Mike GhouseComments Off on America will be great again
Congratulation to fellow Americans
Finally, my fellow Americans have done it right by giving a slim majority. Whenever Republicans or Democrats have a crazy majority, they become arrogant and pass partisan bills that do not represent Americans at large. Both Obama and Trump admins have passed the bills that did not represent a large swath of Americans as a result they are not sustainable. Trump spent a lot of his time removing the affordable care act and I hope the Biden admin does not reverse the good policies by Trump. This non-sense of flipping each other has to end.
Thanks to the Georgians for giving two senate seats to the Democrats, and thank fellow Americans for taking away a few seats from Democrats in the house and giving it to Republicans. As an independent American, I am happy that no party has a large majority. Trump spent a lot of his time removing the affordable care act and I hope the Biden admin does not reverse the good policies by Trump. This non-sense of flipping each other has to end. Each party will not have the supermajority to slam dunk the judges like Cavanaugh or creepy Attorney General like Barr.
We have to demand from the Democrats to do the right thing – increase the appointments from 51 to 67 votes in the Senate. It will ensure that parties have to appoint men and women to key positions representing a large swath of representation. A judge will no more be a damned Republican or a damned Democrat, and they will be Judges for America. It will fulfill two promises; checks and balances and Biden’s dream of bringing Americans Together.
Dr. Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, author, community consultant, pluralist, activist, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. Mike is deeply committed to Free speech, Human Rights, and Pluralism in Religion, Politics, Societies, and the workplace. He is the founder and president of the Center for Pluralism and a fellow at the World Muslim Congress, a Think Tank and author of the book American Muslim Agenda, building a cohesive America. He has dedicated his life to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions to the media and the policymakers on issues of the day. Everything about him is at www.TheGhousediary.com.
Mike GhouseComments Off on Jeffrey Lang ‘s story resonates with me.
Video clip
Thanks for sharing this; one of my Hindu Doctor friends in Gujarat has experienced a similar experience. Now, he has become a Muslim. He told me he finds reason and common sense in the book.
When I was in my teens, about 17, Islam and the Quran did not appeal to me, and I chose to become an Atheist and remained one for the next 30 years. However, I attended Juma prayers on Fridays, Joined in for the Bhajans in the Hindu temple across my home, attended Mahabodhi center for discourse on Buddhism, and attended lectures on Vedanta Bhavan, and visited the Catholic church. I also learned about Sikhism through our customers in our Flour Mill, and my neighbor and friend were a Jain.
My lecturer A Ramachandra, a Saia baba Bhakt, and I had many discussions on religion in college and at my home; my Maternal Grand Father Shaikh Husain, sometimes my father and our friend Hujjatul Islam Hussain Saheb carried on conversations on the Shia and Sunni Islam. My exposure was to most of the religions prevalent in my town. We did not have the Bahai’s and Jews at that time in my place.
I saw every faith claiming to be valid, and I had asked bluntly, provide me a certificate, signed by God, authenticating your religion. Of course, religions are about belief.
Now and then, I will go back to the Quran, and every time I decided it was not for me. The last time I said that to my self was when I asked Baba, my father-in-Law if Islam was the only religion acceptable to God – he took me over to his room, pulled the Quran, and showed me 3:85, and I did not say anything to him but said to myself again, Islam is not for me.
To cut the story short, I was stunned by a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, which said, finding the truth is your responsibility. Indeed, it is.
So, I rejected everything I knew about Islam and started searching for an inclusive religion, which acknowledged others’ validity, offered universal guidance and Justice, freewill, mercy, caring for others as its cornerstones. All religions provided that despite the practices of their followers. I could have chosen any faith, as all of them offered guidance to live a good life.
Finally, in 1999, I chose Islam because I aligned with its pluralistic values. Like Jeffrey lang was driven by verse 2.2 in the video, verses 49:13, 109:6, 2:256, 17:70, 2:136, 59:8, 2:62, and a few others caused me to choose Islam.
Now, I thank God, I have done extensive learning and continue to learn about Islam. I also thank my right-leaning, supposedly Islamophobes (which they are not) who pointed to me where the problem is – the Quran’s mistranslations. Indeed, that is what makes them fear Islam and become belligerent towards Islam to combat their survival. About 30 verses are deliberately mistranslated to place a wedge between Muslims and others and injected arrogance in them. On top of it, the Hadith, Tafseers, Seerah, and other literature have occasionally portrayed the Prophet negatively instead of a Merciful man.
Even today, I am taken back when I hear a few, a handful of learned Muslims believe in what was dished out to them as Islam without questioning it.
I am committed to Pluralism in particular. As a Muslim, I am committed to portraying Islam as a guide to create cohesive societies where every human feels secure about his/her faith, race, ethnicity, and culture. I have conducted several workshops on the Quran and have responded to mistranslations, including Geert Wilders, Noni Darwish, Robert Spencer, and a lot of them. I have always welcomed the Quran’s Criticism, the Prophet, and Islam, and I will continue to accept it. As it makes me run and find the answers and the wisdom and share back with them, which some of them accept and some reject, calling it Taqiya. You will love my response on Taqiya in the book American Muslim Agenda.
One of these days, I will write the full story, some of my Muslim friends can relate with it.
Dr. Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, author, community consultant, pluralist, activist, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. Mike is deeply committed to Free speech, Human Rights, and Pluralism in Religion, Politics, Societies, and the workplace. He is the founder and president of the Center for Pluralism and a fellow at the World Muslim Congress, a Think Tank and author of the book American Muslim Agenda, building a cohesive America. He has dedicated his life to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions to the media and the policymakers on issues of the day. Everything about him is at www.TheGhousediary.com.
Mike GhouseComments Off on VP Kamala-Ji, an Indian-American Perspective
Way back on January 27, 2019, I wrote in India Abroad, “As Indian Americans, we have a natural affinity for anyone that resonates with us.” Indeed, that is the case with most humans; when you are out in Moscow or Maldives and run into an American, you are more than likely to have a conversation with him/her than anyone else.
One such conversation continues in Indian American homes about Kamala-Ji; I am taking the liberty to call her by her first name as a fellow Indian American. The Ji part is an Indian way of addressing a fellow Indian with respect.
Photo by Adam Schultz / Biden for President
Before the elections, a survey taken by Hopkins School of Advanced International studies indicated a shift of 22% of the Indian Americans going for Trump. However, the majority of Indians align with the Democratic party. That 22% shift came from the right-leaning Indian Americans for three reasons, Kamala-Ji was not their favorite.
First, it was racism. The Washington post had produced a fascinating map of the world’s most and least racially tolerant countries, and unfortunately, India was on top of the list. The denials came; however, the Indian society is deeply entrenched in casteism; another form of racism. They consider Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) to be born inferior and must be kept in the lower rung of the society at any cost. When they see the Black Americans, they see them as Dalits.
Someday, I plan to ask Kamala-Ji a question that has never been asked before. If she was ever ignored or excluded and kept at bay by fellow Indian Americans when she was growing up because her father was a Black American. Her mother had rightly chosen to identify and raise her in the Black community.
The second part of the equation was her competition with Tulsi Gabbard, who aligned with India’s fascist regime of Modi. Modi is the Milosevic of religious racism. His party wants to boot 330 Million Christians and Muslims out of India or live as second-class citizens, which appeals to the 22% segment, hence support Gabbard over Kamala-Ji.
And finally, Kamala-Ji spoke of human rights, lifting the restrictions clamped on the people of Kashmir and taking away their freedom by Modi’s fascist regime, and tightening the noose around India’s Christians and Muslims. Her stance did not go well with the right-leaning Indians. The Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation was frustrated with Capitol Hill’s hearings on Kashmir by the Democrats and expressed that they should consider supporting the Republicans.
Congratulations to Kamala Harris, thanks to Joe Biden and the Democratic Party* for selecting the right candidate to be the first woman vice-President of the United States. We have come a long way in restoring women’s God-given rights since the passage of the women’s suffrage act in 1919. A hundred years later, the same woman who did not have the right to vote became the nation’s vice-president.
She will change the vice-presidency role forever; she will not be a docile poodle like our current vice-President Pence. She will be more active in domestic as well as foreign policymaking. I hope she will take charge of improving race relations and bringing justice to the African American community. Justice runs in her veins. She also needs to apologize to the Sikh Indian community for not standing by them in their right to wear the Turban in the workplace when she was the Attorney General of California.
Vice President Harris is progressive and inclusive. She will not buy into the prejudices that hold the nation back. Her intellectualism is a breath of fresh air. Indeed, it is worth our time to go back and watch her grill Judge Bret Kavanaugh and Attorney General William Barr. Even in the presidential debates, addressing Biden, she said, “that little girl was me” those words are etched in American memory.
She is a confident woman and will stand her ground; we needed a VP who could say no to the President when he is wrong; she will be the one. On his part, Biden will be a secure individual who would welcome debates and discussions about doing the right thing for America and bringing Americans Together.
Dr. Mike Ghouse is an Indian American who lives in Ward 7 of Washington, D.C., and is the founder and President of the Center for Pluralism. He is committed to bringing Americans Together and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the policymakers and the media.
Mike GhouseComments Off on Happy New Year – A message of Optimism
We wish you, your family, and your friends the very best in 2021. Each New Year is a milestone in one’s life. Indeed, it is as much a day of reckoning as it is of celebrations. Reckoning involves reflecting on why you did not get what you had wanted in 2020, and celebrating what you got for your effort and how you made it to where you are today.
Let’s go forward; if I were to ask you on 12/31/2021, how was your 2020? Would you respond, “as planned?” Did you plan it? I am pleased to share the easy way to plan your 2021.
First of all, let’s clean our slates:
If you (and I) have said something nasty to your siblings, spouse, parents, children, friends, clients, or customers – make the effort to call them to apologize. You will not believe the relief it brings. Try with one, if it feels good try with another one. If they are nasty to you, turn the other cheek, that is don’t aggravate it further, say thank you to them, and move on. You did your best to clean the slate. Enjoy being a conflict mitigator and a goodwill nurturer.
If others have harmed you, hurt you, and have said nasty things to you, make an effort to call them and say, “look with this Covid, over 325,000 people have gone, don’t know who will be next, I just wanted to clean my slate and seek forgiveness and forgive and go in peace, if it were my turn. It is good to free ourselves and live in peace instead of brooding. Thank you very much.” Please avoid arguments, it will further aggravate the situation.
If none of them are alive, take solid 5 minutes, sit quietly and do it in your heart, the effect will be the same – relief, and freedom from the tension whenever you think about them.
Did you write your will? Do you have a Medical Directive? Make it easy for your family members should something happen to you. I will be happy to share the sources. If you were to go, go in peace.
You have everything to gain by cleaning your slate, try it, it is worth it.
Nothing happens by itself; things happen because someone causes them or drives them to happen. Did you let others drive your life, or was it your plan? You cannot go on vacation unless your dream about it, think about it, and plan on it. You cannot buy anything unless you start it with a want. Unlike the planets, stars, and many other things in the universe which are programmed to function precisely, humans were given the free will to chart their course.
God does not do anything; he cannot do good things for you and not for others. Indeed, He has laid everything out for you to pursue your happiness and peace; it is up to you to get it.
Here is a simple way of getting what you want! Plan, plan, and plan. The first thing is to know what you want; you should know where you are driving when you turn the ignition.
Buy a dozen 5×3 Cards or fold three regular blank white papers and cut them into pieces. Write the following item on top of each piece and place them in your pocket or purse; Family, job, health, income, vacation, home, retirement, self-improvement, a new image, spirituality, and volunteerism.
As you start driving, making coffee, watching TV, or whatever you are doing, take one piece at a time, start thinking about that item, pull the car over, or go to a coffee shop, and sit down and write your thoughts in bullets on each piece of paper. I am sure you have a few ideas about your family, job, and the other items, whatever comes to your mind, write it down.
One evening you can sit down for a few hours and put it all together. It would become your guideline and your plan for 2021. The more you stare at it, the more it becomes a part of you. Please do it for fun; you will be amazed at what it will do for you.
Spiritual freedom is indeed the greatest achievement in one’s life and it permanently clings to you till eternity. Those of us, who can free ourselves from tension, pain, anxiety, apprehension, hostility, malice, pressure, tension, stress, strain, and conflicts, are showered with blessings of peace and joy. It is good to be free, “indeed blessed are the peacemakers (Jesus).” If you have the time, enjoy this tribute to my late wife http://mikeghouseforamerica.blogspot.com/2008/06/celebration-of-spirit-of-volunteerism.html
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Dr. Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, author, community consultant, pluralist, activist, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. Mike is deeply committed to Free speech, Human Rights, and Pluralism in Religion, Politics, Societies, and the workplace. He is the founder and president of the Center for Pluralism and a fellow at the World Muslim Congress, a Think Tank and author of the book American Muslim Agenda, building a cohesive America. He has dedicated his life to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions to the media and the policymakers on issues of the day. Everything about him is at www.TheGhousediary.com.
Mike GhouseComments Off on PluralismWorkshop Archives
A presentation of the Center for Pluralism. WORKSHOPS ON CULTURE, POLITICS & RELIGION Diverse Topics – Pluralism in politics, culture, religion, and family
Muslims building a Cohesive America Saturday, October 24, 2020 | 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM EST
Presented by MCC Seniors committee and the Center for Pluralism Speaker – Dr. Mike Ghouse, President Center for Pluralism and a fellow at World Muslim Congress
Speaking Peace in a World of Conflict Sunday, Nov 8, 2020 – 12:00 to 1:30 PM – EST
Presented by the Center for Pluralism
We live in a politically charged climate and dangerous times where religion, fragile relationships, and blind misunderstanding has become a powerful tool to divide people and communities.
In this interactive session, we will talk about how our speech can heal or hurt, create joy or suffering, and determine our happiness.
Building a Cohesive India Saturday, Nov 14, 2020 – 12:00 to 1:30 PM – EST
Sponsored by Indians Together – a Whatsapp secular group. How do we build a cohesive India where no Indian has to live in the fear of the other, and everyone must feel secure about his/her faith, culture, and ethnicity.
Muhammad (pbuh) the Peacemaker Sunday, Nov 15, 2020 – 12:00 to 1:30 PM – EST
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not come in the world for Muslims, he came with a message for common goodness. He was a mercy to mankind and was committed to peaceful societies and he knew one cannot build peace in a vacuum, one has to earn the trust of the society, one has to be truthful, reliable, and trustworthy and around whom others have to be safe and secure. His model was that of the ideal citizen.
The Center for Pluralism is organizing this event since 1994, and we have skipped a few years, so it is the 20th Annual Celebration of gratitude. It is an expression of Cultural Pluralism. This year, we will do it virtually with dinner.
The Sikh Community will be honored for the second time for their service to mankind.
The annual Pluralist awards to individuals for their work in Media, exceptional community outreach, support the work of interfaith, and one Special Recognition. Nominations are invited with the full biodata and the impact they have created in society. Please send the material to Mike@CenterforPluralism.com – a committee will finalize the awards.
Recognitions – the interfaith and interracial couples will be recognized for their contribution to building on the idea of one nation.
Why should you run for Public office in 2022 (Monthly event) Sunday, Nov 22, 2020 – 12:00 to 1:30 PM – EST
Did you ever feel that if you were a Congressman, Senator, State Representative, or a councilman, you could have done better than many of them out there? If you did, you are qualified to run for that office. You don’t need any background or experience for that, all you need is courage, the rest we can assist you.
Speakers: – Sam Rasoul – candiddate for Lt. Governor of the state of Virginia – Karishma Mehta – running forr state delegate of the state of Virginia – Ghazala Salam – President, American Muslim Caucus
Co-Host: Aliya Khan is a Community Grassroots Organizer and 2016 and 2020 State Delegate for Senator Sanders. Aliyah is a Co-Founder and Board Member of VMPAC
Host: Mike Ghouse, is president of the Center for Pluralism, committed to building a cohesive America where no American feels excluded.
Busting Myths about Muslims and Hindus Saturday, Nov 28, 2020 | 12:00 PM EST – 1:30 PM EST
Speakers: Dr. Ram Punyani, Dr. Pandit Sharma, Dr. Nyla Ali Khan, Dr. Shamsul Islam, and Dr. Mike Ghouse will moderate the program and Pinki Pathak will MC the program.
The myths and stereotyping have persisted because very few have done anything to change it. Let’s make an effort to understand them. When you work with people of different faiths, ethnicities, cultures, and races, you are bound to encounter conflicts; both real and perceived. The battles may be overt or subtle, but they cause tensions and start pitting one against another. They get entangled in these gratuitous battles instead of enjoying their lives and being productive to their organization, or the community they serve, and even family.
WHY SHOULD YOU RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE (Monthly event) Sunday, Dec 13, 2020 – 12:00 to 1:30 PM – EST
If you are passionate about seeing an America that values human rights and safeguards everyone’s way of life, then now it the right time for you to tune into this monthly program. So what does it take on your part? What can we do to help you become a Congressman, City councilperson, or state representative?
Dr. Arjumand Hashmi, Three Times Mayor of Paris, Texas Puneet Ahluwalia, Contesting for Lt. Governor, State of Virginia Pious Ali, Councilman, Portland, Maine
DESI GOLDEN OLDIES & GOLDEN MELODIES Saturday, December 19, 2020- 8:00-10:00 PM EST
Join us to enjoy the Desi (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) songs from the ’50 and ’60s by great singers from DMV and DFW – Vidya Sagar, Urmila Prasad, Vinita Tiwari, Shalini Kapil, Sunder Naidu, and Rizwan Shaikh.
Mike GhouseComments Off on Covid 19 Wisdom from Ugandan President
Ugandan President’s address to his nation. A wisdom to share
Uganda President KAGUTA MUSEVENI warns against people misbehaving during this COVID-19 period, “God has a lot of work, He has the whole world to look after. He cannot just be here in Uganda looking after idiots…”.
Below is his reported statement.
“In a war situation, nobody asks anyone to stay indoors. You stay indoors by choice. In fact, if you have a basement, you hide there for as long as hostilities persist.
During a war, you don’t insist on your freedom. You willingly give it up in exchange for survival.
During a war, you don’t complain of hunger. You bear hunger and pray that you live to eat again
During a war, you don’t argue about opening your business. You close your shop (if you have the time), and run for your life. You pray to outlive the war so that you can return to your business (that’s if it has not been looted or destroyed by mortar fire).
During a war, you are thankful to God for seeing another day in the land of the living.
During a war, you don’t worry about your children not going to school. You pray that the government does not forcefully enlist them as soldiers to be trained in the school premises now turned military depot.
The world is currently in a state of war. A war without guns and bullets. A war without human soldiers. A war without borders. A war without cease-fire agreements. A war without a war room. A war without sacred zones.
The army in this war is without mercy. It is without any milk of human kindness. It is indiscriminate – it has no respect for children, women, or places of worship. This army is not interested in spoils of war. It has no intention of regime change. It is not concerned about the rich mineral resources underneath the earth. It is not even interested in religious, ethnic or ideological hegemony. Its ambition has nothing to do with racial superiority. It is an invisible, fleetfooted, and ruthlessly effective army.
Its only agenda is a harvest of death. It is only satiated after turning the world into one big death field. Its capacity to achieve its aim is not in doubt. Without ground, amphibious and aeriel machines, it has bases in almost every country of the world. Its movement is not governed by any war convention or protocol. In short, it is a law unto itself. It is Coronavirus. Also known as COVID-19 (because it announced its destructive presence and intention in the year of our Lord 2019)
Thankfully, this army has a weakness and it can be defeated. It only requires our collective action, discipline and forbearance. COVID-19 cannot survive social and physical distancing. It only thrives when you confront it. It loves to be confronted. It capitulates in the face of collective social and physical distancing. It bows before good personal hygiene. It is helpless when you take your destiny in your own hands by keeping them sanitized as often as possible.
This is not a time to cry about bread and butter like spoilt children. After all, the Holy book tells us that man shall not live by bread alone. Let’s obey and follow the instructions of the authorities. Let’s flatten the COVID-19 curve. Let’s exercise patience. Let’s be our brothers’ keeper. In no time, we shall regain our freedom, enterprise and socializing.”
In the midst of EMERGENCY, we practice urgency of service and the urgency of love for others God bless us all
the best and most intelligent public speech ever made during Covid-19. off to him. SALUTE a great leader.
Mike GhouseComments Off on Zoom-Desi Golden Oldies
DESI GOLDEN OLDIES & GOLDEN MELODIES Songs from the ’50s and ’60s. Saturday, December 19, 2020 8-10 PM EST
Join us to enjoy the Desi (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) songs from the ’50 and ’60s by great singers from DMV and DFW – Vidya Sagar, Urmila Prasad, Shalini Kapil, Sunder Naidu, and Rizwan Shaikh.
The Center for Pluralism is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization committed to building cohesive societies where every member of the society feels secure about his/her faith, ethnicity, culture, nationality, or any other uniqueness. Pluralism means respecting the otherness of the other and we have Political, Religious, cultural, and workplace pluralism.
This program is part of our Cultural Pluralism, bringing communities together. You are invited to visit the site www.CenterforPluralism.com
BIOS OF SINGERS& ORGANIZERS
Rizwan Shaikh
Rizwan Shaikh is a versatile singer and has participated in several special programs with us in Dallas and across the nation. He has an incredible range in his voice and can comfortably sing well from Saigal, Rafi, Kishore, Mukesh, and other singers.
He has performed live music programs in several languages and plays the keyboard effectively.
He is also a poet and has been an accomplished cricketer in his youth, having played Ranji Trophy, and Duleep Trophy in the late 60s and early 70s and is still playing and coaching.
Sunder Naidu
Sunder Naidu is a familiar name in DFW entertainment circles. His passion for music and singing dates back almost 60 years. An ardent follower of Talat Mahmood tries to emulate the soft and silky voice of the singer. His love for music was further enhanced when he met his wife Neela(a very good trained singer herself) at the Elphinstone college days and performed there regularly. Dr.Mike Ghouse had a big hand in introducing the Naidu couple to the Dallasites, thru his radio and cultural programs. We are sure Sunder will to this Desi Golden Oldies. Urmila Prasad
Urmila Prasad is a Senior IT Professional working at NASA/Goddard in Maryland. She established Tarang Music Group along with Mr. Vidya Sagar 20+ years ago, which is one of the very first full-fledged orchestra groups in the Washington Metro area.
Urmila has given many performances, local and out of state with her music group. She has been performing Bollywood music from Old to New, with live orchestra and also on Karaoke as the occasion calls for.
She sings in several Indian languages (Hindi, Bengali, Telegu, Bhojpuri); music has been her passion since childhood.
Vidya Sagar
Vidya Sagar is an IT Professional/Engineer who worked at NASA, currently working for Health & Human Services.
Sagar started singing at the age of 4 and has kept up the enthusiasm and passion for music through all these years. He has won many awards in Music Competitions in India and also in US.
With his melodious and mesmerizing voice, he brings back to life the very singers whose songs he renders, be it Rafi, Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar, K.L. Saigal, Mahendra Kapoor, Mukesh…etc.
Shalini Kapil
Shalini Kapil is 26 years old and lives in Greensboro, North Carolina. Shalini has a Bachelor of Music-Vocal Performance degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
She sings in a variety of languages including Italian, German, French, English and Hindi. In addition to Western classical training, Shalini has an affinity for Bollywood film music.
She sings a wide variety of songs from every decade from the melodious 50s, 60s, and 70s to upbeat tunes from the 80s, 90s, and today. Shalini has sung in various competitions and events in her local community and the United States.
Vinita Tiwari
Vinita Tiwari is an educator, writer, poet, and performer. She grew up in Rajasthan, India. She enjoys singing, dancing, and writing poetry in Hindi and actively participates in Kavi Sammelans and Mushairas. She is trained in Indian Classical singing and is a part of the Bollywood band”Bolly Rites.”
Jafar Imam
Jafer Imam worked for the IRS, Dept of Energy, and Loudoun County. He is retired now, but super active in the community. He is well connected with the community and knows who is who in the town. He and his wife Zeenat reside in Sterling, Virginia.
Nuzaira Azam- co-MC
Nuzaira Azam is a seasoned writer based in Washington D.C. A longtime journalist, she has three literary books on her credit, a collection of short stories Ashna na Ashna, and two novels, Khawab Badosh-a novel on immigrants to the. Her latest novel, under the title of Anahita ki Janam Basti, about a woman journalist.
Her writing focuses on Pakistani women’s empowerment, their self-respect, dignity, and the rights of women in a patriarchal society. Nuzaira Azam regularly contributes opinion pieces, articles, and news items for The Financial Daily International (TFD) Pakistan. She heads a journalism organization The Global Beat Foundation.
Mike Ghouse
Dr. Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, author, community consultant, pluralist, activist, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. Mike is deeply committed to Free speech, Human Rights, and Pluralism in Religion, Politics, Societies, and the workplace. He is the founder and president of the Center for Pluralism and a fellow at the World Muslim Congress, a Think Tank and author of the book American Muslim Agenda, building a cohesive America. He has dedicated his life to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions to the media and the policymakers on issues of the day. Everything about him is at www.TheGhousediary.com.
Congratulations to Rehan Allahwala for establishing the Insan Party. Imagine a company – when its members are tense, they will not be as productive.
But when they are free from tensions, the productivity will increase, and when that happens, they may get higher wages. They will also devote 100% of their person to the family members, increasing overall happiness.
Mufti Japanwala speech is identical to my address at the Center for Pluralism. The goals are reasonable. If the society functions cohesively, they can achieve their dream of being a member of G10.
Dr. Amer Suleman of Urdu Ghar in Dallas had translated the meaning of Pluralism as Hum Ahangi – as described in this video. I wish all the best to the Insan Party. interfaith Conference 2020 | insan Party
Mike GhouseComments Off on Zoom-Rights (30) of Muslim Women
30 RIGHTS OF MUSLIM WOMEN IN ISLAM Sunday, December 20, 2020-12:00-1:30 PM EST
It is an event to raise funds to publish the book of the title. It will have great value for Muslim women to realize their rights mentioned in the Quran and live their lives without apprehensions. It also helps change the perceptions about Islam, a pluralistic religion committed to building cohesive societies. Listen to the 30 takes from the Quran about women’s rights.
One thousand four hundred years ago, Prophet Muhammad restored the God-given rights of women to be free, the same rights as men. He made it clear that everyone is individually responsible for their actions on the day of accountability or to their conscience. It was the first time in human history a woman was considered equal to a man. She had the freedom to marry or divorce, own property or business, believe what she wanted to, and live her life. What some men do is their problem, not their religion.
The insecure men of all races and faiths have found a false cover to their insecurities by subjugating, downgrading, oppressing women. Instead of false security they seek, it makes them more frustrated and more chaotic. It has nothing to do with religion but patriarchy and misogyny.
Speakers: Dr. Safi Kaskas & Dr. Mike Ghouse Difficult verses and speaker Bio’s are appended below
I had problems with several verses of the Quran, but it did not matter to me as I lived my life as a pluralist Atheist from 1969-1999. During the ’90s, I entered public life and witnessed severe attacks on the Quran on TV and Radio shows, and I had no problems with the attacks because I saw the problems were the same as they did. The change came when I heard the items that were outright false.
I tried to get on the Tv and Radio shows to correct them, they would not take my calls. David Gold was one of the big talk show hosts then, and he was my tenant; without going into details, he said to me during the lease renewal at his home, “Mike, if I take your call, you will bust my ratings with your facts, and that will affect my income, get this, no tv or radio host will take your call.” That was the turning point for me.
The Bhagavad Gita paved the way for me, it said, finding the truth was my own responsibility. As a seeker of the truth, I emptied everything that was dished out to me about Islam, the Quran, Hadith, and the Prophet. Let me jump the story to a conclusion – I found out that Christian Kings deliberately mistranslated about 30 verses in 1143AD. In 1924, Muslims misinterpreted some verses, both for bloody political reasons to gain support and power. That’s what politicians do, place a wedge between people and pit one against the other.
The truth:Quran is not for Muslims, as the Bhagavad Gita, Bible, or other holy books. Most certainly, the Quran is a book of guidance to build cohesive societies; it is the generic universal book to create just and peaceful societies.
Now coming to the verses, there are over a dozen justice verses that sound bad, if you pluck one verse without reading the three verses before and after. How many times have you found it disgusting that someone took a few words out of your mouth and twisted it?
This show will go straight into the verses, a dozen of them, we will do it as a workshop; I need ten volunteers who have problems OR questions with the Quran and are ready to read the Quran directly with me on the show. I prefer 2 Muslims and eight non-Muslims, including an Atheist or Agnostic.
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Please donate athttps://CenterforPluralism.com/donate America Together Foundation dba Center for Pluralism. ___________________________________________________________________________ Dr. Safi Kaskas
Safi Kaskas is an administrator in the managerial sciences with over 40 years of broad-based experience in strategic planning, leadership, and business ethics with an emphasis on strategic management in the corporate and academic worlds.
He is a co-founder of East West University, Chicago, IL; and was elected as President of its Board of Directors from 1979 – 2005. He continues to serve on its board as an ex officio.
He is the Founder and President of Strategic Edge Management Consultants, Mr. Kaskas helped many mid-level and large corporations successfully develop their business portfolios. His consultant firm focused on strategic development within the health care industry and founded the American Strategic Healthcare Management Company (ASHM) which is active in the healthcare field in Jeddah, Saudi Arabic.
In addition to his focus on strategic management science, Mr. Kaskas has studied Abrahamic religions and lectured throughout the US and the Middle East on subjects related to Islam, interfaith and reconciliation between Evangelicals and American Muslims.
He is Senior Researcher in Islam and Multifaith Reconciliation with George Mason University, Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution.
Mr. Kaskas translated and published the Qur’an into simple easy to understand English in January 2015 and published The Qur’an with references to the Bible in January2016. This book has 3000 references to the Old and the New Testaments.
The Italian translation to The Qur’an with references to the Bible was completed in April 2016 and was presented to his holiness Pope Francis 1 during the same month.
He just completed compiling the first Hadith book/collection of Prophet Muhammad’s sayings on “The Kindest of Manners”. The book will be published during this year.
Working on the translation of Jules La Beaume (1806-1876) Le Koran Analysé” translated to Arabic by Muḥammad Fuʾād ʿAbd al-Bāqī (1882-1968) (Edition : Le Caire , 1955) تفصيل آيات القرآن الحكيم
Mr. Kaskas is a member of the board of the Vatican Foundation International Center Family of Nazareth. ____________________________________________________________________
Dr. Mike Ghouse
Mike is a speaker, thinker, author, community consultant, pluralist, activist, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. Mike is deeply committed to Free speech, Human Rights, and Pluralism in Religion, Politics, Societies, and the workplace.
He is the founder and president of the Center for Pluralism and a fellow at the World Muslim Congress, a Think Tank and author of the book American Muslim Agenda, building a cohesive America. He has dedicated his life to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions to the media and the policymakers on issues of the day. Mike has conducted workshops on the Quran verses at the Parliament of Worlds Religions in Melbourne, Australia, Dallas, Texas, and other places. He has written extensively on the verses that are propagated as troublesome. Everything about him is at www.TheGhousediary.com. __________________________________________________________________________ RESPONSES TO SOME OF THE MANY MALIGNED VERSES
Give tidings (O Muhammad) of a painful doom to those who disbelieve. 9:3
Slay the idolaters wherever you find them. 9:5
Don’t let idolaters tend the sanctuaries. Their works are in vain and they will be burned in the Fire. 9:17
Give tiding of a painful doom to Christians and Jews. 9:34
If you refuse to fight, Allah will afflict you with a painful doom. 9:39
Disbelievers go to hell. 9:49
Those who vex the Prophet, for them there is a painful doom. 9:60
Those who oppose Allah and His messenger will burn in the fire of hell. 9:63
Allah promises hypocrites and disbelievers the fire of hell. Allah curses them. They will have a lasting torment. 9:68
Fight the disbelievers and hypocrites. Be harsh with them. 9:73
Allah will afflict disbelievers with a painful doom in this world and the Hereafter 9:74
For disbelievers, there will be a painful doom. 9:90
Don’t pray for idolaters (not even for your family) after it is clear they are people of hell-fire. 9:113
Fight disbelievers who are near you, and let them see the harshness in you. 9:123
Qur’an 2:65 mentions that Jews who broke the Sabbath were turned into Apes.
3:151 We will put terror into the hearts of the unbelievers. I shall cast terror into the hearts of the infidels. Strike off their heads; strike off their tongue
Believers take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your friends. (5:51)
The unbelievers are your inveterate enemy. (4:101)
Surely the vilest of animals in Allah’s sight are those who disbelieve. (8.55)
The unbelievers among the people of the book and the pagans shall burn forever in the fire of Hell. They are the vilest of all creatures. (98.6)”
