In a three-page letter conveyed through diplomatic channels, Ahmed, an American University professor and former high commissioner of Pakistan to Britain, appealed to Khamenei to free "these young people [who] did not set out to cause problems or tension between the U.S. and the Muslim world."
He wrote that Bauer, a freelance photojournalist; Shourd, a language instructor; and Fattal, an environmentalist with an interest in public health, are actually dedicated to improving U.S.-Muslim and U.S.-Iranian relations.
Ahmed expressed concern for the "mental and physical well-being" of the detainees, particularly Shourd, whom he described as having "a lump in her breast, which demands immediate attention," and "a pre-cancerous cervix, which requires treatment every three months."
She and Bauer are engaged to be married and her condition jeopardizes her life and ability to have children, Ahmed wrote. The two were living in Damascus, Syria, when Fattal joined them for what was supposed to be a one-week trekking trip. The three met as students at the University of California, Berkeley.
Ahmed, who has advised Gen. David H. Petraeus and State Department officials on Islam and foreign policy, said he was "one Muslim appealing from his heart to another Muslim" and had not been asked by any government or agency to initiate the letter. The case was brought to his attention by Fattal's mother, Laura Fattal of Elkins Park.
The appeal comes ahead of the Islamic "Night of Power," a Ramadan occasion when "the gates of heaven are open and God blesses us with his special mercy," wrote Ahmed, who offered to travel to Tehran to meet with Khamenei.
Contact staff writer Michael Matza at 215-854-2541 or mmatza@phillynews.com. 
