Muslims Pay Tribute to Veterans on Memorial Day 2017

Mike Ghouse September 17, 2020 Comments Off

This article was first Published on 05/29/2017 08:31 am at – : https://www.huffpost.com/entry/muslims-pay-tribute-to-veterans-on-memorial-day-2017_b_592c1258e4b08861ed0ccaf6

MIKE GHOUSE AT GRAND PRAIRE NATIONAL CEMETERY

We at the Center for Pluralism will pay homage to our veterans on the memorial day by visiting the Arlington National Cemetery. This year we are not organizing an event, but will pay a simple visit. You are invited to join us at the Arlington National Cemetery between 2:00 and 3:00 PM today, Monday, May 29, 2017 to pay tribute to our veterans. An annual tradition that I have been following for several years.

My Maternal Grandfather had brainwashed me that life becomes meaningful if you attend a funeral for each wedding you attend. Believe it or not, there is peace when you visit a cemetery. One nation under God will remain rhetoric, if we don’t act and feel a sense of oneness with fellow Americans. At this moment in the history, the American Muslims, Hispanics, Blacks, LGBT community, the forgotten Americans and others are struggling to feel one with fellow Americans.

America is our home and we have to feel secure no matter where we live in her lap. To paraphrase Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), “A home is like a mother’s lap where the baby feels safe, and despite what goes on around her; the baby knows mother will protect her.” We should have faith in our constitution and the enduring American values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We have to invest our hearts, souls and minds in America.

Half of the battle involves shedding the victimhood and the other half through connecting with fellow Americans, particularly those who feel alienated. We have to take actions to change how secure we feel about our homeland. This essay is about taking those steps to change the sense of in-alienation.

To quote Professor William James, “Actions seems to follow feeling, but really actions and feeling go together; and by regulating the action, which is under the more direct control of the will, we can indirectly regulate the feeling…”

Given the alienation Muslims and others may feel with the current political rhetoric, the Memorial Day facilitates an opportunity to bind with each other, and to be one with all. It is an incredible feeling; it is like being in mother’s lap.

The freedom that you and I cherish did not come to us on a platter, and was not a given thing either; it was earned for us through the sacrifices of men and women who fought for it. It is particularly an important day for all the immigrants who enjoy the freedom and all the opportunities America offers, and owe that gratitude to our veterans.

The tradition of Memorial Day observance began after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and confederate soldiers who died in the civil war. Indeed, it was the civil war that abolished slavery, and was the stepping stone for passing the Civil rights Act of 1964 which allowed all immigrants to be equal citizens.

Bonding with fellow Americans

One of the greatest values about American culture is the amount of reverence given to the final resting place of our veterans. The Veteran cemeteries I have been to are usually in hills and valleys – a place of serenity and heaven on the earth for our veterans. Here is what I have done over the years.

Every Memorial Day the soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) plant a flag in front of each grave marker in Arlington National Cemetery, Va. The flags represent our thanks for their service to our nation, the sacrifices they made and the blood they shed, regardless of their own backgrounds or faiths. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.)

On the Memorial Day in 2010, I drove from Louisville to Dallas, an 840 miles journey and stopped at every cemetery that was visible on the road side. I would recite a short prayer asking the creator to restore the balance on earth though forgiveness to those who have sinned and bring completeness to those who left incomplete transactions in life. I particularly remember stopping at 4 national cemeteries, and there was one near Nashville on I-40 for the veterans, which was off the road, and I drove through a creek to get there and paid my homage to the men and women who died for my country’s freedom. It just feels good to be a part of the whole.

We acknowledge God as the sole creator and lord of the universe, and to him alone we worship and seek guidance, and ask him to help us guide on the right path. In the second supplication we ask God to forgive the ones who are alive, and the ones who are not, their parents, family, friends, believers and strangers.

This year I will miss visiting the National Cemetery in Grand Prairie, where my friend and father figure Mr. Everett Blauvelt is resting. He served in the U.S. Navy off the coast of Brazil during World War II. I will also be missing visiting the Islamic Cemetery in Denton, both in Texas to pay homage to my late wife Najma she passed away a decade ago.

Every cemetery I spot on the Memorial Day, I pull over and silently pray. Praying for the unknown connects you with the unselfish-self in you, giving a sense of oneness that is hard to explain. Try it and see how good you feel about yourselves and how you will develop a sense of bonding with fellow Americans – visit a cemetery, eventually we all have to go there.

Dear God, I thank you for the life and the freedom you have given me and my fellow humans, and I thank all those who have sacrificed their lives for me to have this freedom to stand freely and pray here today. I salute our men and women in the uniforms for protecting and defending our freedom. Amen.

Of the many things that brings serene happiness to the soul is the expression of gratitude Thanks to our soldiers who fought in the wars to preserve that freedom for us, and the least we can do is honor them. If you see men and women in the uniform, please let them know that you appreciate them.

God bless America!

Mike Ghouse is committed to build a cohesive America where no American feels alienated.

Anti-Sharia rallies are bad for America – Mike Ghouse

Mike Ghouse September 16, 2020 Comments Off

This article was first Published on 06/09/2017 03:45 PM at – : https://www.huffpost.com/entry/anti-sharia-rallies-are-bad-for-america-mike-ghouse_b_593ae85be4b0b65670e569fe

The Nation is bracing to manage the chaos coming through the nation wide Anti-Sharia rallies planned by Act for America, an organization committed to pit one American against the other and destroy the fabric of our nation. American Muslims firmly believe in free speech and are not opposing or participating in it, but are concerned about the safety of Americans.

These rallies are bad for America, it will generate a lot of animosity towards fellow Americans, and you will see blatant harassment of fellow Americans on the streets, schools, subways and public places. It will cause law and order issues and make it increasingly difficult to manage the nation and cities in America. No one will be at peace; the ones who intend to frighten and the ones who are apprehensive will not live in peace, it is a mess for all Americans, is this the America we want?

The ideal thing to do is to sit down and have a dialogue and discuss the issues and find solutions. Some Americans are afraid of the word Sharia, and it is the duty of American Muslims to allay those fears. The Center for Pluralism, an organization for all Americans has taken the responsibility to inform, educate and bring security to each one of the 323 Million Americans through Education. A Symposium on Sharia is in the making, and Republican Congressman Pete Sessions and Democratic Congressman Andre Carson have initially agreed to support this initiative. We will invite individuals like Pamela Geller, Brigitte Gabriel on one side and Muslim Imams on the other to present papers and let public listen, learn and absorb. We want to do the right thing for America.

Brigitte Gabrielle, my frequent combatant on the Sean Hannity show at Fox News is organizing nationwide Anti-Sharia rallies on June 10th. Her organization, ACT for America is divisive and pits one American against the other. Our organization, Center for Pluralism (CFP) on the other hand is inclusive and brings Americans together under one flag for the safety and security of Americans. I urge Ms. Gabriele to consider withdrawing this gratuitous act and join us in a civilized conversation on Sharia in a symposium we are planning. Let’s stay focused on peace and prosperity and not conflicts and confusion.

What is Sharia?

First, let’s get the position of American Muslims out of the way. They have fully subscribed to values enshrined in our constitution and strongly believe in the law of the land. Like all Americans, they have taken a pledge to defend, protect, honor and preserve the laws of the land. We are all on the same page.

Secondly, they and their institutions are not seeking or asking for the type of Sharia that ACT for America is opposing.

Muslims around the world, like many Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs and others believe that their religious laws are God’s laws to follow. As a matter of fact Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, correctly points out in his book that since the Constitution of the United States follows God’s laws which are consistent with the Quran, the U.S. is Sharia compliant. Many of the things that we hear of and abhor, such as an adulterer being stoned is not called for in the Quran. These are not God’s laws but a cultural phenomenon.

Classification of Sharia Based on the accountability factor, responsibility and authority to enforce the laws, the Muslim Sharia laws can be classified as Personal and public in nature.

Personal Sharia is a covenant between an individual and God, the accountability, performance or lack of performance of such covenants is between God and the individual and not anyone’s business. Examples: Praying, fasting, Charity, pilgrimage (Hajj), caring for neighbors etc.

Public Sharia on the other hand is a covenant between two or more individuals where the third party administers its execution. Examples: Divorce, inheritance, rape, theft, business or personal contracts, Marriage gift (Mahr) etc. Performance of lack of it becomes a public issue and the third party’s decision is binding on both the parties and is subject to penalties and punishments. The issue

Sharia law like any other law of the land was designed to serve justice to its followers. A century after the death of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the emerging community was facing newer problems and thus the religious men at that time decided to create a body of law to address the conflicts. Most of the laws were derived from their understanding of Quran and Prophet’s practices, but some were from cultural practices at the time, and thus are technically not Sharia. Many a Muslims consider it as divine law and as such amendments have been non-existent in the context of changing world. In contrast, the US constitution has allowed amendments throughout its existence to reflect the prevailing norms and commonly acceptable values of the society.

Conflicts

Muslims like any group of people want justice and they believe the American laws serve the needed justice, and hence they chose to abide by the American Laws for resolving conflicts between two individuals.

However, some of the immigrant Muslims steeped deeply in religion wanted to follow the laws they were familiar with just as Jews, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and other wanted to follow their customs. As an example a Catholic who marries cannot re-marry under God’s law in their tradition unless the marriage itself was never recognized in the eyes of God. This is known as an annulment and the Catholic Church enforces this law of God as they see it.

Muslims have never asked that their laws be applied in all disputes but personal disputes, applicable to the individuals to give them comfort and a sense of justice.

Given the political and economic conflicts we had with a few nations including Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Iran, Afghanistan and other Muslim majority nations, we equated their practices like cutting the hands of the thieves, lashing or stoning the adulterers, forcing women to wear face veil and denying equal space for women as the crude form of Sharia. But in reality, none of this is even in the Quran. It is more culture based and has nothing to do with Islam. As an example, Death Penalty is not universal in all the States of the United States. Even though most of Americans laws have origins in Sharia-like laws, we have moved away from them, indeed they are appalling thoughts in America today.

Most American Muslims are clear what they want, but for a few who have made irresponsible statements that has fueled the anti-Sharia drive. This is a legitimate fear that drives concerned Americans to attack it preemptively. No American wants to live in tensions or fear of a fellow American. Sharia will continue to frighten fellow Americans, if we don’t talk with each other and educate ourselves in this area. The Muslim segment of the Center for Pluralism is committed to do that.

American Muslims are not looking for the public Sharia (as practiced in Saudi, Iran or other Muslim majority nations) to be implemented in America. However, a few men and women saw the opportunity to oppose Sharia that no Muslim group or institution had even requested it to be implemented. They made a business out of it and nearly $100 Million dollars have been earned by the opposers of the Sharia – a gratuitous act, and waste of public time.

Sharia will not make it in America even if Muslims were to become a majority in the year 2117, a hundred years from now. An overwhelming majority of American Muslims have no appetite for the kind of Sharia that fellow Americans fear.

For example, Muslim’s don’t want their hands cut-off, don’t want a woman having a baby out of wedlock to be buried in the ground and stoned to death. They do not want lashes for adultery. American Muslims really don’t want that kind of Sharia, and American Muslims realize it is not what God wants.

The Manmade Sharia is not divine and it is not about justice, fairness, mercy and kindness, where as God’s Sharia is about justice, fairness, kindness and mercy which is not practiced anywhere.

# # #

Press Conference at the Steps of the US Supreme Court https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB25qSQh_SQ&feature=youtu.be
Press Release – Anti-Sharia Rallies are a waste of time –http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anti-sharia-rallies-are-a-waste-of-time-says-mike-ghouse-of-center-for-pluralism-300469817.html?tc=eml_cleartime
Plan of action Countering the Rallies http://www.albiladdailyeng.com/action-plan-against-anti-sharia-rallies/
Posters for use –http://centerforpluralism.com/sharia-posters-countering-anti-sharia/
Genesis of Sharia Law – http://sharialaws.blogspot.com/2013/02/genesis-of-sharia-law.html
Fixing Sharia Law – http://sharialaws.blogspot.com/2014/01/fixing-sharia-laws.html
Examples of Sharia Law –http://sharialaws.blogspot.com/2011/10/examples-of-sharia-law.html
Silly American Fears of Sharia Law – http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/silly-american-fear-sharia-law-article-1.3229045

#Anti-Sharia, #ACT for America, Center for Pluralism, #Sharia

A Muslims Respond to Perfect Man ( Prophet Muhammad pbuh) – Bill Boards

Mike Ghouse September 16, 2020 Comments Off

This article was first Published on 06/13/2017 10:14 pm at – : https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-muslims-response-to-perfect-man-prophet-muhammad_b_59409a76e4b03e17eee087eb

The despicable “Perfect Man” bill boards are appearing everywhere now, and like all humans, Muslims will respond differently to it. They are not a monolithic group and are as diverse as God’s creation. However, they have a choice to aggravate the conflict further or follow Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad’s formula of conflict mitigation and goodwill nurturence. After all that is what the higher goal of Islam, Christianity or any faith is – restoring justice, goodwill, harmony and peace on earth.

What did Jesus do when he was persecuted and placed on the cross? He said, “Forgive them Lord, for they know not.” What did Muhammad (pbuh) do when the miscreants pelted stones on him during his visit to Taif? He was bleeding and was hurt, but not only forgave, but prayed for them, for they knew not.

Most Muslims will follow the guidance and pray for the well being of screwed up men and women. A few will struggle in forgiving them, and a handful of them will hold grudges and animosity towards the men and women who have placed those nasty bill boards? Those handful of Muslims who are angry are as bad as the handful of Christians who violated the message of love that Jesus preached, unless they are not Christians.

You cannot go wrong following the Guidance from Jesus and Muhammad.

Jesus asked people to “follow him” and Muhammad asked people to follow a coherent system called Islam. A majority of people in all faiths believe in the beauty of their faith; however a few in each group don’t get that right and abuse it to their advantage in making enemies out of those who differ.

Prophet Muhammad taught that “To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil.” It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.” This is a guarantee from God and a challenge to Muslims.

If Muslims claim to be followers of the man who was called “mercy to mankind” shouldn’t they think, act and talk like him? Similarly, shouldn’t the followers of Jesus really follow him?

Dr. Zia Sheikh, Imam of the largest Mosque in Texas, and author of Silencing the Critics writes, “No amount of cherry picked sources quoting weak accounts can taint the facts that Prophet Muhammad was the most influential person in history, affecting positively not only his immediate surroundings, but continents thousands of miles from his ancestral Homeland. History bears witness that he changed society after society in a positive way, so much so that he is loved by people today even more than those people loves their own children.”

It is a game to a handful of miscreants to irritate Muslims for no good reason, and I am sure many will be easily angered, forgetting how they should behave. Muslims are to be a mercy to mankind, and no one should fear a Muslim. Everyone should feel safe around a Muslim and Muslims are to be a just, kind and a merciful people. If Muslims play their part and act like a Muslim that Prophet Muhammad taught, no one will be messing with them nor will they get irritates, instead they will pray for them.

Freedom of Speech

There is one value that Americans value the most: Freedom of speech. It is an alien idea in most parts of the world, you have to be an American (born or naturalized) to understand this phenomenon. This is what defines us – we are fiercely free and freedom fanatics, after all we live in the land of the free and the brave. We all need to work on integrating our values on freedom, and then all of us will be on the same page.

Muslim Americans have a built-in advantage in becoming the defenders of free speech. The Quran insists in chapter 2, verse 256, “Let there be no compulsion in faith” and Prophet Muhammad had once said, “You cannot compel anyone to believe anything against his or her will.”

Finally, as a Muslim, I do not condemn the nasty bill boards, but I forgive them, for they know not and I urge Muslims to pray for them in the steps of Jesus and Muhammad (pbut). Let’s be the blessed peacemakers.

Once we understand freedom, a core American value, respect and live it, some of the conflicts will go away. You might enjoy this humorous satirical short video about liberty.

Dr. Mike Ghouse has dedicated his life to the mission of building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a pluralist, thinker, writer, activist, speaker (Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, Politics and foreign policy) Interfaith wedding officiant and a news maker. More about him in 65 links at www.MikeGhouse.net

#PerfectMan, #ProphetMuhammad, #c, #Huffpost, #MuslimSpeaker, # Imam Zia Sheikh

Muslims Need A Tune-Up On Free Speech, And A Lot Of Catching Up To Do

Mike Ghouse September 16, 2020 Comments Off

This article was first Published on Jun 19, 2017 at – : https://www.huffpost.com/entry/muslims-need-a-tune-up-on-free-speech-and-a-lot-of_b_59455df1e4b0d188d027feeb

As a Muslim I will defend free speech, even if it goes against my traditions and my beliefs, freedom of speech is what defines America, and it is one of the most sacred values of humanity. A few Muslims may not like it, but if they see that Freedom is a God-given, inalienable and inseparable right, they will appreciate it even more.

No bull, but very specific items that require calibrated changes are prescribed in this essay. At this time, I am committed to write three articles. The first one deals with clash of values on free speech, one of the most enduring values of humanity and what does it take to catch up with fellow Americans. The second topic will be about Muslim unwillingness to have a conversation with the ones who are opposed, and finally the deficiency of democratic attitudes in American Muslim Institutions that kills many good ideas and what can be done about it.

Quran -13:11, “Verily, God does not change men’s condition unless they change their inner selves.” – Muhammad Asad, the Quranic exegist elaborates, “This statement has both a positive and a negative connotation: i.e., God does not withdraw His blessings from men unless their inner selves become depraved (cf. 8:53), just as He does not bestow His blessings upon willful sinner until they change their inner disposition and become worthy of His grace. In its wider sense, this is an illustration of the divine law of cause and effect which dominates the lives of both individuals and communities, and makes the rise and fall of civilizations dependent on people’s moral qualities and the changes in “their inner selves”.

Bhagvad Gita 5:14 shares its wisdom, “God does not decide what each person should do, nor he induces people to act, nor does he create fruits of any action. Each person acts according to his/her perceptions of mind.”

Neither Bhagvad Gita nor Quran says the message is for Hindus or Muslims, such is the greatness of holy books, all holy books, the universal books of guidance to build cohesive societies.

Indeed there is no compulsion in what one believes (Quran 2:256); even God does not induce one to do things one way or the other, HE has uploaded “Free-will” and “Free-speech” into every human’s DNA. Didn’t he give a choice to Adam as to what would happen if he were to eat the fruit or not? Adam made the choice, God could have stopped him, but he did not, God meant business – he gave Adam a choice and honored his own word. Watch this 3 minutes humorous video about it.

Video on Liberty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vQs1IcSdYA

Quran 55:5-11 brings clarity to one’s role in life. HE has spread the earth for all living beings. HE has created everything in balance – all things in the universe run per a program – Humans were given a free will to find their own balance and equilibrium. Elsewhere in Quran, he called the human race by the title Ashraful-Mukhlooqat –the honored species. A term to describe the species that did not wash away in floods, blown apart in storms, melted down in heat, crashed under falling meteoroids, died of hunger…. but survived! HE expects this species to preserve and sustain harmony and balance with which he has created the world. That balance is environmental, cultural, religious, physical, social and mental including the human body.

There is plenty of wisdom in Quran with which Muslims can fine tune their future. What is good for Muslims has got to be good for all to sustain. No one can live in peace unless people around him are in peace, no one will live securely unless others around him/ her are secure. It behooves everyone to work for common goodness. Security and peace are pluralistic in nature.

Free Speech and disappointment with Muslim Organizations

After leafing through nearly 50 articles in various News outlets, I am disappointed in Muslim organizations in how they reacted towards the nasty “Perfect Man” bill boards that went up in Indiana, Texas and elsewhere in the nation.

One of the most cherished values of America is free speech; indeed, it is an Islamic value as well. If Muslims need to build bridges on common grounds, it would be on free speech. All of us need be on the same page. Muslims are far behind on the topic.

Muslim responses were that of anger, fear, begging for sympathies and seeking support from others. Can’t Muslims tolerate that nasty Perfect Man bill board? Are Muslims so thin skinned? Is their faith so weak that they think Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) will disappear by such bill boards? Is it easy to provoke them? Isn’t it? As long as you get irritated, they will do more of it.

Isn’t it the responsibility of Muslim organizations to understand and communicate the meaning of free speech to Muslims? Every American should fight for his or her right, but without attacking free speech. The intent is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill – a formula of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

In Huffington Post, we wrote, “Muslims Respond to ‘Perfect Man’ Bill boards’ and offered solutions and invoked responsibility for Muslims and Christians to do the right thing – accept and respect free speech. All the issues related with it and quotes from Quran, Prophet Muhammad and Jesus are included in the following article at Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/59409a76e4b03e17eee087eb

It is also published at the Center for Pluralism: http://centerforpluralism.com/muslims-respond-to-perfect-man-prophet-muhammad-pbuh-bill-boards/

Just take a look some of the titles – a sheer lack of knowledge on first amendment, Google for “Muslims respond to the Perfect Man (Muhammad pbuh) you will find over 50 news items – all negative responses.

Muslims React to Bill Board insulting Prophet Muhammad
Indy Muslims call out creators of local billboards that insults Prophet Muhammad
Muslims outraged by billboard that insults Prophet Muhammad
Bill board disparaging Prophet sparks outrage from Muslims
Muslims says bill board insults Islam and need to be taken down

America solidly stands on free speech, an enduring value we cannot compromise on. Muslims will find comfort with fellow Americans if they fully understand Free Speech. We strongly recommend you to take the online course on Free Speech from the Religious Freedom Center located at Neseum in Washington, D.C. with a weekend attendance at the Center. Please check www.ReligiousFreedomCenter.orgThis will ease the tension with the stuff like Bill Boards, Muhammad Cartoons, Quran Burning or Quran Bashing. The Center for Pluralism will assist you in every which way, we can and will also arrange for a three hours intensive workshop on First Amendment and Free Speech at your place at your cost. Let’s learn to live gracefully with the free speech no matter how ugly it is.

The Center for Pluralism has consistently offered pluralistic solutions on issues of the day, we are in the news every week- if you are in the business of serving public, be there every week and serve the community.

Last week we offered solutions on Anti-Sharia Rally. http://centerforpluralism.com/anti-sharia-rallies-are-bad-for-america-mike-ghouse/

Over the last 20 years, we have brought actions and solutions to a variety of issues including: Quran Burning Pastor Terry Jones in Mulberry, Florida and Quran bashing pastor Robert Jeffress in Dallas, Texas. We were involved in Ground Zero Mosque and have responded to Fitna film by Geert Wilders. We have provided standard responses to non-sense spewed by Noni Darwish, Walid Shoebet, Wafa Sultan, Front Page Magazine, and a host of others. This week we will respond to all the items on this nasty bill board. They are not a fact but fiction.

We have organized the first Muslim Intra-faith conference with Shia, Sunni and Ahmadiyya Muslims at University of Houston and many conferences and events after that. We have visited every Muslim denomination mosque during Ramadan and chronicled at www.RamadanNews.com .Talking about Muslim unity is fine, but actually doing the work is better.

We have chosen to work with all of humanity including those who appear to be Anti-Muslim including – Frank Gaffney, David Horowitz, Robert Spencer, Robert Spencer, Brigitte Gabriel, Pamela Geller, John Bolton, Jamie Frank and several others.

We will continue to do this work with your support. Please donate online at: https://www.paypal.me/AmericansTogether or mail the check to Center for Pluralism, PO BOX 1490, Washington, DC 20013

At the Center for Pluralism, we produce results and build a cohesive America, where no American has to live in tension, apprehension or fear of the other.

#Free Speech, #ReligionNews, #Hannity, #FoxNews, #MikeGhouse, #PamelaGeller, #First Amendement, #ReligiousFreedomCenter, #CenterforPluralism

Eid Al-Fitr Ramadan Sermons to focus on building a Secure Cohesive America

Mike Ghouse September 16, 2020 Comments Off

This article was first Published on 06/23/2017 02:42 pm at – : https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eid-al-fitr-ramadan-sermons-to-focus-on-building-a_b_594d5dcae4b0f078efd98135

Mike Ghouse

What is a cohesive America? It is an America where every American does his or her share of work in creating an environment where no one will live in apprehension or fear of the other.

I have spoken to many Imams across America, they all have the intense desire to speak about, “One Nation under God” and plan on strengthening the American values in their sermons on Eid Al-Fitr, the festival celebrating month long fasting on Sunday, June 25, 2017.

The American Muslims, Muslim leaders and Imams of America are committed to achieve a singular goal; to be one with all – E pluribus unum. The pledge resonates with their inner selves! When they recite, “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” It moves them and it is emotional to them.

The idea of “One nation under God” is a basic principle in Islam. When God says (Quran 49:13) that he has created us all from one couple, and that he chose to place us in different nations, religions, races and other uniqueness. It means we are one big nation under God where none is more privileged than the other except for his or her deeds. A good deed is defined by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as something you do that benefit others, like planting a sapling knowing full well that when that sapling becomes a mature tree and gives fruit and shade, you are not the beneficiary but others. We have to leave a good legacy behind us, as someone else has done before us.

John Wayne explains the pledge beautifully. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jf3MQpffBc)

DON’T FORGET

1. To fly the American Flag where ever possible, it represents our dreams, hopes, aspirations and security. America is our home and this is where we will be respectfully and peacefully buried for eternity.

2. To thank the men and women in blue for risking their lives for our safety while we are praying in public spaces. Stop by every police officer, Firemen and women, men and women in Armed Services, and say, ” We thank you for your service.”

The idea behind this special sermon is to encourage Muslims to reach out and build relationships with fellow Americans and create cohesive societies where harmony and peace prevail. Indeed, that is the simplest purpose of Islam. Islam is not about governance, ruling others, imposing one’s values on others, Islam is about learning to live in harmony with oneself and with others. Islam is about freedom.

Verse 49:13 further suggests that given that uniqueness of belonging to different nations, races and tribes, conflicts are bound to happen, and then God says, the best ones among you are those who take the time to learn about each other, and respect the otherness of others (109:6). When we learn about each other, distrust evaporates, conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was committed to peaceful societies and he knew one cannot build peace in a vacuum, one must earn the trust of the society, one must be truthful, reliable, and trustworthy and one around whom others must feel safe and secure. The Prophet lived his life by example and earned the title of Amin from Jewish, Christian, Pagan and other tribes.

Muslims were blessed with this model of Amin, and American Muslims are working on resurrecting that model to encourage individuals to earn the respect and trust of fellow Americans.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE AN AMIN?

Every Muslim should develop comfortable working relationships with all humanity without any prejudice, including Muslims of different denominations.

We must understand Islam in its full glory. We recite that God is Rabbul Aalameen, (Creator of the Universe) and Prophet Muhammad is Rahmatul Aalameen (a mercy to mankind) and that makes us a human for the goodness of all humanity.

Simply put, a Muslim is someone who embraces whole humanity, someone who drops all racial, religious, ethnic and other barriers and respects the otherness of others.

Would you accept a prejudiced God who favors others and not you or vice-versa? Would you accept a God that makes a deal with you behind other’s backs or vice-versa? Would you limit Prophet’s mercy to a part of the humanity or would you ‘allow’ it to be embraced by all humanity?

God has created everything in balance and harmony, and says the best ones among you are those who preserve that harmony by knowing and removing the myths about each other (Quran 55:5-11).

Amins – What is an American Amin Award http://centerforpluralism.com/american-amin-award/

WE MUST:

Respect free speech – it is one of the strongest American values, even if it includes a message that is insulting to what is sacred to Muslims. By the way, it is a strong Islamic value. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prayed for those who insulted him for they knew not in the footsteps of Jesus.
Stop throwing epithets like, “Right wingers”, “Shaitaan”, “Islamophobe” and other dehumanizing words at those who differ with us.
In following Jesus, let’s not condemn anyone but their actions. All individuals have the potential to be redeemed.
Prophet Muhammad taught that “To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil.” It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.” This is a guarantee from God and a challenge to Muslims.
If Muslims claim to be followers of the man who was called “mercy to mankind” shouldn’t they think, act and talk like him? Similarly, shouldn’t the followers of Jesus, Moses, Krishna, Guru Nanak, Bahaullah, Buddha, Mahavir, Rama and other great souls follow them?

We must build a secure America for each one of us and I am pleased to share the comments from within the diversity of Muslims.

Fitrah Muhammad of Masjid Muhammad, “It is our collective work, good spirit, empathy and faith that gives strength. We need each other as G-d has intended and created us to work together to save our souls and seek life liberty and happiness in this life as we secure our place in the next life IA.”

Rehan Dawer of Ethica Alliance share this wisdom, “The utterance (speech) of all the prophets shows that the relationship between the call-giver and his addressees is not that of a rival or a competitor. It has always been a relationship of well-wishing and trust building. No matter how rude or unpleasant the behavior of the people, the prophets/messengers always remained their well-wishers till the last moment. They delivered the message with a feeling that the message belongs to all people and that he is holding it in trust for them, and that, by delivering it properly, he is relieving himself of a great responsibility. In their footsteps, our utterance (speech) should reflect the same sense of responsibility and well-wishing towards all people, encouraging harmony and calling people to remove harm and replace with good.”

Nadia Hassan of Young Leaders Institute comments, “As a proud American Muslim woman, I’ve built my safety net with the infinite love that I have in my heart for my fellow Americans and for humanity, at large!

Dr. Humaira Ali, a Medical volunteer, “We Muslims are hardworking, honest Americans, Who are doctors and drivers , teachers and technologists, lawyers and law makers, engineers and electricians. We are Americans, we are also Muslims and proud to be so. When we are tax payers, competent, confident and compassionate individuals serving our families and communities and our beautiful country, we have nothing to fear.”

The recent tragedies with Muslims in Washington DC are including the brutal murder of Nabra makes all of us Americans to work hard in building a cohesive America. We need to focus on prevention and solutions and let the police determine if it’s hate crime or road rage. Let’s not speculate and frighten our sisters any more.

We thank our Imams for standing up to do the right thing, when we asked them to pray for the Christians, Shia and Yazidi women who were persecuted, harassed, maimed, raped and killed by Daesh – our Imams prayed for them in Friday mass. We are pleased to work with them in bringing safety and security to America.

CFP – i.e., Center for Pluralism is not talk-talk, but just do it kind of organization. Instead of frightening fellow Muslims or fellow Americans and asking for donations, we take solid positive step to bring the change and give hopes. You must visit the site and explore and be a part of it as a volunteer, a board member, advisory, organizer, or simply a donor. There is a lot more positive work to do without denigrating others.

#Eid_Mubarak, #Eid-AlFitr, #AmericansTogether, #MuslimsTogether, #CohesiveAmerica, #MikeGhouse, #Pluralism,

July 4th: Muslims have been an integral part of the United States of America since her birth

Mike Ghouse September 16, 2020 Comments Off

This article was first Published on 06/30/2017 06:38 PM at – : https://www.huffpost.com/entry/july-4th-muslims-have-been-an-integral-part-of-the_b_5956c98be4b0f078efd989df

Did you know that the Muslim contribution and participation in the United States of America began at the birth of our nation?

The Fourth of July should not simply come and go; we must make it a remarkable day. It should be a great happening to augment National Integration. Let’s call July 4th as our national Integration day, where Americans of all faiths, or no faith, races, ethnicities, nationalities, political, sexual and other orientations come together to celebrate the oneness of our nation.

Each one of us will resuscitate our pledge, “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” We further commit to the safety and security of every American. All Americans need to feel safe. If others around us don’t feel safe it is very difficult for us to come together as a nation.

We need to bring aboard all Americans and embrace the Muslim Americans and other Americans who are sidelined now. This is a morale booster for all of us Americans, just like the new freedom breathed into our nation by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., a freedom from the burden of treating the African Americans less than the dignity they deserved for their contributions in building America.

MUSLIM SUPPORT OF AMERICA

Muslims have been contributors towards the well being of the United States of America from the very beginning -the declaration of independence on July 4th, 1776. Not only did they acknowledge the new state, but the treaty signed with Morocco and the United States is one of the oldest operating documents in the world.

Morocco’s Sultan Muhammad III was the first world leader to recognize the sovereignty of the United States followed by Nederland’s Johannes de Graaf and Tipu Sultan of Mysore (India).

According the Dr. Range Gowda, an authority on Tipu Sultan, “That Tipu Sultan had fire crackers going up in Sriranga Patna, his capitol cheering America’s independence. He faced the same enemy that the George Washington had faced: Lord Cornwallis.”

Now is the time to revive that relationship and strengthen it.

JOIN THE CELEBRATIONS

What: July 4th Celebrations
Time: 2-4 PM ( right after the end of July 4th Parade at the National Mall
Where: Farragut Square, Washington, D.C. (right across from the Farragut West Metro) 912 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006

July 4th means freedom, understanding and unity. It’s a time to once again reflect on what it means to be an American—the spirit to be creative, generous, and proud to extend a hand. The program will change your relationship between yourself and all other Americans; No American regardless of background will be on sidelines any more, but a part of the American Story. Let’s come together and celebrate.

July 4th represents everything to Muslims and the biggest is the freedom. Islam is indeed about freedom of conscience, justice and liberty.

The Pledge of Allegiance is one of the most cherished statements for Muslims. The Quran asserts those values, so it’s like coming home for Muslims.

The concept of equality is etched and nurtured in the Muslim psyche in every ritual and spiritual practice of Islam. Prophet Muhammad delivered the following words in his last sermon, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also, a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action.” 1144 years later, we crystallized a similar statement in our immortal declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self–evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The raging battle among Americans to keep the state and church apart resonates with Muslims living in America as the Quran speaks out to them, 49:13- “O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in the sight of God, is the best in conduct. God Knows and is Aware.” Indeed, knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance of the otherness of others and appreciate a different point of view without having to agree with it. We have come a long way, and still have miles to go to realize the above truths, and realize we will.

The Center for Pluralism is highlighting the Muslim contributions to America. Each one of the Board Members is excited. Dr. Karen Hollie-Thibodeuax, Fatima Argun, Sam Madden, Dana Lankford-Russell and the supporting team members O.S. Modgil and Ali Azhar Fateh have provided extensive support. The encouragement and long term support for Pluralism came from Ambassador Sada Cumber, Mr. Farooq Wazir Ali and Professor Emeritus Dr. Harbans Lal who are genuinely committed to a cohesive America. There are Muslims who strongly believe in integrated societies and support such activities and one of them is Dr. Frank Islam, a philanthropist who believes in the need for such societies through research, education and action. Dr. Frank Islam is also a contributor at Huffington Post and a TV personality with his own show.

First, I pray for the spirit of that freedom to be born again, again and again every year, for eternity. Indeed, we are the land of the free and the brave. The whole world looks up to America with admiration, although we still have a few more milestones to achieve.

American Muslims are making serious efforts to be fully participating and contributing members of American society for the security, peace and prosperity of our homeland. They have unequivocally stood up for free speech.

American Muslims uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in the U.S. constitution. Their faith reinforces the creed of “One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

The more integrated we are, the safer it is for every one of the 322 million Americans to feel and live safely.

There are many events taking place on July 4th in Washington, D.C., the July 4th National parade ends at 2:00 on Constitution Avenue and one of the events where you can learn about the history starts at 2:00 PM at Farragut Square

This program offers a special opportunity to embrace those who have stayed on the sidelines. We all must come together and celebrate it big time. We are one nation, the more we are one, the more secure we will be. (Right across from the Farragut West Metro) 912 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006 http://centerforpluralism.com/july-4th/

Don’t forget to bring your flags and chairs.

Dr. Mike Ghouse has dedicated his life to the mission of building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is founder and president of the Center for Pluralism in Washington, D.C. He is a pluralist, thinker, writer, activist, speaker (Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, Politics and foreign policy) interfaith wedding officiant and a news maker.

India’s Supreme court’s wrecking ball wrecks Triple Talaq in one instance

Mike Ghouse September 16, 2020 Comments Off

This article was first Published on 08/23/2017 12:46 pm ET at – : https://www.huffpost.com/entry/indias-supreme-courts-wrecking-ball-wrecks-triple_b_599dac25e4b056057bddd005

India’s Supreme court’s wrecking ball does it.

India’s Supreme Court bans the practice of Triple Talaq (Hitherto, a man could pronounce the word divorce three times in a row making divorce effective instantly) in one-shout and asks the legislators to pass a law to make unilateral divorces illegal and punishable The court has wrecked a long held misogynistic practice in the likes of Sati practice.

As a Muslim, let me welcome the Supreme court’s verdict, it amounts to restoring Islam’s basic tenet: justice.

The state should not interfere in religious practices, however, triple Talaq in “one instance” is not religious. It is not Islamic nor Quran approves of such atrocity. God does not like divorce, but has given the option to divorce should the differences between husband and wife become irreconcilable and unbearable. Quran is about justice to every human being and it prescribes that it should be done in three months allowing the couple to reconcile or reaffirm their decision (Reference: Quran, Surah Talaq Chapter 65 translations by Mohammad Asad, Yusuf Ali or Fateh Mohammad Khan) in the presence of witnesses from the community.

Triple Talaq in one-shout is a cultural misogynistic practice and not Islamic, and the Supreme court as a body to ensure justice to all citizens has a right to restore justice to Muslim women in this case and it does not amount to interference in religious matters, it is not in the Quran.

Arfa Khanam a journalist posted something to this effect, “If triple Talaq in one instance is allowed for men, it should be extended to women as well.” She makes perfect sense!

However, it is not a significant decision, but a small step towards justice for women but a giant leap towards restoring women’s rights and dignity. My friend Suhaib Siddique has pulled some statistics, “Divorce rate among Indian Muslims is 0.56% (2011 Govt. of India census), and Triple Talaq (Instant Divorce) among Indian divorcee is 0.8%” this is backed by a recent survey by Dr. Abu Saleh Shariff of US India Policy Institute. Though instant unilateral triple Talaq is morally wrong, the ones affected by it are less than 1/10th of one percent among divorcees.

It is not a political victory to BJP either, they are not for women’s rights, as a larger number of Hindu women are mistreated in marriages and particularly divorced single women. Laws should be made to prevent abuses, rapes, domestic violence and dowry burning for a larger number of people to bring justice to women. Then they can claim victory.

Dr. Shariff writes, “Anyone trying to improve the conditions of Muslim women by talking of the red herring of triple talaq should know the depth of sufferings of 2.4 million deserted women. “No injustice should be meted out to our mothers and sisters in the name of religion or community,” Modi had said. Will he not take up their cause despite the fact that the vast majority – 1.9 million – are Hindu and there may be no political gain from talking about their plight?” It is time for PM to speak up as abandoned wives outnumber Triple Talaq victims.

It’s not a defeat to All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) either, it’s rather a reminder to them to do the right thing. I am glad they welcomed the decision and they have every right to appeal and defend their stance and fight it out. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had said education is necessary and every contract should be in writing, indeed the Nikah Namah (Marriage Contract) is invariably signed by both the bride and groom and two witnesses, the AIMPLB can introduce that the final divorce at the end of third month should go through a similar process and not verbal. They have a lineup of things to do and they can work on banning the Halala practice before supreme court steps in. Let’s clean it up ourselves before someone does.

Arnab Goswami shouting at his Republic TV “SC has passed a historic judgment which will help millions of millions of Muslim women in India.” Arnab is pure non-sense, where did the bloody million come into his mouth? Facts and statistics don’t matter to him, he wants to build up his ratings by pandering to the mean instincts of the public.

It is a victory for women, first for Muslim women and I hope the legislators work on justice for all women. I believe most Muslims will accept this decision whole heartedly if they study Quran and understand justice is the foundation of Islam.

No nation will prosper if its society is divided, we blame the British for dividing us, and now we have the new dividers in the guise of BJP. They need to prove to Indians that they are for every Indian, and that no Indian is entitled to more rights than the other. What Muslims want is equal access to jobs, education, justice, business loans, home loans, rental homes and nothing more. Isn’t that the moral responsibility of the party that rules the nation to assure every citizen of justice?

How would that benefit the nation? It produces more consumers for businesses to produce cars, build homes, manufacture products and develop more products to bring about sab ka vikas. If Bill Gates did not make other people millionaires’, he would not have become a billionaire. If Modi does not believe in sab ka vikas and practice it, it is merely bakawas. I pray he listens to his best instincts and restores the righteousness in society, a society where every Indian lives without fear.

Mike Ghouse is president of the Center for Pluralism and is committed to build cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

#Supreme Court of India, # Triple Talaq, # Unilateral divorce, # Center for Pluralism

INDIA & USA: Eid Al Adha celebrations, Hinduism and Islam.

Mike Ghouse September 16, 2020 Comments Off

This article was first Published on 09/01/2017 03:11 am ET – : https://www.huffpost.com/entry/india-usa-eid-al-adha-celebrations-hinduism-and_b_59a9064fe4b0c50640cd5e90

This is a timely piece about India’s delicate transition she is facing in her 5000-year-old history of solid pluralistic ethos. As the Eid Al-Adha is approaching there are increasing concerns about the safety of her residents. The lynching vigilantes have gone un-checked in harassing ordinary people. However, I believe a few people from the political parties will not be able to mess the character of Hinduism, it will remain a religion of peace loving people.

India is the world’s largest democracy, although it is constituted as the secular republic in 1947 upon independence from the British rule, it has always been a pluralistic democracy – i.e., respecting the otherness of others and accepting the God given uniqueness of each one of her residents.

India is home to many traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Tribal traditions, Sikhism and Atheism, and has welcomed Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Baha’i and other traditions into her fold. Both Hinduism and Jainism have valued the idea of Anekantvaad – expressed in phrases like, “all rivers lead to the ocean” and, “different points of views exist on any given issue.” Indeed, Sikhism emerged as an interfaith movement to mitigate conflicts between extreme religious practices.

All that is crumbling now and time to guard ourselves. There is a worldwide disease affecting democracies, it started in India followed by Israel, UK and now the United States. The disease is inflicting severe phobia to a tiny (yes, a tiny) group of people among the majorities, they assume that their way of life and their culture is threatened by the minorities. It is ridiculous and is not true! The majority way of life anywhere in the world will continue to remain the mainstream.

Thanks to the Minorities in allaying these phobias and assuring the tiny weeny minority representing the majority, that the mainstream way of life will continue to progress in linear terms and will not go upside down. All of us will lead a secure life if we learn to value our ethos; respecting the otherness of others and accepting the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

The hallmark of a civil society is freedom to everyone to eat, drink, wear and believe whatever one wants. We were a civil society and we need to preserve it from slipping into a chaotic society where someone dictates what we eat, drink, wear or believe. Muslims being a minority in the United States are making serious efforts to assure the frightened ones among white folks that they are with them, and with every American to build a cohesive America where no American must live in apprehension or fear. I am pleased to report that Indian Muslims are making a similar effort and the majority among the Hindus should know this.

SYED SHAFIULLAH SAHEB, A WELL KNOWN MUSLIM TV COMMENTATOR

I was concerned about lynching and harassment of Muslims on the day of Eid Al-Adha and had written to a few Muslim leaders to “think and plan to avert disasters on Eid day.” I expressed my concerns to Mr. Syed Shafiullah Saheb, Secretary with All India Milli Council, Karnataka and a well-known Muslim face on Television in Bengaluru and who has taken up the role to educate and inform the public about Muslims and Islam. He was on top of the situation and took me to a meeting and this is what I witnessed.

About 150 Muslim Leaders gathered at Qadariya Mosque in Bengaluru on Thursday morning on July 27, 2017. The purpose of the meeting was to keep Karnataka state peaceful on Eid Al-Adha (Bakrid) festival.

Syed Shafiullah Saheb was one of the key leaders at the meeting of Imams, Ulemas and Scholars from across Bangalore representing nearly 800 Mosques. It was a joy to see the democratic process with which they conducted the meeting, and how they allowed divergent opinions to be expressed and finally arrived at the resolution unanimously.

It was resolved that:

1. Since there is no law banning slaughter of halal animals (animals permitted for slaughter for food) we can continue the slaughter of animals for using as food or for Qurbani which is legal and permitted as per law.

2. While buying the cattle, we should ask the farmer (cattle owner) himself to obtain & arrange for the certificate by the veterinary doctor certifying the animal to be fit for slaughter, also to transport the said animal to our place after paying extra charges for both. This is to avoid unnecessary hurdles posed by gau-rakshaks (Cow protectors).

3. The delegation of community elders & ulema to meet the Chief Minister & apprise him of the facts, & submit an appeal requesting the government to provide protection to the sellers, buyers, & transporters of the animals from goons causing trouble for legal & lawful trade and slaughter of animals for food in the name of gau-raksha (cow protection).

Muslims will follow the rule of law and will make every effort to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill for the common good of the society at large.

A delegation of Muslim and Hindu leaders together visited the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others ministers seeking them to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.

I just read an article in Urdu News Paper Salaar, where Syed Shafiullah Saheb is urging Muslims to invite their friends from different religions to celebrate the Eid with them. Indeed, the more we know each other, the fewer myths we will have about others and greater goodwill bring security to every one of us.

What is Eid-Al Adha?

Eid al-Adha is known by many names across the world in different languages. This is the one of the two major festivals celebrated by Muslims, the other one is Ramadan. This is also known as ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’ and in Indian (Broadly South Asia) context it is called Bakrid as goats (sacrificial lambs) are sacrificed on this day. This has been a practice since the times of Abraham, when he was willing to sacrifice his son Ismael on God’s command to test him, God loved him and instead asked Abraham to sacrifice the lamb.

Now the idea of sacrifice has taken on a larger meaning, sacrificing what is most dear to you. A thousand years ago, the assets of a man were made up of his goats, camels and cattle. The ultimate sacrifice one would make was to give away his precious assets in gifts. Today, the most loved possession is money, and people are willing to give up a lot of things but the money. Money is indeed our precious asset, as it can buy just about everything we need.

Sacrifice is willingness to give up what is essential for our survival. It is about parents going to sleep without food but feeding their kids; it is clothing their kids while waiting to get their own. In case of extremities, we would rather get the bullet and save our loved ones, we are willing to rescue the child from a freezing lake risking our own life, and even strangers do that. That is sacrifice: the willingness to value life of the loved ones over our own.

It was Abraham’s turn to face the command of God to sacrifice his son. Upon hearing this, he prepared to submit to God’s will. When he was all prepared to do it, God revealed to him that his “sacrifice” had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superseded all others, and that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him to submit to God.

Does God want animals to be sacrificed?

Not at all. Qur’an, Al-Hajj 22:37 (The Pilgrimage) is clear:

“Never does their flesh reach God, and neither their blood. It is only your God-consciousness that reaches Him. It is to this end that we have made them subservient to your needs, so that you might glorify God for all the guidance with which He has graced you. And give thou this glad tiding unto the doers of good.”

The act symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties to strengthen and preserve the web and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from God, and we should open our hearts and share with others. That is indeed the guidance he has graced us with.

No Muslim is going to demand that you do certain things. You have the free will what you do with your sacrifice, who it goes and what purpose it serves.

Sacrifice can be translated as willingness to give up what is most dear to us. Hence, donating money to meet the needs of people would be the right thing to do, as they can pay for their own prioritized needs instead of meat from everyone that they cannot store.

Lastly, God wants us to be just, so please do not discriminate in giving — God doesn’t do that (remember Solomon’s story about lording over food?). Anyone in need is good to receive your help, be it a Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Jew or any one in your neighborhood. They have the first right to your bounties.

Honoring police, firemen and soldiers

Every day our police officers risk their own lives to protect ours, the firemen and women risk their lives to save a child, a pet or an aged person from a fire; and every day our soldiers put their lives at risk to save fellow soldiers and to save our freedom.

I urge fellow Muslims and all others to stop and salute every one of these men and women, honoring them for their sacrifices and their love for humanity. Better yet, call the firemen, policemen and let them know that as a Muslim you appreciate their sacrifice, and this festival is also about appreciation for such sacrifice.

Will you do that? Are you willing to see the positive changes in perceptions about Muslims? I did that last year in Louisville, within minutes the police officer had emailed the article to his fellow officers appreciating the Muslims.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had said the least you can do as charity is to smile and appreciate the otherness of others.

Mike Ghouse is president of the Center for Pluralism and is committed to build cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

#Eid al-Adha, #Bakrid, #India, #India Lynching, #MikeGhouse, #Center for Pluralism

ME TOO – I am standing up against sexual harassment.

Mike Ghouse September 16, 2020 Comments Off

This article was first Published on Oct 16, 2017 at – : https://www.huffpost.com/entry/me-too-i-am-standing-up-against-sexual-harassment_b_59e4efa2e4b09e31db975b38

The hallmark of a civilized society is where each one of us feels safe, secure and free. It is the responsibility of the majority or the ones in power to ensure that every vulnerable one is protected. A society where no one lives in apprehension brings prosperity, peace and joy to everyone. It would be a kingdom of heaven on earth!

Women and children are the most vulnerable beings in our society; they are living in constant fear of abuse and harassment, and one in three women is deeply affected by it. It is not easy to erase it from the memories, and the abuse keeps them tense for a life time.

As a man, shame on me if I remain silent when abusive men take advantage of women against their will, and I urge every man to speak up and stop the bad guys.

God has blessed women with built in antennas to sense the predator and they do everything right to avert it, but the abuser does not stop at it. We need to bring in severe punishments for the abusers if we want to be a civilized society.

Free will is the God given inalienable right of every human and violating other’s free will must be considered the greatest sin on the earth. Here is a video about free will. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vQs1IcSdYA

Societies, political systems and religions have come into being to give safety to every human, and protect each individual from the predators. The men who wear religion on their sleeves and call themselves Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhist, Sikhs, Bahá’í, Atheists or whatever have an additional responsibility to prevent abusive men from such behavior.

You are familiar with these words, “I did try and fuck her. She was married. I moved on her like a bitch, but I couldn’t get there. And she was married. Then all of a sudden I see her, she’s now got the big phony tits and everything. She’s totally changed her look. I’ve gotta use some Tic Tacs, just in case I start kissing her. You know I’m automatically attracted to beautiful – I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star they let you do it. You can do anything…. Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.”

Shame on all the Men who voted for the Chief Predator, and greater shame on creeps like Pastor Robert Jeffress of Dallas who brings fake approval from God for such behavior and shame on his congregation for keep him there.

The men and women ought to be ashamed of themselves who blame the woman for the wrong doing. Stupid comments like, “She should not have been there,” “She should not have been dressed up like that” are evil in nature. She has a right to be wherever she wants to be, men just need to be men and not animals.

A civilized society is where a woman can walk freely without fear of anyone. Every woman should have the freedom to be who she is, what she eats, drinks, believes or wears.

A poem written by my friend from Dallas;

About that “Me Too”: Almost forgot 80s admin temp jobs, once getting pinned against the wall by a creep with a booby fixation. This poem was written years later in retrospect, directed at the “boys in the board room.” Not to make light of it, but humor has always been my way of coping:

“Deflecting Sexual Harassment with the Courage of our Conniptions:

A Defense Against ‘Perky Breast Syndrome’”

It has been years since I considered any of my parts to be “perky”

and a while since I cared whether they perk as long as they work

I suppose you thought you were paying me a compliment —Wrong!

and if you do it again I will sue the pants off of you

So please remember:

When this company offered you a job with “perks” they were not referring to me

and just be glad you have a job with perks;

I have a job with jerks!

— Linda Abramson Evans

I applaud all the women who withstood harassment and the beating they took to get the women’s suffrage movement achieves its goals. Thanks to Anita Hill for being one of the first few high profile women to bring the sexual harassment out in the public. Thanks to all the actresses who have ventured to reveal the harassment and humiliation they have endured from Harvey Weinstein and are speaking up. Thanks to Gloria Steinem and countless other women who stood for the rights that women have reclaimed now.

Gone are those days, when a woman would not report sexual harassment to any one, it was an embarrassment and humiliating experience and the uncouth men and women blamed her, thus victimizing the victim further.

Here are a few suggestions to bring about the change:

A mother is more influential in a child’s life than anyone else. If she can raise her kids with values of gender pluralism, translated as, “No work at home is yours, your father’s, your brother’s, sisters’ or mine, it is our work, and all of us will contribute our time and effort towards getting it done.” Thus the newer generation can be raised as the kind of men and women we prefer to have in the society. The family should inculcate such values. We need another Gloria or Oprah among us to take this on.

Men need to give a full supporting hand in changing the narrative for our and generation and one immediately following us. I was in India last month and took my two nieces to a politicians home, the man calls on his wife to take the girls in, I insisted that they sit with us, as it is their future as well and they need to be participants. The men had their heads screwed backwards, generally they discount and ignore the opinions of females but they were surprised to hear girl’s opinions, I did not let them discount the girls and asked them to listen to the two girls. We’ve to take a stand at first, and then it should become natural.

Prophet Muhammad had a vision of a civilized society; he said he would like to see a day when a single woman can go from the City of Medina to Damascus and be back harmless, fearless and peaceful. I am sure, all the great religious masters have said that, in one form or the other. I wish we look forward to such a society. At Center for pluralism we are committed to build cohesive societies where no American has to live in tension, apprehension or fear of the other. We have systems in place to achieve such results over a period of time. Mike Ghouse is the President and Executive Director of Center for Pluralism. His twitter handle is #MikeGhouse and facebook is #MikeGhouse.

#Metoo, #MikeGhouse, #Gender-Pluralism, #Sexual-Predators, #Sexual-harassment,

Faith in America, President Trump and Muslims

Mike Ghouse September 15, 2020 Comments Off

This article was first Published on Dec 01, 2017 at – : https://www.huffpost.com/entry/faith-in-america-president-trump-and-muslims_b_5a21776de4b05072e8b5686a

Sense of fairness and justice is one of the greatest values Americans are blessed with, and a majority of us are endowed with that beautiful sentiment, and whenever someone violates it, we the people, speak out against it.

No one is more privileged than others, and whenever that balance is lost, we have struggled and restored it. We are the land of the brave and the free and we do the right thing whenever we reach that breaking point, and I pray we do it sooner than later.

We have come a long way. Do you recall massive movements against discrimination and finally passing the Women’s Suffrage Act where women became equal citizens of America? The Civil Rights Act made African Americans equal citizens. We have protested against Vietnam War, War in Afghanistan, Bombing of Gaza, Genocides in Darfur, Bosnia and other places. We have a long ways to go, and go we will. The success and the strength of a nation hinges on two things; economic prosperity and a strong integrated society. We have been blessed with the resources and attitudes to achieve economic prosperity and have come a long ways on social inclusion and have a few more steps to go to realize the American dream of feeling equal with every one.

Look at our achievements, religious communities like Jews, Catholics, Baptists, Mormons and others had to endure exclusion and abuse for a long time. Now, they are a part of the American social fabric. In the last few years we have accepted LGBTQ community as a part of us. Muslims and Hispanic communities are the next to become one with all. I pray that they don’t have to continue to endure the sense of exclusion like all other fellow Americans have gone through.

White Americans

It is unfortunate that a significant segment of White Americans were excluded from the national conversation and they endured humiliation through loss of jobs, homes and breakdown of families. Thanks to President Trump for taking up their cause and include them in the process and bless them with a sense of belonging. That is the right thing to do. However, the process chosen for such inclusion was based on excluding others, thus messing up the equilibrium.

I have written many articles on the topic including one on November 6, 2016, two days before the general elections. I had urged Hillary Clinton to make the last ditch effort to reach out to the rural white population who suffered the economic depravity, she was surrounded by yes men and did not listen to her critics. The article is titled, “Hillary’s last ditch effort – the final speech” at Huffington Post (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hillarys-last-ditch-effort-the-final-speech_us_581f90f8e4b0102262411963 ). By the way Peggy Noonan wrote similar thoughts a week after the election and received a Pulitzer Prize for the same thoughts I had expressed.

President Trump’s Sin

Just when we thought that the dust (on the dream of one nation) was settling, President Trump tweeted three videos that created a rift, once again causing another set of Americans to be apprehensive. There is no one on the earth who has more access to finding the truth than the President of the United States. The videos were fake and two of them were not even Muslims, and the third one was Egyptians at the Tahrir Square and not the white folks Mr. Trump had insinuated.

Jesus is one of our guides, let us follow his wisdom of not condemning the sinner but the sin, the sinner is always redeemable. President Trump is redeemable and I want to reach out to him. Jesus cannot be wrong.

What should the Muslims do in this case as they are the ones deeply affected by the tweet of President Trump, and may even witness violence against their women and children. What should the Muslims do to restore faith in America?

Prophet Muhammad’s Guidance

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) communicated God’s wisdom and said that the individual that is most dearest to God is the one who forgives and forgives often. Forgiving restores and builds relationships to bring peace and harmony. I urge Muslims to forgive President Trump’s tweet and ask the Imams (clergy) to do the same in their Friday Sermons, and the good Imams have followed my requests several times. Let’s pray that God gives each one of the 322 Million Americans guidance to believe in one nation and work towards making us all one.

Muslims need to connect with the disconnected fellow Americans and reassure them that they are equally committed to safeguarding the American way of life. No American needs to worry about losing his or her way of life. As a Muslim I want to reassure my fellow Americans that the majority of Muslim Americans do not want Sharia laws (practiced elsewhere in the world) to be considered in America. I will be the first one to oppose and build a movement against it. However, we will organize a symposium on Sharia to put this nagging item behind. Thank God for the Republican Congressman Pete Sessions to support this and I hope to enlist both Democrats and Republicans to move forward.

As Muslims we need to appreciate People of different faiths and the people from the media for taking up the issue and talk about it. They did not have to do that, but the sense of fairness is the dominant value of humanity and Muslims appreciate fellow Americans for standing up for them.

As a Muslim, I am pleased to reaffirm in behalf of Muslims, that as Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our Constitution. This is our only law and we obediently abide by it.

The Center for Pluralism is committed to building a cohesive America and I urge you to visit the site www.CenterforPluralism.com, we offer pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

The Sense of fairness and Justice are the American values I cherish, and pray that all of us become Americans in spirit. Thank you America, I have unwavering faith in you!

God Bless America and God bless Americans.

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