Originally published in Pittsburgh Gazette As a Muslim, I was shocked to read that a so-called Muslim group in Nigeria, Boko Haram, which literally translates to “Western education [is a] sin,” recently committed the heinous act of abducting more than 200 schoolgirls in the Chibok region. Compare the group’s radical message to the actual teachings of Islam’s founder, the Prophet Muhammad, who...
Originally published in On Faith Mariam Yahya Ibrahim Ishag is a 27-year-old woman in Sudan who has been sentenced to the death penalty for the charge of apostasy based on the allegation that she was born a Muslim but has embraced Christianity and then married a Christian man. The Sudanese Alhag Yousif Criminal Court had given her until Thursday to not only recant her belief in Christianity but...
Originally published in The Times Leader Dinner and flowers; I think my gift on Mother’s Day is pretty standard. However, I’m reminded of what the prophet of Islam has said: “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother.” Perhaps I can do more year round rather than on only one day. Maybe I can help her do some of her daily chores. Maybe I can visit her more often, so she can enjoy time with...
Originally published in Philadelphia News Dinner and flowers: I think my gifts for Mother’s Day are pretty standard. However, I’m reminded of what the prophet of Islam has said: “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother.” Perhaps I can do more year-round rather than on just one day. Maybe I can help her do some of her daily chores. Maybe I can visit her more often so she...
Originally published in On Faith To Abubakar Shekau and all members of Jama’at Ahl-e-Sunnah Lidda’awa wal-Jihad: I begin with the Islamic greeting of peace – Asalaamo Alaikum (may peace be on you). I have watched for nearly a month as your group (most commonly known as Boko Haram) has been gaining more international attention. Of course, this is not the first I have heard about you — while...
Originally published in The Santa Clarita Valley Signal The United States government recently launched the Ahmadiyya Muslim Caucus chaired by veteran Republican Congressman Frank Wolf. The caucus will strive to secure religious freedom for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which suffers from severe persecution in some Muslim countries. Ahmadi Muslims number around 20,000 in America and tens of...
Originally published in The Huffington Post In a recent piece, new atheist Ali Rizvi argues “The phobia of being called “Islamophobic” is on the rise — and it’s becoming much more rampant, powerful and dangerous than Islamophobia itself.” While thus admitting that Islamophobia exists in some form or another, Rizvi then cites Sam Harris who contrarily claims...
Originally published in OnFaith Earlier this month I asked a Muslim friend to help resolve an important question: Does Islam teach that hell is eternal? It started as a simple conversation: “Is God merciful, compassionate, and just?” “Yes, absolutely,” he replied. “Is hell eternal?” “Yes, absolutely,” he replied again. “So, a merciful, compassionate, and just God would send a finite creature with...
Originally published in Pakistan Daily News Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a Somali-born US citizen who is known — among other things — for her radical views on Islam. Her supporters consider her a leading critic, while many others believe she is guilty of Islamophobia and bigotry. I think she is a perfect case to educate people on the difference between the two. Hirsi Ali immigrated to the Netherlands in...
Originally published in MySanAntonio Re: “No target, motive ID’d yet in Pennsylvania school stabbings,” Nation, April 12: As an American-born Pakistani Muslim, I am all too familiar with the violence in Pakistan. But when an event of such violence occurs in this nation, it can be even more upsetting. It is with the heaviest of hearts that I extend my condolences to all those affected by the...