Simerg launched its special series, Letter to America, on August 2. This date marks the anniversary of 1776, when the Declaration of Independence — adopted on July 4 — was signed in Philadelphia, a city at the heart of American independence and history. Please read an introduction to the series HERE. The series will conclude at the end of 2026, and the submission deadline is November 30.

Anchor Links to Letters

• Karim Sajwani: America – My First Dream, My First Love published on August 18, 2026
• Pyarali Khoja: An Immigrant’s Journey: A Life Built Through Hard Work, Family, and Gratitude, published on August 2, 2026
• Aziz Hussain: A Heartfelt Thank You to America on Her 250th Birthday published on August 2, 2026

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America — My First Dream, My First Love

By KARIM SAJWANI
Northbrook, Illinois

I was born in Karachi, Pakistan, in 2002 and immigrated to the United States with my parents in 2006. When I was just six years old, my life changed forever with the loss of my father in Chicago. From that moment on, I was raised by my extraordinary single mother, whose strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love shaped the person I am today. Alongside her, my Ismaili Muslim community embraced us with compassion, guidance, and unwavering support. Together, they taught me that even in life’s greatest hardships, hope and kindness can prevail.

For many people, the United States is simply a country. To me, America represents something far greater. It is a promise — a place where people from every corner of the world can pursue opportunity, build a future, and live with dignity. It is a nation where freedom is protected by law and strengthened by the diversity of its people.

As an American and an Ismaili Muslim, I have always felt free to practice my faith without fear. The words “In God We Trust” are more than a national motto; they symbolize a society that respects every individual’s right to seek God according to their own beliefs. America has allowed me to embrace both my religious identity and my identity as an American without conflict or compromise.

The values of my Ismaili faith complement the ideals of the American Dream. My faith teaches compassion, equality, service to humanity, lifelong learning, honesty, and respect for all people. America teaches that regardless of where you come from, what language you speak, or how much you own, you have the opportunity to contribute, succeed, and build a meaningful life through hard work and perseverance.

One of the greatest lessons this country has taught me is the dignity of honest work. Whether someone cleans buildings, collects garbage, washes dishes, drives a truck, serves in the military, starts a small business, works in a hospital, or leads a major corporation, every honest profession deserves respect. A person’s character is measured not by their title, but by their integrity, work ethic, and willingness to serve others.

America’s greatest strength is its people. Throughout history, this nation has faced wars, economic hardship, natural disasters, and moments of division, yet it has repeatedly found the resilience to rebuild and move forward. I believe America continues to inspire the world through its commitment to innovation, education, scientific discovery, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian leadership. The remarkable advances in medicine, technology, and artificial intelligence remind us that the pursuit of knowledge can improve the lives of millions.

My faith has also taught me to obey the laws of the country in which I live, to be loyal to my nation, to respect people of every faith and background, and to view diversity as a blessing rather than a barrier. These same principles have helped America become one of the world’s most vibrant and pluralistic societies. Here, the children of immigrants can dream boldly, work diligently, and achieve things their parents could only imagine.

Together, my Ismaili faith and the United States have shaped the man I am today. I carry immense gratitude for both. They have inspired me to continue learning, serving my community, and striving to leave the world better than I found it.

“One of the greatest lessons this country has taught me is the dignity of honest work. Whether someone cleans buildings, collects garbage, washes dishes, drives a truck, serves in the military, starts a small business, works in a hospital, or leads a major corporation, every honest profession deserves respect. A person’s character is measured not by their title, but by their integrity, work ethic, and willingness to serve others.” — Karim Sajwani.

I also wish to express my deepest gratitude to every member of our Armed Forces, our First Responders, healthcare professionals, teachers, and all public servants whose dedication strengthens our communities and protects our freedoms. Their service reminds us that the strength of America rests not only in its institutions but also in the selfless people who serve others every day.

Likewise, I thank every President who has served our nation. Regardless of political affiliation or ideology, each accepted the immense responsibility of leading the United States during unique moments in history. Public service is a profound responsibility, and for that commitment they deserve our respect.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, I am reminded that our nation’s story is still being written. Every generation has the opportunity — and the responsibility — to strengthen the ideals of liberty, justice, opportunity, and mutual respect. I hope to contribute, in my own small way, by living a life of integrity, serving my community, and helping build bridges across cultures and faiths.

May God continue to bless every American who works each day to make this country stronger, more compassionate, and more united. And above all,

God Bless the United States of America.

Karim Sajwani.

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An Immigrant’s Journey: A Life Built Through Hard Work, Family, and Gratitude

By PYARALI KHOJA
Chicago, Illinois

I came to the United States from Pakistan in September 1971 in search of a brighter future. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, I would like to share a few reflections on my journey and express my gratitude to this remarkable nation.

I was raised in a middle-class Ismaili Muslim family of ten — my parents, three brothers, four sisters, and me. We lived in a modest home in a peaceful gated community. Although four of us brothers were working, our family still lived from paycheck to paycheck, making every dollar count.

When I arrived in the United States, I dreamed of pursuing higher education. However, life had other plans. Having married at a young age, I carried the responsibility of supporting not only my family in America but also my loved ones back in Pakistan. As a result, my dream of earning a college degree had to be set aside.

My wife, Rashida, and I dedicated many years to volunteering at our Ismaili Jamatkhana, believing that serving our community was an important part of building a meaningful life.

Our first son, Khurshid, was born in 1973. I will never forget that my employer refused to give me even a couple of days off to be with my newborn son, taking advantage of the fact that I was working without proper documentation. It was a difficult and painful experience that many immigrants of my generation can understand.

When our second son, Zulfiqar, was born in 1980, circumstances had improved, and I was finally able to take a week off to be with my family — a blessing I deeply appreciated.

Throughout every challenge, my wife, Rashida, stood beside me with unwavering strength and love. She has been an extraordinary life partner and a devoted mother. Together, we worked hard, lived within our means, and made education the highest priority for our children.

By the grace of Allah, our sacrifices were rewarded. Today, Khurshid is a successful attorney and owner of his own law firm in California, while Zulfiqar serves as a Senior Vice President at a Fortune 500 company.

My life’s journey has taught me that hard work, perseverance, responsible financial planning, and faith can transform dreams into reality. If you work diligently, save for the future, and never lose hope, retirement can become one of the most fulfilling chapters of life.

Today, my wife and I are happily retired, grateful for the opportunities we were given and proud of the family we have built.

As we reflect on our journey, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the United States of America for welcoming us, giving us opportunities, and allowing us to build a life that once seemed beyond our reach. We remain forever grateful to this great nation.

Sincerely,
Pyarali Khoja.

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A Heartfelt Thank You to America on Her 250th Birthday

By AZIZ HUSSAIN
Lilburn, Georgia

On this proud and historic occasion of America’s 250th birthday, my family and I extend our deepest gratitude, respect, and love to this extraordinary nation — a nation that has given us not only a place to live, but a place to belong.

I came to Chicago from Pakistan in 1985 with my wife, Fariel, and our two young sons, Faisal Hussain and Asif Hussain, carrying with us our education, our values, and hearts full of hope and dreams. Like so many immigrants, we arrived with optimism for the future, but also with uncertainty about what lay ahead.

The early years were not easy. We had to learn a new way of life, adapt to a new culture, work hard to support our family, and help our children adjust to a new school system and society. There were struggles, sacrifices, and many challenges. Yet alongside those difficulties, we also found opportunity, kindness, and the promise of a better future.

Over time, America became much more than the country where we settled. It became our home — our sweet home. This nation gave our family safety, dignity, stability, and the opportunity to build a better life. It gave our children the gift of quality education, the freedom to dream, and the chance to succeed. It gave us access to healthcare, security, and the confidence that through honest work and perseverance, life could improve for our family and for future generations.

As an Ismaili Muslim family, we are especially grateful to America for protecting religious freedom and respecting the traditions and beliefs of people from all backgrounds.

That is one of the greatest strengths of this nation: people of different faiths, cultures, and communities can live together with mutual respect, shared hope, and a common commitment to a better future.

On this 250th birthday, we proudly say: God bless America.

Thank you for welcoming families like ours with open arms, for celebrating diversity as a strength, and for offering immigrants not only a home, but the chance to build a future with dignity and purpose.

America has been, and remains, a land of hope, opportunity, and freedom. Our family will always carry that gift with gratitude, pride, and enduring thanks.

With love, pride, and sincere gratitude,
Aziz Hussain.

Date posted: August 2, 2026.
Last updated: August 18, 2026.

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