Originally published in the Huffington Post Some 15 hours into my fast in the blistering Virginia heat my head hurt–but it wasn’t a symptom of Ramadan. Rather, I found myself digesting The Times columnist David Aaronovitch’s latest piece, “Moderate Muslims — it’s time to be outraged.” Aaronovitch argues that, “there is no Islamic peace movement...
Originally published in the Daily Times Israel emerged on the world map as an independent nation in the late 1940s. Over the last 65 years of its existence, the nation has faced significant challenges. One thing that has remained constant, however, is the state’s treatment of its Muslim citizens. There are over a million Muslims in Israel. The orthodox rabbis have been intimidating them...
Originally published in Santa Barbara Independent I woke up at 3:50 a.m. today. I did some prayers, ate a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats, and did some prayers again. I will not eat any food or water until sunset around 8:20 p.m. Muslims around the world — about 1.3 billion people — are following a similar routine for 30 days for the month of Ramadan. There is a cool serenity at 3:50 a.m. that...
Originally published in Journal Sentinel Two terms used in the media today in conjunction with each other are ISIS and “Caliphate.” The former is the acronym for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, an extremist militant group waging a territorial war in that region; the latter is a divinely guided spiritual leadership from the perspective of Islam. These two things cannot possibly...
Originally published in Dallas News It is my belief that we come to respect other people and their traditions if we accept that there are good things to be learned from them. As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins, Muslims are encouraged to be frequent in giving charity, practice self-discipline, refrain from anger, and reflect on their moral state. These are the values that Muslims are...
Originally published in USA Today I was looking at my Instagram feed and saw a picture of an American Airlines plane. There was a disturbing comment that insulted America. His comment was made possible by an app that is an American invention, but he wanted to insult America? This comment made me realize how blessed I am to be in the United States. As an Ahmadi Muslim American, I want to thank...
Originally published in USA Today July Fourth is a great event to celebrate. On that day, America gained independence from Great Britain. As Americans, we ought to be grateful to God, who gave us this wonderful country. I am proud of being an American because this is a great nation. We have freedom of speech, and everyone is equal regardless of cast, creed, religion or nationality. Moreover, a...
Originally published in The Northwestern On Sunday Muslims all over the world began fasting to observe the month of Ramadan. For the next thirty days, physically capable Muslims will forgo all food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Children, sick and the elderly are exempt from fasting. Fasting is much more than just suffering hunger and thirst. The true spirit of fasting is to appreciate the...
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 The Santa Clarita Valley Signal As a Muslim-immigrant to the United States of America, I find special meaning in the Fourth of July, an occasion symbolizing the struggle for freedom. As testimony to our nation’s commitment to freedom, I often reflect upon how Americans have upheld freedoms for Muslims in the aftermath of 9-11 — despite the negative stereotypes. Such...