Originally published in The Charlotte Observer This attack has revealed an unfortunate double standard within the mainstream media. When a Muslim perpetrates violence, the foremost aspect of the incident brought to light is the religion of the perpetrator, and every news channel reports on it repeatedly. The moment a vocal anti-theist like Craig Hicks commits such an act, the perpetrator is...
Originally published in OpEd News Presidential hopeful Dr. Ben Carson recently said in a television interview that no Muslim should become the president of the United States. His remarks stem from the Islamophobia many have due to the horrible depiction of Islam by extremist groups like ISIS. Sharia law appears to be at the root of this fear. Polls show that most Americans have not met a Muslim...
Originally published in Statesman The execution-style murder of three Muslim students in Chapel Hill, N.C., is heart-breaking to read about; even worse, however, is the delay and lack of coverage by the mainstream media. Though unfortunate, the muted response wasn’t at all surprising. Had the killer been a Muslim who, like Craig Hicks, spewed bigoted comments online, we would have had 24-hour...
Orignially published in Patheos The last papal visit was a long seven years ago. American Catholics feel elated that the Holy Father once again graces America with his presence. For them, Pope Francis coming to the United States and speaking to Congress is like the feeling you get when you introduce your friends from church to your friends from school and both groups get along. Catholic youth...
Originally published in The Express Tribune This weekend, fliers threatening Muslims with mass murder were left at a bus station minutes from my home near Boston. The warning on the fliers: Muslims in America be ready to face death if ISIS did not surrender within the following three days, as if Muslim Americans command and control the actions of the terrorist group. This unfortunate incident...
Originally posted in The Northwestern On April 15, Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam members in Oshkosh, opened their doors to the community to gather and find out more about Islam. Our topic was “Demystifying Islam”. The very purpose was to allow for an open dialogue and invite any questions, especially the ones termed “Difficult”. By any estimation of how to gauge the success of a gathering, it was a...
Originally published in Fayetteville Observer The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, where Muslims from across the globe fast from dusk till dawn, began this month. I will be one of the many proud Muslims enjoying the spiritual and physical blessings of this month. In addition to personal gains, Ramadan is a month of sacrifice and service to our fellow man. “The Holy Prophet (saw) was...
Originally published in The Voice Aristotle once said, “At his best, man is the noblest of all animals. Separated from law and justice, he is the worst.” In light of the recent deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Gardner, I find it difficult to believe our society could resort to such brutality. As a member of the Metro Detroit Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association...
Originally published in The Daily Reflector The recent uproar over the shootings in Ferguson and the deaths in New York has brought to light the unfortunate undercurrents of racial tension that still run within our country. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association firmly condemns the shooting of the two New York City police officers. The Holy Quran states, “O ye who believe! Obey Allah, his...
Originally published in Baltimore Sun The recent killing of two New York City Police officers is tragic, but it should not be used as an excuse to ignore the issues that have led to it (“Hundreds of Maryland police attend NYPD officer’s funeral Dec. 27). Our country faces a rising problem of police abuse of power, much of which is racially skewed. Consequently, protests have...