Should corona or an accident abruptly end your life, are you ready to go in peace, i.e., without anxieties? How do you want your burial, who should make critical decisions like cutting off the oxygen supply? No more resuscitation, or some such severe ailment? What should be done with your things, how, and who is going to take care of your dependent loved ones?
Writing a will is not complicated, you can actually handwrite, or write on your computer, sign it and share the copies with your trusted friends. Then keep revising and updating whenever you get a chance.
Please consult an attorney after you have done your work, If you don’t have the time, what you have done is good enough.
The purpose of this essay is three-fold – bringing clarity to your wishes, taking away the anxieties and restoring peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
You have a choice to tie the loose ends of your life, completing your incomplete transactions of life, clean the slate of your life, and go in peace without tensions. Of course, you are going to live for several years, in that case, you have your “xhit” together.
If you don’t have a will – there will be fights among the survivors, if you have more than one survivor, it might go to the state or someone associated with you can rob what you have earned and deny it to the rightful owners of your hard-earned money. All that you have will be lost.
One of the individuals I knew, a rich guy who owned a few businesses, died in a car accident. He did not have the will, and his “friends” took over the company leaving his wife and kids with nothing. Let that not happen to your loved ones.
Here is a piece of advice in every religious tradition, ask God for anything you want. Don’t you think God knows what you want? Of course, he does but wants you to be clear about what you are asking. The intent is to help you move from confusion to coherence, and from chaos to clarity. Clarity brings focus, and focus produces solutions and relief.
A Genie pops up from the bottle and tells, “Ask what you want?” The old lady was all confused about what to ask and was blabbering. Genie gets frustrated and asks the old lady again, Lady, I cannot give you everything taking away your blindness, making you wealthy, or providing you with a grandchild and bla bla bla. Just ask me one thing clearly what you want, and I shall give. The lady gathers herself up and utters a short sentence with superb clarity. “I want to see my grandchild eat in a silver spoon.” One smart lady!
Make a list for each one of the following items and write what needs to be done, so the person you choose can execute your will and bring relief to the survivors.
First, the easy thing.
Write down your emergency contact numbers. Please take a 3×5 card or a piece of paper – and list key numbers on it and stick it in your purse/wallet. You can also list numbers as Emergency numbers on your cell phone. This is so critical. Video – 1-minute video message https://www.facebook.com/150223454997533/videos/390244995007634/
Medical info
In case of last-minute care, should you be resuscitated or let go? How do you want your burial? Where do you wish to be buried? In case that is not possible, are you ok with other alternatives? Are you an organ donor? Who should make that decision for you? Any metallic object in the body and other medical issues, list as many as you can. Don’t wait to have a perfect will. Get it done now, then, later on, revise and complete it.
Assets
List everything that is yours and note what you want to be done with each item. The list can be long – cats, dogs, goats, cows, camels, bikes, cars, furniture, computers, cash, art collection, jewelry, 401 k, stocks, bonds, loans to your friends. Add copyrights, trademarks, patents, life insurance, accidental insurance, auto insurance, home insurance, books, and of course, you home (it’s for all people, that is the reason for goats, cows, and camels).
2. Liabilities
List everything you owe and what to do with it: mortgage payments, automobile payments, student loans, loans to family members, and friends.
3. Other Items
Passwords to Facebook, twitter, linked-in, and other social media. Code to the banks’ safe deposit box, the system to your secure box at home. Promises you have made to others, and others have made to you. Apologies to the ones you have hurt, and apologies to be sought from others who have hurt you. What is on your computer.
4. Beneficiaries
Who should get what, make that clear, identify items—family members, friends, charities, etc.? My mother left a great example; she left some gift items and some money in a bag a week before she passed away with instructions to open after her death. We opened it – she had designated everything in that bag to whom it should go. We did as she wanted.
5. Guardians
If you have minor children, talk to family members or friends who could take care of them, and if you have funds, assign them the funds for caring for your children or older parents. There are bad stories out there, think it thoroughly.
6. Executor
It is a person you trust and assign the responsibility to carry out your wishes listed in your will. Most people will not want money for their service, but you can dedicate some funds for their work. My sister and her family took care of two daughters of my youngest brother after his death, out of their love for the family.
7. Execution
All the above can be handwritten or typed. All you need is two people to witness it. The minimum is if you can get a notary to witness the signatures. The maximum is to get an attorney to do the paperwork.
Once signed, make sure a copy of the will is in the hands of family members or friends. Place one in your bank safe deposit box if you have one, and one in a safe place in your home or with a friend. In case the house gets burned down. Let it be in two envelopes, medical will to be opened immediately, and the other will to be opened upon death.
Don’t postpone it, do it today. Start making a list. If you have any questions, feel free to ask or send an email to MikeGhouse@gmail.com. I will be happy to send a detailed checklist.
One way to pay tribute to your mother is to dedicate your day to her, don’t do anything but being with her, there is immense joy in it. Those who have lost their mothers, they can write about her and pray for her soul.
This story is about an inclusive Mother’s day. Blessed are those who were raised by loving, and caring Mothers. Exalted are the Single Mothers who sacrifice every pleasure of their life so their kids don’t miss out on life. Enthroned are those fathers who raised their kids as a father and a mother. Of course, our prayers and empathies for those who grew up with no mother or abusive mothers, but still made it.
This essay also includes Mothers in different religious traditions, the name ‘Mother’ in 115 languages, and honoring a few women that I know and appreciate, including my Mother and Grand Mother.
Twenty years ago, when my mother called me to say, she was leaving this world, I was overwhelmed with emotion, but felt good to tell her that I loved her and let her know that, whatever I am today is because of her. That was one of the best things I have done in my life to express my gratitude. Within two hours I was on the plane from Dallas to Bangalore but reached my home four hours after she passed away.
Even after her death, she shaped my life with two particular items. She taught me by example to tie the loose ends of life and keep the slate of my life as clean as I can. It is her blessings. The next thing she told me was to meet her in paradise and tell her that I died helping someone, but certainly not counting money, and that drove me from money-making activities to volunteering. Today, I am at peace with myself, and pleased to have achieved the pinnacle of life by establishing the Center for Pluralism – a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization committed to building cohesive societies, where every human feels secure about his/her faith, race, ethnicity and culture.
I am grateful to Everett Blauvelt, my friend, and the father figure to me, he told me to spend time with my mother without arguing. Of course, everyone gets into arguments with his/her mother, so was I. But after that sane advice, every time I visited her, I sat next to her on the bench (Takht). She will tell me everything about everyone and I would shut up and listen, it was not easy, but I did. What a blessing it was, after two hours of filling my ears she would lit up and gave me the Jimmy Carter smile. That was my reward and my blessing and that was the other best thing I have done in my life. I cherish her happy face forever. So my friends, please dedicate your day to your mother. Friends come and go, you move from place to place – but your mother is there for you.
On Mothers Day and on her death anniversary, as a Muslim, I find comfort in starting my day by praying two units of prayer and reciting a chapter from the Quran. My whole day remains peaceful.
I appreciate all the mothers who have raised their kids well, particularly single mothers and single fathers. Getting them ready to go to school and juggling between taking them to different playgrounds, daycare, and work is not easy.
A lot of sacrifices are made by single mothers and single fathers who are also mother their kids. No amount of appreciation will be enough. Whatever you are today, it is because of your mother. In the following essay, I will share a few personal examples of the struggle mothers go through, and how you can appreciate them, which in turn brings you a blissful life.
Mother is the ultimate definition of selflessness! No matter what happens to the world or even her, she is there for you in your need; she recognizes your need much before you even know it. Of course every day is Mother’s day, and each one of us honors her in a variety of ways. Just giving her a smile, a thank you, and caring to do things for her makes her happy and feel appreciated.
Mothers don’t need a whole lot; they just need to know that you care. Remember, you were showered by her attention when you needed it.
A majority of us are fortunate to have the love and affection of a mother to bless our lives. However, we cannot forget the pain and anguish of men and women who were not blessed with a loving mother. I assure you that you are a blessed one to have made it in life without mothers’ love, and since you missed it, it is time for you to give that love to others and restore the spirit of love within you.
I am pleased to acknowledge and appreciate a few people that I know; from my ex-wife Ella to the people I happen to know. What is common to all of them is they remained devoted to raising their children and sacrificed their own lives for the good of their children.
My Grandmother raised my father and aunt when she became a widow at Sixteen and never took any one’s help and raised her kids working day and night, remaining single all her life until she was Ninety-eight. She was an independent woman with a lot of self-respect and dignity. I salute all the mothers for their sacrifices and admire them for their achievements.
A person who is not grateful, and has not learned to express gratitude is seriously handicapped in living a full life. He or she will miss out a lot, but they can change it, it is their choice to express gratitude. It’s time to express gratitude to our mothers; it restores the spiritual balance in each one of us. In my case, on every Mothers day, I pray and write a tribute to my mother and this is dedicated to her and all the single mothers.
I had a radio show way back in the mid-Nineties and on Mother’s day, I took live calls for three hours. Every one of the callers cried talking about his or her late mother and I burst out crying. it was worth it for my Mother. When I visit India, from the airport, I go straight to the cemetery to pay tribute to my parents and my grandmother and maternal grandfather, who all shaped in my raising.
Life is about transactions. Each time we receive a “good” we become indebted to the giver, but when we give back to the giver or find alternate ways of giving back, i.e., expressing gratitude and apologizing for the shortcomings, we complete the transaction. When we do that, we regain our spiritual balance, bringing us salvation, nirvana, mukti, moksha, nijaat, and freedom. Try it and see the good it does to you.
If you have tensions with her, seek her forgiveness today. If she is not around, spend half an hour meditating about her and see the sense of completeness you feel within you.
Every religious tradition has elevated mother to nearly the status of God, because she possess many a qualities of God; kindness, merciful, beneficent and caring among thousand other qualities. Mother is the reason for our existence; sustenance, nurturance and shaping who we are. I dedicate this write-up to my Mother, and all the Mothers out there. There is a beautiful song in Urdu/Hindi language
Us ko nahin dekha hum ne kabhi, per us ki zaroorat kya hogi Ai maa teri soorat say alag bhagwan ki soorat kya hogi.
I have not seen him (God) ever, but what is the need for it? Dear Mother, your face cannot be different than God’s own face
Thanks to this beautiful tradition of America, a day to honor all Mothers. No mother should be alone today; someone or the other must give her a call.
RELIGIONS ON MOTHERS:
In the native traditions, be it American, European, African, or Asian, Mother is creator in the form of mother Earth.
Christianity and Judaism: “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you. In Jewish tradition, your heritage is determined by your Mother, you are a Jew because of your mother.
“Diverse images of what are believed to be Mother Goddesses also have been discovered that date from the Neolithic period, the New Stone Age, which ranges from approximately 10,000 BCE when the use of wild cereals led to the beginning of farming, and eventually, to agriculture.” Wikipedia
The Baha’i faith, “For mothers are the first educators, the first mentors; and truly it is the mothers who determine the happiness, the future greatness, the courteous ways and learning and judgment, the understanding and the faith of their little ones.”
In the Hindu tradition Mother is worshiped and is represented in many attributes like Ma Saraswati (source of knowledge), Ma Lakshmi (source of income) and the likes… Mother’s face is equated with God’s face, a song celebrates Mother by saying, if I have seen your face mother, and I have seen God.
Sikh’s consider God as a parent, a mother and a father. Guru Granth Sahib advises “Always remember the boundless, limitless God, remembering whom all our sins are destroyed. My son, this is a mother’s prayer for you.”
Prophet Muhammad was asked by his associates, who are the most important person in one’s life – he says, “Mother”; they ask again, the answer was “Mother again” and same response was given for the third time, such is the importance given to mother. He said, your heaven, your paradise and your peace of mind comes to you by serving your mother.
You will find mother is placed at the highest spiritual level in all religions or non-religious traditions and life forms. Those who have a mother to see, you are the blessed one, those who don’t, you have her blessings.
“Paradise is under the feet of your mother” is the mantra probably every Muslim recites and it is part of Hindu, Sikh, Jain and South Asian culture as well. The idea is of gratitude, if you are grateful to you mother, then you would be grateful to the creator and other benefactors around you.
In 2001, my Mother passed away in one of the most beautiful manners one could embark on, the eternal journey; a clean slate with no loose ends. She was incredible; she tied all the loose ends before she took her last breath, she called every one and cleared the air and said goodbye that was the biggest lesson of my life; to tie the loose ends. The Jain tradition calls it Michami Dukadam.
I guess, all of us kids and her grand kids turned out that way; boundless. No barriers between us and another soul and our relationships have always been multi-cultural and multi-religious. Thanks Mom for pounding those values in our hearts and minds.
MOTHER IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
I called my mother, “Amma” and at times “Ammi” while addressing her it was Ma.
Afrikaans – Moeder, Ma Albanian – Nënë, Mëmë Arabic – Ahm, umm Aragones – Mai Asturian – Ma Aymara – Taica Azeri (Latin Script) – Ana Basque – Ama Belarusan -Matka Bergamasco – Màder Bolognese – Mèder Bosnian- Majka Brazilian Portuguese- Mãe Bresciano- Madèr Breton – Mamm Bulgarian – Majka Byelorussian – Macii Calabrese – Matre, Mamma Caló – Bata, Dai Catalan – Mare Cebuano – Inahan, Nanay Chechen – Nana Croatian- Mati, Majka Czech- Abatyse Danish – Mor Dutch – Moeder, Moer Dzoratâi – Mére English- Mother, Mama, Mom Esperanto- Patrino, Panjo Estonian- Ema Faeroese- Móðir Finnish- Äiti Flemish- Moeder French- Mère, Maman Frisian- Emo, Emä, Kantaäiti, Äiti Furlan- Mari Galician- Nai German – Mutter Greek – Màna Griko – Salentino, Mána Hawaiian – Makuahine Hindi – Ma, Maji, Mata Hungarian – Anya, Fu Icelandic – Móðir Ilongo – Iloy, Nanay, Nay Indonesian – Induk, Ibu, Biang, Nyokap Irish – Máthair Italian – Madre, Mamma Japanese – Okaasan, Haha Judeo Spanish- Madre Kannada -Amma Kurdish Kurmanji – Daya Ladino – Uma Latin – Mater Leonese – Mai Ligurian- Maire Limburgian – Moder, Mojer, Mam Lingala- Mama Lithuanian- Motina Lombardo- Occidentale Madar Lunfardo- Vieja Macedonian – Majka Malagasy- Reny Malay- Emak Maltese- Omm Mantuan- Madar Maori- Ewe, Haakui Mapunzugun – Ñuke, Ñuque Marathi – Aayi Mongolian – `eh Mudnés- Medra, mama Neapolitan – Mamma Norwegian- Madre Occitan – Maire Old Greek – Mytyr Parmigiano- Mädra Persian- Madr, Maman Piemontese – Mare Polish- Matka, Mama Portuguese – Mãe Punjabi – Mai, Mataji, Pabo Quechua- Mama Rapanui -Matu’a Vahine Reggiano – Mèdra Romagnolo – Mèder Romanian – Mama, Maica Romansh – Mamma Russian -Mat’ Saami -Eadni Samoan – Tina Sardinian- (Limba Sarda Unificada) Mama Sardinian -Campidanesu mamai Sardinian- Logudoresu Madre, Mamma Serbian – Majka Shona – Amai Sicilian – Matri Slovak – Mama, Matka Slovenian- Máti Spanish – Madre, Mamá, Mami Swahili— Mama, Mzazi, Mzaa Swedish Mamma, Mor, Morsa Swiss German -Mueter Telegu- Amma Triestino – Mare Turkish – Anne, Ana, Valide Turkmen -Eje Ukrainian – Mati Urdu -Ammee, Maa, Amma Valencian – Mare Venetian – Mare Viestano – Mamm’ Vietnamese- me Wallon -Mére Welsh – Mam Yiddish -Muter Zeneize -Moæ
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Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day- all about him atwww.MikeGhouse.net and www.Centerforpluralism.com
Eid Mubarak | Good Deeds | Appeal to Indians | Modi urged
A hearty Eid Mubarak
Good deeds
Modi urged to repeal the CAA
An appeal to my fellow Indians
Don’t forget to write your will
Life is a poem of love – my personal story
Shaping America’s future
Our new logo
Our prayers are with the victims of COVID 19, and the victims of the plane crash in Pakistan. Be careful and follow the instructions from the medical personnel – wear the masks, wash the hands.
Muslims do so much good out there – and if people see it, they will gradually change their perception towards Muslims. As a part of countering anti-Muslim messaging, we are working on creating the website by the name Good Deeds. It will be fully functional by July fourth – take a look at the outline. http://worldmuslimcongress.org/good-deeds/……………………………………..
Modi Urged to repeal the Citizen’s amendment act.
The Government of India needs to repeal the CAA and restore freedom to the people of Kashmir to honor the dignity of Indians and also earn respect from the community of nations if we want to be a leading civilized nation in the world. Full story https://theghousediary.com/modi-urged-to-repeal-the-citizens-amendment-act/ ……………………………………..
An Appeal to my fellow Indians
I am inviting all Indians to join together to make an effort to restore harmony in India. We all had our share of hatred, ill-will, and distrust, and we cannot continue with that. At this time, adharma has reached extremity and time to restore it. https://theghousediary.com/an-appeal-to-my-fellow-indians/ ………………………………..
Don’t forget to write your will
Should corona or an accident abruptly end your life, are you ready to go in peace, i.e., without anxieties? How do you want your burial, who should make critical decisions like cutting off the oxygen supply? No more resuscitation, or some such severe ailment? What should be done with your things, how, and who is going to take care of your dependent loved ones? https://centerforpluralism.com/your-will/ ………………………………..
Life is a poem of love, it’s your story and my story
Twelve years ago, today, in 2008, Najma, my wife was free from cancer and left on her eternal journey. I am pleased to have celebrated her life. Nearly 400 people attended the Crowne Plaza event, and 12 different religious groups sang their faith’s traditional songs. My friend Vijay played “Ek Pyar Ka Naghma hai” on the violin, and Bill Mathews sang on guitar, “You decorated my life.” and the Ismaili group rendered ” Ya nabi salaam alaikum” All of Najma’s favorites. Here is the full story http://mikeghouseforamerica.blogspot.com/2008/06/celebration-of-spirit-of-volunteerism.html
Shaping America’s Future
One of the significant sources of conflict come from our interactions with fellow countrymen, in our case, Americans. It is how we deal with each other and treat the otherness of the other that determines the future of our country, where we all can live a secure life with the least tensions.
We have led the world in every aspect of human progress from economics to medicine, automation to information technology, and set the world on the course of self-rule, which is the government of people by the people for the people. Now we have to apply our ingenuity in building cohesive societies.
Nothing will change unless someone takes the initiative and makes a commitment to bring about the change. To quote Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Mahatma Gandhi gave life to it up by saying, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
At the Center for Pluralism, we are committed to building a cohesive America, an America where each one of us feels secure about our ethnicity, faith, culture, race, political and sexual orientation, and other uniqueness.
If your vision for America reflects these ideals, we invite you to study our home page and let us know if you are interested in joining us.
Mike Ghouse is the founder and president of the Center for Pluralism. He is a speaker, thinker, author, consultant, pluralist, activist, new smaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions to the media and the policymakers. www.TheGhousediary.com
No American has to live with the fear of getting stopped by the police, or he/she has to beg to breathe. Every day, African Americans live in tension when they step outside their home, which should not be acceptable. Our civility demands us to treat every human with dignity.
I have always admired the American police, and they represent the values of a majority of Americans. However, there are a few racists among them, and we need to address the issue boldly.
If the police get weekly reminders, that they will lose their job and go to jail if they deviate from the policies, it may mitigate some brutality. We may also have to have monthly psychological tests to determine racist tendencies and refrain them.
Joe’s speech was moving, and this is the first time Joe has scored with me. He said all the right things! In contrast, Trump does not connect with the average Joe and lacks empathy.
“Everyday African Americans go about their lives with constant anxiety and trauma of wondering, ‘Will I be next?’ It sounds like an exaggeration, but it’s not,” Biden remarked.
At this time, the Christians and Muslims in India feel the same as the African Americans do in the United States, worried about the lynchers and Cow-vigilantes. Shame on the prime minister who does not condemn these incidents, much of the chaos will be down if he does.
The hallmark of civilized societies is freedom, and when every member of the community feels secure. At this time, the people of Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh and other states in India live with tensions, and it cannot go on.
“If we’re not committed as a nation,” Biden added, “with every ounce of purpose in our beings, not just to bind up this wound in the hope that somehow the scab once again will cover things over — but to treat the underlying injury — we’re never going to heal eventually.”
“It’s a 400-year-old wound | it’s America’s original sin.”
Mike Ghouse is the founder and president of the Center for Pluralism. He is a speaker, thinker, author, consultant, pluralist, activist, news maker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions to the media and the policymakers. www.TheGhousediary.com
I am proud of America. It is so good to see the protests going on all across America to honor the life of George Floyd. Justice to one Americans amounts to Justice to all Americans.
Shame on a few demonstrators who are resorting to violence and looting – they don not represent the values of the protestors or fellow Americans.
I salute the police officers who get out on the streets to protect us; we owe them a debt of gratitude. If you get a chance, stop by and thank the police officers. We need to do that often. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpfEP-0FB7U&feature=youtu.be
Shame on a few corrupt cops who are resorting to racism and violence against fellow Americans.
We need reforms in police training. We need to institute quizzes to determine if an officer as racist proclivities – he/she needs to re-trained or need to get rid of them. I am writing a letter of recommendation to the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland security and Invite your sane, pragmatic suggestions to incorporate into the message.
We must honor the protestors, and it is because of them, our freedoms are intact. God bless the protestors, God bless the police officers, God bless you and God bless America.
Mike Ghouse is the founder and president of the Center for Pluralism. He is a speaker, thinker, author, consultant, pluralist, activist, news maker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions to the media and the policymakers. www.TheGhousediary.com
At the Center for Pluralism, we are committed to opening people’s hearts and minds towards each other. We believe if we take the time to learn, we will find a lot of propaganda to be false. Indeed, if we can learn to respect the otherness of the others and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.
Our vision is to see a world where you, me, and everyone feels secure about our faith, race, ethnicity, culture, and the other uniqueness. If your vision is similar, please join in our work.
Should corona or an accident abruptly end your life, are you ready to go? What should one do with the things you are leaving behind, who is going to take care of your dependent loved ones? How do you want your burial, who should make critical decisions like cutting off the oxygen supply? The purpose of this essay is three-fold – bringing clarity to your wishes, taking away the anxieties, and restoring peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
Petition about Sikhs to the President to warn the ISIS
We urge the President of the United States of America to give an ultimatum to the ISIS, that they have thirty days to surrender and become good citizens or face the drones. We also urge the Government and the people of Afghanistan to conquer the hearts of the Sikhs, Hindus, Christians, and all other minorities, including Muslim minorities, by creating an environment of freedom and security and removing all the threats against them. Please sign the petition –
We need to take responsibility and not buy into the propaganda of the Government or the Godi Media. After all, we have to work, travel, school, hospitalize and shop together. We cannot live in a constant strain of distrust.
Anyone who causes you to hate, ridicule, belittle, and get angry at others is taking your energy out. The more we hate each other, the higher the misery – pushing us farther and farther from being free (Moksha).
We need to help those who are eager to blame and accuse others. We need to put facts in front of them, our fellow Indians, who are gullible to buy into the politicians’ tricks to divert attention from economic problems to blaming other groups. All politicians employ this trick.
You gain nothing by hating fellow humans other than sink in your misery.
The Politicians and the embedded Media (Godi Media) across the world pander to their ‘solid’ base, who are eager to hate someone or the other.
As we say in Hindi, “politicians Janta ko chootiya banate hain aur desi janta asani say chootiye ban jatay hain hain.” Politicians think the public is stupid, and feed them a lot of bull, and some gulp it down with devotion. It is time to think and question. Finding the truth is our own responsibility, as it relieved us from pain and anguish.
Anti-Semitism
The stupidity of some people is unbelievable. No matter what goes wrong, they are waiting to accuse the Jews and the Muslims, and will not hesitate to fabricate lies. All of us who wants to see a better world has to act and smash these falsities. Please see the Markaz Nizamuddin for Islamophobia
It is time for everyone to accept the responsibility for what happens in their group and focus on solving the problem.
Markaz Nizamuddin – a case in point.
The Markaz Nizamuddin, a community center, holds its annual conference like all others. In India, people of all faiths celebrate their festivities in large crowds like the Kumbh Mela, Ramanavami, Janmashtami, Gurpurab, Ramazan, Holi, Diwali, Bakrid, Paryushan, Mahavir Jayanthi, Milad, Christmas, Easter, Baisakhi, Nowruz, and the annual gatherings at Tirupati Tirumalai, Ayyappa, Karaga, Rajasthan book Festival, and other events. Besides, each faith and language group holds yearly events.
So, the Markaz (Center) Nizamuddin got all the permissions from the local government to hold their three-day conference/ Mela. People from across India and the globe attended the event. Then in the middle of their three-day program, the lockdown was announced. They scrambled and asked for help to transport the people, and they did not get it. They obeyed the laws but stayed put in the place as they had nowhere to go.
Some of the people who traveled from other countries were not the only ones on the planes, and there were others – the Godi Media is accusing “Muslims” of bringing the virus. What about other passengers? What’s wrong with their brains?
Every group of Indians, and most certainly Muslims have condemned the bad behavior of a handful of men who spat on the medical staff, that was wrong.
The Home Ministry and the Godi Media saw the opportunity to insult fellow Indians who are Muslims, and made them the source of spreading the Coronavirus, what false propaganda? Any gathering has equal chances of spreading the virus.
Now, take a look at the violators who got a free pass. Should you blame Muslims and not other violators? It is your choice, you have to live with it, but take a look at the biggest violators of the lockdown – Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath and Yeddyurappa. As an Indian American, should you focus on Markaz Nizamuddin and ignore these? What does your prejudice allow you to do? Should these two men be made to pay or let go?
At the Center for pluralism, we bring peace of mind to you and take the anxiety away by busting myths about every faith. We honor and respect the divinity of every religion; all religions are from God to live in harmony. No one is more privileged than the others.
Faith is like your mother, no matter what anyone says, your mother is dear to you. Likewise, your religion is precious to you as mine is to me. It is stupid to argue or belittle other’s traditions, and it does not get you anywhere. We offer free workshops on learning about the essence of each faith from Atheists to Zoroastrians and everyone in between, and we defend the rights of every human, including the LGBTQ community and Native Americans.
China’s Responsibility to the world
If China takes responsibility for its negligence, it will remain a part of the community of the nations, or else it will be isolated again stripping all its prosperity. Who will trust China again? How will they flourish if no one buys their products?
I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about Islam. It will be as bold as the book American Muslim Agenda. If you have the time, buy the book, the e-book is available on Kindle for $5.39 and actual book for $19.99 at Amazon. Before you buy, please visit the site www.AmericanMuslimAgenda.com and look at the slides, contents, review and other information. The site is being upgraded as we speak.
Mike GhouseComments Off on Muslim Prayer- One Rakat Namaz
In 2005 we had a major interfaith round table conference; it was a five-day conference with 50 participants representing different religious traditions. The event was organized by Maryann Thompson-Frenk of Memnosyne Foundation in Dallas, Texas
The capstone program was done at the Botanical Gardens in Dallas, and the challenge was each one was to say a “2/3” minute prayer. The native Americans got the exception to take Five minutes. I was representing Islam and scrambled. The group wanted to see how prayers were performed in each faith, and just reciting Fatiha did not do justice.
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I decided to go with ONE Rakat Namaz. You guessed it right; I faced extreme opposition. My late wife said she would not join me, but finally, she did.
So I did the ONE Rakat – it was in Arabic and English. My niyya, the intent was to show how Muslims pray to Non-Muslims, and I asked God to forgive me if I am wrong for taking this step.
I must say that this was one of the most profound prayers I have prayed. I was deeply connected to the creator in those 2/3 minutes. I wish I could pray like that again. I cherish that connection.
Then in 2009, I was in the parliament of world religions in Melbourne, Australia. I gave several presentations on understanding the essence of the Quran. Then I was in a Jewish conclave. The Chief Rabbi Rosenberg of Israel invited me to be the only non-jew among Jews, and then I was the only non-Sikh among the Sikhs conclave. I thank God every day; I have no barrier between other humans and me.
Here comes this Muslim woman Scholar from Riyadh; she explained how Muslims perform their prayers and asked for a volunteer to do ONE Rakaat demonstration prayer. Guess who volunteered?
Islam is all about common sense and creating “peaceful” societies. To regularly restore harmony to an individual and cohesiveness with what surrounds one. If it is not common sense, then it is not Islam.
The first picture is me praying One Rakat; 2nd picture is with the Saudi Muslim woman scholar, she runs a prominent Islamic Institution in Riyadh. I don’t remember her name.
Mike Ghouse is the author of the book American Muslim Agenda, more about him at www.TheGhouseDiary.com.
Have Muslims failed in communicating the good work they do to serve fellow humans? Yes and No. They do the work, indeed, there are several Muslim charities that serve fellow humans regardless of religion, nationality or any other uniqueness, but the sad part is very few of them are known to the world.
Last week, I was talking with my friends (Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and a Sikh) about what is going on with Corona. Most of them made a point to sympathize with the plight of Muslims in India but added, they wished Muslims condemn extremism.
Yes, I wanted to scream at them for their ignorance but realized that we had not done a good job of letting others know about the worthy charity work Muslims do, like all others.
I quoted them a British report from a few years ago that Muslims ranked among the first in Charitable giving, then I mentioned about Aga Khan Foundation and the Islamic Relief. They were not listening but unloading it on ‘their’ friend. It seemed like they were obsessed with Muslim condemnation, all they had to do was google search, and they will find reams of press releases on the topic. I am glad they were open enough to share what they are obsessed with, which gives us clues to deal with the situation.
Anyway, when they were in a listening mode, I shared the reason why Muslims don’t flaunt their charities. I quoted the wisdom of the Prophet, “When you give, let your left hand not know what the right hand gives.” The understanding was for the receiver to be free from the burden of Ehsan- i.e., indebtedness, nor should one lose his/her freedom. There are a few people out there who publicly humiliate the persons they give, and make them take their side in public gatherings and even sing their songs.
Freedom is one of the most cherished values of Islam. Indeed, twelve such Islamic values contribute to the wellness of the entire world. They are listed and backed up with verses from the Quran in the book American Muslim Agenda.
Mian Meer’s charity was well known, and no one would go empty-handed from his door. However, he lowered his eyes (humility) when he gave. Tulsidas, his contemporary heard about it and asked him in a Doha (couplet), why do you lower your eyes when you donate? Mian Meer countered it with another Doha – What I gave was not mine to give; it was given by God, which I am merely passing it on. When they thought that I was the giver, I felt humiliated and hence lowered my Nain (eyes).
Thank God and thanks to Sean Hannity at Fox News, where my patience was tested time and again. I have learned to listen without interruption, to understand another point of view so I can see the full picture. You will be surprised; if you listen to others with patience, they will give their ear to you. Hannity did and did a few good things; one among them was he quit bashing the Quran. Patiently listening to those who held a different point of view allowed me to offer and act on pluralistic solutions.
Update: I have received a ton of names, and have asked the sender to make sure those charities serve all humanity without distinction to be included here, and as I receive, I will add them.
One of my Christian friends interrupted me by saying that these charities served only Muslims. I asked him if the Catholic Charities was only for Catholics? He said no, then I said, so are Muslim Charities, they are out there whenever there is a disaster serving fellow humans regardless of their religion. Azim Premji is one of the biggest donors in India, maybe the biggest in India, and it goes to all Indians. Salman Khan donates 90% of his income to his Being Human foundation, which serves all Indians. During the Gujarat earthquake, I know several of my Muslim relatives gave their jewelry for the cause. Nizam of Hyderabad donated a planeload of Gold when Prime Minister Shastri called for help as the Indian Government did not have the resource to meet the challenges. He also donated large sums of money to the Banaras Hindu University. In the first week of April 2010 – two Hindus in different parts of India were given the last rites by Muslims, as the relatives did not want to go near the dead bodies of their loved ones.
Frank Islam Foundation is promoting good stories to build harmony among the people of India. Thank you, Frank.
They said they never heard of them, and repeated that they don’t remember Muslims condemning terrorists or not serving others. They were still hung up on it, and double down on it, “I am not ignorant, if I don’t know it, then you guys have not communicated.” I realize the poor messaging on the part of Muslims. If they just google search it, they will find it. Muslims from across the world continue to condemn terrorists, just as Hindus condemn the lynchers and hate mongers among them.
There is a need for Muslim Charities to learn to message. They need to write press releases regularly, it’s an expense, but it will brand them in the same light as the respected Catholic Charities. Muslims are doing the right things, but doing it quietly. Collectively they contribute a lot towards the wellbeing of humanity, and the public can see the amount of work Muslims do and change their perception. They will be transferred from a sense of reservation to boldly standing up for the plight of Muslims in China, Burma, Kashmir, India, Sri Lanka, and elsewhere. Our responsibility does not end there, and we have to firmly condemn and criticize Muslim majority nations where they mistreat their minorities. Fortunately, we are doing it, but it does not make it to the mainstream media.
It is time we dedicate some time in promoting Muslim deeds in any fashion we can, as a catalyst in fostering goodwill among the community of nations and faiths.
The other part is our Muslim Doctors, Nurses, and medical professionals do so much pro-bono work through free Muslim clinics without recognition. I have shared the story about a talk I gave to a conservative group; some of them were going crazy in the Q&A session. Then one woman stood up and silenced everyone. “Don’t you talk about Muslims in that way, I am alive today because of the Muslim Doctors and their Muslim Clinics.” She was referring to the two Muslim clinics in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The full story is in the book American Muslim Agenda.
Now, it is time for us to uplift our Doctors about Corona Crisis. Innumerable Muslim Doctors are serving people affected by Corona quietly. I would urge you to make a list of such Doctors and let your local TV station know about their expertise.
Let’s live a purposeful life and let’s multiply the goodness in the world. Amen!
*** Shahrukh Khan’s Meer Foundation is just added after listening to Saba Naqvi’s video above. My late wife Najma would be happy to know this. When Shahrukh’s team was in Dallas, she managed their stay – and we had the opportunity to talk to him about doing a charity show for raising funds for a domestic shelter for disadvantaged women. Of course, he declined thinking that it would be for Muslims only. We failed to communicate to him that it was for women from all walks of life, that is what we do. It is rare that we do things for one community exclusively. We have volunteered for almost every religious group through the Center for Pluralism.
Dr. Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, author, business consultant, community organizer, news-maker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is deeply committed to Religious Freedom, Human Rights, and Pluralism in Religion, Politics, Societies, and the workplace. He is dedicated to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and civic, religious and political leaders. His profile is at www.TheGhouseDiary.com
While 2,000 plus Easters have come and gone, has he really risen yet? Risen within us that is? I hope and pray that each of us will let Christ rise and shine through us, so we can allow him to use us to bring about a change that we are all yearning; a world where all of God’s children are respected and honored. Happy Easter!
Dr. Karen Hollie and me coming out of being baptized in the River Jordan where Jesus was Baptized. The pastor is behind me.
Whether Jesus was buried and resurrected, or taken up by God, faith in him is shared by more than half of the world inclusive of Muslims and Christians. Whether you believe in Jesus or not, his message of loving thy enemy, love thy neighbor and forgive the other will set us free. Can we celebrate that message? I want to make a point here: Jesus and his message belong to the whole humanity, just as the message of all the spiritual masters including Buddha, Muhammad, Krishna, Zoroaster, Nanak, and others, who are a blessing to humanity.
Perhaps I may be the first Muslim to be baptized. It was an enriching experience to me in particular, feeling the symbolic transformation of the feeling of love towards all of God’s creation. Muslims feel the same upon the performance of the Hajj Pilgrimage; we become child-like with love for all of God’s creation; life and matter. The Hindus cherish an identical feeling when they take a dip at the Sangam in River Ganges, particularly during the Kumbh Mela.
Passover is the celebration of freedom. I hope this Passover brings freedom to humanity from the Corona. I will be participating in the Passover over Zoom with Andrea Barron I have bought traditional ingredients and am ready to participate. I have been a part of Passover on and off since 2005, started at Temple Shalom in Dallas, Texas.
Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the story of the Exodus when Jews were freed from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for seven or eight days and one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays. The highlight is the Seder meal, held in each family’s home at the beginning of the festival, when the story of their deliverance is recounted, as narrated in the Haggadah (the Telling, or the Story). Matzah, (unleavened bread) is eaten throughout the festival, as are other foods that contain no leaven (yeast). There is a significant spring cleaning in the home shortly before the festival to ensure that no trace of leaven is left in the house during Pesach. Coconut pyramids and matza balls (which are put in soups) are foods that might be eaten at this time.
