Originally published in Zion-Benton News As Americans, this Jan. 20th we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We dedicate the day to his achievements and his successes. Dr. King was a legend who combated racial inequality through nonviolence. Dr. King organised the 1963 march on Washington, D.C. calling it, “the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.” As...
Originally published in The Times Herald What is the best way to achieve world peace? With President Obama’s inaugural ceremony just taken place, scholars will propose what the president should do, indirectly answering the question above. As a Muslim-American, I want to first congratulate the president on his re-election and pray that he will lead the nation effectively during his second term. I...
Originally published in Springfield News-Leader I am the new imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, St. Louis chapter. I have dedicated my life to the service of God and mankind. Our mosque (Baitul Hafeez Mosque) is located at 4529 Emerson Ave. in St. Louis. At our mosque we hold five daily prayers, Friday prayers, weekly meetings and Interfaith symposiums. All are welcome, Muslim or non-Muslim...
Originally published in Zion-Benton News It is unfortunate that Islam is a misunderstood religion. As a practicing Muslim living in America, I feel it is my responsibility to clear these misconceptions. To do so, I have dedicated my life for the service of God and Mankind. I have recently been assigned as the Imam (a title for a Muslim religious minister) for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of...
Originally Published in the Herald-Mail Media When jazz master and Grammy award-winning musician Yusef Lateef left this world on Dec. 23, the music world lost one of its greatest giants. That same day, however, the world of Islam also lost one of its greatest giants. His name was also Yusef Lateef, and he was the man behind the music. The man who, for the last 30 years, chose not to perform at...
Originally published in the Daily Record Last week, while talking to my Christian friend Jim, I felt a sense of pride that after presenting a saying of Muhammad — “Paradise lies under the feet of mother” — Jim replied, “Very beautiful message.” Jim replied to have a Merry Christmas, I replied “same to you” (avoiding actually saying “Merry Christmas” in return, and Jim probably noticed it). And...
Originally Published in the Times of Trenton Islam and Christianity seem to be completely different. During Christmastime, as a Muslim-American, I think these differences seem to stand out. Islam states that Jesus is not the son of god, while Christianity would clearly disagree. Islam does not recognize Christmas to be the birth of Jesus Christ, while Christianity would clearly disagree. Islam...
Originally Published in the Daily Herald As an Ahmadi Muslim, I revere and love Jesus just as my Christian brothers and sisters do. This is because the Quran states, “Oh Mary, God gives thee glad tidings of a word from him; his name shall be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, honored in this world and in the next and of those who are granted nearness to God (3:46). To express my Christmas...
Originally Published in The Delco Times As I walk through the mall during this time of the year, I see people with numerous bags in their hands, rushing from store to store desperate to find those last minute deals. My email is overflowing with advertisements of items I will probably never buy. As an American Muslim, I wonder if the true spirit of Christmas has been drowned out by all this focus...
Originally published in New Jersey Local News Christmastime is here — a time when Christians come together, exchange gifts and spread joy. People from all walks of life participate in this event, if not by the ideology then just by having some good old fun such as, for example, playing Secret Santa with co-workers. Similarly, as a Muslim-American, I think about Jesus more than usual around this...