Originally published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer In response to the Boston Tea Party, King George III ordered a blockade of Boston Harbor. Concerned by the anticipated economic strain, our Founding Fathers turned, not to arms or protest, but to God. In the summer of 1774, Thomas Jefferson drafted a “Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer” resolution. And so, on June 1, 1774, among...
Originally Published in the Tulsa World This might surprise some but Thanksgiving always has been a very special day to me, not only as an American but also as a Muslim. While many religions rightfully emphasize that one should be thankful to God for the many bounties that we are given, Islam goes one step further. The Prophet Muhammad has said, “He who is not thankful...
Originally Published in The Philadelphia Inquirer At Thanksgiving, I reflect on being a Muslim American and that for which I am thankful. I am thankful that I have a roof over my head and food to fill my stomach, thankful to my parents for raising me up with love, thankful to practice my religion freely, inasmuch as my forefathers were persecuted in Pakistan for their beliefs, thankful for living...
Originally published in Seattle Times Twelve years ago, al-Qaida took nearly 3,000 innocent lives. I was too young to understand why, but I knew that the Islam I followed didn’t teach violence. I knew that the Quran condemns the taking of innocent lives; to kill a person is like killing all mankind. I knew Prophet Muhammad stated that God has made the blood, property and honor of every human...