Neighbor News
Love of one's country is a part of faith
July 4th parade allows local Muslims to show their patriotism beyond the usual habits of being law abiding citizens.
The Seattle branch of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will once again participate in the Edmonds 4th of July parade. In 2011 the Muslims for Loyalty campaign took out bus ads and passed out leaflets to convey the message that Islam teaches good citizenship. Muslim’s Holy Book, the Quran, states, “O ye who believe, obey God and obey the Prophet and obey those in authority from among you” (4:60). The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Love of one’s country is a part of faith.” He also declared, “Whoso obeys the ruler obeys me, and whoso disobeys the ruler disobeys me.”
Dissenting opinions may be expressed in lawful manner causing no disorder. The Holy Quran states that creating disorder and threatening the stability of a society is a path to damnation, not salvation (2:12-16). So the men, women, and children join the parade and wear the red, white, and blue in appreciation of the USA. Thankfully our homeland embraces the freedom of conscience for followers of all religions. May we be empowered to keep all places of worship safe throughout this great nation, in particular those being targeted.
