Originally published in The Tulsa World Each time I see a news headline with a link between Islam and terrorism my heart sinks. These past few hours as I watch and read about the hostage situation in Sydney I have had the same sinking feeling as I see yet another shocking story of possible terrorism. These acts of terrorism are becoming more and more prevalent with many of the perpetrators...
Originally published in Dallas News Today Muslims will be celebrating Eid al-Adha. This holiday marks prophet Abraham’s symbolic sacrifice and the close of the hajj or the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims are enjoined to sacrifice animals, and the meat is divided equally among the poor, neighbors and family members. The Quran emphasizes the feeding of the needy when it states, “Feed, for love of Him...
Originally published in the Star Telegram As painful as it is to admit, the image of Islam in America is tainted. A heinous act 13 years ago by barbarians who claim to be Muslim will forever haunt not only the image of Islam, but America as a whole. Al Qaeda, the Islamic State, Boko Haram and any other terrorist organization claiming to represent Islam have dragged my beautiful religion through...
Originally published in the Daily Caller This Ramadan I had the opportunity to attend the White House Iftar. And yes, it was an opportunity — one I embraced. Meanwhile, many Muslim leaders nationwide protested the Iftar, openly calling for a boycott. Some actively rejected Iftar invitations, citing the unjust war in Iraq, the unjust detentions of Muslims in Guantanamo Bay, the unjust siege on...
Originally published in the New Haven Register Have you ever passed by a Muslim woman with a headscarf and wanted to ask her what motivates her to live out her faith? Have you ever thought to strike up a conversation with a Muslim colleague over his views on Muslim extremists in the news? But were you too afraid to ask? Or maybe the moment wasn’t right. ...
Originally published in the Indiana Gazette On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, World War I, the “war to end all wars,” ended. From then on, every Nov. 11 to come was to be dedicated as Armistice Day. President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day. Now, the nation comes together, once again, in joint honor of veterans. As a young...
Originally published in OnFaith This is the story of two Washington Iftar dinners. First, the Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren invited Muslim leaders to a diplomatic Iftar dinner last week and Imam Antepli of Duke University wondered aloud if the event was meaningful. And then the Obama administration invited Muslim leaders to the White House Iftar dinner and Omid Saifi, the Islamic studies...
Originally published on statesman.com The democratic process is the election of a representative by a people. As a Muslim American, I support the peaceful democratic process of our recent election. Electing a leader, or voting for one, is the responsibility of every citizen. After the election, however, this responsibility shifts to the shoulders of the elected. In this light, President...
Originally published in MyCentralJersey The thought that I could have been at that New York City subway station on Dec. 30 terrifies me. I am a 15-year-old Pakistani-American, just the reason I could have been dead. I love this country in every way. Lately, I have been noticing that a lot of people have been expressing their hate for other American communities and nothing is being done to...
Originally published in The Hartford Favs The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA offers its deepest condolences and sorrows to the families and friends affected by this tragedy. As Americans, we mourn with our fellow citizens at the senseless violence and loss of life. As Muslims, we believe all human life is sacred, and that to take one life is to take all humanity. Therefore, we condemn this...