Originally published in The Oregonian Power, not religion: As an American Muslim, I read about the atrocities committed by ISIS and my heart is filled with grief and anguish. To think that someone could commit such heinous crimes against humanity is beyond comprehension to me. As an Ahmadi Muslim, I have been taught that Islam condemns the taking of an innocent life. In fact, the...
Originally published in Dallas News Yet again, a terrorist organization defaces the beautiful religion of Islam with their heinous actions. This time we are in Nigeria, where so-called “Muslims” from Boko Haram abducted 276 schoolgirls because they claim Islam disallows the education of women. You can read that over and over again because I can’t wrap my head around the logic behind this. As a...
Originally published in MySanAntonio Re: “No target, motive ID’d yet in Pennsylvania school stabbings,” Nation, April 12: As an American-born Pakistani Muslim, I am all too familiar with the violence in Pakistan. But when an event of such violence occurs in this nation, it can be even more upsetting. It is with the heaviest of hearts that I extend my condolences to all those affected by the...
Originally published in Austin News It has been a year since the horrific Boston Marathon bombing, but the wounds are still fresh for all Americans. I would like to extend my condolences to the city of Boston and anyone with loved ones affected by these deplorable acts. Though the Tsarnevs claim to have acted for Islam, I must remind everyone that their actions went against everything for which...
Originally published in Lexington Herald-Leader One of the most respected jobs, serving in the United States military, is paradoxically one of the most underappreciated. These people and their families make countless sacrifices, whether it is putting their lives in harm’s way in combat or not being home to see their child’s birth. Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to reflect and...
Originally published in The Columbus Dispatch Freedom is a wonderful concept; one that is taken for granted but rarely reflected upon in our society. As Veteran’s Day approaches, we as Americans should remind ourselves the price that our veterans have paid for our freedom. As a Muslim American, I salute our nation’s veterans for the great service they have done for this nation. Surprising? What...
Originally published in The Star-Telegram & Dallas Morning News According to former Gov. Mike Huckabee, Islam promotes “murderous mayhem” and rioting on its holiest days. As an American Muslim, I am not shocked that he did not cite a verse from the Quran. I mean, after all, it is tough to cite such an accusation from a religion which literally is defined as “religion of peace.” If Gov...
Originally published in Akron Beacon Journal As an American Muslim, I am blessed to be able to have an abundant source of food and water that I can gladly have access to every day. During the holy month of Ramadan, however, it is prescribed that I give up this liberty of having any nourishment whatsoever from dawn to sunset — aside from a meal before sunrise. Why? It is because fasting...
Originally published in Milwaukee Sentinel Journal July 9 marked the first day of the month of Ramadan in the Muslim lunar calendar, and with its beginning millions of Muslims worldwide embarked on a spiritual journey to last 30 days. While some regard the abstention of food and drink for 15 hours a day as an incredible challenge, especially given the hot summer months, for Muslims the...
Originally published in Loudoun Times Mirror Muslims across the world will be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). This occasion requires Muslims to sacrifice an animal in which one-third of the meat is given to the poor, one-third is given to the neighbors and one-third is kept for the household. As an American Muslim, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all...