Originally Published in The Christian Science Monitor We have seen the pictures of the Tsarnaev brothers. We know their names, and we are learning facts about their lives – one a boxer, and the other a student. But we still don’t really know their identity. And neither did the brothers, as they allegedly planted those bombs at the finish line of the Boston Marathonlast week. Or at least, that’s...
Originally Published in The New York Times As a Muslim American and an avid comic book guy, I applaud Marvel for creating a Muslim heroine, code name Ms. Marvel. In a post-9/11 world, dealing with problems concerning Islamic and American identity is still real. Ms. Marvel shows that the two are not mutually exclusive. Her actions are not real, yet are a strong part of my reality. As a proud...
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 the Chicago Sun Times One might think that being American and being a Muslim are diverging paths that never cross. The reality is that my faith and my loyalty to my country repeatedly converge paths. I find the basis of this claim in the words of Prophet Muhammad, who stated, “Love of one’s homeland is a part of faith.” Thus, it is my duty as both an...
Originally published in the Columbus Dispatch Freedom is a wonderful concept; one that is taken for granted but rarely reflected upon in our society. As Veteran’s Day approaches, we as Americans should remind ourselves the price that our veterans have paid for our freedom. As a Muslim American, I salute our nation’s veterans for the great service they have done for this nation. Surprising? What...
Originally Published in the Rochester-Hills Patch I am a Muslim. And since the age of 15, I have immersed myself in religious studies finding Christianity the most fascinating. I have read the New Testament cover to cover, found countless arguments in favor and against Christian Doctrine, and spent more time in Churches then I have in my own Mosque discussing these points. With that...
Originally published in the Duluth News Tribune Since last month, America has gone through tumultuous ideological battles, testing its political resolve on both national and international fronts. First, America came back from the brink of unilaterally bombing Syria on renewed hopes that Syria will destroy its chemical arsenal under a U.N.- monitored process. Then, the new...
Originally published in Oshkosh Northwestern A Muslim will never find a major difference between the words “Night of Power” and “Night of Destiny” because both describe a night of spiritual empowerment. The way to attain it is through an arduous effort of prayer and meditation during the last ten days of Ramadan. Recently, CNN changed this whole context by the story on the recent worldwide terror...
Originally Published in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette My heart goes out to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. It is outrageous that in our country today that even the wholesome act of running has become unsafe. I can empathize because my peace-loving religious group, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, lives under the constant threat of extremist violence in Pakistan. In fact, on May 28...