Originally published in Montgomery News As a Muslim American, I am delighted with the election of a new pope and want to give to him and all Catholics worldwide my heartfelt congratulations. I hope Pope Francis is able to build a strong bridge with the Muslim world and promote greater peace and tolerance. In fact, this is what has been done by the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza...
Originally published in NY Daily News Tinton Falls, N.J.: As a Muslim American, I am saddened to hear the news of the terrorist attack in Nairobi. In addition to the loss of innocent life, I am saddened that the terrorists are attributing their act to Islam. They must deeply reflect on the Koran — which, while promoting sanctity of life, declares “whosoever killed a person . . . it shall be if he...
Originally published in The Huffington Post There is never a dispute about the “what” and “who” of mass shootings. For instance, take the recent attack on September 16. What: Thirteen killed and over a dozen injured in a rampage at the Washington D.C. naval yard. Who: A 34-year-old African American male, Aaron Alexis with security access to the building. But mention the...
Originally published in Duluth News Tribune Listening to Martin Luther King’s speech on its 50th anniversary reminded me of a sermon of Prophet Muhammad historically known as his “Farewell Sermon.” In that sermon, Prophet Muhammad stated, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve; an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority...
Originally published in Duluth News Tribune Listening to Martin Luther King’s speech on its 50th anniversary reminded me of a sermon of Prophet Muhammad historically known as his “Farewell Sermon.” In that sermon, Prophet Muhammad stated, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve; an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority...
Originally published in Duluth News Tribune Aug. 28 marked the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, which earned him a stature exclusive only to Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. All three men faced enormous challenges, but their faith, courage and sacrifices helped shape modern America by advancing the notion of basic human equality and universal freedom. Today...
Originally published in Northwest Herald Saturday marks the 39th anniversary of the death of what could have been a great nation. Exactly 39 years ago, humanity, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression suffered a tragic death when Pakistan introduced and passed a constitutional amendment deciding who is a “real” Muslim. Under this amendment, Ahamdi Muslims are forbidden from calling...
Originally published in Seattle Times Twelve years ago, al-Qaida took nearly 3,000 innocent lives. I was too young to understand why, but I knew that the Islam I followed didn’t teach violence. I knew that the Quran condemns the taking of innocent lives; to kill a person is like killing all mankind. I knew Prophet Muhammad stated that God has made the blood, property and honor of every human...
Originally published in The Daily Herald Just last week, some of my Christian and Muslim friends got together to feed the homeless at a neighboring church. This incredible feeling reminded me of how lucky we are to live in a country that believes in religious freedom and security. I wish this was the case in Pakistan, where I was born and raised, but it isn’t. In 1974, Pakistan passed its...
Originally published in USA Today Twelve years ago, al-Qaeda took nearly 3,000 innocent lives. I was too young to understand why, but I knew that the Islam I followed didn’t teach violence. I knew that the Quran condemns the taking of innocent lives. I couldn’t understand why, when Islam clearly condemns bloodshed, some people kill and call it an act for the sake of Islam. I have been...