Don’t make fun of any religion for the acts of a few believers. Statistically, the illogical believers are a few, very few, less than 1/100th of 1%. All we can do is admire them for such a belief. However, the great men of all religions have said stuff like Trust in God but verify, Trust in God, but tie your Camel, and God will not change your status unless you change it.” God has created this world in balance, and expect us the “intelligent” species to preserve and maintain it for our good.
If we screw it up, regardless of who starts or how it got going – the fact is we bear it collectively. The Hindu religion says the entire world is one family – Islam, Christianity, and Judaism say that we are all one family, kids of Adam and Eve. I am sure, all religions have something like this. Indeed, if we screw it up, we have to fix it. God will not do a thing.
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 webs, he does it to himself.”
Let’s start in Alphabetical order, the few who are reckless with Corona.
Yogi Adityanath – the wrath of India. The man is full of hate and venom for Indian Muslims and Christians. He claims to be Hindu, he cannot be a Hindu, Hinduism does not teach hate
Don’t laugh, someone in your group is guilty of such violations.
Dr. Ghouse is a community consultant, thinker, author, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is a speaker on religious freedom, Pluralism in religion, politics, society and the workplace, and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More at www.TheGhouseDiary.com
The Indians at large are caring, kind, and good-hearted human beings; a number of good stories are coming to light, of people caring for each other. India’s pluralistic culture* has a solid grounding and the efforts of the current political dispensation in India to sow the seeds of discord – to divide and rule Indians will eventually fail, it is not our heritage.
In an effort to mitigate ill-will towards Hindus, who are a great people, I have taken it as my mission to separate the tiny segment among Hindus to be identified as Hindutvadis** and not Hindus. It is like separating Nazis, KKK, and other gangs from Christianity, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda from Islam and the settlers from Judaism.
The next step is to have a continuing dialogue with the Hindutvadis, to understand them. I firmly believe that conflicts occur due to misunderstandings and myths propagated. If we take the time to know each other, not superficial, but really deep knowledge, it will lead to understanding each other, and understanding will lead to acceptance of each other.
When we talk about Mukti, Moksha, salvation, and Nijaat; what we are talking about is living a tension-free, conflict-free life. Humans aspire to live without conflicts, and we will do our best to walk the talk with malice towards none.
All of us need to shelve the hatred and ill-will towards each other. We need to be inclusive if we want others to be inclusive. Towards that effort, I am meeting the Hindutvadis, and I believe if we “know” each other, most of the biases will start fading.
India will be a great nation again if the current political leaders realize that Indian culture cannot be changed. They will drop the idea of pitching hatred towards Muslims and Christians if we learn about each other. Together, we have to restore India to its glory days of caring for each other regardless of religion. Prosperity is a strange animal, and you cannot prosper by yourselves without success to others who surround you.
The following pieces of good news give high hopes for humanity in India, and the resilience of the pluralistic Indian culture.
Frank Islam Foundation for peace and prosperity
First of all, a video clip made by the Frank Islam Foundation, a philanthropist who has been at the forefront of promoting positive journalism in India.
Sikh Father and Son who saved Muslims during the Delhi Riots in March’20.
A Sikh father and son have been hailed as heroes after saving many Muslims during the deadly religious riots which swept through parts of the Indian capital Delhi last week.
Mohinder and Inderjeet Singh hid people in their homes before whisking them to safety during the violence, sparked by anger over a controversial new law.
Delhi riots witnessed gut-wrenching violence which left over 40 people dead and over 200 injured. But it also highlighted the spirit of love and harmony between different religious communities, which puts India above hate.
Full story – https://www.indiatoday.in/programme/news-today/video/india-above-hate-how-hindus-helped-muslims-muslims-helped-hindus-during-delhi-violence-1651001-2020-02-28
Obviously, there are more stories of Hindus caring for others, and we will add them here.
Muslims take the body of their Hindu neighbor for cremation, while his relatives shied away.
MEERUT: A crowd of mourners, most of them wearing white and brown skull caps, baffled onlookers as they carried a body to the cremation ground in UP’s Bulandshahr amid chants of “Ram Naam Satya Hai”.
Ravi Shankar, in his late 40s, had died on Saturday afternoon after a prolonged battle with cancer at his home in Bulandshahr’s Anand Vihar area, leaving behind his wife and four children. With relatives stuck due to the lockdown, Shankar’s distraught wife didn’t know whom to turn to.
Religious zeal shattered Delhi’s lives and dreams. Religious zeal is now picking up the pieces, too
There’s only so much we can do…We don’t care if they are Hindu or Muslim. We Sikhs have been taught that our duty is to help those who are being oppressed, so we’re here just to serve,” 26-year-old Raj Singh said, pouring dal on to plates.
* I cannot in my good conscience praise my motherland wholeheartedly, without serious reflection of how the Dalits have been treated for thousands of years. They are treated less than human as untouchables and are continually oppressed and mistreated. Thanks to Mahatma Gandhi, who made good efforts to change the word Untouchable to God’s People. Thanks to Dr. Ambedkar for writing India’s constitution to correct that evil practice.
Dr. Ghouse is a community consultant, thinker, author, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is a speaker on religious freedom, Pluralism in religion, politics, society and the workplace, and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More at www.TheGhouseDiary.com
Leaders from around the world have started the blame games, shame on them. Instead of focusing on prayers, they are hell-bent on accusing others. We all make assumptions that the third world countries have stupid leaders, that is not true, we have them here in the United States in the same proportion, and you will find them everywhere in every nation, faith, ethnicity, and race.
It is time for everyone to accept the responsibility for what happens in their group and focus on solving the problem.
This is an ongoing list and will add as many as we can, so we can learn that the problem continues to exist, no matter who you blame.
Conservative pastor says the spread of coronavirus in synagogues is a punishment from God
(JTA) — Rick Wiles, the Florida pastor who claimed that the effort to impeach President Trump was a “Jew coup,” said the spread of coronavirus in synagogues is a punishment of the Jewish people for opposing Jesus.
President Trump once again called COVID-19 the “Chinese virus,” and said the country treated America “terribly,” just hours before he was supposed to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1I46dHKoDE
Iran Blames the speak of the virus on US Sanctions
As the Iranian regime battles the proliferation of coronavirus, officially termed COVID-19, it has turned the blame-game toward the United States and its harsh implementation of economic sanctions. “The American administration does not care about Iranian people,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abbas Mousavi said at a press gathering on Wednesday. “They shed crocodile tears.” https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-coronavirus-blame-us-sanctions
Demonizing Muslims
The Nizamuddin Center in New Delhi held a religious congregation set up with about 3000 people attending the event, the next day the lockdown order went in, the congregation had nowhere to go, no busses, no hotels as they had come from all across India. So they carried the mass for two more days. Now a case has been filed against them.
It is always the Christians and Muslims – at the same time, the biggest two violators were the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. One went to Ayodhya to place the statue of Ram and the other went to a wedding with more than 3000 people attending.
If you file a case file against all of the violators, not just one. …… New Delhi, 31 March: A case has been registered against Maulana Saad and others of the Tablighi Jamaat for organising the religious congregation at south Delhi’s Nizamuddin that has become the target of state and central government.
The case was filed under the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, and other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for violation of government directions given to the management of Markaz of Basti Nizamuddin, regarding restrictions on gatherings, said the Delhi Police Commissioner.
The Idea of India is expressed well in the 4 videos listed at the bottom of this essay. …………………………………….
In my pluralistic India, each one of us makes an effort to see that every Indian feels secure about his/her language, religion, culture, food, clothes, head coverings, ethnicity, race, or other uniqueness. We have practiced respecting the otherness of the other for nearly 5000 years; indeed, that is my pluralistic India.
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was the last Governor-General of India and expressed civility in terms of a woman walking the streets of Chennai any time of the day and night and feel secure about it. Prophet Muhammad communicated similar thoughts 1400 years ago, where he envisioned a woman going from Medina to Damascus and back safe and sound.
The India that I have known is where everyone felt secure, day or night, and anywhere on the motherland.
Is that your India too?
The full article is pending publication, will be released soon
Achche Din Aayienge
Where have the good days gone? The music, singing and the dances at friends’ weddings Groom was my friend, he was either Ram or Rahim Sometimes Sikh or Jain and sometimes John His religion never mattered to me, he was my friend
Who does not remember the real and filmi romances? Nargis Sunil Dutt, Suraya Dev Anand, Kamini Dilip Kumar Nature brings hearts together, and no one had a problem The poet said Ishq Per zor Nahin ai wo aatish hai Ghalib (Love happens) Shakeel, on the other hand, claimed, Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya (Why fear if you fall in love)
Who will forget Krishna’s advice, which the Quran also gave That whenever confusion, chaos, and distrust reaches the peak Someone among us will emerge and restore the righteousness Achche Din Aayienge, that’s Krishna’s promise and cannot be wrong (Modified to meet both the traditions?)
The Bhagavad Gita says, Vasudhaiva Kutumbukum, The Quran, Bible and all other books voice the same That we all originated from a single couple, and That we are all one family. Now, we need to follow it.
The following videos fully express what my Pluralistic India looks like, and I hope your vision of India is similar.
And the following video precisely describes Indian Pluralism, I have lived and experienced every word of hers, Indeed, when I get the time, I will provide a link to each word she has uttered.
Atiqa Farooqi
And in this video, the poet sketches the map of an inclusive India
And finally my poetry in Urdu-Hindi. It will be added later, 3 translated stanzas are included above.
Mike Ghouse is a thinker, author, speaker, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. His new book American Muslim Agenda is available on Amazon, coming up are books on Human Rights and Pluralism. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His information is available at linked-in.
Tuesday, 1/7/2020, Russell Senate Building, Washington DC. The International Religious Freedom (IRF) group met today. Ambassador Sam Brownback heads this twice a month meeting. About 70 individuals attend the meeting representing organizations focused on liberty and religious freedom from across the world.
First of all, the two pieces (appended below) printed on eight pages were distributed to all, thanks for some funding from a few friends to take care of press releases and copying expenses. I have invited them to join us to reflect on the 15th Annual Holocaust and Genocides event on Sunday, 1/26, at the Arlington Central Library at 5:30 PM. It is a Muslim initiative to assure fellow humans that we are all in this together, and together we have to find solutions and learn to say, “Never again.” This invitation is for you as well – more information at www.HolocaustandGenocides.com
The state Department has circulated our letter titled “A Genocide in Making in India on Mike Pompeo’s watch.” It has made it to most people, including Riley Barnes, assistant to Pompeo.
The Ambassador announced upcoming events in February, Alliance of Nations on Religious freedom, and Prayer Breakfast here in DC, and I hope to be a part of it.
The other meeting is happening at the Vatican with the Pope, and representatives of Abrahamic faiths will be there to find solutions.
I am outspoken and spoke up, “Ambassador, the Abrahamic faith group needs to include Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and other faiths as a part of the dialogue. They feel excluded, and that should not happen.” He agreed and asked Riley to make a note. Then he added, “Mike, initially, the Abrahamic faiths are on the same page, and eventually, we will include all.” Then I asked him to issue a press release or a note to the effect, so the fellow members of the family of faiths can understand the steps to be taken in the process of inclusion.” It was a good positive exchange. Brownback is the right person for the right job! It is not an easy job to be fair and just, he has proven it in the last two years and I am a witness and have penned a few articles about him.
Some 18 years ago, the Department of Justice in Dallas did not have Jainism as one of the faiths they talked about it, I presented their logo, and they added Jainism to their portfolio. As a Muslim, I have stood up for the rights of people of every faith, including Atheists, Native Americans, and the LGBTQ community. I hope to complete the book, Standing up for others, the full story! (some of the stuff is at www.StandingUpforOthers.com)
Some 18 years ago, the Department of Justice in Dallas did not have Jainism as one of the faiths they talked about it, I presented their logo, and they added Jainism to their portfolio. As a Muslim, I have stood up for the rights of people of every faith, including Atheists, Native Americans, and the LGBTQ community. I hope to complete the book, Standing up for others, the full story! (some of the stuff is at www.StandingUpforOthers.com)
I ask you to start sharing your experience in standing up for others. Goodness multiplies!
Briefest possible notes on issues tabled today as a sampler for you.
Nigeria – it’s a shame how some of the Muslims in Nigeria have made the lives of the Christians extremely difficult. 11 Christians were killed on Christmas Day.
Turkey – Most Muslims around the world are not aware of the authoritarianism Erdogan is exercising on his people. No doubts there is a right side of him as well, but in the long haul, he is a Modi in the making.
Bahrain – They are revoking the citizenship of the Shia community. They have made the lives of Shia very difficult. Shame on them.
UAE – Is pouring millions of dollars in lobbying effort. They are cracking down on dissidents; Sunni Mosques get funding, whereas the Shia Mosques don’t.
Last year, I tabled India a few times and Kashmir three times.
No nation on the earth is free from extremists, and at this time, dictators are emerging in democracies. We have to speak out against them before it is too late.
Do you want to be a part of it?
Mike Ghouse
Following the pictures is India Situation
# # #
INDIA SITUATION
Thanks to the following friends for their support in advancing the appeal to restore sanity in India: Mr. Kaleem Kawaja, Mr. Tariq Farooqi, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Dr. Hussain, Dr. Nauman Anwar, Dr. Arjumand Hashmi, Dr. TO Shanavas, Mr. Syed Rizvi, Mr. Mohsin Ali Khan, Hashmat Ali and Nikki Miller.
The attached will be shared in several meetings including the IRF meeting to about 70 organizations involved in religious freedom and liberty.
The Idea of India is expressed well in the 4 videos listed at the bottom of this essay. The essay will be fully published at https://centerforpluralism.com/this-is-my-pluralistic-india-is-this-yours-too/ after it is published in the Newspapers. However, it is included here in the following pages for your reflections.
Watching the videos and doing nothing about is meaningless, create your own website and blogs and put them all together for sharing with the lawmakers and policy think tanks. I have created one, and you can send to me as well at MikeGhosueforIndia@gmail.com
A Genocide is in making in India on Mike Pompeo’s watch.
PM Modi is destroying India on all fronts, civility, social cohesion, and economy. He is hell-bent on ridding Christians and Muslims of India on Hitlerian model
Mike Pompeo has earned a big name in the World for his initiative on religious freedom. It is time for Pompeo to take action, if not it may become a new Afghanistan for America for another decade.”— Dr. Mike Ghouse
WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2020,/EINPresswire.com/ — Mike Pompeo, you earned a big name in the World for your initiative on religious freedom. I participated in both the ministerial in 2018 and 2019 and held four side events linking the prosperity of a nation to liberty and religious freedom.
Now, on your watch, a genocide is in the making in India, and you can stop it.
By 12/31/2021, the Christians and Muslims are to convert to Hinduism, live as 2nd class citizens, subservient to Hindu Supremacists, or disappear from India. Their slogan is Christian and Muslim Mukt (free) India. These are under the radar calls from the BJP Members of the Parliament.
Even though Prime Minister Modi says, he respects India’s constitution and bows to it every time he enters the Parliament, his intentions are otherwise. Indeed, his minions have prepared an alternate law with his connivance based on the supremacy of Hindutva (different from Hinduism). They are waiting for the majority in the upper house to introduce the Hindu Supremacist constitution.
The Hindu Rashtra – The Hindu nation follows these models:
1. Nazi Holocaust model – The RSS (BJP’s Parent organization) manifesto praises Hitler and Mussolini for the concept of pure race and getting ‘rid’ of Jews from Germany. Their leaders assert that the Hindus need to get rid of Muslims and Christians from India. Prime Minister Modi grew up with that ideology. More at Nazi loving Hindus, Hitler’s Hindus – https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/hitlers-hindus-indias-nazi-loving-nationalists-on-the-rise-1.5628532
3. A Genocide is in the making in India – If the oppression, lynching, and harassment of Muslims and Christians continue, it could lead to terrorism. Indian Muslims, however, believe that the majority of Hindus will speak up and restore dharma (righteousness) in India, and we pray that happens. https://holocaustandgenocides.blogspot.com/2019/12/india-genocide-in-making.html
Dehumanize fellow Indians through these actions:
Concrete steps were taken on behalf of Modi to dehumanize Muslims, Christians, Dalits and the Sikhs;
1. Kashmir was claimed unilaterally without the consent of the governed, in direct violation of India’s constitution and UN resolution. It was done overnight in sync with complete communication shut down and a curfew, which still continues.
2. Draconian citizenship law was enacted. 1.9 million people have been declared stateless. Hindus among them will be given citizenship, and Muslims will end up in concentration camps, similar to how China is treating Uyghurs. The fake reason given was to protect the persecuted minorities from neighboring countries who are Hindus but excluded Myanmar’s persecuted Minorities because they are Muslims.
3. Burning Churches, chasing, beating, and raping Christians even on Christmas day.
4. Lynching Muslims on the streets, homes, and falsifying that they were carrying and eating beef. One hundred twenty-five lynched to date with no punishment to the criminals.
5. Fake encounters with police, killing people to frighten the daylights out of the Muslims, Christians, and Dalits.
6. Progressively destroy any signs of Christian and Muslim presence in India by destroying Mosques, and burn the churches. Change the names of cities and thoroughfares.
7. The Democratic institutions of India are operated and managed by Modi’s cult members. They did not even spare the Supreme Court, Modi’s right-hand man Amit Shah got judge Loya murdered as he refused to discharge Shah from Murder Charges.
8. No more a free press, except a few all, have been covered to carry government propaganda.
9. Indians are protesting, over 33 cities held massive protests including one town with 100,000 people. The BJP guys joined the student’s protests at AMU and Jamia Millia Universities and burn the buses to fix the blame on Muslims. Over 50 students are missing and hundreds in Jail and several more wounded.
The consequences, a loss to America
1. A significant loss to America, an ally thus far will become a “country of particular concern” and burden to the United States.
2. India will not be a reliable bulwark against Chinese influence due to internal chaos and instability.
3. India will not be an investment destination for Americans. The corporations with a conscience may not want to do business
4. There are telltale signs of genocide in the making. If these trends continue, India may become a rogue nation like Nazi Germany and may be stuck in an Afghanistan-like the situation for decades to come.
5. The big losers will be Indians, the middle class, and the rich Indians who have made well in the last two decades, stand to lose now.
What can Secretary Pompeo do?
1) The Secretary can leverage bilateral trade agreements with India to end the violation of human rights and restore freedom.
2) The Secretary can demand India to allow the commissioners of USCIRF to visit India and report the facts. It’s a shame that American officials are refused a visa to Kashmir and India.
3) The Secretary can ask Article 370 to be restored and let freedom prevail in Kashmir. Let the governance be earned with the consent of the governed. India’s first Prime Minister Nehru had said, let’s receive the vote of Kashmiris with love and not threats and force.
4) Let the protests continue without imposing a curfew, or commit violence against the civilians and blame them.
5) The Secretary can slap sanctions against Mr. Amit Shah and those involved in violations of human rights, as recommended by the USCIRF.
6) Remove the religious discrimination clause in the citizenship enacted now. Let every Indian be treated as equal.
7) Let there be no harassment and lynchings of her citizens.
8) Indian-Americans who support discrimination laws in India may be required to take a course in the constitution and the First Amendment to keep their citizenship.
If America does not stand up for religious freedom, who will?
Initiated by – Mike Ghouse, Center for Pluralism Supported by: Kaleem Kawaja, American Indian Muslims and Tariq Farooqi
# # #
This is my Pluralistic India, is it yours too?
In my pluralistic India, each one of us makes an effort to see that every Indian feels secure about his/her language, religion, culture, food, clothes, head coverings, ethnicity, race, or other uniqueness. We have practiced respecting the otherness of the other for nearly 5000 years; indeed, that is my pluralistic India.
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was the last Governor-General of India and expressed civility in terms of a woman walking the streets of Chennai any time of the day and night and feel secure about it. Prophet Muhammad communicated similar thoughts 1400 years ago, where he envisioned a woman going from Medina to Damascus and back safe and sound.
The India that I have known is where everyone felt secure, day or night, and anywhere on the motherland.
Is that your India too?
Mr. Kaleem Khawaja’s message: “Help preserve India as a composite, multi-religious, multiethnic secular democracy.”
Dr. Zafar Iqbal mentions, “I have faith in my fellow countrymen and their resolve to keep India secular. Satyameva Jayate. ”
In a civilized world, one believes he has no more privileges than the other.
We hope you and I have the same goal – an India that remains on the top of the civilized nations, an India where there is the freedom to believe, eat, drink and wear whatever one wants. An India where every Indian is considered an equal.
As Indian Americans, we enjoy the benefits of being treated as equals and have all the opportunities to achieve the American dream. Unfortunately, some of us are determined to deny the same equal rights to the Indians in India. I was shattering when the Hindu America Foundation’s representative announced in a public meeting that they (HAF) support the repeal of article 370 in Kashmir. I have shot back at the way of handling it in the darkness of the night, how can an American Indian support an act that is not with the consent of the governed? It is embarrassing that our support for the politicians let us lose the basic morals and values of freedom. I hope groups like HAF will learn about the First Amendment and correct their mistakes.
We appeal to individuals whose funds go in destroying the pluralistic heritage of India by supporting the discriminative policies of the current government. Instead, start supporting acts and policies that treat all Indians as equals. Let all the travel advisories against India be lifted and let the State Department not issue the label of the country of Particular Concern to India.
Pluralism is respecting the otherness of the other and accepting the uniqueness of each other. Indeed, it has been our heritage, and it is in peril now.
Mr. Modi and Mr. Shah have chosen the wrong path of being hateful towards Christians and Muslims. They have created an environment where sadistic individuals thrive on drawing pleasure from keeping the Dalits, Muslims, Christians, and others “in their place.” Neither the Hindu Indians nor the other Indians (63%) have an appetite for such attitudes, and you can see the nationwide uprising against the acts passed by the current government.
Modi’s continued rhetoric of invader Muslims defies logic and common sense. Except for the first King that invaded India, all others were born and raised in Indians, and their mothers were both Muslims and Hindus. They did not loot India to enrich another nation as the British, French, or Portuguese colonizers did; all the wealth stayed in India and was used to develop our country. Indeed, during the Mogul period, India’s GDP had reached a whopping 25% share of the World’s GDP. Their buildings continue to bring tourist dollars to India. We should be thankful and cut the non-sense rhetoric out. That rhetoric pitches Indians against Indians.
Mr. Modi needs to consider the fact that almost all the kings, with a few exceptions, fought with each other to annex the land next door. Is there a king, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or otherwise who did not kill the subjects of the neighboring kingdom, did not go to war, and kill his fellow-men? Didn’t Maratha Kings fight with other Kings? Everyone was fighting with each other. They did not fight for Hindus or Muslims, they fought for themselves, and their lust for power.
If Modi and Shah continue in power, every Indian will live in tensions, a few Hindutvadis (37%) will be living in rage to subjugate others, and on the other hand, the moderate majority of Hindus Muslims, Dalits, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and others together (63%) will live in tensions.
We elect leaders to remove tensions, restore harmony, and build a nation so all of us can mind our own business, take care of our families, jobs, retirement, and live in peace. We should not cherish punishing Muslims, Dalits, Sikhs, or Christians. You live your life and let others live theirs,
Pluralism is also condemning the evil acts of the individuals and standing up for justice. We are not anti-Modi or Shah; we are condemning their actions and talks. We hope and pray that both these men start thinking of building an India where civility is the hallmark of every Indian, and that is measured when no one is afraid of each other.
The following videos fully express what my Pluralistic India looks like, and I hope your vision of India is similar.
The 15th Annual reflections on Holocaust and Genocides event is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, 2020, between 6 and 8:30 PM. Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street Arlington, VA 22201
Mike Ghouse is a thinker, author, speaker, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. His new book American Muslim Agenda is available on Amazon, and his two new books are coming up on Human Rights and Pluralism. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His information is available at linked-in.
Mike GhouseComments Off on A tribute to my uncle Aman Mamu
I just got the call that Aman Mamu passed away. The news has immensely saddened me. He was my favorite uncle and was the younger brother of my mother. He was a role model in the family – one of the smartest guys in the town. He was about 73.
From the creator, we come, and to the creator, we go. A beautiful verse from the Quran that everyone recites upon hearing the death of an individual. The death and burial methods are very organized among Muslims, making it easy for loved ones and friends. Especially if we don’t know what to say, say the sentence, “Inna Lillahi o inna Ilaihi ur rajeoon.” From God, we come, and to God, we go.
I was close to him, and he was a role model, he knew just about everything. He was very talented and wrote our names in the tiniest letters possible on the fountain pens. The ballpoint pen had not made it at that time. He also developed the knack to fix wristwatches.
One of the things I cherish is the fountain pen he gave me, and it was the tiniest fountain pen I have ever seen. He wrote my name on it, and I cherished it for many years.
He went to 18th Cross High School in Malleswaram, a suburb of Bengaluru. A few years later, I went to the same school. At that time, in our town, Yelahanka, we did not have English Medium classes, so we had to go by train or bus and then walk, yes, walk about a mile to the school.
Thanks to my Grandfather, (his father) who single-handedly rode the bike 10 miles each way to the Department of Public Education and finally got the English Medium classes in Yelahanka High School.
My Grandfather had the habit of visiting my mother every Wednesday and, thanks to Aman Mamu, and he saw my sister frequently. Today, she is hurt, a significant loss for her and me both. I wish I had talked to him a few days ago, who knew he will pass away. My suggestion to all of you is, speak with your loved ones now, rather than postpone.
May God bless his soul and rest in peace and give patience to his family members.
Mike GhouseComments Off on Before you Judge Jews and Muslims
When we hate someone intensely, it is our loss; we lose our tranquility. It will make us believe everything we hear about another person (or group), even if it were false. When we find the truth, we may regret our words and actions. So, before we judge Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and others, think about it.
To restore tranquility and peacefulness, all we have to do is verify everything we hear. I am pleased to share three stories to illustrate the point.
Israeli National Anthem
Muslims walking out on Sikhs and Zoroastrians
France Banning Holocaust Education
Israeli National Anthem
2009- Mike Ghouse moderator of the Panel – Rabbi Rosenberg is 2nd from far right. Interfaith panel.
I received a message on Whatsapp “The Israeli National Anthem.” It was disconcerting. I shook my head; this cannot be true. Some of the lines were as follow;
Let those who are our enemy shudder Let all the inhabitants of (Egypt and Canaan) tremble Let the inhabitants of Babylon shudder To loom over their skies, panic, and terror from us When we plant our spears in their chests And we see their blood being shed And their heads cut off Then we will be God’s chosen people where God willed
As always, I sent the message to my Jewish friends for verification while I googled. One of my Jewish friends confirmed that the information was fake. Take a look at this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatikvah
Muslims walking out on Sikhs & Zoroastrians
On our 3rd Annual Unity Day event in 2007, Dr. Harbans Lal – the Sikh leader and Firdosh Mehta – the Zoroastrian leader approached me and asked me to reverse the alphabetical order of speakers from Zoroastrians to Atheists. I asked them to explain, and they took me aside and revealed the following.
In 2005, at the first Unity Day event, when our (Sikhs and Zoroastrians) turn came, the Muslims walked out of the hall on us. We have been upset about this, and we want them to sit and listen to us now, please reverse the order of the speakers.
I have the habit of verifying everything before believing, so we talked and discovered that the Muslims walked out of the hall to pray; it was the time for the evening prayer. They felt relieved and said, why didn’t we verify this? We have been carrying this for two years for no reason.
Mayor of Plano Pat Evans was the keynote speaker while introducing Evans; I shared the story that we had just unfolded. The mayor said, “while I am speaking, if the prayer time comes for anyone, please go pray, God is more important than anything else.”
France Banning Holocaust Education
Maria Arita of Fox 4 Dallas called me, she had covered our annual Holocaust and Genocides event. She gave me four hours to find the truth and hold it from the evening news but would release it in the nightly news. She said that “due to pressure from Muslims, France is banning Holocaust education from their schools.” My first call went to Elliot Dlin (who is no more) the director of the Holocaust Museum in Dallas. We made frantic calls. He came back with the information talking with Jews in France, that the news was fake. I conveyed it to Maria, and the item did not make it to the nightly news. Imagine the ill-will it would have created against Muslims?
Next, I will share the story of a Jewish filmmaker who lied to the Jewish people in a film to frighten them and get their donations. I countered it, and I was the only Muslim along with my Christian friend Todd Collier among 250 Jewish watchers of the movie at JCC Dallas. When the producer refused to give me the microphone to share the truth, one of the funders and 249 other Jews in unison shouted, “Allen, give him the microphone,” What happened next? I will share the story in a few days.
Every religion was born out of the necessity to find a solution to disharmony in any given society. Whether it is Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Nanak, and others, the wisdom is the same; to restore sanity and security to each individual.
The Quran extolls the virtue in people who verify things, particularly negative thoughts about others, before believing it. 49:6 – Asad translation, “O YOU who have attained to faith! If any iniquitous person comes to you with a [slanderous] tale, use your discernment, lest you hurt people unwittingly, and afterward be filled with remorse for what you have done. “Kaskas’ translation,” Believers, if a known wicked person brings you news, investigate, to avoid harming people out of ignorance and later regret what you have done.”
The Quran beefs it up in verse 8 of chapter 5 (Asad), “O YOU who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in your devotion to God, bearing witness to the truth in all equity; and never let the hatred of any-one lead you into the sin of deviating from justice. Be just: this is closest to being God-conscious. And remain conscious of God: verily, God is aware of all that you do.”
Mike Ghouse’s mission is to open people’s hearts, minds, and souls towards each other to live in tranquility and harmony with self and with what surrounds them; life and matter. More at www.TheGhouseDiary.com
Kamala will change the role of Vice-presidency and be more active in domestic politics, and most certainly, she will not be a docile poodle like Pence. Kamala will stand her ground; we needed a VP who can say no to the president; she will be the one.
Sen. Harris is progressive and inclusive. She will not buy into the prejudices that hold the nation back. Her intellectualism is a breath of fresh air; indeed, it is worth watching her grill Judge Bret Kavanaugh and attorney general nominee William Barr.
She is the perfect candidate for Vice-president. By the way, I am an independent voter.
I have run into her several times in the Hart Senate Building, and her office is the first office as you enter the building. I have given her my book American Muslim Agenda, a book about building a cohesive America.
Kamala owes an apology to the Sikh Community, instead of giving the bullshit that she was following the law of the land at that time, she should have stood up for their rights as she did with so many reforms in California. One of the questions that haunt me is to find out if Kamala Harris had faced exclusion from the Indian American community while growing up, as her father was black. Indian Americans are still struggling with racism, casteism, and prejudices.
One of the questions that haunt me is to find out if Kamala Harris had faced exclusion from the Indian American community while growing up, as her father was black. Indian Americans are still struggling with racism, casteism, and prejudices.
Kamala Harris will undoubtedly work for stronger ties with India, provided Modi Bhai gets his act together. She will not tolerate Modi’s hatred for fellow Indians who are Christians and Muslims.
I am a fan of Kamala, not because she is of Indian Origin, but because she will do the right thing. We are Americans first and we will always a soft corner for our motherland, India.
Mike GhouseComments Off on Muharram – a Catalyst for Change
Of all the commemorations, Muharram could become significant in this millennium. It was a battle between good and evil fought 1340 years ago that we face collectively now. Imam Hussein (ra) stood up against the wicked king Yazid and refused to endorse him as the spiritual leader, also known as “Caliph” of the growing Muslim community, and in the process sacrificed his life.
Imam Hussein was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD (61 AH) by Shimr Ibn Thil-Jawshan, along with most of his family and companions. The annual memorial for him, his family, children, and his associates are called Yom-e-Ashura commemoration that is the tenth day of the month of Muharram and is a day of mourning for Muslims.
Imam Hussein (ra) the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and son of Hazrat Ali and Fatima (ra). Hazrat Ali is Prophet’s cousin and Hazrat Fatima is the daughter of the Prophet.
There is a myth out there that only Shia Muslims commemorate the Martyrdom. That is not entirely true; most Muslims do, the differential is in the rituals.
The Shia Muslims of course express their grief in a variety of ways, including holding daily gatherings called Majlis and narrating the events that led to Martyrdom – Shahadat. I am a tough guy, but when you hear what happened to Abbas and the baby Asghar, and you’ll cry, it is a moving story of humanity, and I have cried every time.
They also carry floats and hand symbols made of brass as a part of the commemoration. On the night of Ashura, the pain threshold rises for the believers, and the participants passionately bear the self-inflicted hurt and pain with chains and ropes, which is insignificant compared to what Imam Hussein had endured. It is feeling the pain and developing empathy and respect for the Imam, one of the Islamic heroes for leaving a legacy of righteousness.
The Sunni Muslims on the other hand observe a day of fasting on Ashura, and pray for the martyrs; some participate in the Shia proceedings.
The Ahmadiyya Muslims offer special Darood (an ode to the prophet and his progeny) and Duwa (supplications) throughout the month of Muharram.
This Martyrdom, “Shahadat” as we call it, is commemorated by almost all Muslim denominations including Shia, Sunni, Ahmadiyya, Sufi, and others.
Please note that the Salafi/Wahhabi and Deobandi traditions do not subscribe to celebrating Prophet’s birthday, or commemorating the Shahadat of Imam Hussein. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, as it is a part of the culture and not religion.
The need of the day is not necessarily reconciliation, which gives the uneasy feeling of compromise. The need is acceptance of the otherness of the other. As we accept the uniqueness of the individuals, their thumbprints, their culinary tastes, clothing, hairstyles, and DNA without doubts, we need to grow up to include acceptance of others’ religions as legitimate to them, like ours, is to us.
Shia Muslims believe that Islamic faith was fully wrapped up at Ghadir Khumm believing that Prophet assigned Hazrat Ali to be his successor to carry the faith forward; however, the Sunnis believe that the faith was indeed completed, but no passing the mantle of faith was mentioned by the Prophet. We have to learn to respect the otherness of others and live with our differences, rather than force conformities. No one can compel others to believe what one believes.
The Battle is not between Shia and Sunni, it is between Good and the bad, good is represented by minding your own faith as Quran advocates; there is no compulsion in faith, whereas, the evil is represented by hurting others for the difference in belief.
The good represented by a belief that you alone are responsible for your actions on the Day of Judgment, which is the foundational belief in Islam, but is countered by the evil arrogance that we are right and others are wrong. The good is represented by the faith that God alone is the master of the Day of Judgment, and the evil is represented by pre-empting God and usurping his authority to judge what is in one’s heart.
The Sunni Shia divide was exacerbated by the Bush invasion of Iraq; otherwise, the relationships were not murderous like they are today. The conflict has always been there, but never to hunt down and kill the Shia Minority as it is happening in Pakistan and shamefully in Malaysia and Indonesia.
The battle is between evil and good and someone has to take a stand to stop this hatred for each other and the takfiri (Judgmental) mentality. I have no idea if those few trouble maker Muslims really believe in what they recite every day at least 17 times – that God alone is the Master of the Day of Judgment and no one has the right to judge about your faith. The one sin God does not forgive is to dilute his sovereignty by speaking on his behalf without a certificate of appointment. No one but God knows what is in your heart, says the Quran umpteen times.
God says the best ones among us are those who care for fellow beings, and who take time to learn about each other. If we can learn to respect the otherness of others, and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, (Quran 49:13) then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. Please don’t forget, God does not talk about Muslims exclusively, he talks about entire humanity from the very first verse of the Quran to the very last chapter.
Dr. Anwar adds, “The real significance of Karbala is that one has to stand up for something in this life for which one is willing to sacrifice all material possessions.”
Let this Muharram pave the way for peace and justice for one and all. Let Imam Hussein’s sacrifice stir us up to stand for justice for all humanity.
I pray that the Shahadat of Imam Hussein becomes the catalyst for us to remove our differences and come together for peace, security, and prosperity of Muslims and every human being. Amen!
To be a Muslim is to be a peacemaker who seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence of humanity. Our work is geared towards building a cohesive society where no human has to live in apprehension or fear of the other. World Muslim Congress is a think tank and a forum with the express goal of nurturing pluralistic values embedded in Islam to build cohesive societies. If we can learn to respect the otherness of others and accept each other’s uniqueness, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. Mike Ghouse is a Muslim Speaker thinker and a writer.
Mike Ghouse is the author of the book American Muslim Agenda, more about him at www.TheGhouseDiary.com
For the Jains, followers of Jainism, a world religion, this is the month of reflection. Some observe fasting for ten days, and some for eight days. It is a time to review the past twelve months and acknowledge the good, bad, and the ugly aspects of life, and begin it again with a clean the slate.
Note to my Jewish friends; the swastika symbol symbolizes four directions and four seasons of life, life is constant movement. This symbol has been in use for over 2500 years by Jains, whereas Hitler stole it and used it to denote his evil empire.
At the end of the nine days, they celebrate on the 10th day, and is called Dus Laxan; every Jain greets the other with “Jai Jinendra” followed by a powerful phrase “Michami Dukadam,” – let you and I clean our slates and start the new year again. – Happy Paryushan!
Pariyushan is an annual festival that Jains celebrate all around the Globe. It is either seven or nine days of celebration, depending on the sect; Svetambara or Digambar, they observe fasting for seven days or nine days and conclude it on Dus Laxan, ten blessings on the tenth day. Throughout the time they observe complete fasting and abstain from ill-will, ill-thoughts, and ill-actions, just as Muslims do for a month in Ramadan and Hindus during Navaratri. It is a beautiful way of refreshing our souls on an annual basis.
The Jains have been practicing this tradition for thousands of years, and I join them in the Jain tradition of humility and forgiveness I say Michami Dukadam. I am pleased to share the perfect message from Dr. Vastupal Parikh.
“I forgive (without any reservation) all living beings (who may have caused me any pain and suffering either in this or previous lives), and I beg for the forgiveness from all living beings (no matter how small or big) to whom I may have, knowingly or unknowingly, caused pain and suffering (in thoughts, speech or action, in this or previous lives, or if I have asked, or encouraged someone else, to carry out such activities). (Let all creatures know that) I have friendship with everybody and have no revenge (animosity or enmity) toward anybody.”
Michami Dukadam: Indeed, that phrase resonates with me. I had talked about the meaning of Michami Dukadam in several congregations. There is beauty and joy in forgiving and be forgiving. It brings Moksha, Mukti, Nirvana, Nijaat, salvation, and true freedom to every soul. Indeed, the idea of forgiveness is central to every religion; that was Jesus’s focus, the dearest person to God is one who forgives, says Mohammad the prophet, and Sri Krishna reiterates that throughout in Bhagavad Gita.
If all the psychologists in the world were asked, what will bring the most freedom to mankind, they might be tempted to say “Michami Dukadam”.
Jainism is a full-fledged religion like Hinduism and Buddhism, and none is an offshoot of the other as it is often misunderstood. Jainism is a contemporary of Buddhism. The faiths are life centered where one’s deeds (Karma) determine his or her spiritual, physical, and mental well being. Although Mahavir is referred to as God in common parlance, in the system, he is the 24th Tirthankara (the enlightened one – an equivalent of a messenger or a prophet in the Abrahamic traditions) who wrapped up the entire philosophy of the 23 earlier Tirthankaras. In Dallas, oops, it is in Fort Worth, we had an exhibition of the artifacts from that period at Kimball Art Museum several years ago, it was a fascinating experience.
Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence approach emanates from Jainism and the idea of the validity of multiple paths of the foundation for pluralism has its origin in the concept of Anekant Vaad from Jainism. We have a Jain Temple in Richardson, a suburb of Dallas, and if you want to enjoy the best vegetarian food, go to the temple on Sunday Mornings! I will have to figure out one in Washington D.C.,
“Festivals of the World” is an educational series by Mike Ghouse since 1993. When we live in the same communities as neighbors, we might as well learn about each other. The best way to build cohesive societies is for its members to participate in festivities and commemorations of each other, or at least understand each other’s’ joys and sorrows. Please note the simplicity in writing is designed for people of different faiths to learn and to know so that we can function cohesively.
Mike Ghouse is committed to opening people’s hearts, minds, and souls towards each other, so all of us can live without fear of each other. More about mike at www.TheGhouseDiary.com
