Originally published in the Fayetteville Observer The actions of ISIS are fundamentally, unequivocally unIslamic. The violence that these barbarians are perpetrating against minority sects of Shiite Muslims, Christians, Yazidis and Kurds sickens me. I want to make it 100percent clear that these actions are nothing but a perversion of the true teachings of Islam. As the Christian city of Qaraqosh...
ISIS is un-Islamic
Originally published in The Morning Call e peaceful religion of Islam is yet again being dishonored by the barbaric acts of the militant group ISIS (“Chaos in Baghdad,” Aug. 12). It has taken over key parts of Northern Iraq, demolished several holy sites and has targeted many minority groups. The group’s members have also threatened the Christians living in the cities they have...
My letter to President Obama
Originally published in Twin Cities Daily Planet As part of this great nation’s foreign policy, when injustice takes place in any part of the world, America usually takes a stand. We saw this in the case of Russian atrocities in Ukraine, in America’s unity with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN). However when it comes to Palestine, America turns a blind eye with the EU and the UN...
Muslim community embraces free worship, duties of citizenship
Originally published in The Northwestern “I solemnly pledge that I shall always be ready to sacrifice my life, wealth, time and honor for the sake of my faith, country and nation.” These are the monumental words that Ahmadi Muslim youth, whether male or female, profess as part of their pledge to their faith all across the United States of America. There are thousands of Ahmadi Muslim youth that...
Still not ready to give fasting a try?
Originally published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer In response to the Boston Tea Party, King George III ordered a blockade of Boston Harbor. Concerned by the anticipated economic strain, our Founding Fathers turned, not to arms or protest, but to God. In the summer of 1774, Thomas Jefferson drafted a “Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer” resolution. And so, on June 1, 1774, among...
Why I Attended The White House Iftar
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...
Ramadan, Lunar and Solar Eclipses and Ahmadi Muslims
Originally published in Patheos Despite the divisions and sectarianism in the Muslim world today, certain beliefs are still universal. For example, all Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad is Khaatam un Nabiyyin. All Muslims believe the Quran is the perfect and final book, revealed by Allah to Prophet Muhammad. And all Muslims believe that the Quran was first revealed in the blessed month of...
4 reasons why Ramadan is a great time to talk to a Muslim
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. ...