Happy Juneteenth from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community | PennLive letters [Video]

As an American Ahmadi Muslim, I would like to wish Americans a happy Juneteenth. It is interesting to note a number of people forced into slavery from West Africa were Muslims whose identities were wrongfully erased.

Regarding this matter, Islam places great importance on freeing slaves and racial equality. The Holy Quran states, “And what should make thee know what the ascent is? It is the setting free of a slave…” (93:13).

In addition, the fifth caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has said: “Islam proclaims that all people are born equal, no matter where they hail from or the color of their skin.” Ultimately, I hope that true racial equality will be achieved in this country, so that no free American faces systemic barriers due to their appearance.