CategoryLetters

Free speech for peace

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Originally published in SFGate As an American Muslim, I am saddened by the anti-Islamic bus ads in San Francisco by the American Freedom Defense Initiative. Regarding similar ads on the New York City transit system, Pamela Geller, executive director of the initiative, last year described her campaign as a triumph of the First Amendment. And she gave a simple reason to embark on this campaign:...

Catholic Church

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Originally published in Star Tribune
 
In his first remarks after being elected, Pope Francis said: “Let there be brotherhood among us.” I hope that we as Muslims and Christians can unite and establish the brotherhood to which the pope alluded.
 

New Pope and hope for peace

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Originally published in the Twin Cities Daily Planet Cardinal Bergoglio was elected as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church yesterday. In his first remarks after being elected, Pope Francis said: “Let there be brotherhood amongst us.” As a Muslim, verse 65 of Chapter 3 in the Holy Qur’an reminds us that: “Say, ‘O People of the Book! come to a word equal between us and you —...

FRANCIS: Pray for interfaith peace and understanding

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Originally Published in The News Tribune I want to congratulate the Catholic Church and Pope Francis on his election to the office of pope. I pray that he can bring about interfaith peace and understanding through his leadership. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, we understand the importance of leadership and its role in bringing about peace between the various faith communities...

Worthy of admiration

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Originally published in Detroit Free Press Pope Benedict’s resignation came as a shock to the entire world. As a Muslim, I was taken aback when I heard the news. I remember the day that Pope John Paul II left his post to approach the heavens. I shed many tears that day. Now I look on with admiration to see a man resign the authority of the papacy for the betterment of his faith and his...

Prophet Muhammad Freed African Slaves

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Originally published in Duluth News Tribune Since 1976 the United States has celebrated February as Black History Month. We celebrate Black History Month to commemorate the efforts and perseverance of African-Americans in American society. In school we learned how blacks were forced to give up their seats and go to the backs of buses any time a white person boarded. However, 1,400 years ago...

Muhammad long ago taught lesson of equality

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  As a child my mother used to narrate incidents from the life of the Prophet Muhammad. One of these was that of the Arab chief who was walking by the Prophet Muhammad while he affectionately played with his grandsons. The man told the Prophet that it was not customary for them to show affection to their children and boasted that in his own life he had never kissed any of his 10 children...

Muslim American Appeals For Pastor’s Release

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Originally published in The Courant This Muslim American was outraged to hear that the Iranian government sentenced Christian Pastor Saeed Abedini to prison for eight years merely for preaching Christianity. The Quran condemns this action. In a remarkable verse, it states that “there is no compulsion in matters of faith, because right is distinct from wrong (2:257).” If the Iranian...

The Real Revolution: a radio program about the real Islam

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Originally published in Hartford HartfordFAVS contributor Zahir Muhammad Mannan invites listeners to tune into a weekly live radio program to learn about the real Islam. ”The program discusses hot topics from around the globe and engages listeners from diverse backgrounds and faiths,” Mannan said. The Real Revolution airs every Friday night, (tonight Feb. 8) on WLIE 540 AM at 7 p.m. for Long...