Public Comment

It was two hundred and thirty seven years ago that our great nation came to existence. Through these years not only have our nation seen hardship but it has been able to overcome it in a tremendous way. The United States of America has for many years been a leading part of this world and continues to be. This ability to lead can only be credited to the people of this great nation who have remained united and loyal to this country in the face of any hardship. America is a country which has given us many freedoms. This great nation has been the land of opportunity for all. It has always welcomed immigrants with open arms and has given everyone the means to achieve the American Dream. This great nation has been a thriving place for many, whether be it immigrants, refugees, or its citizens. Among many freedoms America has given us is the freedom of religion which enabled the persecuted to find a new. If we look into our history, America was first settled by the people who were victims of persecution in Europe and found in her a safe home to live and blossom in freedom.  

It is this freedom among many that is making USA stronger and stronger day by day. It is not the commonality of religion which keeps us united but rather the loyalty and love for our country which unites us. With such unity we will be able to face all hardships to keep this great nation of ours strong. 

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, whose motto is “Love for all, Hatred for none”, advocates loyalty for one’s country of residence. As a member of this community, I believe that it is necessary for everyone residing in the US to have a deep love for it and for humanity at large. Such loyalty is part of the Islamic faith as commanded in the Qur’an: “O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority among you…” (4:60) This specific verse of the Qur’an commands all Muslim Americans to be loyal to our great nation, to always stand for its defense when needed, and to always be the cause of spreading peace and harmony among its people. Indeed Ahmadi Muslims believe that love for one’s country is an essential part of faith because the founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has emphatically ordered and taught this. This nation has embraced us and allowed us to become the fabric of our great society. It is our moral duty to be loyal to this country. 

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Messiah and founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community reaffirmed this concept of loyalty over a century ago. He said, “The Qur'an, therefore, is unequivocal on the point. Obedience to governmental authority is one of its imperatives." Today, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the leading Islamic organization to promote loyalty to one’s country of residence, as Islam requires. 

Therefore, at this great occasion of being blessed to see our nation have another birthday I would like to wish everyone from the depths of my heart a very Happy Independence Day. May God make this country more powerful and a torch of justice. May God bless America.