Originally published in San Francisco Chronicle
For decades, I have been a die-hard “NBC Nightly News” viewer and as such have repeated information reported by Brian Williams as fact. I am all about forgiveness as I realize that as a regular guy, he is subject to the same kind of minor embellishments as the rest of us. But not this time, not this kind, and not in his position.
Originally published in The Michigan Daily
I’ve always felt safe in America. Granted, growing up as a Muslim American in the post-9/11 era poses its challenges, but I’ve always maintained the “it won’t be me” mentality. That is, until Tuesday evening. The news reported that three innocent Muslim students were brutally murdered in their home near Chapel Hill, N.C.
Muslim students. Just like me...
Originally published in The Houston Chronicle Regarding “Vigil honors 3 Muslim students shot to death in N. Carolina” (Page B1, Monday), what kind of resentment can cause someone to shoot 3 college students in the head as happened in the recent Chapel Hill shootings? Some say it was over a “parking dispute,” but the answer may lie in the growing Islamophobia in the...
Originally published in The Baltimore Sun Black History month is an important time to commemorate the accomplishments of blacks around the world; it is also a time to remember and address the unresolved issues in our society dealing with race. Last year highlighted several issues which, despite the successes of the Civil Rights movement, still plague our society. They include the disproportionate...
Originally published in The Post Black History Month is a very special month for a multitude of reasons. It serves not only as a time of celebration of accomplishments, but also as an important reminder to reflect on our current disparities in racial equality. This includes many of the recent claims to police brutality, multiple police shootings and protests, disproportionate incarceration of...
Originally published in The Express Tribune This weekend, fliers threatening Muslims with mass murder were left at a bus station minutes from my home near Boston. The warning on the fliers: Muslims in America be ready to face death if ISIS did not surrender within the following three days, as if Muslim Americans command and control the actions of the terrorist group. This unfortunate incident...
Originally published in The Baltimore Sun As an Ahmad Muslim, I believe Islam condemns terrorism and that there is no room for any violence in the name of blasphemy. The Qur’an constantly exhorts people to think while also telling Muslims to ignore the ignorant and provocative, not harm them. The Holy Prophet Muhammad faced insults and ridicule throughout his life yet never punished anyone...
Originally posted in Macomb Voice As a human being, I feel a deep hurt and sadness for the two individuals who were stabbed by a Muslim at a local Detroit bus stop. As an Ahmadi Muslim, I feel anger and resentment that this so called “Muslim” felt it acceptable to commit such a crime simply because the two victims stated they were not Muslim. Such brutal and inhumane actions do not...
Originally posted in Patheos By now it’s painfully obvious mainstream media loves a juicy terrorism story involving Muslims – but comparatively ignores the vast majority of the world’s Muslims who promote peace. The topic of caliphate perfectly illustrates this double standard. Since ISIS proclaimed their leader as a caliph about nine months ago, the media has given them round the clock coverage...
Originally published in San Antonion Express. The tragic loss of children in Newtown, Conn., is heavy on everyone’s hearts. As the parent of a third-grader, my heart wrenches with pain for the parents who will not get to see their children smile again. As a Muslim, I believe that human life is sacred and should be honored. The Holy Quran teaches that taking a single life is like...