Originally Published in The Baltimore Sun On Friday, our nation stood united to inaugurate Donald Trump (“Donald Trump sworn in as 45th president of the United States of America,” Jan. 20). As an American and Ahmadi Muslim, I value the democratic transition of power and appreciate the fact that we live in a country that gives us our inalienable rights of religious freedom and...
Originally published in The Ambler Gazette Regarding vandalism of religious building To the Editor: As a Muslim I condemn the senseless vandalism at a Jewish religious building in Northeast Philadelphia. My faith tells me that it is my duty to respect all religions and to protect all places of worship. In the Quran it clearly states “…And if Allah had not repelled some people by means of others...
Originally Published in The Philadelphia Inquirer Today marks the 31st Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As a Muslim American, I encourage my fellow citizens to reflect on the importance of this day. King famously stated, “I look to the day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” This profound notion has always been a...
Originally Published in Patheos In 2016, we witnessed an unprecedented level of violence against citizens. Men and women who have sworn to defend the community during day and night as well as adverse weather conditions tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. At unprecedented rates, civilians with no training or possession of firearms lost their lives at the hands of some law enforcement...
Originally published in The Cleveland Plain Dealer Some reports from Trump and his surrogates point to a database that will include Muslims, even those who are U.S. citizens. If Trump decides to create such a database, he risks not only alienating Muslims in general but also innocent Americans who have no connection to extremism and are actually fighting the extremists elements. Developing this...
Originally Published in Beliefnet Last month, I heard hope, felt peace, and saw love. These emotions were quite contrary to what I had the morning after this year’s election. I remember feeling really confused and insecure about what the future held for me, a young Muslim living in America. About a month ago, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community here in Baltimore decided to have an...
Originally published in The Columbus Dispatch America’s election has come and gone, the result is known, but we all have to come together as a nation. No matter what our political affiliation is, America now has a President-elect; the best we can now do is find a way to heal and move America forward by building a strong government, and be being ambassadors of peace. We have recently...
Originally published on Fredericksburg.com Anthem protests lead to more tension A national anthem for one’s country should give pride to that person, as it is a solemn symbol of the country’s history and culture. I was not born in America, but my religion Islam teaches me to be a loyal, respectful and productive member of society in whichever country I live in. The act of kneeling during the...
Originally Published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer You may be shocked by Trump’s offensive comments about women, but let’s be honest: There are much deeper issues at play that transcend this one misogynist. Our American society has normalized a culture of sexual anarchy, and its adverse effects continue to be uncovered in a number of ways, regardless of whether the public knows it or...
Originally Published in The Michigan Daily Mike Pence swings through Michigan College Republicans officially endorse Trump-Pence ticket Students react to second presidential debate If you haven’t heard, Donald Trump is in a lot of hot water. In a video recording from 2005 released on Friday by The Washington Post, Mr. Trump is recorded making crude and sexist remarks regarding women. Last night...