Originally published in the Las Vegas Sun he Islamic State has been making headlines since last year. The group is known for coercion, kidnapping and ruthless public beheadings of innocent civilians, all in the name of creating a caliphate across Iraq and Syria. Furthermore, the Islamic State generates revenue to achieve its vicious goals through extortion and robbery. As a practicing Muslim, I...
Originally published in Time Islam places immense emphasis on privacy in ways that Western governments today have only begun to match with privacy laws. Whether it’s a legal scholar or a 7-year-old child that’s bullied on the playground, it’s hard to argue with this Harvard Law Review definition of privacy from 1890: “The right to be left alone.” Add to this simple concept a detailed U.S...
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 Orange Country Register In Judaism, the Torah shares the mitzvah of bikkurim, which emphasizes the importance of giving thanks. The New Testament shares instances of Jesus Christ thanking God for His providence. And the Prophet Muhammad taught us that one who is not grateful to man cannot be grateful to God. Similarly, all religions stress the importance of giving...
Originally published in the Indiana Gazette On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, World War I, the “war to end all wars,” ended. From then on, every Nov. 11 to come was to be dedicated as Armistice Day. President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day. Now, the nation comes together, once again, in joint honor of veterans. As a young...
Originally published in the Courier Journal and kentucky.com One of the most respected jobs, serving in the United States military, is paradoxically one of the most underappreciated. These people and their families make countless sacrifices, whether it is putting their lives in harm’s way in combat or not being home to see their child’s birth. Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to...
Originally published in the Macomb Daily, Oakland Press, and the Daily Tribune As an American, I take many things for granted — freedom being the most important. As an Ahmadi Muslim, it is my duty to honor, respect, and be grateful to those veterans that have sacrificed so much so that I may enjoy the freedoms they protect. This is my duty because the Prophet Muhammad teaches Muslims that...
Originally published in Duluth News Tribune Since 1976 the United States has celebrated February as Black History Month. We celebrate Black History Month to commemorate the efforts and perseverance of African-Americans in American society. In school we learned how blacks were forced to give up their seats and go to the backs of buses any time a white person boarded. However, 1,400 years ago...
Originally published in NY Daily News Johnson City, N.Y.: Islam has taught racial equality since the very beginning. Prophet Muhammed was a stout supporter of equality and never treated anyone from another race, religion or gender unequally. The prophet allowed the very first ahzan (call to prayers) to be done by Bilal, an African. Islam fosters love, union and tolerance for people who are...