Ijaz Ahmed, PhD
On December 12, a mob of 1,000 attacked an Ahmadi mosque in Dulmial Village, Chakwal District, Pakistan. This grotesque action was committed by so-called Muslims celebrating the Holy Prophet Muhammad, who stated, "To take any man's life or his property, or attack his honor, is as unjust and wrong as to violate the sacredness of this day, this month and this territory."
The local police and government officials were notified days in advance of a potential attack, yet failed to uphold the law and defend its citizens. Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan have been disenfranchised, imprisoned, tortured, murdered, and discriminated against due to their faith. Authorities in Pakistan have sealed Ahmadi mosques, desecrated tombstones, and seized Ahmadi publications. While the requirement of ID cards to vote in elections has caused uproar in some places across America, Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan are forced to renounce their religious beliefs in order to participate in elections.
The widespread persecution is a result of a 1973 Constitutional amendment declaring Ahmadi Muslims as outside of Islam. Ordinance XX, adopted in 1984, criminalized any attempt by Ahmadis to "pose" as Muslims. They aren't even allowed to give their children Muslim-sounding names.
Living in America, I am extremely grateful that this country grants me the freedom to practice my religion. My experience as part of the peaceful Ahmadiyya Muslim Community sheds light on the importance of this basic human right. Looking at Pakistan, it becomes obvious what happens when hateful rhetoric is allowed to reign freely.
Ijaz Ahmed, PhD
Post-Doctoral Researcher, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester
The local police and government officials were notified days in advance of a potential attack, yet failed to uphold the law and defend its citizens. Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan have been disenfranchised, imprisoned, tortured, murdered, and discriminated against due to their faith. Authorities in Pakistan have sealed Ahmadi mosques, desecrated tombstones, and seized Ahmadi publications. While the requirement of ID cards to vote in elections has caused uproar in some places across America, Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan are forced to renounce their religious beliefs in order to participate in elections.
The widespread persecution is a result of a 1973 Constitutional amendment declaring Ahmadi Muslims as outside of Islam. Ordinance XX, adopted in 1984, criminalized any attempt by Ahmadis to "pose" as Muslims. They aren't even allowed to give their children Muslim-sounding names.
Living in America, I am extremely grateful that this country grants me the freedom to practice my religion. My experience as part of the peaceful Ahmadiyya Muslim Community sheds light on the importance of this basic human right. Looking at Pakistan, it becomes obvious what happens when hateful rhetoric is allowed to reign freely.
Ijaz Ahmed, PhD
Post-Doctoral Researcher, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester
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