Originally published in Blavity: News on June 18th, 2019 On June 19, we Americans celebrate Juneteenth — the day slavery was completely abolished in America. As a Muslim, I believe this is one of the greatest moments of American history. The Qur’an, our holy book, states, “Do you know what the greatest ascent is? It is the freeing of a slave.” (Qur’an 90:12-13) This shows how blessed the complete...
Originally published in Los Angeles Sentinel on February 27th, 2019 For me as an Ahmadi Muslim, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the beautiful origins of my faith, Islam. Among the first Muslim converts was an Abyssian slave named Bilal, who was befriended and then liberated by the holy prophet Muhammad. Bilal was a very pious and wise companion, and he was blessed with a deep...
Originally Published: The Press-Enterprise 08/02/2018 Re: “Riverside imam accused of anti-Semitic sermon that called Jews ‘tyrants’” [News, Aug. 1]: As an Ahmadi Muslim, I was dismayed to learn of the anti-Semitic remarks made by a local Imam at a Riverside mosque. Such divisive language is toxic to our social climate today and we need to build bridges, rather than burn them, to make our nation...
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...
Originally published on “Sentinel & Enterprise” By Furqan Mehmud In this age of misinformation, many Americans have misconceptions about Islam and a majority (62 percent) don’t even know a Muslim. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association aims to erase these misgivings and answer any concerns our fellow Americans may have about Islam. On Saturday, 1,000-plus Muslims from 50...
Originally published on “The Jewish Chronicle” Since Donald J. Trump has been sworn in as the 45th president of the United States, skepticism and uncertainty have enshrouded many Americans, especially American Muslims, for what to expect next. Executive orders to prevent refugees from seven Muslim majority countries have resulted in outrage from the American public and human rights...
Originally Published in “The Middletown Press” By Miyan Zahir Muhammad Mannan As an Ahmadiyya Muslim American, I wholeheartedly extend my prayers, condolences, solidarity and support to my Jewish brothers and sisters amid rising anti-Semitism and another condemnable attack. The despicable onslaught on the Jewish community has this time come in the heartbreaking form of destruction and...
Originally published in “The Citizens’ Voice” By Arsalan Ahmad Khan Hate crimes in the U.S. have seen an increase in the recent months following the election of President Trump. A hate crime is defined as abuse against a group or individual based on religious views or racial ethnic background. This increase includes heinous acts against people belonging to Jewish communities and...
Originally Published on Beliefnet by Zahir Mannan A Lesson for President Trump from Prophet Muhammad & Islamic History What’s it like being Ahmadi Muslim Americans amid divisive Executive Orders in the month dedicated to Black History? Simply put, it’s a calling! Islam’s spiritual father, the immaculate Prophet Muhammad, Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, “sent as the mercy unto all the...
Originally published in The Huffington Post The long, taxing, and often uncomfortable 2016 Presidential race has finally concluded. And although the majority of voters (52.5%) did not get the result they wanted, we now have a President-elect in Donald J. Trump who will be sworn into the office of the Presidency in just two months. The aggressive and divisive nature of this election cycle...