Originally published in the Daily Reflector The month of Ramadan is celebrated by more than a billion Muslims across the globe and millions within the United States. Believers abstain from food and water from sun up to sundown. This practice ordained by the Holy Qu’ran instills in Muslims the empathy for the many poor that don’t have the luxury of three square meals a day. Having felt the pangs...
Originally published in The Washington Times A young man was fatally shot in front of his shop a few days ago in Nawabshah, Pakistan. Imtiaz Ahmad was an Ahmadi Muslim and the youth leader of his local chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He leaves behind his wife, three sons and father. It was only a month-and-a-half ago that another Ahmadi Muslim, Dr. Mehdi Ali, who was there from the...
Originally published in The News Journal “Swords can win territories but not hearts.” This was stated by the 4th Caliph (or Khalifa) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and is a great description of ISIS, which has taken arms to establish an Islamic Caliphate (or Khilafat) in Iraq and Syria. Their actions obviously go contrary to the true teachings of Islam, which prohibits the use of compulsion in...
Originally published in Star Telegram As we find ourselves in the Islamic month of Ramadan, I do not lament the hours of thirst or hunger but rather, look forward to the ability to purify myself spiritually, mentally and physically. Ramadan serves as reminder to Muslims of the plight of the less fortunate sections of our society and helps us empathize with their daily struggles. This is...
Originally published in Dallas News It is my belief that we come to respect other people and their traditions if we accept that there are good things to be learned from them. As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins, Muslims are encouraged to be frequent in giving charity, practice self-discipline, refrain from anger, and reflect on their moral state. These are the values that Muslims are...
Originally published in USA Today I was looking at my Instagram feed and saw a picture of an American Airlines plane. There was a disturbing comment that insulted America. His comment was made possible by an app that is an American invention, but he wanted to insult America? This comment made me realize how blessed I am to be in the United States. As an Ahmadi Muslim American, I want to thank...
Originally published in USA Today July Fourth is a great event to celebrate. On that day, America gained independence from Great Britain. As Americans, we ought to be grateful to God, who gave us this wonderful country. I am proud of being an American because this is a great nation. We have freedom of speech, and everyone is equal regardless of cast, creed, religion or nationality. Moreover, a...
Originally published in The Northwestern On Sunday Muslims all over the world began fasting to observe the month of Ramadan. For the next thirty days, physically capable Muslims will forgo all food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Children, sick and the elderly are exempt from fasting. Fasting is much more than just suffering hunger and thirst. The true spirit of fasting is to appreciate the...
Originally published in Star Local As we celebrate Independence Day, we show our patriotism in many different ways such as waving flags, wearing red, white and blue, or singing the national anthem, to name a few. To show patriotism to our country, I will be volunteering and taking part in an interfaith program organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Dallas and Pleasant Mound-Urban Park United...
Originally published in Indy Star If you are a Muslim, it is time to recharge your spiritual batteries. The Islamic month of Ramadan started June 28. For those who are not Muslim, here is what Ramadan is all about. During this month, adult healthy Muslims are commanded to fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations. A major idea behind fasting is to promote...