We should reflect on what the founding fathers intended

Last updated on: August 27, 2018 at 8:11 pm by Muslims Writers Guild of America

We should reflect on what the founding fathers intended 2018-08-27T20:11:35-05:00 Muslims Writers Guild of America

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

by Daaniyal Munir

There is a trend in our country to celebrate patriotism by waving flags and putting bumper stickers on our vehicles. We spend Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day and the Fourth of July at barbecues, fireworks, and other celebrations.

While these activities serve a good, albeit superficial, purpose, we must take time to reflect on the deeper meaning of patriotism. We should reflect on what the Founding Fathers intended when they signed the Declaration of Independence, taking the first steps to create the great nation we live in today.

As an American Muslim, I celebrate the freedoms and rights that the United States grants. Particularly, as an Ahmadi Muslim, I recognize the value of the rights of religious freedom, as many Muslim countries still regularly suppress the rights of both Muslim and non-Muslim minorities, one of which I’m a member of.

While the freedoms and privileges of the United States are appreciated, I feel that it’s important to remind our citizens and especially our leaders to be mindful with their words. Denigrating fellow citizens, Muslim or otherwise, only serves to sow seeds of hatred into our society, and does nothing to combat our mutual enemy of extremism.

Unfortunately, the “Travel Ban” on Muslim-majority countries tarnishes America’s image as a beacon of hope for the “poor, huddled masses” while failing to prevent travel from the countries where most extremists are generally located. Maintaining the security of our country is important, but we must strive to maintain the shared Islamic and American values of integrity, honesty, and justice as we do so.

Next time we decide to raise a flag in our front door, place a patriotic bumper sticker on our car, or go watch the Fourth of July parade downtown let it be a reminder of the true spirit of inclusivity and acceptance which is the hallmark of a true American patriot.

Uncategorized

Previous Post

July 8, 2018

Does the Qur'an Contain Anti-Semitism?

Next Post

September 8, 2018 QuranicChrist - Survival from the Cross

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category American-Muslims Economic Justice Interfaith Jesus Palestine Ramadan Uncategorized World Peace

Select a Month September 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 November 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 May 2018 April 2018 February 2018 December 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz