Huffington Post, July 5, 2012 Also on Patheos, July 5, 2012. Nearly 4 in 10 Americans hold an unfavorable view of Islam and Muslims. That number has remained steady since 9-11. Several factors contribute to this negative perception, certainly none greater than Muslims, albeit a few, committing terrorism in the name of Islam. The media exasperates this negativity, as...

Question – On what basis do today’s terrorists justify their actions as Islamic? Justifying acts of violence in the name of religion has been part of human history since the dawn of civilization. The history of Muslims is no exception. In contemporary times we find al-Qaeda, in general, and Osama bin Laden, in particular, conflating political rhetoric...

Question – What is the basis of Islamic extremists belief that they must “kill the infidels”? Is it based on the Quran or their interpretations? Chapter 9 Verse 5 of the Quran reads, “But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans (or idolators) wherever you find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for...

Question – Why have Muslims not condemned terrorism? Muslims have condemned terrorism. CLICK HERE to read some of the “Islamic Statements Against Terrorism” CLICK HERE to read Prof. Juan Cole’s response to Tom Friedman: CLICK HERE to see a listing of condemnations of terrorist attacks by individuals and organizations: See below the statement...

I have written several articles on this subject matter. Click on the article titles to read a few of them. MAKING SENSE OF THE SENSELESS (Huffington Post, 2009) PEACE IS AN ELEMENT OF ISLAM (Florida Times Union, 2008) ISLAM HAS NO TIES TO TERRORISM (Miami Herald, 2007) A SENSIBLE WAY TO DESCRIBE TERRORISTS (Florida Times Union, 2006) I am also providing an interview...

From Fear to Faith, From Grief to Understanding September 11, 2011 Delivered at Temple Israel, Tallahassee, FL on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 9-11. Event hosted by the Interfaith Council of Tallahassee, FL. By Parvez Ahmed Good evening. Shalom, Peace and Salaam- It is my great honor and pleasure to be here today. Today is a day whose memories are seared...