Originally published in San Antonio Express-News After running 26 miles in a major marathon, one would expect to be greeted by family and friends as they congratulate you on such an amazing feat. However, this year some runners were greeted by bombs. The Boston Marathon Bombings will go down in history as one of the most gruesome acts of terror in U.S. history. However, history proves that...
As a Muslim, I was pleased to see millions of Catholics rejoice upon learning of their new leader. I wish to congratulate Pope Francis on this office and hope for a brighter, more peaceful world of interfaith cooperation. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I relate with my fellow Catholics the happiness and purposefulness that comes with a central leading figure. For us, a Khalifa...
On March 13, a new pope, Pope Francis I, was elected. The head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, also known as the Khalifa of Islam, congratulated the new pope. “I hope and pray that in the forthcoming era, the pope uses his influence to develop peace and harmony in the world,” he said. Fourteen hundred years ago, Prophet Muhammad taught to respect all religions...
As an American Muslim, I do not celebrate Easter. However, I look forward to it every year. After Easter, Easter chocolate and candy are very cheap. However, that is not the only reason I enjoy Easter time. March 23, 1889, is the day the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established. Around the same time every year that Christians believe Jesus Christ spiritually rose, Ahmadi Muslims believe Mirza...
Three months after the shocking Newtown tragedy, America’s top lawmakers remain unable to take action on gun-control legislation. Instead, a fierce fight between President Obama and the gun lobby is on the rise. The gun lobby portrays Obama as an elite hypocrite who wants to abolish the Second Amendment by taking away Americans’ right to self-defense. Since the ratification of the Bill of Rights...
Originally published in Cincinnati Enquirer This Sunday, Christians worldwide will celebrate Easter. Being an Ahmadi Muslim I will not be celebrating Easter. However, this does not mean that I won’t show my love for Jesus Christ. Islam teaches us to respect Christians and their right to celebrate. In fact, Islam teaches us to join them in the love of Jesus Christ. While differences exist, what...
Originally Published in the Press-Telegram As members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, we congratulate Pope Francis on his election as the new pontiff. The prophet Muhammad emphatically taught inter-faith respect and understanding, especially towards those who dedicate their lives in the service of God. Muslims and Christians have a rich history of peace and coexistence, especially evident in...
Originally published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “If any Church or other place of worship stands in need of protection, they will find us standing shoulder to shoulder with them.” His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad – the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the fifth successor of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian and the only existing Muslim caliph – said this to...
Originally published in SFGate As an American Muslim, I am saddened by the anti-Islamic bus ads in San Francisco by the American Freedom Defense Initiative. Regarding similar ads on the New York City transit system, Pamela Geller, executive director of the initiative, last year described her campaign as a triumph of the First Amendment. And she gave a simple reason to embark on this campaign:...
Originally published in Star Tribune
In his first remarks after being elected, Pope Francis said: “Let there be brotherhood among us.” I hope that we as Muslims and Christians can unite and establish the brotherhood to which the pope alluded.