To the Times: I applaud the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in favor of Samantha Elauf and the right for Muslim women to have equal opportunity and be free from discrimination in the work place due to their choice of wearing the hijab. I believe this ruling upholds the American value of freedom of religion not just for Muslims but for adherents of all religions such as Jews who choose to wear...
Originally published in the Baltimore Sun I am appalled by the disclosures of the CIA’s torture report on the treatment of suspected terrorist detainees (“Report condemns CIA over torture,” Dec. 10). Not only does the treatment defy the Geneva Conventions to which we subscribe, they undermine our moral standing as a nation. I thought that such actions were beneath our dignity...
Originally publish in the New Haven Register Halloween was over a month ago — a day to revel over ghoulish characters and hideous images. And now we are supposed to be in a season of merry. These days, though, it seems like scenes reminiscent of Halloween continue to haunt us. The latest dread is the report released last Tuesday by the Senate Intelligence Committee about the CIA’s use of torture...
Originally published on InsideNova This letter is in response to a story on InsideNoVa.com entitled “Possible ISIS leaflets found in town of Quantico.” Over the past year, there are many examples of youth being attracted by extremists such as ISIS. As a member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA), it is clear that we need to offer Islamic solution to this problem of...
Originally published in The Daily Caller It is difficult to carry a dialogue with a person who attacks your character. This came to light again last week as my social media feed spiked with memes, tweets, and posts mocking Kim Davis’ appearance, looks, weight, and marriage history. Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who has stated that she is willing to go to jail for the sake of her religious...
Originally published in Foreign Affairs Last week’s massacre of 132 schoolchildren in Peshawar by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was horrific. It sparked a wave of sympathy—world leaders expressed their solidarity with the country—and also criticism—for years, Pakistan has given safe haven to terrorist groups. TTP’s ghastly attack in Peshawar was hardly surprising. In the spring of 2010...
Originally published in The Tulsa World Each time I see a news headline with a link between Islam and terrorism my heart sinks. These past few hours as I watch and read about the hostage situation in Sydney I have had the same sinking feeling as I see yet another shocking story of possible terrorism. These acts of terrorism are becoming more and more prevalent with many of the perpetrators...
Originally published in the Dallas Morning News Thanksgiving is a time to remember the blessings bestowed upon us, but we shouldn’t just keep one day aside, remembering all we have been given. In Islam like many other religions, I was taught that we should be thankful every single day. In the Holy Quran, it is stated, “Surely, Allah (God) is gracious towards mankind, but most of them are not...
Originally Published in The Press Enterprise Ahmadiyya Muslim Community L.A. East Chapter, Baitul Hameed Mosque: Thanksgiving is a truly special holiday because it transcends religious differences and allows us all to celebrate a common value: gratitude. Islam, in particular, is grossly misrepresented by groups like al-Qaida and ISIS. These groups preach hate and forceful conversion. As an Ahmadi...
Originally published in the Huffington Post There exist two scenarios where no one can hear you scream. The first is of course, in space because there’s no oxygen. And the second is on Earth, but only if you’re a global Muslim leader condemning ISIS and promoting universal religious freedom. Such was the result of the landmark address His Holiness the Khalifa of Islam, Mirza Masroor...