To the Editor:
“Allah has made you brethren one to another, so be not divided. An Arab has no preference over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; nor is a white one to be preferred to a dark one, nor a dark one to a white one.” Over 1400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him), addressed early Muslims in his farewell address with teachings that are still very relevant today.
The Charleston Shooting and other such despicable incidents have highlighted a need for us to continue to work on these basic human relations. We must treat one another as brethren, regardless of race, religion, or gender. It is imperative that we instill humility and the love of mankind in our hearts with such purity and wholesomeness that it radiates with our every action and thought, to help fill this world with peace.
We are blessed to be citizens of the greatest country of the world. As someone who immigrated here with her parents at the tender age of one and a half, I was raised to be grateful for every freedom, for every resource, for every right and responsibility. I watched my parents struggle to ensure that we realize the many blessings being citizens of the United States of America allows us.
This year Independence Day falls in the month of Ramadhan, the most Holy month in the Islamic calendar. It is during this sacred month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and use their humble and pious state to pray and do charitable works with even more zeal. So in honor of the 239th birthday of our beautiful home, I would like to use the most magnificent power I have as a believer, and raise my hands in prayer.
I pray that my home finds peace from all the hurt and torment it still struggles with from the past and heals from the pain. I pray that this continues to be a place where people come to find opportunities not found or obtained elsewhere, and that their struggle is respected and met with compassion and patience – not contempt.
I pray that as citizens we understand that in service lies glory. It is our duty, both civically and in my case religiously, to protect and honor our land; to volunteer to beautify it, help improve its condition from before, and provide our services to those in need.
May my children serve this country in the most excellent and sincere manner; and may they use their knowledge and power to advance good works and God’s love.
May we be safe from all forms of prejudice and discrimination. May the love, pride, and allegiance I feel for my country never be questioned by those who are looking for reasons to spread hate and intolerance among the land.
May God continue to bless America in countless ways and preserve its status as a beacon of peace and prosperity, justice and humanity, for the rest of the world to respect.
Amen.
Love for all, hatred for none.
Aisha Khan
Herndon