Originally published in The Northwestern Next week will mark the 12 year anniversary of 9/11, a day of bloodshed and incomprehensible tragedy. On Sept. 7, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Oshkosh will hold a blood drive at its mosque on 300 N. Eagle St. from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., to honor the victims and to emphasize sanctity of life, a teaching inherent in all religious traditions. In fact, all...
Originally published in Dallas Morning News For the next 30-odd days, thousands of Muslims within the D-FW metroplex will not touch a morsel of food or drink from dawn to sunset. In the Islamic calendar, the month of Ramadan is a special time for Muslims, during which they are encouraged to be more observant in the practice of their faith, give more to charity and reduce conflict among...
Originally published in Journal Inquirer This Muslim-American was appalled to read that Buddhist monks in Burma led by Ashin Wirathu, a priest who calls himself “the Burmese bin Laden,” are bent on exterminating the Rohingya ethnic minority explicitly because they are Muslims. It is well-known that the founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, was a peacemaker. Little known, though, is that...
Originally published in Cincinnati Enquirer Last year, the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy left Americans in great distress as New York City, one of the world’s largest cities, suffered greatly. This gave me an opportunity to travel to the disaster site and offer my aid to those in need. More importantly, being a Muslim American, I was able to show the true Islam – to serve humanity as a part of our...
Originally published in Hartford Courant Boston suffered an atrocious act of terror. As a Muslim, I unequivocally condemn any form of terrorism and hate. I send my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the victims of this inhumane crime. I pray Bostonians will not allow terror to prevail and will stand strong with unity and love in the wake of this attack. I hope this spirit of love...
Originally published in Philly Enquirer The Boston bombings gave me a double whammy. As an American, I am deeply saddened by the deaths of three people and the dozens wounded. My heart goes out to the victims’ families. As a Muslim, though, I am disturbed by headlines saying Islam might have played a secondary role. Violence and evil has no religion. Boston bombings are as evil as the...
On March 13, a new pope, Pope Francis I, was elected. The head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, also known as the Khalifa of Islam, congratulated the new pope. “I hope and pray that in the forthcoming era, the pope uses his influence to develop peace and harmony in the world,” he said. Fourteen hundred years ago, Prophet Muhammad taught to respect all religions...
Originally published in Cincinnati Enquirer This Sunday, Christians worldwide will celebrate Easter. Being an Ahmadi Muslim I will not be celebrating Easter. However, this does not mean that I won’t show my love for Jesus Christ. Islam teaches us to respect Christians and their right to celebrate. In fact, Islam teaches us to join them in the love of Jesus Christ. While differences exist, what...
Originally Published in the Press-Telegram As members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, we congratulate Pope Francis on his election as the new pontiff. The prophet Muhammad emphatically taught inter-faith respect and understanding, especially towards those who dedicate their lives in the service of God. Muslims and Christians have a rich history of peace and coexistence, especially evident in...
Originally published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “If any Church or other place of worship stands in need of protection, they will find us standing shoulder to shoulder with them.” His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad – the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the fifth successor of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian and the only existing Muslim caliph – said this to...