Originally published in the Baltimore Sun I am appalled by the disclosures of the CIA’s torture report on the treatment of suspected terrorist detainees (“Report condemns CIA over torture,” Dec. 10). Not only does the treatment defy the Geneva Conventions to which we subscribe, they undermine our moral standing as a nation. I thought that such actions were beneath our dignity...
Originally publish in the New Haven Register Halloween was over a month ago — a day to revel over ghoulish characters and hideous images. And now we are supposed to be in a season of merry. These days, though, it seems like scenes reminiscent of Halloween continue to haunt us. The latest dread is the report released last Tuesday by the Senate Intelligence Committee about the CIA’s use of torture...
Originally published on InsideNova This letter is in response to a story on InsideNoVa.com entitled “Possible ISIS leaflets found in town of Quantico.” Over the past year, there are many examples of youth being attracted by extremists such as ISIS. As a member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA), it is clear that we need to offer Islamic solution to this problem of...
Originally published in Faith Street I remember having to explain to my then three-year-old why the Taliban shot Malala. It was a difficult conversation because he loves Malala, but it was easy to explain why killing is wrong and that the Taliban is evil. The world condemned the Taliban and, thankfully, Malala survived. So when my now-five-year-old asked me why “they” killed Eric Garner, and why...
Originally Published in CDA Press As a member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I condemn the attack on the event hosted by American Freedom Defense Initiative in Garland, Texas, where the cartoons of Prophet Muhammad were displayed. As a Muslim living in the U.S., I also bring to question the intent of the organization hosting this event. If the intent was to dishonor Prophet Muhammad then I ask...
Originally Published in The Daily Caller Here’s a painful reality no one wants to hear. In 2013 Israel forcibly administered birth control injections to Ethiopian Jewish women, and did so without their consent or knowledge. Likewise, more than half of the 135,000 Ethiopian Jews living in Israel live in poverty, and only half even have a high school diploma. The recent police brutality against...
Originally Published in The Austin Chronicle Dear Editor, The shooting outside an event in Garland where people were asked to draw cartoons of Prophet Muhammad should be condemned by all. Islam does not condone any punishment for blasphemy. In fact, during the Prophet Muhammad’s life, people hurled all kinds of abuse at him yet he bore it with patience and forgave them all. Those who act against...
Originally Published in The Press-Enterprise Re: “Gunmen killed at Muhammad cartoon contest” [News, May 4]: The shootings in Garland, Texas, show the ugly sides of extremism on both ends. To promote hateful abuse in the name of free speech is out of bounds, and to counter this with deadly violence is counterproductive and demeaning to the very prophet being defended. As a Muslim, I believe free...
Originally published in The Daily Caller It is difficult to carry a dialogue with a person who attacks your character. This came to light again last week as my social media feed spiked with memes, tweets, and posts mocking Kim Davis’ appearance, looks, weight, and marriage history. Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who has stated that she is willing to go to jail for the sake of her religious...
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...