Originally published in Providence Journal We have just witnessed a horrific and inexcusable act of terror take place in Paris. Having close friends and family living in Paris, I am shaken to the core by the heinous attack by gunmen at the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo. As a Muslim, I unequivocally condemn this barbaric act that has nothing to do with the Islam I know and love. These terrorists...
Originally published in Onfaith Wednesday’s brazen attack in the offices of French magazine Charlie Hebdo has left many people the world over shocked, saddened, and even infuriated. As the smoke cleared and we learned that 12 people were killed at the hands of three individuals wearing commando uniforms who brandished automatic weapons that were fired indiscriminately at the office, we...
Originally published in Onfaith woke today to texts, emails, tweets, and Facebook messages of the horrific attack on Charlie Hebdo. The stabbing pain of innocent life lost resonated through my heart. These are volatile times, and this volatile situation only adds to the fire. As one of some 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide, the additional inescapable thought crossed my mind: “Please don’t let...
Originally published in San Jose Mercury News – El Cerrito Journal Recently, Americans countrywide rang in the New Year with joyful celebrations and came together for the annual struggle to fulfill some ambitious New Year’s resolutions. Starting a rigorous workout regimen for that enviable beach bod? Impressive. Traveling more and experiencing our earth’s natural beauty...
Originally published in The Voice Aristotle once said, “At his best, man is the noblest of all animals. Separated from law and justice, he is the worst.” In light of the recent deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Gardner, I find it difficult to believe our society could resort to such brutality. As a member of the Metro Detroit Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association...
Originally published in The Daily Reflector The recent uproar over the shootings in Ferguson and the deaths in New York has brought to light the unfortunate undercurrents of racial tension that still run within our country. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association firmly condemns the shooting of the two New York City police officers. The Holy Quran states, “O ye who believe! Obey Allah, his...
Originally published in Huffington Post Every Muslim knows several, if not dozens, who chose to convert to Islam as a young adult or even later in life. According to Pew Research, “Two-thirds (67 percent) of all converts to Islam in the U.S. came from Protestant churches, 10 percent came from Catholicism, and just five percent from other religions. Nearly one-in-seven converts to...
Originally published in Baltimore Sun The recent killing of two New York City Police officers is tragic, but it should not be used as an excuse to ignore the issues that have led to it (“Hundreds of Maryland police attend NYPD officer’s funeral Dec. 27). Our country faces a rising problem of police abuse of power, much of which is racially skewed. Consequently, protests have...
Originally published in Lansing State Journal When I heard about the horrific attack on a military school in Peshawar, I was deeply saddened at the progression of Taliban terrorism in Pakistan. But when I heard that they targeted and killed over 130 innocent children, I was speechless. How could anyone who claims membership of my own faith commit such an act of inhumanity? Especially with...
Originally published in Patheos Atheists often mock those who believe in the existence of God, saying that such an absurdity is contrary to common sense. They say that though the existence of God cannot be conclusively disproven, neither can the existence of Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, or unicorns. Those who are critical of theism often object on principle, presenting their ideas as...