Originally published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette February is Black History Month. This month provides us an opportunity to recognize the contribution of black Americans to American history. We should appreciate their role in making America what it is today. As a Muslim imam, I reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s teaching, “One who is not thankful to his fellow human being is not thankful to God at all.”...
Originally published in Enjoy Ohio Now that it is Black History Month, we cannot forget about the cruel racism and slavery that had resided in our world once. As a Muslim American, I find interesting Islam’s teachings in relation to racial equality. The Holy Prophet of Islam once stated that “a white has no superiority over a black, just as a black has no superiority over a white.” From our...
Originally published in Las Vegas Sun A white has no superiority over a black nor does a black have any superiority over a white except by piety and good action. These were the words of Prophet Muhammad during his farewell address. He not only taught Muslims to not discriminate based on race, but also showed it from his own example by assigning Bilal, an ex-slave, the critical duty of making the...
Originally published in Queens Press I am an American Ahmadi Muslim middle school student. I was born in America and will never leave it. I love this country, America, because this country is my homeland. For me, loving my homeland is like loving my mother. Loving my country is part of my faith. This is the teaching of my beloved religion, Islam. Islam not only teaches to love your motherland but...
Originally Published in The Santa Barbara Independent About 85 years ago, a man was brought into the world who forever challenged racism in America. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of creating a racism-free America has since challenged racial inequality in various ways. But even before the advent of Dr. King, Prophet Muhammad of Islam challenged racism in the world 1,500 years ago...
Originally published in Zion-Benton News As Americans, this Jan. 20th we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We dedicate the day to his achievements and his successes. Dr. King was a legend who combated racial inequality through nonviolence. Dr. King organised the 1963 march on Washington, D.C. calling it, “the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.” As...
Originally Published in the Daily Herald As an Ahmadi Muslim, I revere and love Jesus just as my Christian brothers and sisters do. This is because the Quran states, “Oh Mary, God gives thee glad tidings of a word from him; his name shall be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, honored in this world and in the next and of those who are granted nearness to God (3:46). To express my Christmas...
Originally published in the Liberty Magezine Religious blasphemy laws can be a touchy subject, especially in Pakistan, where just bringing up the subject of the blasphemy laws and whether they are right or wrong is considered, well …blasphemous. This wasn’t always the case. The sentiment behind most blasphemy laws is easy to understand. No person or group should insult another religion’s beliefs...
Originally published in the New York Daily News A recent crisis highlights the distance between so-called “Islamic” extremists and the true teachings of Muhammed. In the Charter of Privileges granted to Christians under Muhammed’s leadership, it is clearly stated, “Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries.” Despite this clear injunction, 12...
Originally published in New York Daily A recent crisis highlights the distance between so-called “Islamic” extremists and the true teachings of Muhammed. In the Charter of Privileges granted to Christians under Muhammed’s leadership, it is clearly stated, “Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries.” Despite this clear injunction, 12 Orthodox...