Post Memorial Day Appreciation
By: Ahmed Khan

As Memorial Day approaches, I would like to declare my most sincere appreciation for all the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives so that we may secure every freedom we enjoy on a daily basis. I can relate to this declaration wholeheartedly because my cousin Junior Lt. Mahmood Sarwar, son of a Muslim Missionary, joined the Navy 4 years ago and has already finished one rotation in Iraq. You ask, a son of a Muslim Imam, in the US Navy? It must be a complete contradiction. I say it is not, as Prophet Muhammad has instructed Muslims that love of one’s homeland is part of your faith. Moreover, the Quran specifically states to “obey those in authority among you” (4:60). So, to those Muslims who benefit from America’s promise but attempt to harm its existence follow the lead of Prophet Muhammad, love your homeland or leave.