Letters to the Editor | May 31, 2026
Inquirer readers on the Islamic Center attack and growing U.S. debt.
Compassion over hatred
As the imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Philadelphia, which serves thousands of Muslims in the region, the recent attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego was deeply heartbreaking. Every day, I see people come to the mosque seeking peace, prayer, reflection, and community. I also regularly meet visitors of different backgrounds who come simply to learn more about Islam and their Muslim neighbors. Houses of worship should always remain places of safety and compassion.
From an Ahmadiyya Muslim perspective, an attack on any mosque, church, synagogue, or temple is an attack on humanity itself. We mourn the victims and pray for the families affected by this tragedy, while also recognizing the courage of those who acted to protect others. The Holy Quran teaches that killing one innocent person is like killing all mankind, while saving one life is like saving all humanity. At a time of growing division and hateful rhetoric, communities must come together with empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. Violence and hatred can never build a stronger society. Only compassion, justice, and sincere human connection can do that.
Frasat Ahmad, Philadelphia
Drowning in debt
The U.S. government’s fiscal situation is precarious. The government’s debt is $40 trillion, with budget deficits adding $2 trillion a year to it. Both parties are to blame: the Republicans for cutting taxes to garner votes, and the Democrats for spending wildly to garner votes. Some in the GOP at least give lip service to the danger of our country’s massive debt; incredibly, Democrats say the debt doesn’t matter. We will pay $1 trillion in interest this year.
One of the more reckless things Donald Trump has said is that it wouldn’t be so bad for the U.S. to miss a debt payment. One would hope he is not seriously considering a full-blown default. With so many countries now reducing their U.S. Treasury holdings, one can reason that U.S. debt default is indeed a credible threat. Well-regarded finance experts are saying the stock market is way overvalued, being pumped up by the largely illusory promise of artificial intelligence, and the economy’s health is only tepid at best. Are we headed for a situation like in 1929? Is a catastrophic stock market crash on the horizon?
Fred Hearn, Turnersville
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