On July 4th, 2025, America celebrated its 249th Independence Day — a day marked by fireworks, parades, and patriotic songs.

But for me, it was more than just a national holiday. It became a moment of quiet reflection. A pause in the midst of celebration, where I looked around and realized — I have been gifted with freedom, a pretty good state of health, genuine happiness, and above all, a great family. What more could one ask for?

As I sat with loved ones, hearing laughter echo through the backyard while the stars and stripes danced in the breeze, I was overwhelmed by a deep sense of gratitude — not only to this country I now call home, but to God, the Giver of all gifts. As a Muslim, my first instinct is to say Alhamdulillah — thanks be to Allah — for all that I have and for all that I’ve been spared.

But with these blessings come responsibilities.

First and foremost, to be thankful to Allah. Gratitude isn’t just a whispered prayer or a thought in the mind. True gratitude expresses itself in how we live, how we treat others, and how we respond to the freedom we’ve been given.

Second, loyalty to our homeland is essential. The Holy Quran teaches us to be loyal and just wherever we live. It’s not only our right to enjoy the freedoms offered by the land we reside in — it’s our duty to contribute to its well-being, to be law-abiding citizens, and to uplift our neighbors. Whether you’re born here or have made America your adopted home, loyalty and love for your country are noble qualities that align with spiritual values.

Third, our loyalty must extend to humanity itself. No religion — whether Islam, Christianity, or Judaism — is fulfilled without love and service to others. We are all children of Adam. And while we may walk different paths of faith, the essence of being righteous is the same: Do the right thing. Help others. Honor your word. And live in a way that pleases the One who created you.

I’ve often heard it said — and I firmly believe it — that only a great human being can be a good Muslim, a good Christian, or a good Jew. Faith, after all, is not a uniform or a label. It’s how we carry ourselves in the world. It’s how we deal with our neighbors, our coworkers, the poor, and the powerless. Before one can be devout in worship, one must be honest in action, kind in speech, and sincere in purpose.

God has blessed each of us with a powerful gift — free will. But along with it, He has placed within every human heart a compass, a built-in sense of right and wrong. That inner voice doesn’t speak in thunder or lightning — it whispers. And when we listen carefully, it guides us. Sometimes, it urges us to forgive. Sometimes, it pushes us to stand up. And often, it reminds us to do better, be better.

The real test of life — the one that counts not just for today, but for eternity — is how we use this free will. Will we live selfishly or righteously? Will we chase temporary pleasure or eternal peace? The answers aren’t written in books alone — they’re written in our daily choices.

So this July 4th, amid the glow of fireworks and the rhythm of the national anthem, I quietly renewed a few personal promises. To stay thankful. To be loyal to my country. To serve humanity. And to live every day with the awareness that life is a test — and the answers lie not just in belief, but in action.

May God bless this land. May He guide us all to walk the path of righteousness. And may we all strive to be better humans — for that is the beginning of being truly faithful.