Recalling 9/11

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This article was first Published on September 11, 2019 at – : https://centerforpluralism.com/recalling-9-11/

People of Dallas/ Fort Worth – Here is the live video – https://www.facebook.com/Dr.MikeGhouse/videos/10160928389970249/?t=6

web.facebook.com/851280248/videos/10160928389970249/?extid=LhJcTySMMgIEqBhJ

Dallas, Texas. Around 10:00 in the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I was called in by AM Radio 1150 to address the situation; and 950 AM also joined in to simulcast the program. The great tragedy had left everyone speechless and had frozen everyone from doing anything. I was shaking but was committed to make sense out of the chaos and bring coherence to the day, and pave the way for relevant actions, among them are – donating blood, holding interfaith prayers and donating funds to the victim’s relief.

9/11 is one of the most significant days of my life, and I have made a lifetime commitment to dedicate this day, every year to serve my nation by bringing Americans together for the safety and security, and peace and prosperity of America.

As a Muslim, I am deeply committed to America, the land of the brave and the free with liberty and justice for all.

Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humanity, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. The rituals include but are not limited to Native American, Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth-traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrians; thus it is an all-inclusive event.

As Americans, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.

9/11: My Personal Journey from 2001 through 2018 and my commitment to America

Since September 11, 2001, many stories have been told and experiences shared, but here is one story among many, that I hope my fellow Americans ought to hear, particularly those who are afraid of everything and everyone and believe in conspiracies.

9/11 is one of the most significant days of my life, and I have made a lifetime commitment to dedicate this day, every year to serve my nation by bringing Americans together for the safety and security, and peace and prosperity of America.

As a Muslim, I am deeply committed to America, the land of the brave and the free with liberty and justice for all
.
I hope this piece prompts you to think of the problematic encounters you may have had dealt with people of different faiths. This is a long story, and I hope it offers insights into what it takes to build a cohesive America, a genuinely free America where no one has to live in apprehension and fear of the other.

Please remember God is a good and a just guy. He has not signed a deal with Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus or others behind each other back, and he treats all of his creation with the sameness as a teacher treats her students, or a chef wants his patrons to enjoy his cuisine. There is serenity in being fair and just, it is the ultimate goal for harmony and balance in the society. Can we be fair to each other?

This is also the story of the birth of Unity Day USA, a day to bring Americans Together.

The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. It is an initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security, and cohesiveness of America.

On this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture, and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and well being of our nation.

Our civic leaders including Mayors, Council members, State representatives, Senators, Congresspersons and other officials will honor us with their presence. I hope each Mayor will give a one-minute speech to share his/her thoughts about co-existence and promoting social cohesion in their respective cities.

Additionally, our men and women in uniform including police and fire chiefs will be continued to be honored for their outstanding service to our nation. Leaders from various faith communities will share a few words of wisdom from their respective scriptures, beliefs or oral traditions.

Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humanity, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. The rituals include but are not limited to Native American, Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth-traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrians; thus it is an all-inclusive event.

It is an excellent experience to feel a sense of unity with fellow Americans that will bring a feeling of coming home to where we drop all of our identities to be united together as an American family.

As Americans, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.

As a Muslim, I am deeply committed to America, the land of the brave and the free with liberty and justice for all.

Pictures, comments, sound bites are all at www.Unitydayusa.com.

On the day of 09/11/2001

Dallas, Texas. About 10:00 in the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I was called in by AM Radio 1150 to address the situation; and 950 AM also joined in to simulcast the program. The great tragedy had left everyone speechless and had frozen everyone from doing anything. I was shaking but was committed to make sense out of the chaos and bring coherence to the day, and pave the way for relevant action.

I was on the air for 7 hours straight, standing on my feet and getting just about every community, religious, civic and business leader and the general public on the air to talk about the situation. Many of them read prepared statements, and one by one they condemned the attack. I did not even get to eat or take a break. The calls were pouring in, and I was wholly absorbed in the situation.

Among many who jumped on the idea to hold interfaith prayers were Mr. Joel Brooks of American Jewish Congress, Ms. Vinoda Kumar of the DFW Hindu Temple, Mr. Mohammad Suleman of the Islamic Center of Dallas, Mr. Poras Balsara of the Zoroastrian community and Kevin Rafraf from the Baha’i Temple, the list was endless. All the announcements and pronouncements were going on the radio live from every community leader. Mr. Taiyab Kundawala of India Association agreed to hold and announce the prayer vigil at the association, and the fundraising was set up the very next evening. Mr. Mansoor Shah of Pakistan Society was there to do anything that needed to be done. Mr. Ashok Kumar Mago of the Indian Chamber of Commerce also joined in on the Radio. I apologize to many friends, whose name have gone blank on me. I would appreciate if you could share them. This will go as a chapter in my upcoming book on Pluralism.

While this was going on, my late wife Najma had called in to announce about the blood drive, and sure enough, hundreds of people were lining up at Wadley Blood center. She drove to the facility, and the folks told her that the lines were too long and asked us to hold off the announcements till the next day. I wish I could get hold of the CNN tapes from the next day where they interviewed me for over 10 minutes at the Radio Station we were hanging out. Our friends and my late wife said that every word I said on the TV was just the right word, what a relief! I was tense but determined to clear the muddy waters.

9/11 is one of the most significant days of my life, and I have made a lifetime commitment to dedicate this day, every year to serve my nation by bringing Americans together for the safety and security, and peace and prosperity of America.

As the community was fully involved in the air with me, the Interfaith-faith prayers, blood donations, and fundraising for the men and women in uniform were all in place by evening. The fog was clearing up, Osama bin Laden was the bad guy, and Muslim-Americans had nothing to do with his actions, nor did they authorize him to terrorize anyone. Indeed, he placed a wedge between Americans that still need to be undone. I had literally declared war against this man.

Atheists, Baha’i, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Jews, Native Americans, Pagans, Sikhs, Wicca and Zoroastrians along with area city mayors, FBI, police and fire chiefs and community leaders graced the first interfaith event in Frisco. Out of which a new tradition evolved called Unity Day. It continues year after year.

A few of us formed a team from different religions and went from a place of worship to place of worship and shared the prayers or gave a small talk about the respective religion. That’s where we built the relationship of trust between us for me to read the Jewish Prayers when Joel Brooks was not available, recite the Zoroastrian Prayer for Poras Balsara, Jain prayers for Pradeep Shah or Hindu Prayers for the Hindu community and of course, I represented Ben Moghaddas of Baha’i faith and was always a substitute for the Muslim community. There never was a shortage of Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs in interfaith activity at that time. However, it has dwindled down now. Muslims are not participating as much, and at many places, I am the only Muslim participating in smaller interfaith events. They go to the big ones though.

One of the biggest walls between Hindus and Muslims was dissolved that week. President of The Dallas Islamic Center, Muhammad Suleman asked me to pull the religious groups for the interfaith prayers, and I was pleased to include Hindu prayers. Vijayshree Venkatraman came and chanted the Om Shanti Mantra amidst all other prayers. Perhaps it was the first time Hindu prayers were recited in a Mosque complex. I am sure it is done in India, but it was a new experience for Muslims in Dallas.

If there were one gratifying moment in my interfaith life, that would be one. The other ones are chanting the Jainism’s Navakar Mantra at the Maya Temple in Mexico, Hindu prayers in the Snotes at the Mayan Temples, getting Baptized in the name of God at the place in Jordan River where Jesus was Baptized and dancing with the Pagans in Melbourne and spending time with the Native Australians.

In 1993, I published the first issue of Asian News Magazine which was co-edited by Abraham Thomas. A new standard was set in bringing the communities of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka together. The highlight of the paper was a great calendar and write-ups on the essence of every possible festival that took place in Dallas. Then in July of 1996, AM Radio 1150 approached me to begin the Radio Service for the communities; indeed it was the first Talk Show Radio for the city which paved the way to full-time Radio services. These two items highlight the pluralism work that was going on. Every Saturday on the air, we had a segment called Festivals of the world where we shared the essence of every religious festival; we had religious leaders from Aztec to Zoroastrians and everyone in between sharing the spirit of their celebrations on the air.

Unity Day USA – established.

The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, and took its current form on Sunday, September 11, 2005. It is a Muslim initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security, and cohesiveness of America, my initial team included Lee Holcomb of UT Dallas and other volunteers and women members from the Plano Mosque who handled terrific refreshments.

During the planning session of the event, I was opposed by a few to hold prayers from all religious groups in an alphabetical sequence. They preferred that Muslim Prayers be done at first and others to follow, someone did not want Islam to be in the Middle of Hinduism and Jainism. Even the idea of the Abrahamic faiths first and others following it was floated. I was not in favor of it as I have always believed in equality of all humans and by analogy all religions, we dug in our heels.

Before it got messy, I called Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci and asked his guidance on it, and I was praying for wisdom from him and was willing to walk away from the event if there was a preferential treatment to any group. He thought it over and said, Islamically I was on the right track to treating everyone on equal footing. However, he said, if you want to be political, you choose. I asked him if I could put those words in an email and send to the group, and that was the end of the conflict, what a relief! This Imam is a blessing to our town. Indeed I have written a few more of the interfaith moments between us.

The prayers were indeed led by 13 groups of religious leaders. Regina Rafraf led the Baha’i prayers, Ben Boothe prompted the Buddhist prayers; Christian prayers were influenced by the late Baptist Minister Roy Harrell with a team of clergy from Presbyterian, Methodist, Unitarian, Catholic, and other denominations; Swami Nityananda Prabhu led the Hindu group representing 7 different Hindu Temple; Islamic prayers were led by Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci with Shia, Bohra, Ismaili, Sufi, Warith Deen Muhammad, Sunni, and other Muslim traditions, Pradeep Shah led the Jain prayers, Rabbi Haas led the Jewish prayers, the Sikh prayers were led by Bhai Harinder Singh and Ramneek Singh, Wicca prayers were led by Brian Langford and the Zoroastrian Prayers were lead by Poras Balsara. In the later years Native Americans, Pagans, Earth-based Traditions, Atheists and others have joined in, no one is excluded. However, a few continue to insult us and refuse to join standing shoulder to shoulder with people of different faiths.

FBI Chief Danny Deffenbaugh, Mayors or Mayors pro-tem and Police chiefs of Plano, Frisco, Richardson, Dallas, Garland, Carrollton, Addison and representatives of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and State Representative Florence Shapiro were all on the stage. Among the civic leaders were Dean Hobson of the UT Dallas among others.

My conversation with Maria Arita of Fox news was interesting. She wanted to know if it was challenging to pull these various groups together. She could not resist the inherent bias and blurted out, “was it the Moslems that were difficult?” I said no, and the answer will be in my upcoming book. It’s a fantastic story of interfaith.

In the 3rd annual Unity Day event, we discovered something beautiful about how we hold things inside. I have real relationships with my friends in different religious communities, and they share whatever bothers them, usually is it about Muslims. Every one wants to genuinely find the truth and thanks to my friends from the Zoroastrian and Sikh Communities who held back the issue for two years.

Dr. Harbans Lal and Firdosh Mehta asked me to find out why Muslims walked out on them when it was their turn to pray in the first Unity day? Remember the Alphabetical sequence? I thank Bhagavad Gita for instilling in me with “finding the truth is one’s own responsibility”… we dug up and found out that it was the prayer time for Muslims when the Sikhs and Zoroastrian got on the stage. I shared that story and told our friends attending the event that you have got to admire our Muslim brothers and sisters when the time for prayer comes up, they drop everything as nothing else is a priority to them, and Mayor Pat Evans appreciated the hint. If that time were during the speech of the Mayor, they would merely fulfill their duty to God and pray. Isn’t it amazing what was construed as dislike to hear the Sikh and Zoroastrian payers, was not? It was such a relief to our friends Dr. Lal and Mehta.

Gregory Gomez, the Apache American surprised everyone and continues to remain the talk of the town. When Gomez went on to the stage with our Hopi Chief Ambrose to cleanse the environment (Done with feathers, a native tradition and I have been washed a few times). The first words the Native American spoke thrilled the audience, it was ironic, unexpected and truthful, he said, “Welcome to my country.” The most significant appreciation came from Richardson Mayor, Gary Slagel without missing the beat.

A few more of the moments are at http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/09/do-Jews-Christians-and-Muslims-better.html or in Dallas Morning News at http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/09/texas-faith-do-jews-christians.html.

The Biggest Achievement of Unity Day

The pinnacle achievement of Unity Day was on 9/11/2013 – Here is the full story about it and a film is in the making with the title “Sacred.” A New Paradigm for the Muslim World. Indeed, every year, our friends who attend the event have said, they feel right about being prejudice-free and free from stereotyping others, that is the power of Unity Day.

Throughout America, we have the same federal laws for the criminals as well as the good people among us. Criminals violate the rules, and the right people don’t. The problem is not the law books or enforcement, but the few who do not follow the proper laws. It is the same story with a few Muslims, it is not the Quran or Islam, it is them, those few.

We don’t stereotype people based on the actions of a few.

As Americans we need not swayed by the current events in the world with the ISIS, Al Qaeda, and their likes, they are shamefully within the comparable statistical range of the world. The same percentage of Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus or others behave the same; mind their own business, and a similar proportion is extremists. Read more at Two Islams.

Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Racism, Homophobia, Xenophobia, and Misogyny destroy the fabric of the nation and keep each other’s throats. We need to clean up ourselves and build a safe America for everyone.

Islam teaches one to be non-judgmental and consistently encourages individuals to do good. It emphasizes individual responsibility towards the peace and security of society at large. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) described a good deed as an act which benefits others whom you don’t even know, such as planting a tree that serves generations of wayfarers with fruit and the shade. The world is a better place today because of a good legacy bequeathed to humanity by people of all faiths that came before us. We owe it to coming generations to leave the world a little better than we found to usher an era of justice and peace. Indeed, this is the same message, every messenger of God in every faith or a peacemaker or wise men and women have reiterated.

On my part, I am committed to building a cohesive America, and last year the Unity Day was held in Florida, and here is one of the most powerful stories, which is being made into a film.

How to build a cohesive America, watch this 10 Minutes video at www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com

Our dream

Each one of us has a dream… a dream to have livable wages, a loving family, children, a home, reliable car, decent health care, and comfortable retirement.
A majority of Americans want a just society with safety and security. We want to live our lives as good neighbors and let others live theirs.

Our right

Our founding fathers laid the foundation of the creed for such a society, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Our spirit

Martin Luther King Jr. expressed the same in his famous speech, “ I have a dream that our little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Our world

Native American Chief Seattle said it correctly; “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. The man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does it to himself.”

Our questions

Based on the previous statements and a commitment to one nation and one America, what are we doing individually to preserve that web?
What are our initiatives?
What are the divisive issues?
Are we going to alleviate these phobias?
What is your vision for America?

Our responsibility

President Kennedy pointed us in the right direction, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” When we give to the country, we collectively receive as well.

Our empathy

Are we connected enough with each other? Can others empathize with us or even understand the truth about us? We are no different than them in our endeavors and aspirations of life.

Our action

Let’s explore daily opportunities to make America a better place for each one of us. Let’s treat others as we would wish to be addressed and have compassion for others who might look different.

If we can learn to respect the otherness of other and accept the God-given the uniqueness of each American, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

We are committed to providing education, workshops, and training for future leaders. We have programs in place to move forward. All we need is your support.

Dr. Mike Ghouse is the Executive Director of the Center for Pluralism in Washington, DC. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeghouse/

Full story at – https://centerforpluralism.com/9-11-unity-day-usa-my-story-is-your-story/

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, author, activist, newsmaker and an interfaith wedding officiant. Bio at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeghouse/

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Derogatory statements about Hinduism

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This article was first Published on September 13, 2019 at – : https://centerforpluralism.com/derogatory-statements-about-hinduism/

You might cringe when someone makes an idiotic remark about Hinduism and Hindu practices.

A majority of Indian Muslims will never make a negative statement about Hindus or Hinduism. Indeed, they will defend it as Hinduism is one of the most misunderstood religions like theirs.

They are driven by the wisdom found in the Quran, 6:108 (Itani), “Do not insult those they call upon besides God, lest they insult God out of hostility and ignorance. We made attractive to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them of what they used to do.” The Quran warns us from taking the low road and destroying mutual respect and trust.

Wisdom is available when people disagree, the best way to part is narrated in the Quran109:6 (Itani), you have your idea, and I have my way.” Let’s respectfully disagree.

Please be aware, there are about three mistranslations of Quran in the market, and we hope you read at least five versions out of the 50 plus translations to get it right. It is easy for one to jump to conclusions by seeing one person’s interpretation. Humans make mistakes.

From Allama Iqbal to Sahir Ludhinavi to Shakeel Badyuni and hundreds of poets and authors have written accolades, bhajans and uplifting commentary about Hinduism. On my part, I will continuously uphold and defend Islam and Hinduism, along with all religions. The wisdom of the Quran calls for people to learn about each other, and when they do, conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

I shared the following note (Pluralism 101) to a WhatsApp group with a video as a forewarning to stall Muslims from making derogatory comments. The video was about our Hindu friends drinking urine right of a Cow and washing their faces. Please remember what is sacred to you is not sacred to others, and vice versa.

A Muslim is an ultimate human being who cares for other’s wellbeing and stands up for justice to each one of the 7.5 billion inhabitants of the earth. A Muslim is an exemplary citizen and an Amin – A model citizen. We have a few bad apples, and we need to work and redeem them through critical notes like this.

The administrator of that WhatsApp group and I received a few disgusting comments, and the administrator chose to dissolve the group rather than engage in the conflicts, that was his choice. The other group also had a few negative comments. What a shame!

Muslims are developing good checks and balances, if one idiot among us makes a wrong statement, there are ten to pounce on him/her.  Our Hindu, Sikh, Jewish and Christian friends are also doing the same, speaking out against idiotic statements. There are plenty of them in each group. The new book American Muslim Agenda documents many such incidents

I hope I am speaking for a majority of Indian Muslims, if not, please let me know. We have to talk out what is right.  

Appended below are:

  1. The Pluralism 101 note (below).
  2. Video of my Hindu friends drinking cow urine (not included).
  3. NPR’s Muslim woman forced to resign – Indianewengland.com
  4. Achche Din Aayienge? – A poem and I hope you will enjoy it and share it.
  5. Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MikeGhouse/videos/463727984228407?sfns=mo

YouTube – https://youtu.be/zX8PDnNqvkI

5. Standing up for Hindus (hundreds of items to be added after 2012). http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/04/standing-with-hindus.html

Pluralism 101 (posted on two WhatsApp groups)

I’m sharing the attached 1-minute video with a specific purpose, that is, for each one of us to respect the otherness of the other. If you can watch this without making faces or sounds, you’ll earn 10/100 points in the beautiful journey of pluralism.

Others’ belief appears weird, but in reality, each faith has weirdness in it, that only others can see and not the believer.

Do you know what heaven is? It’s a state of mind that is free from conflicts, tensions, fears, and phobias. When you do your Jihad, which means an inner struggle against negative feelings, you will free yourselves from the temptations that flutter you, and achieve full freedom, Nirvana, Salvation, Mukti, Moksha or Nejat from anxieties.

Happy freedom to you!

Published at Counter-Currents:  https://countercurrents.org/2019/09/derogatory-statements-about-hinduism

 Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, author, thinker, newsmaker and an interfaith wedding officiant. His new book American Muslim Agenda is available at Amazon and the book stores.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeghouse/

My 9/11 Story

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Over 5 Million people have read this article since it was initially published. On that tragic Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001, I was called on to address the emergency after the Second Tower in New York was hit by a Terrorist plane. On the way to the Radio station, I set my goal for the day, and it was to bring coherence to the chaotic situation of the day.

I took it personally, it was an attack on me. It could have been me in that building.

I went on the Air from about 10 AM and stayed thru 4:30/5 PM on Radio Station AM 1150, and later AM 950 Radio simulcasted. I was on the radio for straight 7 hours carrying on a live conversation from Dallas Area Mayors, religious, civil, business, cultural, and other public leaders. 

 A sense of coherence, confidence, and hope was developed, and the following three new initiations took place on the day and were accomplished;

  1. Interfaith prayers
  2. Blood Donations
  3. Fund Raising

Since 2005 we have been organizing the UNITY DAY USA event every year, and this year, I was supposed to do a full program on Fox News with my friend Jack Pagano from the town of Marquette in Michigan. My surgery last week has spoiled my plans. 

As a Muslim, I am deeply committed to America. Together as Americans and American Muslims, we uphold, protect, defend, and celebrate the values enshrined in our Constitution, a guarantor and a sustainer of our political and social structures that each one of us wants to preserve.

A FEW PICTURES

2005
First public event pictures https://get.google.com/albumarchive/108969690090944956820/album/AF1QipMnHKB28_QH4a2eMHtl9bFe_cVues7PbVV-4GJq

2012
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157631762797919/show/

2009
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/4817444660/in/album-72157624431182967/

Quran burning Pastor Jones event in Florida
https://quranburningpastorterryjones.blogspot.com/

Most pictures at
2005| 2006 | 2007 | 2008| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | Video 2012 

The great tragedy had left everyone speechless and had frozen everyone from doing anything. I was shaking but was committed to make sense out of the chaos and bring coherence to the day, and pave the way for relevant action.

I was on the air for 7 hours straight, standing on my feet and getting just about every area Mayor, community, religious, civic, and business leader and the general public on the air to talk about the situation. Many of them read prepared statements, and one by one they condemned the attack. I did not even get to eat or take a break. The calls were pouring in, and I was wholly absorbed in the situation.

Among many who jumped on the idea to hold interfaith prayers were Mr. Joel Brooks of American Jewish Congress, Ms. Vinoda Kumar of the DFW Hindu Temple, Mr. Mohammad Suleman of the Islamic Center of Dallas, Mr. Poras Balsara of the Zoroastrian community, and Kevin Rafraf from the Baha’i Temple, the list was endless. All the announcements and pronouncements were going on the radio live from every community leader. Mr. Taiyab Kundawala of India Association agreed to hold and announce the prayer vigil at the association, and the fundraising was set up the very next evening. Mr. Mansoor Shah of Pakistan Society was there to do anything that needed to be done. Mr. Ashok Mago of the Indian Chamber of Commerce also joined in on the Radio. I apologize to many friends, whose name has gone blank on me. I would appreciate it if you could share them.

The fog was clearing up; Osama bin Laden was the bad guy and we have to go get him to serve justice. President Bush announced that he will chase Bin Laden to the far end of the world and get him.

Muslims had nothing to do with Osama, nor did they authorize that terrorist; and a declaration of war against Osama announced.

Spiritual leaders from different faiths and traditions were called in to pray and share their wisdom for this moment.  They were from Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, and Zoroastrian traditions. Area City Mayors, community, and business leaders joined in an effort to bring a sense of direction.

The sense of Unity that emerged on the Radio, the multi-faith prayers that were arranged instantly was a relief in that chaotic disharmony.

I made a commitment to dedicate this day and unite people on the day every year.  For the first four years, I did the radio show talking about the effect of 9/11 on society, economy, and refreshing and galvanizing the interfaith movement.

While this was going on, my late wife Najma had called in to announce about the blood drive, and sure enough, hundreds of people were lining up at Wadley Blood center. She drove to the facility, and the folks told her that the lines were too long and asked us to hold off the announcements till the next day. I wish I could get hold of the CNN tapes from the next day where they interviewed me for over 10 minutes at the Radio Station we were hanging out. Our friends and my late wife said that every word I said on the TV was just the right word, what a relief! I was tense but determined to clear the muddy waters.

Three new initiations took place on the day and were accomplished;

1. Blood Donations
2. Interfaith prayers
3. Fund Raising

9/11 is one of the most significant days of my life, and I have made a lifetime commitment to dedicate this day, every year to serve my nation by bringing Americans together for the safety and security, and peace and prosperity of America.

As the community was fully involved on the air with me, the Interfaith-faith prayers, blood donations, and fundraising for the men and women in uniform were all in place by evening. The fog was clearing up, Osama bin Laden was the bad guy, and Muslim-Americans had nothing to do with his actions, nor did they authorize him to terrorize anyone. Indeed, he placed a wedge between Americans that still need to be undone. I had literally declared war against this man.

Atheists, Baha’i, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Jews, Native Americans, Pagans, Sikhs, Wicca and Zoroastrians along with area city mayors, FBI, police and fire chiefs and community leaders graced the first interfaith event in Frisco. Out of which a new tradition evolved called Unity Day. It continues year after year.

A few of us formed a team from different religions and went from place of worship to place of worship and shared the prayers or gave a small talk about the respective religion. That’s where we built the relationship of trust between us for me to read the Jewish Prayers when Joel Brooks was not available, recite the Zoroastrian Prayer for Poras Balsara, Jain prayers for Pradeep Shah or Hindu Prayers for the Hindu community and of course, I represented Ben Moghaddas of Baha’i faith and was always a substitute for the Muslim community. There never was a shortage of Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs in interfaith activity at that time. However, it has dwindled down now. Muslims are not participating as much, and at many places, I am the only Muslim participating in smaller interfaith events. They go to the big ones though.

Peace pledge

I worked on the following peace pledge and recited at the conclusion of every interfaith gathering after that.

  • I will speak up when there is injustice.
  • I will speak up when the truth is not spoken.
  • I will do my best to make my words and my actions to mitigate conflicts.
  • I will do my best in nurturing goodwill for the benefit of all.
  • I will do my share of peace work, without looking for others to do theirs.
  • I will do my best to respect the God-given uniqueness of each individual. 
  • I will do my best to live and let others live their way.

One of the biggest walls between Hindus and Muslims was dissolved that week. President of The Dallas Islamic Center, Muhammad Suleman asked me to pull the religious groups for the interfaith prayers, and I was pleased to include Hindu prayers. Vijayshree Venkatraman came and chanted the Om Shanti Mantra amidst all other prayers. Perhaps it was the first time Hindu prayers were recited in a Mosque. I am sure it is done elsewhere, but it was a new experience for Muslims in Dallas.

If there were one gratifying moment in my interfaith life, that would be one. The other ones are chanting the Jainism’s Navakar Mantra at the Maya Temple in Mexico, Hindu prayers in the Snotes at the Mayan Temples, getting Baptized in the name of God at the place in Jordan River where Jesus was Baptized and dancing with the Pagans in Melbourne and spending time with the Native Australians.

In 1993, I published the first issue of Asian News Magazine which was co-edited by Abraham Thomas. A new standard was set in bringing the communities of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka together. The highlight of the paper was a great calendar and write-ups on the essence of every possible festival that took place in Dallas.

In July of 1996, AM Radio 1150 approached me to begin the Radio Service for the communities; indeed it was the first Talk Show Radio for the city which paved the way to full-time Radio services. These two items highlight the pluralism work that was going on. Every Saturday on the air, we had a segment called Festivals of the world where we shared the essence of every religious festival; we had religious leaders from Aztec to Zoroastrians and everyone in between sharing the spirit of their celebrations on the air.

PICTURES
 2005| 2006 | 2007 | 2008| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | Video 2012 |

More details at the site www.UnityDayUSA.com

Unity Day USA

The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, and took its current form on Sunday, September 11, 2005. It is a Muslim initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security, and cohesiveness of America, my initial team included Lee Holcomb of UT Dallas and other volunteers and women members from the Plano Mosque who handled terrific refreshments.

During the planning session of the event, I was opposed by a few to hold prayers from all religious groups in an alphabetical sequence. They preferred that Muslim Prayers be done at first and others to follow, someone did not want Islam to be in the Middle of Hinduism and Jainism. Even the idea of the Abrahamic faiths first and others following it was floated. I was not in favor of it as I have always believed in the equality of all humans and by analogy all religions, we dug in our heels.

Before it got messy, I called Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci and asked his guidance on it, and I was praying for wisdom from him and was willing to walk away from the event if there was the preferential treatment to any group. He thought it over and said, Islamically I was on the right track to treating everyone on equal footing. However, he said, if you want to be political, you choose. I asked him if I could put those words in an email and send to the group, and that was the end of the conflict, what a relief! This Imam is a blessing to our town. Indeed I have written a few more of the interfaith moments between us.

The prayers were indeed led by 13 groups of religious leaders. Regina Rafraf led the Baha’i prayers, Ben Boothe prompted the Buddhist prayers; Christian prayers were influenced by the late Baptist Minister Roy Harrell with a team of clergy from Presbyterian, Methodist, Unitarian, Catholic, and other denominations; Swami Nityananda Prabhu led the Hindu group representing 7 different Hindu Temple; Islamic prayers were led by Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci with Shia, Bohra, Ismaili, Sufi, Warith Deen Muhammad, Sunni, and other Muslim traditions, Pradeep Shah led the Jain prayers, Rabbi Haas led the Jewish prayers, the Sikh prayers were led by Bhai Harinder Singh and Ramneek Singh, Wicca prayers were led by Brian Langford and the Zoroastrian Prayers were lead by Poras Balsara. In the later years Native Americans, Pagans, Earth-based Traditions, Atheists and others have joined in, no one is excluded. However, a few continue to insult us and refuse to join standing shoulder to shoulder with people of different faiths.

FBI Chief Danny Deffenbaugh, Mayors or Mayors pro-tem and Police chiefs of Plano, Frisco, Richardson, Dallas, Garland, Carrollton, Addison and representatives of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and State Representative Florence Shapiro were all on the stage. Among the civic leaders were Dean Hobson of the UT Dallas among others.

My conversation with Maria Arita of Fox news was interesting. She wanted to know if it was challenging to pull these various groups together. She could not resist the inherent bias and blurted out, “was it the Moslems that were difficult?” I said no, and the answer will be in my upcoming book. It’s a fantastic story of interfaith.

In the 3rd annual Unity Day event, we discovered something beautiful about how we hold things inside. I have real relationships with my friends in different religious communities, and they share whatever bothers them, usually is it about Muslims. Everyone wants to genuinely find the truth and thanks to my friends from the Zoroastrian and Sikh Communities who held back the issue for two years.

Dr. Harbans Lal and Firdosh Mehta asked me to find out why Muslims walked out on them when it was their turn to pray in the first Unity day? Remember the Alphabetical sequence? I thank Bhagavad Gita for instilling in me with “finding the truth is one’s own responsibility”… we dug up and found out that it was the prayer time for Muslims when the Sikhs and Zoroastrian got on the stage. I shared that story and told our friends attending the event that you have got to admire our Muslim brothers and sisters when the time for prayer comes up, they drop everything as nothing else is a priority to them, and Mayor Pat Evans appreciated the hint. If that time were during the speech of the Mayor, they would merely fulfill their duty to God and pray. Isn’t it amazing what was construed as dislike to hear the Sikh and Zoroastrian payers, was not? It was such a relief to our friends Dr. Lal and Mehta.

Gregory Gomez, the Apache American surprised everyone and continues to remain the talk of the town. When Gomez went on to the stage with our Hopi Chief Ambrose to cleanse the environment (Done with feathers, a native tradition and I have been washed a few times). The first words the Native American spoke thrilled the audience, it was ironic, unexpected and truthful, he said, “Welcome to my country.” The most significant appreciation came from Richardson Mayor, Gary Slagel without missing the beat.

A few more of the moments are at http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/09/do-Jews-Christians-and-Muslims-better.html or in Dallas Morning News at http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/09/texas-faith-do-jews-christians.html.

The Biggest Achievement of Unity Day

The pinnacle achievement of Unity Day was on 9/11/2013 – Here is the full story about it and a film is in the making with the title “Sacred.” A New Paradigm for Muslim World. Indeed, every year, our friends who attend the event have said, they feel right about being prejudice free and free from stereotyping others, that is the power of the Unity Day.

Throughout America, we have the same federal laws for the criminals as well as the good people among us. Criminals violate the rules, and the right people don’t. The problem is not the law books or enforcement, but the few who do not follow the proper laws. It is the same story with a few Muslims, it is not the Quran or Islam, it is them, those few.

We don’t stereotype people based on actions of a few.

As Americans we need not swayed by the current events in the world with the ISIS, Al Qaeda, and their likes, they are shamefully within the comparable statistical range of the world. The same percentage of Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus or others behave the same; mind their own business, and a similar proportion is extremists. Read more at Two Islams.

Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Racism, Homophobia, Xenophobia, and Misogyny destroy the fabric of the nation and keep each other’s throats. We need to clean up ourselves and build a safe America for everyone.

Islam teaches one to be non-judgmental and consistently encourages individuals to do good. It emphasizes about individual responsibility towards the peace and security of society at large. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) described a good deed as an act which benefits others whom you don’t even know, such as planting a tree that serves generations of wayfarers with fruit and the shade. The world is a better place today because of a good legacy bequeathed to humanity by people of all faiths that came before us. We owe it to coming generations to leave the world a little better than we found to usher an era of justice and peace. Indeed, this is the same message, every messenger of God in every faith or a peacemaker or wise men and women have reiterated.

On my part, I am committed to building a cohesive America, and last year the Unity Day was held in Florida, and here is one of the most powerful stories, which is being made into a film.

Our dream

Each one of us has a dream… a dream to have livable wages, a loving family, children, a home, reliable car, decent health care, and comfortable retirement.
A majority of Americans want a just society with safety and security. We want to live our lives as good neighbors and let others live theirs.

Our right

Our founding fathers laid the foundation of the creed for such a society, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Our spirit

Martin Luther King Jr. expressed the same in his famous speech, “ I have a dream that our little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Our world

Native American Chief Seattle said it correctly; “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does it to himself.”

Our questions

Based on the previous statements and a commitment to one nation and one America, what are we doing individually to preserve that web?
What are our initiatives?
What are the divisive issues?
Are we going to alleviate these phobias?
What is your vision for America?

Our responsibility

President Kennedy pointed us in the right direction, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” When we give to the country, we collectively receive as well.

Our empathy

Are we connected enough with each other? Can others empathize with us or even understand the truth about us? We are no different than them in our endeavors and aspirations of life.

Our action

Let’s explore daily opportunities to make America a better place for each one of us. Let’s treat others as we would wish to be addressed and have compassion for others who might look different.

If we can learn to respect the otherness of other and accept the God given the uniqueness of each American, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

We are committed to providing education, workshops, and training for future leaders. We have programs in place to move forward. All we need is your support.

Our contribution

You can do a one-time donation or recurring monthly donation through our PayPal account on our website.  https://centerforpluralism.com/donate/ 

Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humanity, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. The rituals include but are not limited to Native American, Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth-traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrians; thus it is an all-inclusive event.

It is an excellent experience to feel a sense of unity with fellow Americans that will bring a feeling of coming home to where we drop all of our identities to be united together as an American family.

As Americans, we uphold, protect, defend, and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.

Dr. Mike Ghouse is the Executive Director of the Center for Pluralism in Washington, DC. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeghouse/Share this:

Festivals of the world – September 2019

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This article was first Published on September 16, 2019 at – : https://centerforpluralism.com/festivals-of-the-world-september-2019/

FESTIVALS OF THE WORLD IN SEP’2019
https://www.facebook.com/MikeGhouse/videos/541078446662123/?t=9

https://youtu.be/D76VWcnYYyc

We have been sharing this information since 1993, this month there are no major Buddhist, Christian, Muslim or Wiccan festivals. We continued this program on our radio show by the same name – Festivals of the world. As the festival approaches, time permitting, we will share the essence of each festival in one minute. You can also Google the name of festival with my name, you will find an entry or two.

When we live as neighbors, we might as well learn about each other. The best way to build cohesive societies is for its members to understand each other’s sorrows and joys, and festivities and commemorations. Wouldn’t it be nice if you know a little bit about your neighbor’s festival and perhaps invite them to your celebrations to start safe neighborhoods by understanding each other? Every human and every religious group celebrates something or the other in their way, each one is different, but the essence is the same; celebrations and commemorations. A simple language is used for most people to get a gist of it.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeGhouse/videos/541078446662123/?t=9
YouTube: https://youtu.be/D76VWcnYYyc
Website: https://centerforpluralism.com/festivals/
Festival of Faiths – https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=2vAwvoqz01I

Mike Ghouse

Book Release : Philanthropy Misunderstood

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This article was first Published on September 20, 2019 at – : https://centerforpluralism.com/book-release-philanthropy-misunderstood/

BOOK RELEASE: PHILANTHROPY MISUNDERSTOOD

The book will be released on Saturday, October 19th, at 5 PM in a reception at the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, Texas.  I will be in Dallas on Friday and hang out for a few days with my family.

A Smile is a Philanthropy – Article by Mike Ghouse

Thanks to Bob Hopkins, publisher of the new book “Philanthropy Misunderstood” for including me in the 100 plus people who have worked with him, giving back to people and their causes.

Most of my work is on Pluralism in religion, politics, society, and culture – of course, religious freedom and human rights are a part of it.  Over the last 25 years, I have written over 3500 articles, and 250 plus are at Dallas Morning News, and about 125 at Huffington Post and the rest are published in over 300 newspapers in several languages.

Each article weaves through at least two, if not five religions, overall all, all the faith traditions are touched. Even in the following section, you will find a quote from Bhagavad Gita.

As a pluralist, I do not promote any religion over the other. However, being a Muslim, I share the values of Islam that contribute to the wellness of society. Indeed, for the first time in Islamic history, you will find twelve values abstracted from the Quran, that offer guidance to create cohesive communities. If you seriously study the Quran, you will find out that it is a manual for creating cohesive societies, and not for anyone in particular. There is a full chapter called ‘Quran is not for Muslims’ in the book, American Muslim Agenda, available at Amazon and the book stores.

A Smile is a Philanthropy

Dr. Mike Ghouse

Myth: Philanthropy is about donating monies to the needy. Truth: Philanthropy is an act of restoring equilibrium in society. A few months ago, I had an enlightening conversation with Bob Hopkins. He pointed out the many dimensions of philanthropy, and not just giving money to the needy. Indeed, it inspired me to write this article. Let me start from the beginning.

The two significant components of creation are life and matter. The matter was programmed to function and keep its balance but in order to seek its balance, life had an added layer of free.

Look at the planetary system. Every planet is programmed precisely to run its course and keep its balance. Absent the balance, the planet will go haywire, creating gigantic chaos in the universe.

The planets are set to move on a precise trajectory. When the earth tilts on its axis on the appointed hour, it does so on a set angle to bring about changes in the weather necessary for survival, and this has been a constant for millions of years.

Life, on the other hand, is not programmed. It was not put on a systematic trajectory, and each one of us is free to move and do things at our will. We have the ability to determine the balance of our bodies, minds, and souls by what we consume, how we interact with others and how we gather ourselves up.

In the Qur’an, Chapter 55, Verses 8-11, God describes this order of things and concludes that He has created everything in balance and harmony and that the role of humans is to work to preserve that balance for their survival.

Philanthropy is an effort to restore harmony in society in order to achieve enduring peace and happiness in the community. Any attempt by anyone to regain balance may be called philanthropy.

Chief Seattle, a Native American, said this correctly: “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. The man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does it to himself.”

The Qur’an in Verse 30:38 advises us to pay our dues to our near of kin, as well as to the needy and the wayfarer. This is the best guidance for all who seek God’s countenance (accountability): For it is they who shall attain to a happy state!

One cannot remain unaffected when fellow humans are suffering, and each one of us is endowed with the desire to share what we have with others to minimize their suffering. This restores harmony in society and is a broader definition of philanthropy.

Islam offers many opportunities for those who have much, to mitigate their guilt and obligation to those who are vulnerable. It recognizes the fact that every man and woman who is invincible today becomes susceptible to accidents, age or loss from natural disasters. A tax of 2.5 percent on one’s wealth (not income) is levied, which goes to a pool of funds for the express purpose of taking care of the ones in ditches. It is called Zakat and it is obligatory for Muslims. The second version is called Sadaqa and it is purely optional with no limits on giving.

Once the Prophet Muhammad’s associates asked him, “If we don’t have money to give to the needy, how can we help them?”

The Prophet said, “Do you have a shirt to spare?”

The associates then asked, “If we don’t have that, what shall we do?”

He said, “Share whatever little food you have with the hungry neighbor.”

Finally, the question came, “What if we don’t have anything to give?”

The prophet smiled and said, “Offering a smile to a person in despair gives him hope.”

That is something everyone can do, and that is philanthropy. Each one of you is a philanthropist if you are willing to restore dignity to fellow humans for no financial gain. The Hindu holy book Bhagavad Gita says, do good things as your duty; it gives you serene happiness. However, if you do it for a reward, disappointment may be in store for you.

In real life stories and in movies we find happiness and relief when families are reunited, a dog is rescued or justice is served to another human. We always respond positively to goodness.

Vice President Mike Pence at White House

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This article was first Published on September 26 , 2019 at – : https://centerforpluralism.com/vice-president-mike-pence-at-white-house/

White House, Washington, DC, September 25, 2019 — Vice President, Mr. Mike Pence, walked into the meeting held at White House titled, “Faith-Based community safety and Security Symposium.” It was a surprise visit.

At the end of his short talk, he shook hands with a few, and as he was ready to leave, I walked up towards him. The security guard held me. I waived the copy of the American Muslim Agenda in the air and signaled that I wanted to present the book to him. The Vice President walked towards me, and I said, “Sir, this book is about Understanding American Muslims and their contributions in making America Great Again. It is about building a cohesive America, and we hope to have a Muslim woman president in the year 2036. ”

He listened and promised to read the book, the’ American Muslim Agenda’ and ‘get back with me.’ I hope he would make this brief encounter as productive as he did with my previous meeting.  

 It was my 2nd interaction with the Vice president. The first one was at the CPAC meeting on February 23, 2017. I presented a short letter addressed to President Trump and he promised to pass it on to the President. He did, and Trumps’ first sentence at his opening address at the state of the union after acknowledging the dignitaries came from that letter. It’s here- https://centerforpluralism.com/cfp-delivers-the-letter-to-president-trump/   

Then, I  presented a copy of the book American Muslim Agenda to Kevin Smith, one of the directors at Home Land Security. He did the same as Attorney General Barr who stepped out of the stage to have a conversation with me and to receive a copy of the Book American Muslim Agenda.  His kind gesture is appreciated.

About 200 individuals representing several faiths attended the event.  Amanda Robbins had organized the event precisely and perfectly. Muslim leadership was also present, and it was good to see them all. Hurun Nisa-Adams Center, Imam Faizul Khan-Masjid ISWA, Imam Talib Shareef of Masjid Muhammad, Akhtar Hossain-MACCP, Oussama Jammal-USCMO, and Dr. Ashraf Sufi-ISNA. There may have been a few others, and I did not know them.

Imam Talib Shariff shared his experience with the gun-toting white supremacists four years ago. Of course, they decided to cancel the meeting in all the 17 Mosques around the nation. Here, about 400 non-Muslim neighbors had formed a human chain to defend the Mosque. The point was made by all, that it is necessary to build relationships with the communities we live in. Each community had faced severe harassment and what helped them were their neighbors. There were several discussions, and one of them was a panel about the security measures taken by each place of worship. The participants were Imam Talib Shareef, President, and Imam of the Nation’s Mosque, Brad Orsini of the Jewish Federation of Pittsburg, Pastor Frankie Jones from a Baptist Church in Virginia, Kiran Gill, the executive director of Sikh American Legal Defense Fund.  

There is another version of the same story dealing with 17 gun-toting White Supremacists.

In September 2015, the group that did not like Muslims were planning to hold anti-Muslim demonstrations across 17 (or 19) mosques in the United States. At a meeting of 30 plus Muslim leaders, chaired by Congressman Keith Ellison at CAIR’s national headquarters, they were about to decide to close the Mosques and not deal with the gun toters.

Thanks to Congressman Keith Ellison for letting me speak, which was seconded by Dalia Mogahed and the whole narrative changed. I presented it as an opportunity to welcome the strangers with full hospitality by serving them water, hot dogs, and waving American Flags.

When they come with their guns to demonstrate in front of the Mosque, expecting Muslims to be hostile, let them learn that Muslims are hospitable people and hope it will change their false perception about Muslims. When they see Muslims are as patriotic as them, It will speed up the process of acceptance of Muslims as a part of the American family of faiths. A press release was sent and published in 100 plus News Papers, and thank God, they decided, that their teasing will not work and canceled the demonstrations across the nation.

The program at the White House was managed very well and ran by the minute. However, due to the walk-in by the VP, it was off by 20 minutes, and they were apologetic about it. You have got to admire the American system, where everyone is equal. Indeed, equality is one of the 12 Islamic values highlighted in the book American Muslim Agenda, fully backed up with verses from the Quran.

 Thanks to Dr. Basheer Ahmed, Dr. Nauman Anwar, and Farooq Khan and a few others who understood the necessity of communicating with the elected officials and have them see the Muslim point of view.  

The visionaries mentioned above decided to fund the books to present to the Senators, Congressmen, State Department, White House and Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.  Thus far, over 100 books have been distributed, and ten more books reserved for Texas Senators and a few Congressmen to be presented as a gift from Dr. Nauman Anwar.  Now that the Congress is back from their summer break, I will be reaching them. We will place more books in the hands of the presidential candidates. We need funding for another 100 books, you can buy and ship them to me, and I will deliver it to the designated Senators and Congressmen, but first, you need to read the value of the book, the Muslim efforts to build a cohesive America.

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a thinker, author, speaker, newsmaker and an interfaith wedding officiant. His new book American Muslim Agenda is available on Amazon. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is the Executive Director at the Center for Pluralism in Washington, DC. His information is at linked-in.

Pluralism News – Festivals and Events

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This article was first Published on August 8, 2019 at – : https://centerforpluralism.com/pluralism-news-festivals-and-events/

Some of the events and festivals coming up this month
check it out http://PluralismNews.com

  1. Nag Panchami – 8/05 Naga Panchami is a traditional worship of snakes or serpents observed by Hindus throughout India, Nepal and other countries where Hindu adherents live. The worship is offered on the fifth day of the bright half of Lunar month of Shraavana, according to the Hindu calendar. Pakistan is also opening an old closed down temple in Lahore in celebration of Nag Panchami – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naga_Panchami 

 2. Eid Al Adha – 8/11
Sacrifice is the 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 the 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 a sacrifice: the willingness to value the life of the loved ones over our own. Learn all about it at this link
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eid-aladha-what-should-yo_b_4099426 

3. Sufiana Ghazals by the award-winning artist Rekha Surya – 8/11- Washington DC
Treat yourselves to an evening of classical Ghazals and Sufi poetry by the renowned singer who enthralls audiences with her renditions of Ghalib, Kabir, Faiz, Meer, Nasir Kazmi, Amir Khusro and others…  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rekha-suryas-classical-ghazal-program-washington-dc-tickets-64920339483 – More info below

4. Sufiana Ghazals by the award-winning artist Rekha Surya – 8/17 – Dallas, TX
Treat yourselves to an evening of classical Ghazals and Sufi poetry by the renowned singer who enthralls audiences with her renditions of Ghalib, Kabir, Faiz, Meer, Nasir Kazmi, Amir Khusro and others…  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rekha-suryas-classical-ghazal-program-dallas-texas-tickets-66097376031  More info below

5. Pakistan’s Independence Day 8/14
Happy Independence Day – Qaid Mela in Dallas is one of the biggest Pakistani events. There may be two events, I am sharing what was sent to me.
Dallas – Qaid Mela on 8/16  https://psntonline.org/
Ashburn, VA – https://allevents.in/ashburn/pakistan-independence-day/200017482873755
Irving Texas. By Soch News https://secure.latest.facebook.com/events/529681301106772/ 

6. India’s Independence Day 8/15
Happy Independence Day- Dallas has one of the biggest celebrations of Independence Day called Anand Bazar, and it is done very well info at
Dallas On 8/10 – http://www.iant.org/2019-08AnandBazaar.php
Washington, DC – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/73rd-independence-day-celebrations-tickets-66350721795
Centreville, VA – https://washingtondc.eventful.com/events/73rd-india-independence-day-celebrations-mika-s-/E0-001-126640843-1 

7. Assumption of Mary – 8/15
The Assumption of Mary into Heaven is, according to the beliefs of the Catholic Church, Eastern and Oriental Orthodoxy, the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_of_Mary 

8. Janmashtami – Krishna Jayanti – 8/24
Janmashtami is the celebration of Sri Krishna’s birthday, the man who is the 8th Avatar (representation) of Vishnu; meaning the facet of the creator that manages the preservation aspect of life. Hinduism sees God in three broad categories; Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahma reflects the creator form of God, and Vishnu represents the preserver aspect of creation that inspires one to be righteous, and Shiva brings a finite ending to life. It is a part of the life cycle; every human is born, lives on, and finally disintegrates. https://centerforpluralism.com/janamashtami-lord-krishnas-birth-celebrations/ 

9. Paryushan – 8/27
Michami Dukadam is one of the most beautiful gifts presented by the Jain tradition to the world. Indeed, this phrase is one of the dearest expressions. 13 years ago, at the funeral prayers for Najma in the Richardson Mosque, I asked people to repeat “Michami Dukadam” and nearly 2100 people from all faiths and traditions present repeated the phrases, meaning everyone wanted to acknowledge the past, but release each other from any bondage and free oneself to continue with life. Then when I had a heart attack in 2013, I wrote a piece about it. https://theghousediary.com/michami-dukadam-starting-life-over-wi/What is Paryushan https://centerforpluralism.com/paryushan-a-jain-festival-of-forgiveness/ 

10. India’s Future, A seminar – 8/28
Who is not concerned about the social structure and business climate of India? Every Indian and every Indian American wants the best for India. Of course, India has a strong history of resiliency, and it will recover, in the meantime, every Indian, except the politicians, will bear the brunt of the chaos and insecurity. Speakers are invited. https://centerforpluralism.com/indias-future/ 

Difficult Eid Mubarak

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This article was first Published on August 11, 2019 at – : https://centerforpluralism.com/difficult-eid-mubarak/

A difficult Eid Mubarak

It is not easy to say, Eid Mubarak – while witnessing senseless gun violence, and mindless killing of fellow Americans and fellow humans across the world. No one from an Atheist to a Zoroastrian is spared; many people live in apprehension in one place or the other. A lot of unresolved issues and unmet justices will continue to haunt us and tear us down. We have to fix them.

A few among us are gleeful that others are getting the raw treatment, and some are justifying it. It does not bode well on their part, and no one deserves to be persecuted, harassed, or lynched. It seems they don’t want the cycle of violence to end but perpetuate it as if they are drawing sadistic pleasure out of it. Forgive them, Lord, for they know not the joy of peace, indeed, blessed are the peacemakers.

My security and my peace of mind hinge on the safety of the people around me. If I frighten others, I am not at peace either and will remain tense. It behooves me to end the violence, not with force but with caring and assuring each other that we all have to live a dignified life.

This Eid, the Eid Al-Adha, is about sacrifice. Sacrifice is the 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 the case of extremities, we would instead 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 a sacrifice: the willingness to value the lives of others over our own.

Today, the most cherished possession is money, and those people who are willing to give a portion of their funds for the well being of the less fortunate, that would be the best sacrifice one can make.

Please hold your funds, and we may need to help out the ones in dire needs, we may have an organization that will take up the cause to help the victims of rape, lynching, and dismantling the lives of the innocent people around the world.

Muslims around the world are going through the most challenging time in their history now. The plight of Rohingya and Uyghur Muslims is beyond control. If we don’t correct the course, the Indian Muslims (inclusive of Kashmiri Muslims) are the target of the next genocide.

INDIA

What is happening in India now is terrible for India or the United States, both stand to lose out economically, socially, and politically. If we don’t bring this chaos under control, all the prosperity that has been achieved by individuals and business houses in India risks losing. The investments will trickle down, and the responsible corporations will start pulling out as they did in South Africa. Everyone fails in the end. The only people who will not lose are politicians. The criminals will be on special tribunals, and no one will go scot-free.

It is time to get a grip on the Indian situation. Modi can change the equation, but he has to earn the trust of a majority of Indians, Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, Muslims, and others.

CAUTION

When Bin Laden’s criminals and others like them killed innocent people, they were called terrorists. Indeed, they were terrorists among us, but they were not Muslim in any sense of the word. Likewise, I urge you not to call Hindu Terrorism, or Hinduism incites violence. There is no such thing as Muslim terrorism or Hindu terrorism. Terrorists are among all of us. The Hindutva element among Hindus have lost their minds, like the ISIS among Muslims, we cannot perpetuate that. Now, India has a problem with Hindutva and not Hindus. Let that be clear. We cannot multiply ill-will.

I will be sharing some of the work we are doing in a few weeks, or you can attend the seminar on India’s future on 8/28 and catch up with it.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

We have to bust the myths. Most of the conflicts between communities are born out of tales, and not facts.

As responsible individuals, we must spark the desire in each other to live in peace, and for that, we have to come together in a safe environment and see eye to eye. And learn to enjoy each other’s presence and keep the conflicts out of conversations.

Please remember that we cannot demand others to be inclusive when we are not; we cannot require others to be peace-loving when we are not — we in a sense, the Hindus and the Muslims. We must think, talk, and act peace.

The Center for Pluralism offers workshops on the wisdom of religion, all the beautiful religions. The idea is to learn firsthand from the practitioners of the faith rather than from someone else. Each faith contributes to the well being of the world, and we have to learn to see it.

I guarantee you; you will seldom hear the truth about religion from others; everyone is hell-bent on decimating and denigrating other’s faith. So, whatever you hear about Hinduism, Islam, or Christianity from the others, please discard it. To get the full truth, you need to know to at least ten different practitioners of each faith. What is the need to know the whole truth? It relieves you from ill-will, hate, anger, and all those emotions that zap your peace.

To learn about Muslims, please consider reading the book American Muslim Agenda. It is about how to have a vision and bring about a positive change in societies.

We have a lot of reconciling to do. No one is born a rogue; they become one due to circumstances. It is in our interest to listen to each other’s concerns and figure out how to live cohesively.

IMAM / KHATIB OF MASJID MUHAMMAD- Dr Muhammad Fraser Rahim. He surprised me by saying he read my writing “Difficult Eid Mubarak” this morning. He will observe a minute of silence for the victims of Dayton, El Paso and other shootings including the difficult times the world is facing. Particularly the difficult times Muslims of Uyghur, Rohingya, and Kashmir are facing now. Read my earlier posting about difficult Eid Mubarak on my Facebook.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, activist, writer, and is committed to offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is the founder and president of the Center for Pluralism in Washington, DC.

Pluralism News – Festivals and Events

You can access the details for the upcoming festivals and events at:  www.PluralismNews.com or go to https://centerforpluralism.com/pluralism-news-festivals-and-events/

  1. Nag Panchami 8/5 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naga_Panchami 

4. Eid Al Adha 8/11 – https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eid-aladha-what-should-yo_b_4099426 

5. Sufiana Ghazals by the award-winning artist Rekha Surya – 8/11 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rekha-suryas-classical-ghazal-program-washington-dc-tickets-64920339483

6. Sufiana Ghazals by the award-winning artist Rekha Surya – 8/17 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rekha-suryas-classical-ghazal-program-dallas-texas-tickets-66097376031

7. Pakistan’s Independence Day 8/14 https://psntonline.org/

8. India’s Independence Day 8/15 http://www.iant.org/2019-08AnandBazaar.php

9. Assumption of Mary – 8/15 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_of_Mary 

10. Janmashtami – Krishna Jayanti – 8/24 https://centerforpluralism.com/janamashtami-lord-krishnas-birth-celebrations/ 

11. Paryushan 8/27 https://centerforpluralism.com/paryushan-a-jain-festival-of-forgiveness/ 

12. India’s Future https://centerforpluralism.com/indias-future/ 

Thank you

CAUTION

When Bin Laden’s criminals killed 2998 of our fellow citizens, when ISIS was massacring the Yazidis, Christians and Shias, when Taliban were beating up on women, when people bombed the Taj Hotel in Mumbai or blew up the shopping Mall in Kenya, and other outfits were terrorizing the innocent people, the people without common sense called it Muslim Terrorism. They were wrong, there were terrorists among us, but they were not Muslims in any sense of the word.

Likewise, I urge you not to call Hindu Terrorism or Hinduism incites violence. There is no such thing as Muslim terrorism or Hindu terrorism. Terrorists are among all of us. The Hindutva element among Hindus have lost their minds, like the ISIS among Muslims, we cannot perpetuate that. We can call terrorists among Hindus or Muslims.  It took me a lot of fights with Fox News, and Stuart Varney to change the narrative and started calling terrorists among us and even Sean Hannity knows the difference. They had a problem with extremists and not with Muslims. Now, India has a problem with Hindutva and not Hindus. Let that be clear. We cannot multiply ill-will.

Successful houseful Ghazal Program in Washington DC

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This article was first Published on August14, 2019 at – : https://centerforpluralism.com/successful-houseful-ghazal-program-in-washington-dc/

Thank you for joining us at Ghazal ki Ek Surmayee sham with Rekha Surya. I hope you enjoyed the refreshing genre of light classical music, as I heard from a few of you, it was a soothing, relaxing and a meditational experience. It was a delight to see every one of you enjoying the music thoroughly.

One of the purposes of organizing this event was to bring our communities together.  We are pleased with the presence of such a diverse audience, I was thrilled to see Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil speakers as well besides the Punjabi, Hindi, Hindi, Urdu and other speakers. I did not get a chance to meet all of you but thank you for being there.

The welcome by Keerthi Swamy, Sardar Singh, Dr. Suresh Gupta, and Dr. Rahat and Dr. Masood Khan was what the program was all about, together we can find peace and cultivate harmony amongst us. Thanks to everyone for enthusiastically participating in the pluralistic religious greetings from different faiths.

Dr. Abdullah’s introduction of Rekha was classic! I want to hear it again, some of the similes used were very imaginative and thoughtful.  if anyone has videotaped that portion, I would like to see it.

The house was full, and it was good to see a few people chose to sit on the floor, and a few stood on the sides, we had 164 RSVP’s at Eventbrite, but many of you came without RSVPing as well. Welcome, all!

We appreciate the NCAIA (National council of Asian Indian Americans) and the AAA (Aligarh Alumni Association) for lending their full support and sponsorships. We hope to continue to work with these two organizations.  I hope we will “joth say jot jalate chalo, prem ki ganga bahate chalo”.

Thanks to our sponsors Shahid & Shaheen Hashmi, and Dr. Rahat and Dr. Masood Khan, and Aligarh Alumni Association.  Without their sponsorships, the program would not have been possible to make it ticket free. More than that, they helped the Center for Pluralism to focus on the program and inviting friends, rather than worrying about meeting the costs.  Once again, thank you.

We are a non-profit organization, and your kind donations paid most of our bills. We hope you would take a look at what we have accomplished at the center for pluralism, and if that is your vision as well, you can sponsor any one of our programs.

Janmashtami is coming up, and if you can sponsor a gathering of interfaith leaders, I would like to organize the event. A few speakers from different faiths, including Hindus and Muslims, will share the wisdom of Lord Krishna in making the world a better place for all humanity. Of course, a few bhajans on Nand Lal Gopal as well. We do this for all religious figures. As we learn the wisdom of each religious master, we will start appreciating each other’s faiths and find comfort in knowing that everyone has made an effort to build secure societies.

Our programs are designed to bring people together to open their hearts and minds towards each other. We are committed to shaping our future in building a cohesive America, where each one of the 323 Million of us feels secure about our ethnicity, culture, race, and religion.

Here is one of the many articles written on Janamashtami. https://centerforpluralism.com/janamashtami-lord-krishnas-birth-celebrations/

What have we accomplished? https://centerforpluralism.com/mission-accomplished-at-the-center-for-pluralism/

Your donation will bring good things to America.  https://centerforpluralism.com/donate/

PICTURES FROM DC

Thank you
Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916

India’s Road To Fascism – OpEd

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This article was first Published on August 31, 2019 at – : https://centerforpluralism.com/indias-road-to-fascism-oped/

Courtesy of Eurasia 

It is in an interview between Mike Ghouse and Tariq Al-Maeena

By Tariq A. Al-Maeena

What so-called democracy in the world invades a disputed territory that has enjoyed autonomy for decades with tens of thousands of heavily armed troops, arrests local leaders, enforces a complete communication blackout and begins the process of heinously dismantling decades-old international resolutions? It is India today under the BJP government that has done exactly that.

The recent invasion of Kashmir and the abrogation of several charters of the Indian constitution spells danger to a democracy already fraught with creeping fascism, as the Hindutva saffron brigade has been encouraged to set about making the lives of India’s minorities perilous. Reminiscent of Hitler’s Nazi-brigade, these Hindu extremists have gone so far as to murder people by lynching them for the crime of eating beef! In many cases, the lynching had nothing to do with the cow, but with the religion of the victim.

Along those lines, Mike Ghouse, an American-Indian and President for the Center for Pluralism pens the following:

“Violence might please a few souls as it is about getting even, and not seeking justice. We need justice and not the endless revenge cycle.

“We cannot advocate violence; it will hurt everyone. Let me be precise, only Hindus can save India. Hindus and Hinduism is not the problem, never a problem as Islam is never a problem, it’s the ISIS variety among them that is the problem, and they are known as Hindutva forces.

“However, if India and the world don’t stop this mayhem, everyone will lose out including the Hindu majority and the United States of America.

“Who does not want India to succeed? All of us want the best for India.

“Unfortunately, the Modi government’s record has been harmful to the nation. He has played with demonetization, Rafale deal, GST, and farmers with disastrous results. Now, he is playing with Kashmir.

“The dangers of the actions by the Modi government in scraping article 370 without the consent of the governed are highlighted below.

“I sincerely hope the freedom to protest, and freedom to speak will not be suspended, and neither will India follow the example of Tiananmen Square?

“Way back in the 1970s India treaded on a similar path when one-person rule destroyed the nation. American businesses were asked to leave, companies like Coke and IBM were gone, and several banks were nationalized. Modi’s government is back at it now.

“These two men, PM Modi, and his home minister Amit Shah don’t believe in dialogue to solve problems. They are appeasing their base at the cost of the long-term security of the nation. Modi’s base erroneously believes in crushing dissent and punishing the Kashmiri people.

“Shamefully, like the German people before the Holocaust, Indians will remain silent and let the genocide of Kashmiris takes place.

“If people are pushed into a corner, giving them no choice, they will resort to terrorism. If India goes on the path of Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq, America’s hands will be tied for two more decades.

“It is incumbent on us to speak up and protect the rights of individuals and America’s long-term interests. Let’s not be an accomplice to the genocide about to happen.

“America stands to lose from these actions. India stood as a bulwark against China’s expansion, and a secure place for American investors, both are at risk now. I pray that the Modi government learns not to play with the people of India and does not turn India into Afghanistan.

“The following summary was put together by a human rights organization.

“Thirty-eight thousand heavily armed military officers with tanks have been brought into Kashmir in the last couple of days. Presently, Kashmir is the most militarized zone in the world: There is a one-armed Indian soldier for every 10 Kashmiris.

“Here is a summary of the actions put together by Sound Vision.

  • Modi has closed down all media in Kashmir.
  • No journalist is allowed by Modi to enter Kashmir.
  • Modi has shut down all cell phone and landline services.
  • Modi government has evacuated all tourists and Hindus.
  • Modi is changing the constitution to allow this annexation of Kashmir, which until this week, had special status.

“Kashmiri leaders are appealing to the world to stop the imminent genocide of Kashmiris. Genocide Watch in Washington, DC has already issued a genocide alert for India, the actions by the Modi government will bring disaster like the other experimentations. Sincerely, Mike Ghouse.”

Indeed, Mike, this is a matter of grave concern. Today, Gaza in Palestine has the dubious honor of being the world’s largest concentration camp with its people forced to live in an inhumane environment. But if India’s current and distorted vision for predominantly Muslim Kashmir is not reversed, I’m afraid it will soon be Kashmir who will have that honor.

This article was published at the Saudi Gazette