Source/Credit: Ahmadiyya Times
By Saima Ahmad | June 20, 2011
As the date to celebrate the 4th of July is coming closer, we the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community feel nothing but gratitude for this great country. Many of us came here to accomplish the American dream and have been able to do so since we were offered the same opportunities as were available to the natives. Many were granted political asylum for the persecution our community faces for its religious views in Pakistan. And now, being naturalized citizens, they are trying to do whatever they can to contribute to the building of this nation like anybody else from the indigenous population would. Why? Because Islam has taught us that the freedom of religion we enjoy here demands our complete loyalty to this country. And because God Almighty tells us in the Quran:
“Is the reward of goodness anything but goodness?” (55:61)
Being members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, we believe there is no conflict between being a Muslim and being loyal to our country since we are directed to be obedient to the rule of law regardless of the faith of the ruler. The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) made it very clear when he said, “Whoso obeys the ruler obeys me, and whoso disobeys the ruler disobeys me.” (Muslim)
It is, therefore, our religious duty to remain loyal to the country we live in, and try to return the ‘goodness’ we have received here. In recent times, many parts of the United States have been devastated by various natural disasters and our Georgia is no different. In April, tornadoes caused much destruction and property damage here. Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community responded with compassion, individually and collectively.
The Women’s Auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, known as Lajna Imaillah, was already working on a fundraising event to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. However, after the tornado, we had to devote the event to our own before we could think of others outside the country. On June 11th, all Ahmadiyya Muslim Community auxiliaries joined hands to raise funds to help ease the pain of the locals by giving free car washes to donors at a community member’s gas station in Conyers, GA. The residents of Conyers and the surrounding areas welcomed and applauded this effort by making donations throughout the day.
“United We Stand” was the theme picked for the banner and the pins sold at the event to express the unity we felt as a nation. The participation by Margaret L. Muhammad, a Conyers resident who is not a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, gave strength to this idea. Unity for the sake of the country, regardless of faith, race and color is what makes the local community grow stronger and America a great place to be.
God willing, we intend to keep on working towards playing a part in making this country stronger. We might have limited resources as a chapter but our vision is clear, our motives are great and our will is strong; and all of us have the same prayer, “GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
-- Saima Ahmad | Ahmadiyya Times
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