Thanksgiving is a commemoration of the harvest festival, which has certainly influenced millions of Americans who take pride in their history. Nonetheless, as an Ahmadi Muslim and an immigrant, I was raised to be thankful for everything good, no matter how trivial — all the goodies we have, the comfort of our homes and even the company of our loved ones. Hence, being thankful every day is an important practice in a Muslim’s life that adds more flavor to the way we perceive Thanksgiving Day.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful to the veterans and war heroes who have laid down their lives and served so millions of Americans can enjoy the liberties this country has to offer, of which perhaps freedom of faith makes it to the top. The Holy Quran reminds us that “There is no compulsion in matters of faith.”

It can be argued that all other freedoms arise from this one essential freedom. Unfortunately, many countries around the world do not assimilate with our values — people continue to suffer under totalitarian regimes. I wish for the entire world to take a leaf from U.S. history so everyone can overcome their bigotries and find common elements that bind us together.

Nayyar Ahmed

Monroeville

The writer is an assistant biology professor at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)