PAKISTAN CHRONICLE
America at 250: Liberty, Faith, and the Shared Values that Unite US.
Reflections from an American Muslim Inspired by Islamic and Christian Traditions
We are celebrating 250 years of American Independence, I am celebrating with all American-Pakistanis with profound gratitude—as an immigrant, an educator, a Muslim, and a proud American.
My journey to America began in 1983, when I arrived from Pakistan as an international student at New York University, where I earned my Master’s degree in Economic Development. Later, I completed my Ph.D. at the University of Notre Dame, specializing in Gender Studies with a focus on the role of women in rural development in developing countries.
Like millions of immigrants before me, I came seeking knowledge and opportunity. I found something even greater—a nation founded on liberty, justice, and hope. America welcomed me, educated me, and gave me the opportunity to contribute. Over the years, this country became not just the place where I worked; it became my home.
Growing up in Pakistan, I often listened to the Voice of America and the BBC. I heard about the American Constitution and its enduring commitment to liberty, equality before the law, and the protection of individual rights. I became fascinated by the ideals that have shaped this nation for nearly two and a half centuries.
The United States Constitution, drafted in 1787 under the leadership of James Madison and his fellow delegates, established a government founded upon the rule of law, checks and balances, and the protection of individual liberty. Its principles, together with the Bill of Rights, continue to inspire democratic societies around the world.
Many of these constitutional principles were influenced by the Magna Carta, which affirmed that even rulers are subject to the law and that justice must be administered fairly.
As a Muslim, I also found profound inspiration in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. During his Farewell Sermon at Arafat in 632 CE, he proclaimed timeless principles that continue to resonate across cultures and generations.
He declared that all human beings are equal before God. He emphasized justice, honesty, compassion, the sanctity of life and property, the dignity of women, the protection of orphans and the vulnerable, and accountability for one’s actions.
His message reminds us:
“No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab; neither a white person over a black person, nor a black person over a white person—except by righteousness and good character.”
More than six centuries later, many of these same values found expression in constitutional government through the protection of liberty, equal justice under the law, and respect for the inherent dignity of every person.
As a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, IN a Catholic Christian university, I also came to appreciate the profound ethical teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Bible reminds us:”Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
And, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
As a Catholic Christian university graduate, I also came to appreciate how Christian teachings reinforce these same ideals. The teachings of Jesus Christ emphasize love of neighbor, compassion for the poor, justice, forgiveness, service to humanity, and the inherent worth of every person created in the image of God. These moral principles have also influenced the development of Western legal and ethical traditions, including the American understanding of human dignity and individual rights.
These teachings call us to compassion, reconciliation, service, and respect for every human being.
Likewise, the Holy Qur’an teaches:
“O mankind! We created you from a single male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.” (Qur’an 49:13)
This verse celebrates diversity not as a weakness but as one of God’s blessings.
The United States Declaration of Independence boldly proclaimed that:
“All men are created equal” and are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.”
Although history reminds us that America has continually worked to fulfill these ideals more completely, the nation’s commitment to expanding liberty and equal opportunity remains one of its greatest strengths.
When I first arrived in America over forty years ago, I experienced an open and welcoming society. As an international student, I found a home away from home. I met people from every race, religion, and culture. I learned that America’s greatest strength has never been uniformity—it has always been unity in diversity.
Today, Muslims are an integral part of American society. According to the 2020 U.S. Religion Census, approximately 4.5 million Muslims live in the United States. They serve our nation as physicians, educators, entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, members of the Armed Forces, public servants, and community leaders. Their contributions enrich the economic, cultural, and civic life of our country.
As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, let us reaffirm the values that unite us rather than the differences that divide us.
Let us celebrate liberty with responsibility.
Justice with compassion.
Faith with mutual respect.
Freedom with integrity.
And diversity with unity.
America’s story is still being written. Each generation has the responsibility to preserve its constitutional freedoms while strengthening its commitment to equality, justice, and opportunity for all.
As an immigrant who became an American, I remain deeply grateful for this extraordinary nation.
May God continue to bless the United States of America.
May He guide us toward greater justice, deeper compassion, and lasting peace.
May we continue to build a nation where people of every faith and every background live together with dignity, respect, and hope.
“May America continue to be a beacon of liberty, justice, and opportunity for all people. May we strengthen our commitment to human dignity, religious freedom, compassion, and service to humanity. Together, let us build a future where our diversity is our strength, our Constitution is our guide, and our shared values unite us as one nation under God.”
Happy 250th Anniversary, America.
Author: Shabnam S. Lutafali, PhD.
Former President of The Aga Khan Council, Houston. TX
