USA: Good Usama, Bad Usama | "‘Usama’ doesn’t [always] mean terrorism.”

Awan hopes to be a doctor like his dad, but he’s nervous to eventually enter the job market. He doesn’t know how each prospective employer will feel about hiring a Muslim.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The Washington Post
By Blog | September 9, 2011

College freshman: “I have to show people ‘Usama’ doesn’t mean terrorism.” Usama Awan, 19, traveled to D.C. on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA to help with a “Muslims for Life” blood drive on Capitol Hill.

Awan’s father is a New Jersey doctor who helped some of the victims after the planes hit the towers. Awan was 8 at the time; he didn’t know who Osama bin Laden was. And now, though he’s proud of his religion, Awan still feels as if he has to stand up for Islam. He admits that superficial traits, including the sound of his first name, will raise eyebrows.

“My name, obviously, outside of school creates some stuff.”

Awan hopes to be a doctor like his dad, but he’s nervous to eventually enter the job market. He doesn’t know how each prospective employer will feel about hiring a Muslim.


“I have to show people ‘Usama’ doesn’t mean terrorism,” Awan said. “I’m trying to have a life.”

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