Perspective: Blessed to be here | Nayyar Ahmed

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'Ahmadi Muslims are labeled as heretics and have been officially declared as non-Muslims by many. We can be imprisoned for confessing and/or practicing their faith openly in some of these countries.'

Times of Ahmad | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Trib Live
By Nayyar Ahmed | May 28, 2017

Memorial Day is an important day in the United States, as we remember those who died in service to our country. We, the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, understand and acknowledge that our veterans were critical in ensuring the freedoms and rights that we enjoy and sometimes take for granted. The religious freedom provided in this country that allows us to freely and openly practice our faith is perhaps the most important.

I belong to a persecuted sect of Islam, the Ahmadiyya sect. Many Muslim-majority countries do not recognize the adherents of this community as Muslims. We are labeled as heretics and have been officially declared as non-Muslims by many. Ahmadi Muslims can be imprisoned for confessing and/or practicing their faith openly in some of these countries.

Hence, we are blessed and fortunate to be a part of the pluralistic fabric of America that guarantees liberty and justice for all. Our love for this country supersedes all else. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that love of one's country of residence is part of faith.

It is important that we spread the message of love and dispel the bigotry of hate. I leave readers with a short slogan which describes my community in a nutshell: “Love for all, hatred for none.” This is a message I want to share with my fellow Americans this Memorial Day.

NAYYAR AHMED
Emsworth

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Nayyar Ahmed is a member of the Muslim Writers Guild of America.


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