Originally published in Twin Cities Daily Planet As part of this great nation’s foreign policy, when injustice takes place in any part of the world, America usually takes a stand. We saw this in the case of Russian atrocities in Ukraine, in America’s unity with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN). However when it comes to Palestine, America turns a blind eye with the EU and the UN...
Originally published in The Times Herald What is the best way to achieve world peace? With President Obama’s inaugural ceremony just taken place, scholars will propose what the president should do, indirectly answering the question above. As a Muslim-American, I want to first congratulate the president on his re-election and pray that he will lead the nation effectively during his second term. I...
Originally Posted in The Baltimore Sun Mr. President, you and I having a similar challenge: selling a military strike against Syria as a “moral imperative.” But we have different audiences. Your constituents come from all parts of the country; mine from different parts of the world. Yours are driven by myriad interests; mine are simply seeking justice. Yours are young and old; mine...
Originally Published in The Washington Post This is the story of two Washington Iftar dinners. First, the Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren invited Muslim leaders to a diplomatic Iftardinner last week and Imam Antepli of Duke University wondered aloud if the event was meaningful. And then the Obama administration invited Muslim leaders to the White House Iftar dinner and Omid Saifi, the Islamic...
Originally published in the Northwest Herald The democratic process is an amazing process, one that is able to promote its first African American president. As I congratulate President Barack Obama on his re-election and wish him success, I also encourage him to keep justice in mind while in office, both here and abroad. This is not a liberty all nations afford their citizens. In Pakistan, for...
Originally published in TribStar Congratulations to President Obama for winning the election. As a Muslim, Islam, justice and peace are synonymous. Justice and peace are the building blocks for any successful society. A society in which free thought is hindered goes against the principles of Islam and democracy. The Qur’an says, “There is no compulsion in religion.” 2:256. Democracy, without...
Originally published in The Patriot News I am an American Muslim, and I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. I congratulate President Obama and pray for the success of our nation. It is uplifting to witness another peaceful election, something many other nations struggle to achieve. Deadly coup détats and riots. Violent uprisings and revolts. For much of the...
Originally published on statesman.com The democratic process is the election of a representative by a people. As a Muslim American, I support the peaceful democratic process of our recent election. Electing a leader, or voting for one, is the responsibility of every citizen. After the election, however, this responsibility shifts to the shoulders of the elected. In this light, President...
Originally Published in The Philadelphia Inquirer As an Ahmadi Muslim, I oppose the president’s position on gay marriage. Islam teaches us to be kind to other human beings. Therefore, discriminating against a gay person would be a violation of my faith. However, the Quran also reminds us of the people of prophet Lot, who practiced homosexuality. After countless warnings, Lot’s people were...