Published in the Richmond Times Dispatch on June 22nd 2017: As the month of Ramadan came to an end, Muslims everywhere celebrated with Eid al-Fitr. Typically, Eid is a time for reflection on a month dedicated to abstaining from sin. Muslims fill the month by giving back to their communities and to the needy. This Ramadan was no different as countless Muslims around the world gave food, clothes...
Originally Published in Beliefnet on July 1st, 2017 As an Ahmadi Muslim I can say, “Happy Independence Day America” and really mean it. My patriotic realization wasn’t something that happened suddenly, but was gradual with deliberate reservations. We grew up celebrating the 4th of July like everyone else in the neighborhood. It was the barbecue, homemade ice cream, fireworks, family get together...
Just two weeks after a white supremacist went on an anti-Muslim tirade in Portland that ended with him stabbing three men in the neck, anti-Muslim hate rallies are being organized in over 25 cities across the country this Saturday, June 10th. All are organized by ACT for America, an organization designated as both a hate group and an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. At a time...
by Imran Tahir I was utterly shocked and horrified to hear about the truly sadistic suicide bombing in Manchester (U.K.) at the conclusion of a music concert attended by thousands of youth, most of them young girls. Terrorism in all its heinous forms — and especially depraved attacks targeting children — is a painful blight on our society, and needs to be eradicated completely through a...
Letter to the editor published in the Richmond Times Dispatch on May 31st: As Ahmadi Muslim, I extend my heartfelt prayers to the British people. In response to the attack in Manchester, an imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association UK went to Manchester to pay tribute to the victims. He was accompanied by 50 other members. Terrorism has no religion and the Quran strongly opposes such actions...
Originally Published in Beliefnet on June 8th, 2017 by Nayyar Ahmad Almost all major religions and cultures around the world believe in fasting; Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism etc. Likewise, Islam also enjoins its followers to fast during the month of Ramadhan. Now a week into Ramadhan, Muslims are observing fast from sunup to sundown for 30 days. Apart from abstaining from food and water...
Originally Published on the Seattle Times website on May 26th, 2017 I am writing in regards to the sad and cowardly act of terrorism in Manchester, England. This act of brutality and barbarism is an act of violence against the entire fabric of humanity. This act of violence has nothing to do with Islam. As a member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I condemn all forms of terrorism and extremism in...
Originally Published in Tucson.com by Aamir Quraishy Living in America I am very thankful to all our armed men and women in the forces who work tirelessly to defend our country and freedom. As an Ahmadi Muslim, My family came here to flee the religious persecution we faced in Pakistan. My family was able to move here to America because of my great uncle who served as an anesthesiologist during...
Originally Published on Patheos on April 7th, 2017 by Imam Azam Akram As a Muslim Imam (Religious Minister), I find myself in a bind each time an atrocious act against Humanity is committed. Whether it is an act of terror or an act of injustice. That is because my eight years of formal training in the Qur’an, Sunnah, Hadith, and authentic teachings of Islam have no basis for these atrocities. In...
By Zohaib Zafar This past week, another terrorist attack happened, this time in London. When an innocent person is killed, this is an attack on all of humanity. Terrorist attacks should never be taken lightly. As a Muslim, this terrorist attack is especially horrific because it seems likely that the perpetrator of the Westminster attack was motivated by his interpretation of Islam. Every Muslim...