Originally published in Salon In his recent anti-Muslim crusade, Ben Carson promoted a disturbing form of religious segregation, claiming that a Muslim should only be president if he or she “renounces the tenets of Islam.” Sadly, just as racial segregationists long garnered votes by promoting fear of black Americans, religious segregationists such as Carson today garner votes by promoting fear...
Originally published in the Orange County Register As an American Muslim, I was surprised to read presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson’s recent remarks that a Muslim should never be U.S. president. Perhaps Dr. Carson overlooked the fact that the Constitution (Article VI, Clause 3) states that religion should not be a determinant in any public office in the United States. Perhaps he should be...
Originally published in CNN Sunday morning, my hope for the next presidency changed to disbelief after Dr. Ben Carson’s interview on “Meet the Press” when he boldly stated his belief that Islam is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution and a Muslim should never be elected as president of the United States. I sat in disbelief because this is the season when candidates for office...
Originally Posted on PakTeaHouse More than 40,000 civilians and 5,000 soldiers dead at the hands of religious fanatics leaves every Pakistani guessing – where did we go wrong? Can we point out any single day in our 65 year history which symbolizes our collective decision to surrender to the Mullah? Thirty eight years ago, on 7th of September 1974, the Parliament of Pakistan brazenly...
Originally Published in The Asbury Park Press While recently visiting Pakistan, I offered Friday prayers at one of the two mosques in Lahore where, in May 2010, the Taliban brutally murdered 86 of our community members. On noticing the extent of security at the mosque, I could not stop thinking of the religious freedom I enjoy in my new homeland, and could not thank God enough for now being an...