Originally published in The Huffington Post As the old wisdom goes, the opposite of love isn’t hate — it’s apathy. If you don’t understand why that is, look no further than the Syrian refugee crisis. A five-year Syrian civil war rages on that has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions. And as the worst refugee crisis since WWII erupts onto the world stage, the...
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 Dallas News Mother’s Day is a special time to reflect what our mothers have done for us. My mother sacrificed her career so she can stay home to raise me, help me with my education, and teach me the rights and wrongs of the world. The prophet Muhammad once stated, “I know of no other deed that brings people closer to Allah than kind treatment and respect towards one’s...
Originally published in the Daily Record Last week, while talking to my Christian friend Jim, I felt a sense of pride that after presenting a saying of Muhammad — “Paradise lies under the feet of mother” — Jim replied, “Very beautiful message.” Jim replied to have a Merry Christmas, I replied “same to you” (avoiding actually saying “Merry Christmas” in return, and Jim probably noticed it). And...
Originally Published in The Huffington Post As this brown, bearded Muslim was getting ready to pick up his Thanksgiving turkey order from a local Boston Market, news broke of racist graffiti in New York city. Gap had recently launched a holiday ad campaign featuring diverse models. One such ad showcasing the famous designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia, a Sikh American, had been vandalized, its...
Originally published in the Chicago Sun Times One might think that being American and being a Muslim are diverging paths that never cross. The reality is that my faith and my loyalty to my country repeatedly converge paths. I find the basis of this claim in the words of Prophet Muhammad, who stated, “Love of one’s homeland is a part of faith.” Thus, it is my duty as both an...
Originally published in the Columbus Dispatch Freedom is a wonderful concept; one that is taken for granted but rarely reflected upon in our society. As Veteran’s Day approaches, we as Americans should remind ourselves the price that our veterans have paid for our freedom. As a Muslim American, I salute our nation’s veterans for the great service they have done for this nation. Surprising? What...
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...
In wake of the Taliban’s attempt on Malala Yusufzai, Pakistani journalist Kunwar Khuldune Shahid wrote an article in Pakistan Today. It was nothing short of a diatribe on ideology and conduct propagated against religion but Islam in particular. Mr. Shahid’s reaction is immature and underwritten by emotion. It is thus important to take a measured perspective. No doubt people have waged wars...
Originally Posted on The Hartford FAVS We live in search of truth Yet distract ourselves with lies We blindly shop every bazaar in vain And never hearken to our inner cry What ugliness you haply invite What beauty you let slip away You give up immortality tomorrow Foolishly to satisfy your lust today The answer you seek is tightly enclosed Beyond a gate of icy darkness and fiery light Kindle...