Freedom

Please pray for the success of those who struggle for peace, justice and freedom by right means. Please pray that God guides those who are using wrong means in struggle harming humanity, Islam and their neighbors. And may God guide all the oppressors to refrain from oppressing those seeking peace, justice and freedom.

This Fourth of July we must assess our patriotism and ask ourselves: what kind of commitment to America will benefit our children, our compatriots, the world, and us? 

The struggles of our past have shown that citizens have always moved America and the Ummah forward, whether it is poor people’s movements in America, or the Arab Spring. However, nothing can be achieved without risks and the willingness to sacrifice.

The constitution of Madinah was through the systemic incorporation of the concept of mutual humanity and shared space with other religions into Scripture, belief structures, laws and values that explain why Islamic societies, from the start, were racially diverse, multi-ethnic, and open to other faith communities. 

I used to be asked this question in Pakistan as well: are you Pakistani first or Muslim first? Yet, it has always made me uncomfortable, it forces you to feel that the two: religious and national identity, are somehow mutually exclusive.

The Fourth of July commemorates America's independence from England. The event is celebrated with much fanfare, fireworks, and festivity. But it's also an important time to remember the many blessings that God has given this country and how we are benefiting from them. 

America has always been able to liberate itself from tyranny and fear. This is the beauty of this nation and its people. American can and will do it again, but it will take a willingness on the part of all citizens, Muslim and non-Muslim, to fight the fear mongering.