As an American Muslim I want to wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July as we celebrate the many freedoms and rights this country affords us all. As an Ahmadi Muslim, I am especially aware of the importance of these rights as I came from a Muslim-majority country where the rights of all minorities, Muslim and non-Muslim, are routinely trounced. I came to this beautiful county in 2005 for doing my graduate studies. Since that time, this county has given me a lot including freedom to practice my religion, best education, career growth and many other countless opportunities which I am thankful.

Islam requires a Muslim to offer loyalty to the country of residence. The Holy Quran states, “O ye who believe, obey Allah and obey the Prophet and obey those in authority from among you” (4:60). As American Muslims benefit from this country’s freedoms, we are duty bound to be grateful and offer our loyalty to the government. Islam teaches that that the person who is not grateful to the God’s people can never be truly grateful to God.

On 4th of July, I will be going to local Independence Day parade in Virginia proudly wearing my “Muslims for Loyalty” shirt which has American flag on it to show my appreciation for this great country.

Ahmed Bajwa

Chantilly