Thank you, Hamza Ali Abbasi, for supporting my right to be Ahmadi

Pakistani actor, Hamza Ali Abbasi, is always in the headlines for one reason or another. Recently, I wrote an article criticising his comments that apparently belittled Pakistan’s minorities. However, this time I am writing to congratulate him on supporting Pakistan’s minority Muslim communities – or at least those that self-identify as such.

Ahmadis, Why it’s not a minority issue?

1400 years ago in the city of Medina, the political ruler of the time whose name was Muhammad ordered a census. My guess is that it was because he wanted to figure out the total number of the residents living in that area and the demographic makeup of the society. This would then help him to lead that polity in the best and most just way possible (because administering justice is what he was famous for).  Therefore, He gave the …

Islamic History by the book

‘I thought I should write an autobiography on how I established these communities. I feel very satisfied that I have recorded the events of my life which would relate tp the history of things, particularly my uncle’s part in founding Pakistan’ A PROFESSOR whose uncle plaid a helping hand in founding Pakistan, talks about his life after publishing his autobiography 10 years after starting it. Matiullah Dard, 75, now lives opposite Belmarsh prison in Thamesmead but was born in the …

Book spreads ‘real teachings of Islam’

A FORMER teacher says he has penned his memoirs to spread the peaceful message of his branch of the Islamic faith. Matiullah Dard’s autobiography, An Ahmadiyya Muslim, charts the journey from his youthful experiences among missionaries in Pakistan to his current role as the vice-chairman of the Bexley and Thamesmead Multi-Faith Forum. The 76-year-old grandad is a member of the branch of Islam founded in 1889, which has the motto “love for all, hatred for none”. Mr Dard had a …

Freedom Isn’t Freedom Without Justice

America celebrates its Independence Day on July 4th while Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 14th. This nearness of the Independence Days of America and Pakistan is the only thing that can be said to define the relationship of the U.S. to Pakistan as “close.” In all other respects, we are as far apart as night and day. America deserves due credit because its Constitution and amendments grant its citizens rights and freedoms and the means to secure and …