Each year, on the third Monday of January, we observe a federal holiday to pay tribute to the achievements of one of our nation’s great heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King lived an extraordinary life. From a very young age, he was a strong advocate for nonviolent protests. He led the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a protest against racial segregation on the public transit system of Montgomery, Alabama. After 381 days of revolutionary determination and leadership, the US Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in transportation was unconstitutional.
Dr. King was the first president of Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an African-American civil rights organization. In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. led the March on Washington to demand the economic and civil rights of African-Americans. At the March, standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial, he delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. It is considered one of the best speeches in American history. In 1964, he was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He said: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Islam also teaches equality of mankind. In the holy book of Islam, the Qur’an, the most honorable person is considered to be the one who is the most righteous and possesses good moral qualities. During the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), about fourteen hundred years ago, there was a huge segregation based on tribes, race and color in Arabia. But the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) laid the foundation of universal brotherhood. Not only his words, but also his actions, are exemplary for today’s leaders and peacemakers. He appointed an African Muslim, Bilal (peace be upon him) to recite the call for Prayers. This was considered a great honor as calling for prayers is considered a noble duty in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) always upheld justice over tribal prejudice. In his last address, he said: “An Arab has no preference over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; nor is a white one to be preferred to a dark one, nor a dark one to a white one.” One can see the practical example of brotherhood and equality in the Muslim daily Prayers, when brothers and sisters in faith stand together shoulder to shoulder, irrespective of color and race. Similarly, during the Muslim pilgrimage called Hajj, all Muslim men wear two pieces of white cloth while circuiting the Holy Ka’aba. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community also holds its annual convention for all to be united in a spiritual atmosphere. The slogan of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is, “Love for all, hatred for none”.
As an Ahmadi Muslim, I appreciate and admire Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s efforts for civil rights in America. But, in order to understand the true importance of this day, we must instill in our hearts love and kindness for the people around us irrespective of their color, race or financial status. This is the only way to continue this mission.
Warda Khan
