Trumps descended the steps of the Capitol building in a beautiful display of peaceful transitioning. Chills came over me as I remembered descending those very steps in the summer of 2012 as a part of another display of peace. I walked down the steps of the Capitol building in the...
Originally Published in Patheos Is anyone surprised that hate crimes have increased 31% in 2016? This year has been exceptionally revealing in terms of hidden, hateful sentiments. But hate based crime isn’t just an American issue. Unlike apple pie, hate based crime is on the rise globally as well. My religious community, The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is especially familiar with violence...
Originally Published in The Michigan Daily Mike Pence swings through Michigan College Republicans officially endorse Trump-Pence ticket Students react to second presidential debate If you haven’t heard, Donald Trump is in a lot of hot water. In a video recording from 2005 released on Friday by The Washington Post, Mr. Trump is recorded making crude and sexist remarks regarding women. Last night...
Originally published in The Michigan Daily Sunday, October 2, 2016 – 4:59pm More like this Op-Ed: Leave the Locker Room, Trump Trump outlines economic plan amid protests Anu Roy-Chaudhury: The very un-American American In perhaps one of the most memorable lines from the comical first presidential debate, candidate Hillary Clinton captured all of the qualms I have with Donald Trump: “Well...
Originally published in The Beliefnet Roaming the streets of Istanbul during this past Thanksgiving break with my camera and tripod was a dream come true. As a photographer, I loved staring at the beautiful scenes of the cosmopolitan city and capturing every detail with my DSLR camera. As an Arabic calligrapher, I sat in a mosque entranced by the beautiful twisting of Arabic letters decorating...
Originally published in The Sacramento Bee Re “Clock clash gets student invited to White House” (Page 10A, Sept. 17): I remember ninth grade very well. I was called a terrorist practically every day. When Osama bin Laden was killed, two kids gave me their condolences by shouting, “Sorry about your grandpa!” But I cannot imagine those Islamophobic sentiments being acted upon by teachers. Ninth...
Originally published in The Michigan Daily
I’ve always felt safe in America. Granted, growing up as a Muslim American in the post-9/11 era poses its challenges, but I’ve always maintained the “it won’t be me” mentality. That is, until Tuesday evening. The news reported that three innocent Muslim students were brutally murdered in their home near Chapel Hill, N.C.
Muslim students. Just like me...
Originally published in Lansing State Journal When I heard about the horrific attack on a military school in Peshawar, I was deeply saddened at the progression of Taliban terrorism in Pakistan. But when I heard that they targeted and killed over 130 innocent children, I was speechless. How could anyone who claims membership of my own faith commit such an act of inhumanity? Especially with...