Originally published in the Canton Repository Despite what you might think about three of the world’s major religions — Judaism, Islam and Christianity — you might be to surprised to know that they all have much in common. They all find a common ancestor in the prophet Abraham. All the prophets linked to Judaism and also Jesus in Christianity are greatly revered and respected as prophets in...
Originally published in The Washington Times A young man was fatally shot in front of his shop a few days ago in Nawabshah, Pakistan. Imtiaz Ahmad was an Ahmadi Muslim and the youth leader of his local chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He leaves behind his wife, three sons and father. It was only a month-and-a-half ago that another Ahmadi Muslim, Dr. Mehdi Ali, who was there from the...
Originally published in Indy Star If you are a Muslim, it is time to recharge your spiritual batteries. The Islamic month of Ramadan started June 28. For those who are not Muslim, here is what Ramadan is all about. During this month, adult healthy Muslims are commanded to fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations. A major idea behind fasting is to promote...
Originally published in StarTribune The leader of the extremist group ISIL recently declared himself to be a caliph and called on Muslims to pledge their loyalty to him. However, within the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, the system of caliphate was established in the year 1908. The current fifth caliph, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, in his keynote speeches addressing the British House of Commons, the...
Originally published in Dayton Daily News Dr. Mehdi A. Qamar, a cardiologist living in Pickerington was gunned doqn and martyred recently in front of his wife and two-year-old son while visiting an Ahmadiyya Muslim Cemetery in Rabwah, pakistan, allegedly for no reason than belonging to the minority group, the Ahmadiyya Muslims Community. He had taken a sabbatical to Rabwah Pakistan as a volunteer...
Originally published in Times of Trenton and Asbury Park Press I was born in Pakistan, but immigrated to the United States more than a decade ago. The primary reason I left Pakistan was the persecution that I faced because of my religious beliefs. In fact, an amendment to the Pakistani constitution in 1974 declared my sect, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, “non-Muslim,” thereby opening the door to...
Originally published in MySanAntonio Re: “No target, motive ID’d yet in Pennsylvania school stabbings,” Nation, April 12: As an American-born Pakistani Muslim, I am all too familiar with the violence in Pakistan. But when an event of such violence occurs in this nation, it can be even more upsetting. It is with the heaviest of hearts that I extend my condolences to all those affected by the...
Originally Published in Faith Street We’ve all heard the story of Pakistan’s most courageous teen—Aitzaz Hasan—who stopped a suicide bomber before he killed hundreds. Aitzaz could have run and saved his own life. He could have pretended it wasn’t his responsibility. He could have been selfish. But instead Aitzaz gave his life to save countless more. And as a result, Pakistan and Muslims worldwide...
Originally published in the Chicago Tribune Pope Francis requested prayers for the 12 nuns abducted Monday by rebel fighters in the Syrian village of Maaloula. As an Ahmadi Muslim, I strongly condemn the kidnappings based on the Charter of Privileges granted to Christians by the Prophet Muhammad. This charter protects Christians’ rights to freedom of worship and movement. It states:...
Originally published in The Daily Herald On Jan. 21, I celebrated one of the most important aspects of being free. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, the pride and honor we feel in being free to choose our nation’s leader is humbling. Considering in many parts of the world individuals do not have a choice I’m thankful I do. As a Muslim, I will pray for my country and its...