Each year, on the final Monday of May, Americans pause to honor the brave individuals who gave their lives in military service to this nation. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it is a sacred time of remembrance. A time to reflect not just on those we have lost, but on the ideals for which they gave everything: liberty, justice, and human dignity. As an Ahmadi Muslim, this day holds special significance for me. My religious community—the Ahmadiyya Muslim... Read more
Apostasy—the act of leaving one’s religion—remains one of the most hotly debated topics in the world today. Critics often point to Islam as being especially harsh toward those who renounce their faith, citing laws in Muslim-majority countries that criminalize apostasy with punishments ranging from social ostracism to, in some cases, execution. But while these practices exist in the name of Islam, do they reflect Islam’s actual teachings? The answer is no. Islam, at its core, champions freedom of religion, not... Read more
One of the most common accusations against Islam is that it permits forced conversions. There is even a saying among anti-Islam critics that, God forbid, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) spread the message of Islam with a Qur’an in one hand and a sword in the other. This accusation is often used to explain why so many people converted to Islam shortly after the death of Muhammad (saw). Critics claim that Islam spread rapidly because people were forcibly converted, not... Read more
By Imam Khalid Khan, Muslim Writers Guild of America Every year, millions of Muslims around the world eagerly embrace the month of Ramadan—a time of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal. This ancient practice, observed for centuries across various cultures and religions, is not just about abstaining from food and drink. It’s about deepening one’s connection with God and striving for a life of greater righteousness. The Historical Roots of Fasting Fasting is a practice that spans centuries, deeply rooted in... Read more
A Month of Reflection, Generosity, and Spiritual Renewal As the crescent moon rises in the night sky, signaling the arrival of Ramadan in March 2025, Muslims worldwide are preparing for one of the most profound and transformative months of the year. But beyond the rituals of fasting and prayer, Ramadan holds a deeper significance that transcends religious boundaries, offering a chance for self-reflection, spiritual renewal, and a renewed sense of unity in the face of global challenges. What does it... Read more
Throughout history, certain individuals have stood out not just for their words but for the transformative legacies they leave behind. Among them, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stands as a towering figure, celebrated for his courageous fight for racial justice. Yet, an equally powerful part of his legacy—his unwavering commitment to ending poverty—often remains in the shadows. “There is nothing new about poverty,” Dr. King declared, “what is new is that we have the resources to end it.” This profound... Read more
Apostasy—the act of leaving one’s religion—remains one of the most hotly debated topics in the world today. Critics often point to Islam as being especially harsh toward those who renounce their faith, citing laws in Muslim-majority countries that criminalize apostasy with punishments ranging from social ostracism to, in some cases, execution.But while these practices exist in the name of Islam, do they actually reflect Islam’s true teachings?The answer is no. Islam, at its core, champions freedom of religion—not compulsion, not... Read more
The Holy Qur’an, the scripture Muslims believe to be from God, mentions Jesus (peace be upon him) 28 times (عِیۡسَی) compared to Muhammad (peace be upon him) 4 times (مُحَمَّدٌ). This leads one to wonder, what exactly do Muslims believe about the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him)? As we dive into the Holy Qur’an and look at some of the verses that mention him by name, we find the following verse: وَّقَوۡلِہِمۡ اِنَّا قَتَلۡنَا الۡمَسِیۡحَ عِیۡسَی ابۡنَ مَرۡیَمَ رَسُوۡلَ... Read more
Since the attacks on October 7, some statements from Hamas officials and members have become widely circulated in the media. These statements promise to repeat the attacks of October 7th and to fight and kill Jews until Palestine is free. They have even called upon every Muslim in the world to help them, claiming it is a religious duty (Hamas in Its Own Words, ADL, 2024). In today’s media landscape, it is easy to be misled into thinking that Hamas... Read more
Finding Common Ground Between Muslims and Christians As the holiday season envelops the world in its warmth, joy, and reflection, it presents a unique opportunity for individuals from different faiths to unite in mutual respect and understanding. For me, as an American Ahmadi Muslim, this time of year is not just about family gatherings but also about deepening the bonds between communities, particularly between Muslims and Christians. While we Muslims do not celebrate the birth of Jesus, we hold him... Read more
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