Muslim former NBA player defends America against flag burning and extremism

At a time when principles are tested and passions rise, we must return to the heart of what America stands for. It’s not just about who raises a flag, but about who upholds the values ​​of generosity, unity and a shared future. In the end, the question is about the soul of our nation. Who supports America’s deepest ideals and who doesn’t?

I came to the United States chasing a basketball dream, but I stayed because I found something much bigger: freedom.

As a Muslim and legal immigrant, I came to the United States because freedom here is not just an idea. It’s a way of life.

I didn’t come to impose my beliefs on anyone.

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I didn’t come to burn flags or hate this nation.

I didn’t come to conquer America.

I didn’t come to rewrite the Constitution.

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I did not come to shame others for their faith or their values.

I did not come to tear down what generations have built.

I did not come to exploit America’s generosity or weaken its institutions.

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I’m not here to replace American values.

I came to live freely, work hard, follow the law and contribute to the country that gave me the opportunity, and to respect the values ​​that have made America the greatest nation in the world. I am here because of what this nation represents. The Constitution, the rule of law, free speech, and equal justice are the foundations of America and are the values ​​that drew me here and keep me here.

I am here as a legal immigrant who went through the process because I truly believe in America’s promise of freedom and democracy. This country gave me a home. He gave me a family. It gave me a voice so I could speak freely without fear. He gave me an education in the classroom and in life. He gave me companions who became brothers. It gave me a community of people from all walks of life who embraced me. It gave me a platform to defend human rights and defend those who have no voice. He gave me a future full of hope and opportunities. It gave me a sense of belonging, a place where I can proudly say: this is my home.

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So let me be very clear. Burning the American flag and chanting “Death to America” ​​is unacceptable and horrifying. If you hate America, if you celebrate its destruction, you do not represent freedom, faith or justice. Patriotism means supporting innocent victims, supporting law enforcement, and defending this country against its enemies. The United States has both the right and the responsibility to protect itself through law and order, strong security, and accountability.

As someone who loves America and embraces its principles of freedom and justice, I feel a personal responsibility to speak out. As an American Muslim, I know firsthand that loving this country means being clear about the difference between peaceful Islam and ideologies that misuse religion. That is why we must be clear about an important distinction: there is a difference between peaceful Islam, radicalism and political Islam.

Peaceful Islam is personal faith. It’s about worship, family, charity, and living in peace under the laws of the country you call home.

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I did not come to burn flags or hate this nation.

Radicalism is violence.. It is terrorism. It is aimed at innocent people and must be crushed wherever it appears.

Political Islam is an ideology that uses religion to gain power, control governments, and overturn democratic laws. This is not compatible with freedom and must be faced directly.

In essence, Islam teaches principles. those are very clear. Faith cannot be forced. Laws and agreements must be respected. Innocent life is sacred. People of other religions should be treated with dignity. We must reject extremism and chaos. Those who abandon these principles do not practice faith. They are distorting it.

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As a Muslim and as an American, I say this very clearly. A true Muslim cannot be a terrorist and a terrorist can never be a true Muslim. In Islam, killing an innocent person is equivalent to killing all of humanity. Terrorism is not resistance. It’s not justice. It is not faith. It’s a murder.

Extremists have always distorted faith to justify violence, just as other violent movements have done throughout history. But let’s be clear: they do not represent Islam; They represent hate. As someone who cares deeply about both the humanity of people and the values ​​we hold dear, I believe we must come together to reject that hate. It is about protecting the dignity of all people and upholding the true spirit of our shared values.

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So what is the solution? We must clearly separate peaceful faith from extremism and reject radical ideologies that seek to overturn American law, always protecting free speech and peaceful protest by people of all faiths and backgrounds. Legal immigration must remain legal, and newcomers must respect the Constitution and the values ​​of this country. Above all, America must lead with confidence, steadfastly defending freedom, equal justice, and the dignity of innocent life.

America is strong enough to be tough on terrorism and fair to innocent people at the same time. We defeat extremism by confidently defending our values, not by giving in to fear or hatred.

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Political Islam is an ideology that uses religion to gain power, control governments, and overturn democratic laws. This is not compatible with freedom and must be faced directly.

This country has given me a lot and every day I am grateful for the principles it defends. Anyone who comes to the United States should share that respect for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. If someone hates America, hates its flag, and hates what this nation stands for, then they don’t belong here.

The answer to terror is strength guided by morality, backed by action, responsibility and unwavering determination. That’s how America wins and that’s how freedom survives.