Source/Credit: The Miami Herald
By Khalid Minhas | May 16, 2011
The indictments of a local imam and his family members on charges of supporting the Pakistani Taliban suggest how the ideology of hate and bigotry can seep into the ranks of American Muslims. It is concerning that some are ambivalent about their loyalty to the United States. They enjoy the freedoms and luxuries that the United States endows upon them, yet their allegiances lie elsewhere.
For an ordinary American Muslim who upholds the true essence of his faith, it’s extremely distressing to witness radicals hijack their faith. To plot against the country of your residence which grants so many privileges and comforts is treason. It is not only a moral crime; it is tantamount to failing on a religious obligation as well.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) believes in the Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian. He divested Islam of fanatical beliefs, endorsed separation of mosque and state and taught his followers to protect the sanctity of both religion and government by becoming loyal citizens wherever they reside.
AMC has been at the receiving end of hateful ideology propagated by the same radical fringes. It has suffered the worst form of state sponsored persecution in Pakistan, a state that allowed radicals to take its reins.
At the behest of the overzealous clergy, AMC was declared outside the realm of Islam in 1974. This set the stage for prejudice and intolerance against all minorities. Present day Pakistan is embroiled with corruption, terrorism and economic woes and has become a poster child for the devastating consequences when religious and political ambitions are mixed.
Khalid Minhas,
director of public affairs,
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Miami),
Hallandale Beach
Read original post here: Radicals hijack Muslim faith
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