Originally Published in the New York Daily News The Boston bombings gave me a double whammy. As an American, I am deeply saddened by the four senseless deaths and the scores of wounded. My heart goes out to the families of these victims. As a Muslim, I am disturbed by the headlines stating that Islam might had a “secondary” role in these attacks. Violence and evil have no religion. Islam has...
Originally Published in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette My heart goes out to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. It is outrageous that in our country today that even the wholesome act of running has become unsafe. I can empathize because my peace-loving religious group, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, lives under the constant threat of extremist violence in Pakistan. In fact, on May 28...
Originally published in San Antonio Express-News After running 26 miles in a major marathon, one would expect to be greeted by family and friends as they congratulate you on such an amazing feat. However, this year some runners were greeted by bombs. The Boston Marathon Bombings will go down in history as one of the most gruesome acts of terror in U.S. history. However, history proves that...
Originally Published in the Northwest Herald “It is the duty of all believers, to whichever religion they belong, to proclaim that we can never be happy pitted one against the other, the future of humanity will never be able to be secured by terrorism and by the logic of war.” Pope John Paul II made this powerful statement back in 2003. Today, I am reminded of this same sentiment as I hear Pope...
As a Muslim, I was pleased to see millions of Catholics rejoice upon learning of their new leader. I wish to congratulate Pope Francis on this office and hope for a brighter, more peaceful world of interfaith cooperation. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I relate with my fellow Catholics the happiness and purposefulness that comes with a central leading figure. For us, a Khalifa...
On March 13, a new pope, Pope Francis I, was elected. The head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, also known as the Khalifa of Islam, congratulated the new pope. “I hope and pray that in the forthcoming era, the pope uses his influence to develop peace and harmony in the world,” he said. Fourteen hundred years ago, Prophet Muhammad taught to respect all religions...
Originally Published in The Daily Herald What do Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Jesus and Muhammad all have in common? They were promoters of peace, justice and equality. These attributes help define America today as we pledge, “With liberty and justice for all.” The Prophet Muhammad stated, “All of you are equal. All men, whatever nation or tribe they may belong to, and...
Originally published in Cincinnati Enquirer This Sunday, Christians worldwide will celebrate Easter. Being an Ahmadi Muslim I will not be celebrating Easter. However, this does not mean that I won’t show my love for Jesus Christ. Islam teaches us to respect Christians and their right to celebrate. In fact, Islam teaches us to join them in the love of Jesus Christ. While differences exist, what...
Originally published in Hartford Courant Prayers and congratulations emanated from Muslims to Catholics as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio ascended the papacy after Pope Benedict’s resignation. The previous pope had insulted Islam and its holy founder Muhammad in his Regensburg Lecture, whereas Cardinal Bergoglio devoted a large portion of his efforts to strengthening Catholic-Islamic ties...
Originally Published in the Press-Telegram As members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, we congratulate Pope Francis on his election as the new pontiff. The prophet Muhammad emphatically taught inter-faith respect and understanding, especially towards those who dedicate their lives in the service of God. Muslims and Christians have a rich history of peace and coexistence, especially evident in...