Originally published in Montgomery News As a Muslim American, I am delighted with the election of a new pope and want to give to him and all Catholics worldwide my heartfelt congratulations. I hope Pope Francis is able to build a strong bridge with the Muslim world and promote greater peace and tolerance. In fact, this is what has been done by the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza...
Originally Published in USA Today As a Muslim American, I am saddened to hear the news of the terrorist attack in Nairobi, Kenya. An al-Qaeda affiliated-group, al-Shabab, has claimed responsibility. In addition to the loss of innocent life, I am saddened that the terrorists are attributing their act to Islam. According to eyewitnesses, they killed only non-Muslims. They must deeply reflect on the...
Originally published in NY Daily News Tinton Falls, N.J.: As a Muslim American, I am saddened to hear the news of the terrorist attack in Nairobi. In addition to the loss of innocent life, I am saddened that the terrorists are attributing their act to Islam. They must deeply reflect on the Koran — which, while promoting sanctity of life, declares “whosoever killed a person . . . it shall be if he...
Originally published in Duluth News Tribune Listening to Martin Luther King’s speech on its 50th anniversary reminded me of a sermon of Prophet Muhammad historically known as his “Farewell Sermon.” In that sermon, Prophet Muhammad stated, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve; an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority...
Originally published in Duluth News Tribune Listening to Martin Luther King’s speech on its 50th anniversary reminded me of a sermon of Prophet Muhammad historically known as his “Farewell Sermon.” In that sermon, Prophet Muhammad stated, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve; an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority...
Originally published in Northwest Herald Saturday marks the 39th anniversary of the death of what could have been a great nation. Exactly 39 years ago, humanity, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression suffered a tragic death when Pakistan introduced and passed a constitutional amendment deciding who is a “real” Muslim. Under this amendment, Ahamdi Muslims are forbidden from calling...
Originally published in Seattle Times Twelve years ago, al-Qaida took nearly 3,000 innocent lives. I was too young to understand why, but I knew that the Islam I followed didn’t teach violence. I knew that the Quran condemns the taking of innocent lives; to kill a person is like killing all mankind. I knew Prophet Muhammad stated that God has made the blood, property and honor of every human...
Originally published in The Daily Herald Just last week, some of my Christian and Muslim friends got together to feed the homeless at a neighboring church. This incredible feeling reminded me of how lucky we are to live in a country that believes in religious freedom and security. I wish this was the case in Pakistan, where I was born and raised, but it isn’t. In 1974, Pakistan passed its...
Originally published in USA Today Twelve years ago, al-Qaeda took nearly 3,000 innocent lives. I was too young to understand why, but I knew that the Islam I followed didn’t teach violence. I knew that the Quran condemns the taking of innocent lives. I couldn’t understand why, when Islam clearly condemns bloodshed, some people kill and call it an act for the sake of Islam. I have been...
Originally published in The Northwestern Next week will mark the 12 year anniversary of 9/11, a day of bloodshed and incomprehensible tragedy. On Sept. 7, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Oshkosh will hold a blood drive at its mosque on 300 N. Eagle St. from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., to honor the victims and to emphasize sanctity of life, a teaching inherent in all religious traditions. In fact, all...