Originally Published in The Huffington Post and The Express Tribune Never go to a barber shop while you are still mulling over controversial news like, “Obama invokes gay rights in inaugural address.” Because your mind may sputter an even more controversial question like, “Why then we smother the discussion on the topic of first cousin marriages?” And if the question is...
Originally published in TribStar Congratulations to President Obama for winning the election. As a Muslim, Islam, justice and peace are synonymous. Justice and peace are the building blocks for any successful society. A society in which free thought is hindered goes against the principles of Islam and democracy. The Qur’an says, “There is no compulsion in religion.” 2:256. Democracy, without...
As we look back at 2012, the Sandy Hook massacre was a major shock. But was it a complete surprise? Originally published in Go Erie As a society, we need to examine the impact of some popular video games that promote such violence. I was troubled to find one such game named “Bully.” The player assumes the character of a 15-year-old boy who was expelled from every school he has...
Originally Published in the Duluth News Tribune We talked about Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Ordean East Middle School. Half a century ago, Dr. King devoted his life to one dream. He wanted black people to live equally with white people. In his time, white people were considered superior to blacks, and he wanted to change that. As an American Muslim, I think this is an example of the true Jihad...
Originally published in The Patriot News I am an American Muslim, and I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. I congratulate President Obama and pray for the success of our nation. It is uplifting to witness another peaceful election, something many other nations struggle to achieve. Deadly coup détats and riots. Violent uprisings and revolts. For much of the...
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 The Finger Lakes Times I never got a chance to meet the Sandy Hook 20. But if I had, I’d ask about their favorite food, their goals, their views on the world, what makes them laugh, and if they were happy. I’d tell them that if Jesus met them, he’d remind them they belong to “the kingdom of God,” if Muhammad met them he’d hug them, if Buddha...
Originally Published in the Northwest Herald In Taft, Calif., we are yet again faced with yet another school shooting less than a month after the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary. Fortunately, this time, I don’t need to write to the victims’ families to offer my prayers for their loss. However, it only solidifies the fact that now is the time to talk about gun control. I’m not suggesting...
Originally Published in the The News Star As an American Muslim, I support the democratic process and congratulate President Barack Obama on winning re-election. I extend my best wishes that President Obama can help keep his campaign promises. The president has a challenging job which comes with immense responsibility. He must uphold the rule of law, adhere to justice, and promote global peace...
Originally Published in The Washington Post While many celebrated the winter holidays, news broke of the arrest in Saudi Arabia of liberal writer Turki Al Hamad for allegedly insulting Islam on Twitter. We also heard of another Saudi activist, Raif Badawi, who was arrested in June and will now continue with his trial, accused of apostasy for ridiculing Saudi Arabia’s religious police and making...