Faith and peace: Revisiting President Obama's Cairo speech

President Obama rightly pointed out that “No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust”, but, I think this speech has ushered in a new era of mutual respect and understanding between the United States of America and the Muslim World. May we all build on this.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit:Seattle Muslim Youth Examiner
Waqas Malik | Seattle, WA

“Assalam-o-Alaikam” – the first words of the speech delivered by President Obama at Cairo University in Egypt were unprecedented. In the meaning of these words lay the foundation of Obama’s goals for the Muslim World. These words when translated from Arabic mean “peace be on you”. But when uttered by the President of United States sent a bold message of peace to the Muslim World.


President Obama brought to lime light the teachings of Islam by quoting from the Holy book of Muslims, the Holy Quran. He quoted “Whoever kills an innocent; it is as if he has killed the whole of mankind”. This teaching, often forgotten by so called scholars of Islam, should bring some sense into Muslims involved in terrorism perpetrated in the name of Islam. It was truly refreshing to hear the words of the Holy Quran from the President of the United States.

President Obama quoting from the Holy Quran also sent a strong message that he did not see the teachings of Islam as being diametrically opposed to the western philosophies. Instead, he said “We share common principles”.

President Obama addressed issues of terrorism, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Palestine, Darfur, and Bosnia in an unbiased analytical manner. He did not take sides, but stated the facts and made it vividly clear that his goal is to bring about practical solutions to these issues.

Being a Muslim, living in the United States, I had always respected and appreciated this country. However, I had always felt that this love was one way, and Muslims weren’t really welcome here. President Obama’s speech reassured me and many Muslims around the globe that America doesn’t see Muslims as miscreants. President Obama rightly pointed out that “No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust”, but, I think this speech has ushered in a new era of mutual respect and understanding between the United States of America and the Muslim World. May we all build on this.

Read original article here: Revisiting President Obama's Cairo Speech

Waqas Malik is the youth president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Seattle. He has presented at the University of Washington, and at schools, mosques, temples, and churches on diverse topics concerning faith and the philosophy of the teachings of Islam.