Milaad Speech by Maulan Irtaza Naqvi and Mike Ghouse

Speech at Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birth celebrations 

It was a great honor to speak along with Maulana Irtaza Naqvi at Milaad- Prophet Muhammad’s birth celebrations organized by the Pakistan Club of Dallas at Sherrill Park in Richardson, Texas.  It was also a poetry session (naatia mehfil) in praise of the Prophet shared by our respected poets Syed Younus Ijaz, Syeed Qureshi and several others. I have written three pieces on Maulana Naqvi.I was buoyed to learn a few key points in his speech that were fairly supportive of the pluralistic approach to religion. He emphasized the idea of “respecting the otherness of others” without having to agree. I narrated the story of Suleh (peace treaty) Hudabiya with precisely the same line.

Continued at:http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/02/milaad-speech-by-maulan-irtaza-naqvi.html

I was buoyed to learn a few key points in his speech that were fairly supportive of the pluralistic approach to religion. He emphasized the idea of “respecting the otherness of others” without having to agree. I narrated the story of Suleh (peace treaty) Hudabiya with precisely the same line.  

We both talked about first thing first, that is to be the Ameen; a model of sincerity, truthfulness, trustworthy, and a person around whom other people felt secure.

His point about Hazrat Bilal was powerful – it had three points; knocking the arrogance out, forging the idea that all men are equal, and respecting the otherness of other.

The Arabs like all other people in the world have the arrogance that they are the chosen people, and that their language is superior to others. So when Prophet asked Hazrat Bilal (a freed slave) to give the first public prayer call (Adhan), it must have hurt the knowledgeable literate nobility that they did not get the chance to have that honor, as the prophet said, in the presence of God we are all equal, no matter what faith or race we belong to.

Secondly, Hazrat Bilal could not pronounce the “sh” as in “she” sound in the Adhan part of “Ash-hadu-an La ilaha ilal la”. A few laughed at the mispronunciation but the prophet stopped them, and said, you may not have understood the call, but God did.

Whether you are a former slave or the king, we have to learn to respect the otherness of others.   

Then we spoke the same thought – I mentioned that Quran is not for Muslims alone, but for the entire humanity. The first sentence of the first chapter and the last chapter both address the entire humanity, and not Muslims. He emphasized that, and thoroughly explained the meaning of prophet’s title – Rahmatul Aalameen- Mercy to mankind and not just Muslims.

He also added, that Quran is a book from God as God has made it inclusive of all faiths, Quran acknowledges Judaism and Christianity and others to denote other faiths. Even though in principle there were differences, God still chose to call the people of the book to instill a sense of cohesiveness with people of different faiths. I had emphasized what I had posted on facebook a day ago. “Quran says it clearly and repeatedly - if you take care of fellow beings you need not worry, and also reasserts, whether you are a Jew, Christian, pagan or other... you need not worry as long as you take care of fellow beings.”

Of course as blunt as I am, his narration of miracles of the Prophet that he purified the water in a well and splitting the moon were not needed, but I have no problem with it as others believe in it endearingly. It is the same with Moses, Jesus, Buddha, Hanuman and others – shaft becoming a snake, walking on the water, Immaculate Conception, carrying a mountain on his hands respectively. There was a time in history, external fantastic miracles were needed, but now, their message is good enough.

I asked the audience, who is the first person to initiate interfaith dialogue in the world? I was completely taken back, no one knew it, and there was someone in the front, who called out my name. I quietly moved on.  I had asked the same question in a conference attended by majority of African American Muslims, nearly a third of them said it aloud “America’s Imam Warith Deen Muhammad.” While that is true for America, but not true for the world.

Prophet Muhammad was the first man on the earth to initiate interfaith dialogue. Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Mahavir or Jesus did not have many faiths to deal when they were preaching, where as prophet Muhammad dealt with Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians, Pagans and others.  I need to speak in Milaad more often; usually they sing Naats/ Nasheeds (in praise of the prophet) or poetry in his honor.

I emphasized on Freedom of speech and gave the example of Adam. It is because of freedom of speech we have been able to pray, preach and propagate Islam, and we have to honor and defend that freedom of speech, we cannot bite the hand that feeds us.  Indeed, we are addressing this issue in our film “Sacred”. The film also exemplifies Prophets Amin Model, Taif-Jesus-Turning the other check Model, and conflict mitigation and goodwill nurturance model. Information for sacred is at www.WorldMuslimCongress.com

I share the meaning of the stories that are never told in the Mosques – of Hijre-Aswad, Suleh Hudabiya, Najran Christians visit and similarities of our immortal declaration of independence and his last sermon – all of them have the prophet’s formula for humanity; conflict mitigation and goodwill nurturance.

I asked people to be merciful to others, if you ask Asiya Bibi, a Christian lady in Pakistan and Pastor NadirKhani in Iran both charged for Blasphemy and Apostasy, if they think Prophet was a mercy to mankind? I don’t think they will, then whose fault is that? Didn’t we push them to say things they really would not have said?  We need to rid of Blasphemy and Apostasy laws, both practices are contrary to the personality of the prophet – i.e., mercy to mankind.


The above points in speech came straight from the following writings:

How do I connect with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/how-i-connect-with-prophet-muhammad_b_2547782.html

1444^th birth Celebrations of the Prophet
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/festivals-of-the-world-mi_b_4579452.html

Prophet Muhammad's advice
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2014/11/prophet-muhammad-pbuhs-advice.html

Thank you

mike
Mike Ghouse, President
America Together Foundation 
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
......................................................................................................................... 
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator onPluralism, Islam, India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film " Sacred" to be released on 9/11 and a documentary "Americans together" for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com - Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. 
 

Five timely pieces on Obama, Netanyahu, Austrian Sharia, Sacred Film and Muslim Integration initiative

5 Timely Pieces for this week

 

1. Back off Mr. Netanyahu, don't mess with America.

2. Is Obama's Wisdom good for America, did he say the right words?

3. Austria passes reform to Islamic Laws - We welcome it
4. Film Sacred to address conflicts with other

5. Muslim Integration initiatives to be launched

___________________________________________________________

 

BACK OFF MR. NETANYAHU
Lessons in Foreign policy: Mr. Netanyahu and his ilk can fool us in America once, but not twice, and we are not the guinea pigs of his erratic genocidal behavior.

He is coming to Washington to convince the nincompoops who had plunged us into destructive wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to go at Iran now. We lost over 5000 men and women, millions of Americans lost their jobs, and their homes were foreclosed besides sinking us into budget deficit running in $Trillions of Dollars. He wants us to be completely liquidated, to hell with him. We put America first!

Article at Arab News:  http://thearabdailynews.com/2015/02/26/back-off-netanyahu-dont-mess-america/

___________________________________________________________

 

DID OBAMA USE THE RIGHT WORDS ABOUT ISLAM?

 

Let's put our biases aside, and review if President Obama's words and actions represent what is a moral and astute policy, and also if it is good for the United States of America. Let us examine his choice of words at the "Summit on Countering Violent Extremism" and his reminder at the National Prayer Breakfast to be humble and cognizant of our own historical record. 

 

Full story at Huffington Post - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/is-obamas-wisdom-good-for_b_6749002.html

 

___________________________________________________________

 

AUSTRIA REFORMS MUSLIM LAWS   

Given the global anti-Muslim hysteria, the new Austrian law generates two responses;   No and Welcome, and I will go with the welcome response for it serves the greater good of Muslims and the world around them.

 

This following points may anger a few Muslims initially, but when we think of the society a large, and shine the light of Quran on it, we will eventually see the value in the law enacted by the Austrian Government, which is initially resisted by a few.

 

If Muslims cannot stop the rogue Imams from spreading hate and disturb the peace in a given society, it becomes the responsibility of the society at large to do that. “The law seeks to prevent the growth of a parallel Islamic society in Austria by regulating mosques and the training of imams, who will now be required to be proficient in German.” In America, we face this, many a imported Imams cannot connect with our kids. Let the Imams be local and trained to be contributors towards a better society, it does not require any giving-up of their faith or compromise on their part. 

http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/02/austria-passes-reforms-to-1912-islam-law.html

 

___________________________________________________________

 

SACRED FILM - HOW DO DEAL WITH CONFLICTS

The film skillfully manages conflicting issues of freedom of speech v what is sacred; safety of Americans v violent reactions; and radicalism v. pluralism. It is an embodiment of conflict mitigation and goodwill nurturence based on teachings of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad. It is a model for building cohesive societies.  Indeed, the concept is encouraged by major institutions.

Through “Sacred”, the world will witness positive changes taking shape; it encourages what Muslims ought to be – the Amins, and how they will be perceived by the society at large. What is good for Muslims has got to be good for the world and vice-versa to restore sustainable harmony.

Sacred is an exemplary story of ordinary Muslim Americans working with fellow Americans of different faiths in forging a new paradigm; a cohesive America where no American has to live in tension, apprehension or fear of the other.

http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2014/04/reestablishing-right-muslim-attitudes.html

___________________________________________________________

 

MUSLIM INTEGRATION INITIATIVES TO BE LAUNCHED
Insha Allah, we will make an effort to pull ISNA, ICNA, MPAC, CAIR and other organizations together and launch America Together Foundation, a main stream organization to build a cohesive America and work on integration of all Americans. We will begin with Muslims and add on all others as we get funded and go forward.

We have to shape our destiny by planning and getting things done. God willing, we are looking forward to having a huge presence in the media.  I do need volunteers and sponsors and our programs will be cost effective and results producing.  If you are  a sincere doer, and willing to put in at least 5 serious hours a week to bring the change, please call me, but if you are not serious and not willing to burn the ships. We don't need to waste time. 

 

Please donate generously, its a non-profit and tax deductible 501 (c) (3) organization. We need at least $6000/month to produce serious results. Please donate at:http://americatogetherfoundation.com/donate/

 

 

Thank you
mike
Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
...............................................................................................................................
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism at work place, politics, religion, society, gender, race, culture, ethnicity, food and foreign policy. He is a staunch defender of human rights and his book standing up for others will be out soon, and a movie "Americans together" is in the making.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com and 10 other blogs. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

 

Mr. Netanyahu, back off, don’t you mess with America!

Back off Mr. Netanyahu | Don’t you mess with America!

Time to stop Netanyahu from lying to America, blocking his speech to the unofficial joint session of the US Congress. 

Mr. Netanyahu has not only injured the credibility of his office that is deleterious to Israel, but has aggravated the community of nations and will continue to Isolate Israel. 161 out of 166 UN member Nations do not trust him and his policies by voting against some of the resolutions against Israel or have abstained.

American foreign policy will not be the same, despite the racist attitudes of a few in the Congress and Senate, they will still see the wisdom in President Obama’s genuine foreign policy ushering into an era of dialogue rather than conflict.

Let Obama negotiate the treaty and reduce one less enemy for Israel, and one more member of the Nuclear treaty to abide by, and let’s hope Israel also signs the Nuclear treaty as most other nations have done. Let the average American benefit from Obama’s sane policies.

Full article:  http://thearabdailynews.com/2015/02/26/back-off-netanyahu-dont-mess-america/

Mike Ghouse
www.MikeGhouse.net

# # # 

Prophet Muhammad's birth celebrations speeches by Maulana Naqvi and Mike Ghouse

Speech at Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birth celebrations 

It was a great honor to speak along with Maulana Irtaza Naqvi at Milaad- Prophet Muhammad’s birth celebrations organized by the Pakistan Club of Dallas at Sherrill Park in Richardson, Texas.  It was also a poetry session (naatia mehfil) in praise of the Prophet shared by our respected poets Syed Younus Ijaz, Syeed Qureshi and several others. I have written three pieces on Maulana Naqvi.I was buoyed to learn a few key points in his speech that were fairly supportive of the pluralistic approach to religion. He emphasized the idea of “respecting the otherness of others” without having to agree. I narrated the story of Suleh (peace treaty) Hudabiya with precisely the same line.

Continued at:http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/02/milaad-speech-by-maulan-irtaza-naqvi.html

I was buoyed to learn a few key points in his speech that were fairly supportive of the pluralistic approach to religion. He emphasized the idea of “respecting the otherness of others” without having to agree. I narrated the story of Suleh (peace treaty) Hudabiya with precisely the same line.  

We both talked about first thing first, that is to be the Ameen; a model of sincerity, truthfulness, trustworthy, and a person around whom other people felt secure.

His point about Hazrat Bilal was powerful – it had three points; knocking the arrogance out, forging the idea that all men are equal, and respecting the otherness of other.

The Arabs like all other people in the world have the arrogance that they are the chosen people, and that their language is superior to others. So when Prophet asked Hazrat Bilal (a freed slave) to give the first public prayer call (Adhan), it must have hurt the knowledgeable literate nobility that they did not get the chance to have that honor, as the prophet said, in the presence of God we are all equal, no matter what faith or race we belong to.

Secondly, Hazrat Bilal could not pronounce the “sh” as in “she” sound in the Adhan part of “Ash-hadu-an La ilaha ilal la”. A few laughed at the mispronunciation but the prophet stopped them, and said, you may not have understood the call, but God did.

Whether you are a former slave or the king, we have to learn to respect the otherness of others.   

Then we spoke the same thought – I mentioned that Quran is not for Muslims alone, but for the entire humanity. The first sentence of the first chapter and the last chapter both address the entire humanity, and not Muslims. He emphasized that, and thoroughly explained the meaning of prophet’s title – Rahmatul Aalameen- Mercy to mankind and not just Muslims.

He also added, that Quran is a book from God as God has made it inclusive of all faiths, Quran acknowledges Judaism and Christianity and others to denote other faiths. Even though in principle there were differences, God still chose to call the people of the book to instill a sense of cohesiveness with people of different faiths. I had emphasized what I had posted on facebook a day ago. “Quran says it clearly and repeatedly - if you take care of fellow beings you need not worry, and also reasserts, whether you are a Jew, Christian, pagan or other... you need not worry as long as you take care of fellow beings.”

Of course as blunt as I am, his narration of miracles of the Prophet that he purified the water in a well and splitting the moon were not needed, but I have no problem with it as others believe in it endearingly. It is the same with Moses, Jesus, Buddha, Hanuman and others – shaft becoming a snake, walking on the water, Immaculate Conception, carrying a mountain on his hands respectively. There was a time in history, external fantastic miracles were needed, but now, their message is good enough.

I asked the audience, who is the first person to initiate interfaith dialogue in the world? I was completely taken back, no one knew it, and there was someone in the front, who called out my name. I quietly moved on.  I had asked the same question in a conference attended by majority of African American Muslims, nearly a third of them said it aloud “America’s Imam Warith Deen Muhammad.” While that is true for America, but not true for the world.

Prophet Muhammad was the first man on the earth to initiate interfaith dialogue. Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Mahavir or Jesus did not have many faiths to deal when they were preaching, where as prophet Muhammad dealt with Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians, Pagans and others.  I need to speak in Milaad more often; usually they sing Naats/ Nasheeds (in praise of the prophet) or poetry in his honor.

I emphasized on Freedom of speech and gave the example of Adam. It is because of freedom of speech we have been able to pray, preach and propagate Islam, and we have to honor and defend that freedom of speech, we cannot bite the hand that feeds us.  Indeed, we are addressing this issue in our film “Sacred”. The film also exemplifies Prophets Amin Model, Taif-Jesus-Turning the other check Model, and conflict mitigation and goodwill nurturance model. Information for sacred is at www.WorldMuslimCongress.com

I share the meaning of the stories that are never told in the Mosques – of Hijre-Aswad, Suleh Hudabiya, Najran Christians visit and similarities of our immortal declaration of independence and his last sermon – all of them have the prophet’s formula for humanity; conflict mitigation and goodwill nurturance.

I asked people to be merciful to others, if you ask Asiya Bibi, a Christian lady in Pakistan and Pastor NadirKhani in Iran both charged for Blasphemy and Apostasy, if they think Prophet was a mercy to mankind? I don’t think they will, then whose fault is that? Didn’t we push them to say things they really would not have said?  We need to rid of Blasphemy and Apostasy laws, both practices are contrary to the personality of the prophet – i.e., mercy to mankind.


The above points in speech came straight from the following writings:

How do I connect with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/how-i-connect-with-prophet-muhammad_b_2547782.html

1444^th birth Celebrations of the Prophet
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/festivals-of-the-world-mi_b_4579452.html

Prophet Muhammad's advice
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2014/11/prophet-muhammad-pbuhs-advice.html

Thank you

mike
Mike Ghouse, President
America Together Foundation 
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
......................................................................................................................... 
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator onPluralism, Islam, India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film " Sacred" to be released on 9/11 and a documentary "Americans together" for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com - Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. 
 

Is Sean Hannity a rapist and a Murderer?

If you have a right wing mindset, you will not read beyond this headline and jump to the conclusions and get angry.  The purpose of choosing this title is twofold; to make a point against stereo typing and president’s wise choice to not use the phrase Radical Islam.

If I say “New Yorkers are rapists and murderers” and by living in New York Sean Hannity and Mayor Bill de Blasio automatically earn the title of rapists and murderers.

This is how it works:

According to FBI - New York City’s (just the city) Crime Statistics reveal forcible rapes at the rates of 14/ 100,000 and murder rate of 4/100,000. That translates into 419 Murders and 1162 Murders in 2014. Using these rates, it makes a stronger case to call New Yorkers rapists and murders. What would you say to your niece if she asks your recommendation to live in New York or Dallas? 

I was on Hannity show last night, and did not get to say this; by using the blanket phrase radical Muslims or radical Islam, he is calling me one. I am his friend, and I am no different than the 1.7 billion minus .001% of us who are radicals. By the way, for every Muslim ass, there is a Christian, Jewish, Hindu and a Buddhist ass and that .001% applies to all groups.

I hope you got angry at me for the statistics, and you should, and you should expect me to react to “Radical Islam and Radical Muslims” in the same way. Both are dumb and stupid statements. Neither New Yorkers are murders and nor Muslims are radicals, the correct statement would have been; Murderers in New York and Terrorists among Muslims, which would have excluded Hannity and me from the blanket statement.

Sean Hannity is a great American patriot and his consistent attacks on the government keep them on their toes and I admire him for that. Two years ago in February 2013, Sean Hannity said in a retreat at the Fox Studios, that I am the only Muslim he knows that he can dialogue with, and he called me a friend and I call him a friend, in return he offered the best gift of my life – he said, he will not use the phrases Radical Islam and Radical Muslims, instead he will use the words Radicals among Muslims and in Islam. I saluted him, and his influence did not end there.

Congressman Peter King on April 15, 2013, said this to CNN camera right after the Boston bombing, “ I have no problem with 96% of the Muslims and it is the 4% I worry” – if you recall, it was the same congressman who wanted to investigate every mosque and tap out every Muslim. Hannity does not have a choice either when the terrorists call themselves Islamic State, which they are not. 

Listen to Hannity carefully, he is not against Islam or Muslims, but against the radicals among us, which all of us Muslims (minus radicals) are against but don’t speak up in strong terms on a national or international microphone. 

President Obama is absolutely right by not using the phrase Radical Islam or Radical Muslims that would be the stupidest thing to say.

Hannity broke his promise with me last night and I understand his outrage. It took me several minutes and several laps of pacing the lobby of my office to calm down after seeing that disgusting video.  Every second counts on his top rated show, and by nature I am slow in responding and did not complete the sentence and it was a packed show with so many guests, and the time allotted to me and Allen West was drastically cut. The sentence was,  “Sean, if you call them Radical Muslims, you are including me in that group, and that is not kosher, because I am your friend, please  call them Radicals among Muslims” and I am fine with that, because I and the 99.99% of Muslims are against them. It is our responsibility to stop them. The Quran recommends severe punishment to the oppressors and suggests hunting them down where ever they can be found and punishing them accordingly, unless they sincerely repent and back off, and if they do back off and surrender, they go to Guantanamo for a full orderly trial that US law permits. If those specific individuals don't surrender, drone them! Go ahead, degrade and destroy them.

I urge President Obama to take the action; the world will never be more with him than now, in one sweep, go clean those radicals. We need to rid of them, in the most civil way we can. We should never lose our civility in dealings with these men, and should not produce excuses in making innocent civilians a collateral damage, a shameful word in history of civilizations. Just go get them, as you did Osama Bin Laden. 

If the show had more time, I wanted to say the harshest of the truths we keep denying.  We are guilty of causing nearly half a million deaths, it was indeed terrorizing the innocent people of Iraq and Afghanistan, and the facts did not matter to our President in 2003.  We owe an apology to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan, none of this would have happened, had we not gone into Iraq based on falsities.

President Obama has this last chance to save humanity by eliminating the barbarians.  They are beyond dialogue, but we should still give them a warning to back off, repent and surrender or face the drones, we need to wipe them out with all the might we have. 

Mike Ghouse is speaker and the President of America Together Foundation, a think tank committed to building a cohesive America, and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

# # #
 

FBI -2012http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2012/crime-in-the-u.s.-2012/tables/8tabledatadecpdf/table-8-state-cuts/table_8_offenses_known_to_law_enforcement_by_new_york_by_city_2012.xls

Holy books - Quran, Bible, Torah, Vedas, Tipitaka, Kalapa Sutras, Granth Saheb, Kitab Al Aqdas, Gathas and others

Published at: http://foundationforpluralism.blogspot.com/ and www.TheGhouseDiary.com

What are the holy books for?

Of course, Quran, Bible, Torah, Vedas, Gita, Tipitaka, Kalapa Sutras, Granth Saheb, Kitab Al Aqdas, Gathas (random order) or other holy books and oral traditions are designed to build peaceful societies, where people can get along and not live in fear of each other. 99+% of people in any group get that right and a few don’t. Those who don’t get it right keep finding faults with others.

Religion is really for those who have stinky attitudes towards other’s be it in the form or race, religion, culture, tradition or ethnicity.  By the way if you can function with others cohesively and peacefully, religion is not needed. Religion is merely a vehicle to make you a good human to live and let live.

Indeed, these books and their message was to restore trust in the society, create safety for every member be it invincible or vulnerable, so everyone can go on about their pursuit of their life, liberty and happiness. 

Years ago, I did a radio talk show where we read the entire Bible, Bhagwad Gita, Quran, and Parts of other books in a period of two years, one hour a day for a lay person on the street to understand each religion and remove his or her bias towards others.

Now, on a random basis, I will be writing and speaking about the essence of every religion  and I would invite everyone from every faith to propose an aspect from their tradition (Wicca, Pagans, Native or other) or a chapter from their holy book.

First lesson:

Sura Kafirun - "Un-believers"
QURANIC GUIDANCE ON HOW TO CONDUCT CIVIL DIALOGUE 

The following understanding of Sura Kafirun was written on July 5, 2008, almost five years ago and now, on this day February 09, 2013, it is being dedicated to Pastor Bob Roberts for his bold take on respecting the otherness of others,  URL- The link http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2008/07/sura-kafirun-un-believers.html 


The following Chapter (Sura) from Qur’an addresses the believers (of other faiths) in the most dignified way, putting every one on par without denigrating any. It is an exceptional example of civil conduct for one to follow. No where in this chapter a claim is made that the faith of Muslims is superior to others, or others' faith to be inferior.

Kafirun is an exemplary Surah teaching civil dialogue, throughout the Sura, the other is treated respectfully and as an equal, “I do not worship what you worship, and you do not worship what I worship” – it does not say your worship is inferior to mine. The element of arrogance was not given a room in this chapter. Because you hold a different belief, your belief is not belittled.

This chapter is about consciously nurturing civility in societies. It is not about overlooking the differences and focusing on commonalities, it is simply about accepting the otherness of other. You are who you are and I am who I am and let's figure out how we can co-exist with the least tensions. This is the basis of pluralism - i.e., respecting the otherness of others.

I believe all religions are beautiful and none is graded to be superior or inferior. I am a Muslim by choice, and pleased to be one, I may not believe what others believe, as others may not believe what I believe. I will accept them for who they are, as they would accept me for who I am. I will not disrespect any faith, as it amounts to arrogance, and God simply does not like any one who is arrogant, indeed, arrogance is the root cause of all conflicts.


Arrogance kills the very spirit of Islam – Justice, peace and equality. Islam is about live and let live. Learning to accept and respect others' right to exist and figure out the best way to co-exist. A majority of Muslims get this right, and few don't, indeed that is the case with every religion.

As the saying goes "beauty is in the eyes of the beholder", I would add " faith is in the heart of the believer". As a Muslim, your and my role is to to mitigate the conflicts and nurture goodwill among peoples and nations. That brings peace, and that is the other word for Islam.

In another chapter, God essentially says, I have created ya'll from a single couple, and made you into many tribes, communities and nations. Each one of you is different and unique with your own thumb print, DNA, taste bud and behavior bud. He also said, had I willed, I would have punched you all out from a factory template to exact specifications, all males to be precisely same height, weight, color and same with the females. But I chose to make you unique and gave you complete free will to create harmony and cohesiveness within and with what surrounds you. Then he concludes, the best one among is you is the one who learns about each other. Knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of the other resulting in harmony and peace (Islam).

What does submitting to God's will mean? Just as we love the food we cook, enjoy the results of the work we do, God loves his creation and likes every one to get along. God's will is that we care for the life and environment and lead a just life that leads to a state of peace and harmony for his creation. That's is the bottom line; that is what Jesus meant when he said " follow me" or Krishna said " "surrender to me".

The following chapter in Qur'aan does not say, that others' belief is inferior, in fact it says, as your belief is dear to you, as my belief is dear to me. So much respect is given to the other faith.

God willing, I have embarked on compiling the translations of Qur'aan as people of other faiths can relate with it, in a language that would be familiar to them. At this time, one of the best Qur'an translations available is by Mohammad Asad and I recommend you to use it as a reference, rather than some of the mistranslations on the market. Even this translation has a few flaws in dealing with women, but the translations is better than most other translations.

I would recommend you to check out a few columns to understand the wrong doing and deliberate mistranslations of the Qur'aan, both by the early European Kings to paint Islam in the bad light for their own gains and by the Muslims after the fall of Ottoman empire to egg on Muslims to support their cause, you also see a piece on origins of Islamophobia.

There was a movie made by Geert Wilders and he continues to dupe the Neocons (Literalist or sticklers in every faith) by quoting 14 verses from Qur'an as hateful, indeed they are, but they are not in Qur'aan. This blog is dedicated to clarify false statements recycled every day about Qur'aan. Finding the truth is your own responsibility -when you remove the ill-will from your heart, it brings freedom, salvation, nirvana, mukti, moksha, nijaat and true liberation.

Now here are the 6 beautiful verses of Quran... Indeed, I am blessed to use this language in dealing with differences.

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109:1 SAY: "O you who deny the truth!
Topics discussed in this Verse: [Unbelievers]Qul ya ayyuha alkafiroona
قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُونَ (109:1)
Baset - Hussari - Minshawi 
My understanding: Addressing those individuals who denied the truth spoken by the Prophet.

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109:2 "I do not worship that which you worship,
Topics discussed in this Verse: [Unbelievers]
La aAAbudu ma taAAbudoonaلَا أَعْبُدُ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ
109:2 Baset - Hussari - Minshawi 

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109:3 and neither do you worship that which I worship!
[1]وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ (
109:3)
Baset - Hussari - Minshawi 

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109:4 "And I will not worship ~hat which you have [ever] worshipped,
Topics discussed in this Verse: [Unbelievers]
Wala ana AAabidun ma AAabadtum
وَلَا أَنَا عَابِدٌ مَّا عَبَدتُّمْ (109:4)
Baset - Hussari - Minshawi 

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109:5 and neither will you [ever] worship that which I worship. [2]Topics discussed in this Verse:
[Unbelievers]Wala antum AAabidoona ma aAAbuduوَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ (109:5)
Baset - Hussari - Minshawi 

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109:6 Unto you, your moral law, and unto me, mine !"
[3]Topics discussed in this Verse:
[Islam] [Muhammad:faith of] [Unbelievers]
Lakum deenukum waliya deeniلَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ (109:6) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi 

Islam is about free will and accountability to keep the harmony of creation intact. If someone compels you to believe, pray, eat or wear, then it is not Islam. Quran is clear many many times - no one bears the burden of others. For societal equilibrium we all agree to do certain things and give up certain things as a part of living and culture.

Please note, this good material for teaching pluralism and civil dialogue.

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Mike Ghouse is a Muslim committed to understand, explore and share the idea of Rabbul Aalameen, the creator, nourisher and sustainer of the Universe, taught to us by the Mercy to mankind who was respectful of others, and whom people trusted for his integrity, honesty, civility and truthfulness. He believes if you follow God's guidance and Prophet's examples, you ought to be Mukhlooqul Aalameen - human being for the goodness of mankind.  More about Mike at www.MikeGhouse.net and www.TheGhouseDiary.com.   

Obama is the right man at the right time and the right place, God bless him!

Mike Ghouse | http://centerforamericanpolitics.blogspot.com/

Obama is the right man at the right time and the right place, God bless him!

President Obama will go down in the history as the wisdom president who believed and practiced in inclusive and cohesive societies. He is the right man at the right time for the right job and has pulled the country out of the mess his predecessor left, he is righting every wrong done before him from job creation to reducing budget deficits, restoring respect (not the bully respect but respect for respect) among community of nations and a solid infrastructure of road and bridges for years to come. 

Wisdom President - Barack Obama

He has laid the foundation for a strong secure America from both external and internal (health care) enemies. He is a catalyst in acceptance of GLBT as a new norm of the society with same sex marriages, and above all giving the full meaning to our immortal declaration that all men are equal. 

Don’t get me wrong, I have severely criticized some of his policies on drones, not recognizing the State of Palestine that would have given relief to the Jewish people, and not giving ultimatum to the ISIS and prioritizing the sequence of the affordable care act.

Shame on the Democrats! They should have trumpeted his extraordinary contributions to the betterment of our nation. He gave hope and uplifted America and brought a positive change to the world. They failed to beat up the Republicans on his record during the mid term elections and lost the Senate. 

Shame on the Republicans! They should have the guts to acknowledge that he is the best thing that has happened to America. A few Neanderthalic racist Republican fringes will continue to discount his work, and we have to accept them as a bad part of the equation that every society has to live with. 

Ever since I knew Obama through his speech in 2006 at the Chicago Senate, I knew he would be my mentor in Pluralism. I have written over 75 pieces about him and hope to continue to write about him – his failures and mostly successes. 

By the way, since 2008, I claim and here is the record that his speeches have 40-50% of the material, thoughts, ideas and words in my writings, usually published a week or two before his speech, and many a times same sequence of words.  I am looking to pay to students to put together these identicalities and hope to present to the President. 

His speech yesterday has got solid statements that reflect my writings.

"No religion is responsible for terrorism — people are responsible for violence and terrorism," Obama told delegates at the White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism. This is actually my father’s quote that I have been writing for the last 12 years.

On Wednesday he sought to explain his wording, declaring al Qaeda and ISIS "desperate for legitimacy." "They try to portray themselves as religious leaders, holy warriors in defense of Islam," he said. "We must never accept the premise that they put forward because it is a lie. Nor should we grant these terrorists the religious legitimacy that they seek. They are not religious leaders. They are terrorists."

"We are not at war with Islam. We are at war with people who have perverted Islam," Obama said during his remarks, adding later that Muslim leaders "need to do more to discredit the notion that our nations are determined to suppress Islam."

Groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda "try to portray themselves as religious leaders, holy warriors in defense of Islam," Obama said, but "we must never accept the premise that they put forward, because it is a lie."

"Of course, the terrorists do not speak for a billion Muslims who reject their ideology," Obama said. "They no more represent Islam than any madman who kills innocents in the name of God, represents Christianity or Judaism or Buddhism or Hinduism."

In fighting extremism, Obama said the United States and allies must also address the economic and political "grievances" that often fuel violent ideology. Governments must work to help provide economic opportunity, education, democracy, and the rule of law to their citizens, he said.

 That said, Obama warned that "engagement with communities can't be a cover for surveillance," and governments should deal with vulnerable people "through the prism of law enforcement."

Obama did it for Modi, it was a good strategy

http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2015/01/obama-did-it-for-modi-it-was-good.html

I have placed my write up on 1/16 and Obama’s speeches on 1/26 and later on for comparison. A lot of similarities.

Kudos to Jeffersonville Indiana’s Police officer Jason Jackson

Monday, February 16, 2015 | TheGhouseDiary.com 

This morning at 7:15, Yasmeen’s car was slip sliding up the hill on New Chapel Road out of the Crystal wood neighborhood in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The road was not salted yet as is the practice. The car just refused to go up the hill… we stopped. 

In no time police car pulled up and officer Jason Jackson (name confirmed by Police department) walked up.  He was extraordinarily nice – Yasmeen was reversing to go back but having difficulty with the sliding; the road had ditches on both sides with no guards. 

We tried his instructions in vain to no avail, and then he made a point to walk with the car asking to turn the wheel to keep us going back straight…  he got out of the car at least 5 times in the snow to help us out.

Finally, the salt truck came, he was with us in getting the car to a safe zone and then we were able to drive up the hill – and turn around at the next intersection and came back home.

Uphill - could not drive up

 an hour later, road was salted and cleared

Great police officer

Officer Jason Jackson's calm face was particularly reassuring, when you are apprehensive.  We did not get to say thank you to him for the help and politeness, so I called the police station to get his name which they did. I did not want to call him today and more than likely he is busy helping others.

As Citizens, it is necessary for us to appreciate the good things police officers do, while criticizing the bad apples.  It takes me back to my first positive encounter with American police in 1979 in New York. A bunch of bad guys were chasing me yelling at me “hey you Iranian,” … I had no idea what to do, so I ran to the police officer way out on the street corner, they were still out there, then  the officer was kind enough to walk me to the subway, and made sure I boarded the train safely and took off. What a positive first time impression!

Though I have had nothing but positive encounters with police, I feel sad for those who did not, particularly the African Americans and the latest one in Alabama, Suresh Bhai Patel a senior who was brutally hurt – thank God he is recovering.

Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County Florida will hopefully be in the film we are making about Pastor Jones ordeal.  He is an extraordinary Sheriff and I have had some entertaining meaningful conversations with him, he and his entire department was caring and were dedicated to public safety with their hearts, minds and souls.  He is a great Sheriff known for precise witty and folksy comments. 

A Sheriff in Mt. Vernon, Texas walked in to the library to arrest me, as I was on Phone with Sean Hannity on his Radio show talking about terrorism and matching my sound level with my dear friend Brigitte Gabriel with high pitch maxed decibel sound – the library people were scared with the conversation and had called him in.  When I told the Sheriff that I was on Radio and talking about Terrorism… he asked me what Radio? I told him, Hannity on Fox, then he said, “so you were that dude, I just heard you” then all of us had a big laugh, took pictures and I wrote a blog about it.

I was a commissioner in City of Carrollton – Mayor Becky Miller held a tough meeting about cutting police officers pays in 2006 or 2007, she did not want to do that but she was pushed, and I went and spoke in the city hall in favor of increase and keep the best force we had. We cannot afford to compromise Public Safety for the sake of budget.

On the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Adha, I have made a point in asking Muslims to appreciate every man and woman in the uniform for the sacrifice they make for our safety and God willing, I will continue to that wherever I can. 

If you see good things done by police, please let them know. They deserve to hear good things about them, when they see so many depressing things during a day and yet keep their composure and deal with each individual for who they were with least bias. You've got to admire them.

Police officer Jason Jackson, I hope that is you. Next time I am in town, I will come and say hello to you, may be take you to lunch as an appreciation if the system permits. 

I was thinking of Paul Simon’s song… slip sliding away…  and I keep humming it. 
Song dedicated to Police Officer Jason Jackson.

Here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_H-LY4Jb2M

Thank you

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
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Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism at work place, politics, religion, society, gender, race, culture, ethnicity, food and foreign policy. He is a staunch defender of human rights and his book standing up for others will be out soon, and a movie "Americans together" is in the making.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com and 10 other blogs. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.