Originally Published in The Times Tribune Another deadly terror attack has occurred, this one in Barcelona, Spain, claiming 13 lives. As an Ahmadi Muslim I condemn this attack and stand in solidarity with the people of Spain. The Quran unequivocally states that “the killing of one soul is equal to killing all of mankind” and these acts are anything but Islamic. The danger is that Muslims and...
LETTER Minnesota governor lauded for mosque attack response
Originally Published in Goerie.com Against the heavy curtain of Islamophobia, I applaud Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton for unequivocally speaking out against the recent bombing of a mosque in his home state. Most media outlets somehow felt the need to wrap into quotes his statement that the attack on the house of worship was a “criminal act of terrorism.” A little-known fact is that, according to the...
LETTER Rising Above Our Bigotries
There are no words to describe the senseless and barbaric act of violence committed in Charlotesville, Va., on Saturday. Such loss of innocent life is always tragic. I am reminded of a quote coined by the Third Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, “Love for all, hatred for none.” We in the Ahmadiyya community condemn the perpertrators of this violence in the strongest terms, and show our...
Islam should be seen in its true light: Letter to the Editor
Previously Published on Cleveland.com The 69th annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA will take place this coming weekend in Harrisburg, Pa. The purpose of this convention, as outlined by the Founder of the Community, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, is for members to gather from all across the country to build bonds of brotherhood and increase their spirituality and knowledge by...
The true spirit of Islam
Originally published in Observer Reporter 07/15/2017 Muslims all around the world celebrated Eid last month. The festival of Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, and is celebrated with the sighting of the moon crescent. Eid is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect upon all the spiritual progress made by Muslims in the last month. Apart from abstaining from food and water, Muslims...
Gathering in Pennsylvania will convey the true face of Islam
This was published on the Sentinel & Express website on July 15th,2017: This weekend, thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims from across the country will travel to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for the 69th annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. The founder of the community, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, stated that this is no ordinary convention, and he was right. This three-day...
Appreciation For America
Originally Published in The Connection Newspaper on July 5th, 2017 As an American Muslim I want to wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July as we celebrate the many freedoms and rights this country affords us all. As an Ahmadi Muslim, I am especially aware of the importance of these rights as I came from a Muslim-majority country where the rights of all minorities, Muslim and non-Muslim, are...
Amid attacks, Fourth of July holds meaning for Muslims
Originally Published in the Sun Sentinel on July 4th, 2017 by Usama Chaudhry Today we will celebrate Independence Day and the founding of the United States of America. This momentous occasion reminds us of the effort by the Founding Fathers of the United States to create an independent nation ruled by a just government. One of the most important sections of the Declaration of Independence reads...
Muslims celebrate Ramadan’s passing
Published in the Richmond Times Dispatch on June 22nd 2017: As the month of Ramadan came to an end, Muslims everywhere celebrated with Eid al-Fitr. Typically, Eid is a time for reflection on a month dedicated to abstaining from sin. Muslims fill the month by giving back to their communities and to the needy. This Ramadan was no different as countless Muslims around the world gave food, clothes...
A Muslim’s view of the Manchester tragedy
Originally Published in Sheboygan Press on May 25th, 2017 The barbaric attack against innocent people in Manchester is worth all the condemnation its getting. As an Ahmadi Muslim I would like to extend my condolences to all the affected families and the people of Manchester. It also pains me to see the arrival of the Holy month of Ramadhan defamed in this way by terror groups such as ISIS. It is...