Originally published in Times of Trenton and Asbury Park Press I was born in Pakistan, but immigrated to the United States more than a decade ago. The primary reason I left Pakistan was the persecution that I faced because of my religious beliefs. In fact, an amendment to the Pakistani constitution in 1974 declared my sect, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, “non-Muslim,” thereby opening the door to...
Originally published in the Daily Herald I would like to take my time to remember the millions of fallen soldiers who have served humanity 24/7, 365 days a year, throughout our country’s history. These powerful men and women sacrificed their lives, their wealth and their time for the sake of their country and nation. As a Muslim-American, I feel as though it is my duty to honor and salute...
Originally published in USA Today and Indianapolis Star The world has been gripped by the deplorable story evolving in Nigeria about the mass abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls between the ages of 16 and 18. Their “crime” was simply that they were girls and had the audacity to seek an education. Meet Boko Haram, the name most commonly used to refer to a sadistic terrorist...
Originally published in Time News The fiasco continues. Islamophobes are fabricating the myth that Islam promotes Jew-hatred by taking out ads on D.C. buses. Take a look at the ad, linked above—does anyone else find it insane that these ignorant people are spending money promoting pictures of Adolf Hitler? Now, certainly some Muslims are anti-Jewish, as are some Christians, agnostics...
Originally published in OnFaith The Muslim world is falling apart. In Nigeria, a radical group claims Allah commands them to kidnap hundreds of girls and sell them into slavery. Egypt sentences over 500 people to death through speedy trials. A horrific civil war has killed over 140,000 in Syria, and displaced millions more. Iraq and Afghanistan sit in shambles — and let’s not even get into what’s...
Originally published in The Star Tribune Mother’s Day is approaching fast, and I haven’t done anything about it yet. While there are plenty of last-minute Mother’s Day sales, it’s hard to find that right gift that can truly thank my mother for all that she has done for me. Growing up, my mother would tell me that the prophet Mohammed once said that a child would never be able to fully repay his...
Originally published in The Times Leader Dinner and flowers; I think my gift on Mother’s Day is pretty standard. However, I’m reminded of what the prophet of Islam has said: “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother.” Perhaps I can do more year round rather than on only one day. Maybe I can help her do some of her daily chores. Maybe I can visit her more often, so she can enjoy time with...
Originally published in Philadelphia News Dinner and flowers: I think my gifts for Mother’s Day are pretty standard. However, I’m reminded of what the prophet of Islam has said: “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother.” Perhaps I can do more year-round rather than on just one day. Maybe I can help her do some of her daily chores. Maybe I can visit her more often so she...
Originally published in The Daily Herald The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon, and ranks as one of the largest and most popular events of its type worldwide. Tragedy struck this grand event last year when two bombs went off near the finish line, killing three and injuring around 275 others. Condolences and condemnations poured in from all around the world. American...
Originally published in The Cap Times Progress is marvelous, especially when it is in regard to extending basic human rights such as religious freedom and tolerance for all. On Feb. 28 the Ahmadiyya Muslim Caucus was launched with the purpose of fighting religious persecution of not only Ahmadi Muslims, but people around the world. The bipartisan leadership of Virginia Republican Frank Wolf and...