I can also value with a grateful heart the freedom of speech with which we are blessed here in the U.S. This write up itself is a witness to this freedom.
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Source/Credit: The Stafford County Sun
By Shehla Ahmad | June 25, 2014
The first time I studied the actual text of the U.S. constitution was as a student at a local college in Pakistan while I was studying for my law degree. No wonder in my first reading, I found the wording of the First Amendment very powerful and convincing, when it says:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
It’s a very common general observation that in our journey from theory to practice, sometimes realities emerge differently but it did not happen in this case for me. Having eventually immigrated to the US some years back, I have personally felt and experienced the true sense of freedom and ‘independence’ which is beyond just an academic exercise.
If I talk of the First Amendment in particular at this point, then I am convinced nobody can question the significance of keeping state and religion separate as rightly required by the amendment. Anyone who has read about Pakistan's amended constitution of 1973 would also know that there has been unfortunate formal interference by the state in matters of faith of its people over the years by trying to take decision of fate of faith of Ahmadi Muslims in their own hands. However, it did no good to the country except that it only helped to spread hatred and provide legal basis of discrimination against Ahmadi Muslims. This political move was also contrary to the clear Islamic doctrine of separation of religion and state.
I can also value with a grateful heart the freedom of speech with which we are blessed here in the U.S. This write up itself is a witness to this freedom.
As a member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community I also avail the occasion of peaceful gathering for a three-day annual convention every year, which is purely a religious and spiritual gathering. This year's convention is on Aug. 15-17 in Harrisburg, Pa. I can sense this ‘freedom of association’ is not an ordinary right after all.
But on the same note, I also think that every successful and ideal relationship has to be two directional. So citizens of a country have to be loyal to their homeland with full honesty and zeal. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Love for one's country is part of faith.”
With this reiteration of pledge, I end with a wish for a very happy Fourth of July to all.
Read original post here: Perspective: Be thankful for freedoms
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