American Ismaili Voices: Letter to America — A special series to commemorate America’s 250 Years, with two new letters, September 19

19 September 2026

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Logo Letter to America
This America 250 logo, designed for Simerg, unites national pride, historical significance, cultural inclusion, and future-facing optimism in a cohesive design as the USA celebrates its 250th birthday. Read more about the logo and the series HERE.

Simerg launched its special series, Letter to America, on August 2, 2026. 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

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Thank You, America: You Gave Me a Career Path I Had Envisioned

By AN IRANIAN RESEARCHER
Chicago, Illinois

My journey to the United States began in 2024. For me, as an Iranian, obtaining a U.S. visa was an extraordinarily difficult and uncertain process. When I finally received approval and arrived in America, it marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope, opportunity, and sacrifice.

I began this journey alone, leaving my beloved husband behind in Iran. He has a master’s in mechanical engineering. Building a new life in a new country without the person I love and care for has been one of the greatest challenges I have ever faced. The loneliness has often been overwhelming, but I remind myself every day that this sacrifice is worthwhile because America has given me the freedom to pursue my dreams and build a future based on merit, hard work, and hope.

Professionally, I began my research career in a wet laboratory at a university in Illinois. Through determination, perseverance, and countless hours of work, I earned the opportunity to transition into a clinical research position at another nearby university. This was the career path I had envisioned, and I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity.

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“America has already taught me one of life’s greatest lessons: when opportunity is paired with determination and hard work, dreams can become reality.”

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Every day, I continue to learn, grow, and contribute to research that advances patient care and medical science. Scientific research demands patience, discipline, and resilience, and I embrace those challenges wholeheartedly. Although I continue to wait with hope for the day my husband can join me, I remain committed to giving my very best to the work I have been entrusted to do.

Beyond my professional life, I have found a second family within the Chicago Ismaili community. The Jamatkhana has become my sanctuary — a place of peace, comfort, and spiritual strength whenever the pressures of life feel overwhelming. Surrounded by a caring community, I have never truly felt alone. Here, every Ismaili feels like family, and that sense of belonging has carried me through difficult days.

America has already taught me one of life’s greatest lessons: when opportunity is paired with determination and hard work, dreams can become reality. For that, I am profoundly grateful.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I offer my heartfelt appreciation for the opportunities, freedoms, and hope this nation has given me. Happy 250th Birthday, America.

Thank you, America.

Iranian Researcher.

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An Appreciation for a Great Country with Great People

By ABDULREHMAN VIRANI
Mableton, Georgia

Dear America and Friends of America,

Happy 250th Anniversary!

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with historical commemorations culminating on July 4, 2026, my heart is filled with gratitude. This milestone gives me an opportunity to reflect on my journey and express my sincere appreciation for a country that has given so much to my family and millions of others.

I arrived in this beautiful country from Pakistan in 1972 as a student in Chicago, carrying little more than hopes, dreams, and a determination to pursue higher education and build a better future for my family. Like so many immigrants, the early years were not easy. Adapting to a new culture, establishing ourselves, and overcoming countless challenges required perseverance, sacrifice, and long hours of hard work. Yet America gave us something priceless — opportunity. It rewarded dedication, opened doors to education, encouraged entrepreneurship, and allowed us to build a life that once seemed beyond our imagination.

One of the greatest blessings during those early years was the kindness of the people we met. I remain deeply grateful to my very first employer, Gary Leib, at Dudley’s Restaurant in Chicago, and to his wonderful family. Their generosity, encouragement, and compassion helped us find our footing in a new country and gave us the confidence to begin the next chapter of our lives. Their kindness will forever remain a cherished part of our family’s American story.

The opportunities America provided also inspired me to give back. Throughout my life, I have been privileged to serve in leadership roles within the Ismaili Muslim community while contributing to mediation, peacebuilding, and humanitarian initiatives across the United States and internationally. Serving others has been my way of expressing gratitude for the opportunities and freedoms this nation has afforded me.

As America commemorates 250 years of independence, we honor the vision, courage, and sacrifices of those who founded this nation and the generations who have defended its freedoms. May we continue to uphold the enduring values of liberty, opportunity, respect, compassion, and unity that have made the United States a beacon of hope for people from every corner of the world.

To my dear family and friends, thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. Your love, friendship, encouragement, and unwavering support have enriched our lives in countless ways. We are truly blessed.

May God continue to bless the United States of America with peace, wisdom, unity, and prosperity, and may He bless all those who proudly call this remarkable nation home.

My warmest wishes to all Americans as we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary!

AbdulRehman Virani.

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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.

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“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.

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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: September 19, 2026.

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