Originally published in the Chicago Sun Times One might think that being American and being a Muslim are diverging paths that never cross. The reality is that my faith and my loyalty to my country repeatedly converge paths. I find the basis of this claim in the words of Prophet Muhammad, who stated, “Love of one’s homeland is a part of faith.” Thus, it is my duty as both an...
Originally published in the Columbus Dispatch Freedom is a wonderful concept; one that is taken for granted but rarely reflected upon in our society. As Veteran’s Day approaches, we as Americans should remind ourselves the price that our veterans have paid for our freedom. As a Muslim American, I salute our nation’s veterans for the great service they have done for this nation. Surprising? What...
Originally published in The Santa Clarita Valley Signal This eleventh of November, our nation will commemorate Veterans Day in tribute to the members of the armed forces who made great sacrifices defending our liberties. This day has great context, spanning wars over a hundred years fought to defend the very ideology of freedom and conscience against mortal threats. As a Muslim, I believe all...
Originally published in Lexington Herald-Leader One of the most respected jobs, serving in the United States military, is paradoxically one of the most underappreciated. These people and their families make countless sacrifices, whether it is putting their lives in harm’s way in combat or not being home to see their child’s birth. Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to reflect and...
Originally published in Oakland Daily Press As an American, I take many things for granted — freedom being the most important. As an Ahmadi Muslim, it is my duty to honor, respect, and be grateful to those veterans that have sacrificed so much so that I may enjoy the freedoms they protect. This is my duty because the Prophet Muhammad teaches Muslims that, “Love for one’s homeland, is...
Originally published in The Columbus Dispatch Freedom is a wonderful concept; one that is taken for granted but rarely reflected upon in our society. As Veteran’s Day approaches, we as Americans should remind ourselves the price that our veterans have paid for our freedom. As a Muslim American, I salute our nation’s veterans for the great service they have done for this nation. Surprising? What...
Originally published in New York Times As a Muslim American and an avid comic book guy, I applaud Marvel for creating a Muslim heroine, code name Ms. Marvel. In a post-9/11 world, dealing with problems concerning Islamic and American identity is still real. Ms. Marvel shows that the two are not mutually exclusive. Her actions are not real, yet are a strong part of my reality. As a proud Muslim...
Originally published in Chicago Sun-Times One might think that being American and being a Muslim are diverging paths that never cross. The reality is that my faith and my loyalty to my country repeatedly converge paths. I find the basis of this claim in the words of Prophet Muhammad, who stated, “Love of one’s homeland is a part of faith.” Thus, it is my duty as both an American and Muslim to...
Originally published in Columbus Dispatch Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid ul Adha today. This day reminds us that Christians, Jews and Muslims share one thing in common — a religious forefather. The Prophet Abraham had two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. The prophet Muhammad came from Ishmael’s lineage while Moses and Jesus came from Isaac’s lineage. Despite our religious...
Originally published in Akron Beacon Journal As an American Muslim, I was saddened to hear about the Navy Yard shooting, just like anybody else. In our own holy book, the Quran, it states that, “If anyone slays a person, it would be as if he slew the whole people.” We believe that such tragic events should be combated with greater community service, as Islam teaches us that we were made for the...