Huffington Post - Mike's articles

Stripping Nobel Prize From Muslim Dr. Abdus Salam

Posted February 2, 2012 | 2/2/12 02:00 PM ET

It is a shame that many of the Pakistani people I have been interacting have bought the government-fed idea that Ahmadiyya Muslims are not Muslims.

Shame on them, they have not only lost political freedom, they have lost their minds as well. As a Muslim, I am disappointed that Pakistan...

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Pat Buchanan's Fear of the End of White America and Christianity

17 Comments | Posted January 21, 2012 | 1/21/12 01:26 PM ET

The phobias stem from the fact that religions have moved away from being spiritual to political entities, simply meaning each religious group is living in its own silos and in conflict with the other.

An article in the New York Times, "Patrick Buchanan's Future at MSNBC Is...

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The Rule of Law Prevails in Oklahoma

1 Comments | Posted January 11, 2012 | 1/11/12 12:15 PM ET

Congratulations to the people of Oklahoma that the rule of law has prevailed over bigotry in their state. We applaud the court in Denver for upholding U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange's order blocking implementation of the amendment shortly after it was approved by 70 percent of Oklahoma voters in November...

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Citizenship, Islam and America

8 Comments | Posted December 30, 2011 | 12/30/11 02:55 PM ET

Law is one thing and practice is the other. As an American and as a Muslim, I have to be critical of both groupings and work toward creating cohesive societies where no citizen has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other. Here is a summary of 2011...

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A Muslim's Christmas

11 Comments | Posted December 23, 2011 | 12/23/11 02:10 PM ET

One of the most frequently used words during Christmas season is peace. Indeed, it is a reflection of the innermost desire within each one of us, whether we are Christians or not. Christmas is an annual milestone that intensifies the desire to have peace for oneself and for the world....

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Lowe's, Is This the America We Want?

3 Comments | Posted December 15, 2011 | 12/15/11 05:00 PM ET

The hardware giant Lowe's pulled its advertisement from TLC's "All-American Muslim" reality show depicting day-to-day Muslims. It is (was?) the beginning of creating a cohesive America where no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other stemming from a fellow American.

As Americans together, we must...

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Muharram 2011: The Centrality of Imam Hussain

Posted December 2, 2011 | 12/2/11 03:12 PM ET

Muharram is one of the most sacred months for Muslims. It is one of the four sanctified months of the year where peace is mandated and conflicts are to be mitigated.

The Muslim New Year begins with the month of Muharram. Nov. 25, 2011 was the first day of the...

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Thanksgiving: An Interfaith Celebration

Posted November 23, 2011 | 11/23/11 03:13 PM ET

The biggest part of Thanksgiving is sharing and caring. It is a day to express friendship and kindness to those who are struggling with the difficulties of life. It ought to bring out the best in us for others.

Why should we do that?

The Native Americans believe that...

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Sikhs and Muslims Can Come Together for Guru Nanak's Birthday

Posted November 10, 2011 | 11/10/11 08:18 PM ET

It's the 542nd birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikhism. Let's pray this Gurpurab nurture goodwill and remove ill-will between Muslims and Sikhs.

Guru Nanakji's birthday has a special significance to me. Indeed, the religion we called Sikhism started out as an interfaith movement, in which Guru...

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Essence of Eid-al-Adha, a Muslim Festival of Sacrifice

Posted November 7, 2011 | 11/7/11 04:50 PM ET

Eid-al-Adha is also known as Bakra Eid, Eid-el-Kabir, the Big Eid and by 20 other names including a non-Eid sounding phrase 'Waliya Perunnal' in Malyalam language. If you wish to greet Muslims on this day you may say "Happy Eid" or "Eid Mubarak" and even Eid-al-Adha Mubarak. Eid is celebration...

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Senator Williams' Remarks Offended Hindus

Posted November 7, 2011 | 11/7/11 07:30 AM ET

It is not only a Hindu issue, it is indeed an American issue. The speaking out shouldn't be just from Hindus, but Christians, Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Pagans, Wiccans, Zoroastrians and others as well. Why should anyone stand up for you, if you are not willing to do the same for...

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The Spirit of Ramadan

Posted August 29, 2011 | 8/29/11 01:59 PM ET

From the moment we are born to the last rites of our life, every moment in between is laden with rituals, even though some of us may deny it. Whether we go to the gym, eat, sleep, wear clothes, drive or talk on the phone, we follow rituals.

Rituals...

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Muslim Women and Gender Issues in Mosques

Posted July 20, 2011 | 7/20/11 05:26 PM ET

The officers of the Toronto School district are facing challenges for allowing Muslim students to hold Friday congregational prayers on their school premises. Canada is a pluralistic nation where they allow prayers for every group without discrimination. However, due to the format of Muslims prayers, gender issue was thrust by...

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Muslim Canadians Should Ease Out of Prayers in Public School

Posted July 14, 2011 | 7/14/11 12:20 PM ET

The peace and prosperity of a nation hinges on separation of church and the state. Indeed, America, Canada and other societies have been able to harness talented people without regard to their religion, race or ethnicity for the collective benefit of the societies and every participant has advanced with it....

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Islam, America and July 4th

Posted July 1, 2011 | 7/1/11 12:01 PM ET

Freedom is one of the most cherished values of humanity and I am pleased to share its arrangement in American and Islamic space. Both emphasize the freedom of conscience, justice and liberty.

Please be aware that a few men in Islam, America and other religions don't live up to...

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Happy Fathers Day: A Tribute To My Pluralist Father, Abdul Rahman

Posted June 17, 2011 | 6/17/11 07:02 PM ET

Life is all about expressions and completing transactions. Every emotion, thought, action or a change creates a new debt or a favor that needs to be re-balanced. Obviously we cannot reciprocate the favors in full, but we have been able to do that with a thank you in the most...

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Rick Perry Has To Prove His Sincerity

Posted June 10, 2011 | 6/10/11 02:30 PM ET

If Governor Perry is sincere in calling Americans to join in the prayers for peace and prosperity of our nation, he has an opportunity to demonstrate it by giving a dignified space to every representation of the 312 million Americans.

Whether you are a Native American, follow an earth based...

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Muslim Views On The Circumcision Ban

Posted June 7, 2011 | 6/7/11 01:00 PM ET

Calling it Male Genital Mutilation is going too far, it shows utter disregard for enduring religious traditions of Jews, Muslims and others comprising nearly a fourth of humanity. Mind you, it is not a practice of a vanishing cult that is here today and gone tomorrow.

The right is...

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Muslims Should Stand Up Against Harassment of Fellow Muslims

Posted May 25, 2011 | 5/25/11 10:20 AM ET

To have the power to affect a positive change in a given society one must be just. It is not justice when one gains at the wrongful expense of others. Many a Muslims have lost the gut in their voice because they have failed to stand up for others.

Reciprocity,...

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Muslims Celebrate the Changing Mediascape

Posted May 13, 2011 | 5/13/11 03:12 AM ET

Since Sept. 11, 2001, a negative image of Muslims was successfully portrayed in the media, tilting Americans toward buying and stereotypical images of Muslims. However, the year 2010 witnessed a dramatic shift in auto-correcting that error by un-stereotyping Muslims.

The Ground Zero Mosque, nay, the Muslim community center in...

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There are another 20+ articles, I hope to retrieve from the post.

TEXAS FAITH: How do we create a common good today?

What can you do to shape the common good, or perhaps are shaping it.

Ten Panelists respond:

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Fifty years ago, President Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country" and President Obama's theme in the 2012 State of the Union -- "Government and citizens are responsible together for the common good, even as they celebrate individualism and free markets." -- completes that equation.

Indeed, welding two of the greatest statements from the last fifty years can shape the common good and uplift the American spirit from the doldrums. Each one of us is individually responsible to achieve that with the state as a mere catalyst.

One of the few things that made us a great nation is the belief in "Live and let live." It is an epitome of responsible capitalism. We have slipped away from that. Some of the Americans who made it big on Wall Street were consumed by greed and messed up the goose that gave them the golden eggs. Instead of walking away with millions in bonuses, they could have reinvested that money in keeping the jobs of fellow employees. Then they would have continued picking the Golden Eggs, kept the jobs, survived the corporations and kept the economy going.

A few among us have been misled for perceived political gains of someone else, and attack those who have made it. Instead of denigrating Mitt Romney for cashing in on his investments, we should applaud and look up to him as a model of prosperity. Isn't that the American Dream?

The biggest victim of the bad economy is our attitude. It is tearing the social fabric of America. Our belief in "live and let live" has become corrosive, and we have let a few politicians shamelessly divide us.

Together as Americans, we can restore America individually and collectively. Chief Seattle, a Native American said this perfectly, "All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the webs, he does it to himself."

We have to ask ourselves, what I am doing as an individual to maintain the harmony and cohesiveness of one nation under God with liberty and Justice for all.

We must question our politicians and the clergy who deviate from our foundational value, which is: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Isn't that ideal the one that has made us a great nation? We need to align ourselves with it. Martin Luther King Jr. expressed it so well that we must be judged by the content of our character rather than the external manifestations.

Yes, we can restore the common goodness and uplift the soul of America by asking and correcting ourselves, whenever we feel less of the other Americans regardless of their religion, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity or economic status. The question is what have I done to preserve the cohesiveness of America?

To view all  the ten responses, please visit Dallas Morning News’s Religion Blog at:
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2012/01/texas-faith-how-do-we-create-a.html

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Mike Ghouse is a thinker, writer speaker and an activist of pluralism, interfaith, co-existence, peace, Islam and India. He is a frequent guest at the TV, radio and print media offering pluralistic solutions to issues of the day. His websites and Blogs are listed on http://www.mikeghouse.net/ 

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Dr. Abdus Salam's 85th birthday, the Pakistani Muslim Nobel Laureate

Dr. Abdus Salam, the only Muslim Nobel Laureate of Pakistan.
Published at Huffington Post.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/stripping-nobel-prize-from-muslim-abdus-salam_b_1244138.html

It is a shame that many of the Pakistani people I have been interacting have bought the government fed idea that Ahmadiyya Muslims are not Muslims.

Shame on them, they have not only lost political freedom, they have lost their minds as well.  As a Muslim, I am disappointed that Pakistan has deprived the Muslim world of a Nobel Laureate, indeed the late Dr. Abdus Salam is the only Nobel Laureate of Pakistan and they don't list him as a Muslim, and have gone one to erase the word Muslim from his headstone, what a shame! He was pride of Pakistan and yet no minister or high government official attended his funeral. I wish he lived in America; he would have gotten all the due respect he deserved.

Yet the same Muslims daily recite that God alone is the Master of the Day of Judgment, and he alone is judge of our faith 17 to 51 times a day, what for? Sir Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the great poet scholar philosopher probably wrote this poem to these folks, “tujhe-kya-milega-namaz-mein” what is there for you in that prayer if you don’t mean it.


We simply cannot stereo type the whole population based on a few intolerant judgmental men out there. Just like the good for nothing silent majority of Jews, Christians, Muslims or Hindus; and Americans, Indians or Chinese, the Pakistani Muslims Majority is another good for nothing lot, don't have the balls to speak up. We must encourage the good people to start speaking up and bring about a positive change where no Pakistani has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other Pakistani.


 They did not have the freedom to sign the Asia Bibi Petition; did not have the guts to step forward to do the funeral prayers for Governor Taseer who wanted to end the misapplied blasphemy laws...or don't have the nerve to speak up on most issues and put up with the Zardari government.


What's happened to this Umma that is suppose to value Justice above all else. They listen to the stories of the Prophet and the Caliphs, how they stood up for the rights of Jews, Christians and others even against their own kith and kin. A Muslim cannot be prejudiced and judgmental, how many of us qualify to be a Muslim?

This week witnesses Dr. Salam's 85^th birthday. May Allah bless him for his pioneering research in “theoretical elementary particle physics”  benefiting the humanity; May Allah give courage to the Pakistani people to stand up for justice for every Pakistani in the footsteps of the Prophet and the rightly guided caliphs, and treat every Pakistani on an equal footing regardless of his or her religion, belief or denomination.

Asia Bibi Petition - Appeal for Justice
http://www.petitiononline.com/Asiabibi/petition.html

Salam Saheb, we failed you
http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/30/salam-sahab-we-have-failed-you.html


Dr. Salam, The Mystic Scientisthttp://www.chowk.com/Views/Science/Dr-Abdus-Salam-The-Mystic-scientist

Mike Ghouse is a thinker, writer speaker and an activist of pluralism, interfaith, co-existence, peace, Islam and India. He is a frequent guest at the TV, radio and print media offering pluralistic solutions to issues of the day. His websites and Blogs are listed on http://www.mikeghouse.net/ 

Ghouse speaks at Red River Unitarian Church Feb. 5

Mike Ghouse to speak at Red River Unitarian Universalist Church Feb. 5

http://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_74515.shtml

By Red River Unitarian Universalist Church

Jan 30, 2012

 

Red River Unitarian Universalist Church will hear Mike Ghouse speak on the topic “Welcome to My World: The World of Pluralism” at 11:15 a.m. on February 5. 

Mr. Ghouse was a speaker and moderator at the 2009 Parliament of World’s Religions in Melbourne, Australia, and spoke at the Universal Peace Federation’s peace initiative in Jerusalem in August 2010.  He often speaks at UU churches about pluralism, a worldview that advocates inclusivism, tolerance, ecumenism, and diversity among the world’s religions. 

At 10:00 that morning, Adult Forum will discuss plans for increasing RRUU’s effectiveness in its community, presented by the church’s “Let’s Grow Group.” 

RRUU meets at 515 N. Burnett Ave. in Denison, and all are welcome to attend its services and forums.  Nursery care is provided. 

More information about the church is at www.rruu.org.

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TODAY’S SERMON: ESSENCE OF RELIGION
February 5, 2012, Unitarian Universalist Church

The questions about what is religion, why are they so many and what is the purpose of religion will always linger. If we were to step back from each one of our faiths and see the purpose it serves, we may discover that the essence of the religion is to bring peace to oneself and peace with others. In essence, religion is about building cohesive individuals and societies.

Religion is about humility and not arrogance, humility builds relationships and arrogance kills it. Indeed the spirituality and arrogance are inversely proportional to each other.

Mike’s sermon today revolves around the topic and we hope you walk out with the feeling that truth is same in different manifestations and that your tradition is as beautiful as every tradition out there.

The Unitarian Universalists have understood the essence of religion; they live it.

The Unitarian Church is located in Sherman Texas, if you wish to attend as my guest, please let me know.

About

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer, and an activist committed to building cohesive societies, and offers pluralistic solutions to the media and the public on current issues.

Mike is a frequent guest on Fox News, “The Hannity Show”, and on nationally syndicated radio shows along with Dallas TV, print and radio networks, and occasional interviews on NPR.

He has spoken at international forums including the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne, Australia; the Middle East Peace Initiative in Jerusalem; and the International Leadership Conference in Hawaii, Chicago and Washington.

He is a member of the Texas Faith panel at The Dallas Morning News and writes about issues facing the nation every week. He writes for the Huffington Post regularly, and occasionally for the Washington Post and other daily newspapers and magazines around the world. In 2011 Mike published over 300 articles on a variety of subjects. Two books are poised to be released this year on Pluralism and Islam in America.

Mike was a commissioner for the City of Carrollton and president of many organizations including Home Owners Association, North Texas Cricket Association, and a board member of several non-profits such as the Dallas Peace Center.

Mike is a collaborator and much of his work revolves around the subjects of pluralism, interfaith movement, politics, justice, cohesive societies, Islam, India, hope and world peace. Mike’s work is reflected in four websites and 30 blogs indexed at www.mikeghouse.net, and he writes daily at www.TheGhousediary.com

My Republic Day Message to Indians, happy Republic Day India!

January 26, 2012. Today is India’s Republic day; the day India adopted its constitution on January 26, 1950.

Indeed, we are one of the few stable pluralistic democracies in the world where the rule of law is honored, where we have learned to respect the otherness of other and accepted the uniqueness of each individual and his faith. We are not there fully, but we will make it while other nations are struggling with the idea of co-existence, we have demonstrated it for thousands of years. Democracy and liberty runs through our veins and I am pleased to submit a proposal for consideration. 

We are proud of our heritage - a multi-faith, multi-cultural, multi-regional and multi-linguistic society, where we have come to accept and respect every which way people have lived their lives. For over 5000 years, India has been a beacon of pluralism - it has embraced Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Baha’i and Zoroastrianism to include in the array of the indigenous religions; Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. 

We are Adivasis, Atheists, Baha’is, Bos, Buddhists, Christians, Dalits, Hindus, Jains, Jewish, Muslim, Sikhs, Tribals, Zoroastrians and every possible grouping. We are Brown, Black, White, Yellow and green with envy and phir bhi dil hai Hindustani (our heart remains Indian).

We see God as one, none and many; and in every form; male, female, genderless and non-existent, being and non-being, nameless and with innumerable names.

We may want to consciously start thinking and acting as one people, one people within a nation and a community and one people globally. It’s like home when we are conflict free.  I do hope each one of us purges any bias towards the other, there is joy in being free from ill-will. Try to be free from it this day forward… free from anything that prevents you from being a part of the whole. 

Our combined philosophies believe in one world ; Hinduism describes the world as Vasudaiva Kutumbukum, the whole world is one family, the idea of Ek Onkar(one) in Sikhism, you are all created from the same couple as Quraan puts it and Jesus embraced every one regardless of who any one is... similar philosophies are grounded in all our religions. 

A few don't follow their own heritage and resort to thievery, loot, murder, terrorism, rioting, rapes, infanticide and other evils that destroy the fabric of the society,  but a majority of every group goes about their own way, living their life with struggles and ease and don't even bother others. We should build upon the 99% of population and not on the less than 1% that does not follow any principles.

On this day, and every day from here forward, make a pledge to yourselves to talk about in terms of us Indians - and not Malyalee, Gujarati, Bengali.... or Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isaee. Don't expect others to jump and say the same, give them the time and if you are consistent for at least a year, you will see others emulating you.

Through the years we have expressed the highest degree of maturity on handling extreme situations; the more divergent opinions we hear, the larger our heart grows, the bigger our embrace would be and we can cushion more differences. Let’s continue to honor the concept that there is always another side to the story, as finding the truth is our own responsibility. I am proud of my heritage and am proud to be an Indian-American.

I hope you take time to ponder on the following;

I propose that the parliament of India introduce a bill for every political, cultural and religious organization in India to register with the Home Ministry, state their purpose, list their assets for public scrutiny, and list the membership roster to be updated annually. Include a modified version of the 7 items into Indian Penal Code, and make it in to the law to punish the violators of the law.

Patriotism should be defined in terms of what you do to uplift the hopes of people, in terms of education to all, jobs to as many as we can in each successive year, home for every human, and a better life style to every Indian.

Every public office holder from the Peon to the President of India, and every one in between must take this pledge and live by it. Violation should disqualify him or her from holding the public office. Let it be monitored publicly.

1. I pledge allegiance to India, indivisible nation that stands for liberty and justice for all.

2. I pledge that I honor and treat every Indian with "full" dignity.

3. I pledge that all individuals would be treated on par.

4. I pledge that I will treat all religions with equal respect, equal access and equal treatment.

5. I pledge that I will oppose any act that treats any Indian less than me.

6. I Pledge that I will work for an India, where every individual can live with security and aspire for prosperity.

7. I pledge that I will protect, preserve and value every inch of India and every human soul in India

This would be the first step towards ensuring a Just, peaceful and prosperous India, that can sustain its progress and peace.

Link to this article: http://mikeghouseforindia.blogspot.com  

Jai Hind

Mike

Mike Ghouse is a thinker, writer speaker and an activist of pluralism, interfaith, co-existence, peace, Islam and India. He is a frequent guest at the TV, radio and print media offering pluralistic solutions to issues of the day. His websites and Blogs are listed on http://www.mikeghouse.net/