Posted Jul 2, 2019
By Other Voices
Independence Day is around the corner. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, this day makes me even more aware of the importance of living in the United States. This is because my community faces immense persecution in Muslim-majority countries, where the rights of all minorities are routinely trounced.
Over the years, hundreds of Ahmadi Muslims have been persecuted for their faith across the Muslim world in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and other countries. In fact, to this day, in my family’s native country, Pakistan, Ahmadis are still declared as “non-Muslims.” This dates back to a 1974 constitutional amendment, which states that Ahmadis can face up to 3 years of imprisonment for openly expressing any form of preaching or worship in public.
As a Muslim who was born and raised in the United States, I am extremely blessed and thankful for the many freedoms and rights this country affords us all. Therefore, that is why it’s even more incumbent on me to be mindful of the obligation in following this specific teaching of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad: “Love of one’s country is part of one’s faith.”
I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Samar Ahmad,
North Canton
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Categories: Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, America, Americas, Islam, United States, USA