How to celebrate Thanksgiving? A Muslim perspective.

Thanksgiving is celebrated nationally here in the USA. Irrespective of its historical background, it has become a federal holiday that provides opportunity to millions, to travel for a long weekend to be with their near and dear ones. On such an auspicious occasion, it is indeed heartening that numerous organizations endeavor on a mass scale to provide the underprivileged and homeless with meals, gifts and a sense that they are not forgotten on this great event of the nation. For their efforts, such humanitarian organizations deserve our gratitude and prayers .
At the same time, I must also express that I owe an obligation to offer thanks to God Almighty for having being part of this country. I, as an Ahmadi Muslim, ( who believe that, according to the prophecy of Prophet Muhammad peace be on him, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is the Messiah for this day and age) have complete religious freedom in this nation. I can offer my five daily prayers, go to a mosque, give the ritual call to worship, recite from the Islamic holy book,the Quran, propagate my faith's message to others, and most importantly call myself a Muslim. I have the right to wear what I want and greet others with the Islamic salutation, “Assalamu Alaikum”, ('peace be unto you'). Long story short, I am not bound by law that inhibits me in practicing any part of my faith at all, I have complete freedom of faith here. Infact, this is part of the Islamic teachings, that one should be free to worship and practice their religion, and unfortunately in some Muslim countries this freedom of faith is totally ignored, rather people are punished if they practice their own faith.

This propels me to thank not just God Almighty, who in his word has commanded believers to: “Offer worship to God and be among the grateful.” (Bal lillah fa bud wa kun minashakireen Holy Quran 39:67 ), but also express gratitude and thanks to the authority of this land that offers me the security and peace to practice my faith. So what I’m going to do on this day of celebration of thanksgiving?

1. I will offer my pre dawn prayer which is called Tahajjud prayer and 5 daily prayers in the Mosque.
2. I will recite Holy Quran
3. I will help the poor and needy
4. I will pray for the well-being of this country as well for all the nation
5. I will visit my friends
6. I will visit and pray for the sick people
7. I will visit the graveyard and will pray for those who are buried there.
8. I will write a letter to my spiritual leader head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Comunity to pray for all of us and specially for the people this country.

I thus, offer you to also visit our mosque, and to observe our prayer, listen from the teachings of the Quran, and learn about the life and accomplishments of our holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him). We will entertain all questions with kindness - easy or challenging - without any hesitation. Therefore you are welcome to visit us.
You may call me at (909) 636-8332 or email me at shamshad.nsair@ahmadiyya.us You may also come meet me at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Center located at 1730 West Auburn Rd, Rochester Hills, 48309. I am looking forward to seeing you. God be with you and Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
-Imam shamshad Nasir, Detroit, USA.