As an Ahmadi Muslim, I am disheartened to see the violent protest of legitimate election results in our nation’s capital. Seeing unjustified attacks on the United States’ democratic institutions is especially upsetting. Yet, I call on all to remain peaceful and obey the law of the land.
While I pray that the deep divisions in our nation can be healed, I understand that this cannot happen without our individual and collective commitment to truth and justice, without our resolve to fully address legitimate grievances (past and present), nor without our selfless protection of the rights of each other. As The Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said during a sermon on New Year’s 2021: “Our true happiness will be when humanity begins to recognize the rights we owe to one another, when hatred turns to love […] May the world turn the attention of every nation and every person towards fulfilling the rights owed to one another”. A true Muslim can never raise his voice in hatred against his fellow citizens, nor for that matter against the ruling authority or government of the time. It is the responsibility of a true Muslim to remain loyal and fully abide by the laws of the country of residence. Perhaps this is a suitable definition of “patriot”. Ibrahim Naeem, Pasadena, CA |
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