Texas Faith - A Muslim's Christmas

A Muslim's Christmas | www.TheGhouseDiary.com

Then there’s Christmas spending. This year, shoppers around the country expect to spend $882 for gifts, up from $861 last year, according to a survey by American Research Group. Everyone loves getting and giving gifts, but for many families it means more credit card debt and even economic ruin.

Amid the rampant commercialism of secular Christmas, how do you and your family keep the focus on the original meaning of the holiday?

What things can you do to make a difference in the lives of the poor, the sick and the grieving in what is supposed to be a happy season?


For those of you who don’t celebrate Christmas, I’d also like to hear your views.

Published at Dallas Morning News on December 9, 2015 11:49 am by Joel Thornton

Texas Faith: When Baby Jesus Meets Neiman Marcus
http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/2015/12/texas-faith-when-baby-jesus-meets-neiman-marcus.html/

At the link, 10 other panelists have written on the same subject. 

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism and speaker on interfaith matters
A Muslim’s Christmas

I am not a Christian, but a follower of Jesus’ teachings, so I celebrate the essence of Christmas and what it stands for. Every week, I quote Jesus’s wisdom somewhere or the other. He is one of my seven magnificent mentors along with Prophet Muhammad, Pope Frances, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and my father Abdul Rahman.

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.

Christmas evokes kindness, empathy and goodness toward fellow beings; it’s a euphoric feeling of renewal that Jesus taught to the world, it is a sense of completion one feels when he or she finds in tune with humanity. Jesus showed the way by embracing the whole humanity regardless of who they were. He is my hero, he is my mentor, and he is the first known pluralist on the earth. Christmas is a celebration of that refreshed feeling.

Jesus holds a special place in everyone’s heart, but particularly among Christians and Muslims, making up over half the population of the world.

The Muslims call him Isa-Masih, the one who heals and one who brought life to the dead. The name of Jesus appears 27 times in Quran and one of the 114 Chapters is dedicated to Maryam, Mother Mary and the virgin birth.
Quran, Surah Al-Imran 3:49 (Asad):

“I have come unto you with a message from your Sustainer. I shall create for you out of clay, as it were, the shape of [your] destiny, and then breathe into it, so that it might become [your] destiny by God’s leave; and I shall heal the blind and the leper, and bring the dead back to life by God’s leave; and I shall let you know what you may eat and what you should store up in your houses. Behold, in all this there is indeed a message for you, if you are [truly] believers.”

Indeed, Muhammad Asad interprets it as,

“it is probable that the ‘raising of the dead’ by Jesus is a metaphorical description of his giving new life to people who were spiritually dead; cf. 6:122 – “Is then he who was dead [in spirit], and whom We thereupon gave life, and for whom We set up a light whereby he can see his way among men — [is then he] like unto one [who is lost] in darkness deep, out of which he cannot emerge?” If this interpretation is — as I believe — correct, then the “healing of the blind and the leper” has a similar significance: namely, an inner regeneration of people who were spiritually diseased and blind to the truth.”

Following Jesus is a tough calling.

It means we have to be prejudice free; free from ill will and malice, must be willing to forgive and embrace those whom we don’t like. Indeed, Jesus taught us to create the kingdom of heaven on earth, where no human has to be apprehensive of the other. It was the same calling by Moses, Krishna, Muhammad, Buddha, Mahavira, Nanak, Confucius, Bahaullah, Zarathustra and all the spiritual masters from different traditions, their mission was to bring an order in a disorderly world, restore trust in each other with kindness care and dignity to everyone in the society.

Christmas is also a day of expressing our gratitude for everything we are blessed with, least of which is breathing, ability to smell, see, touch and care. Then, someone needs to be thanked, beginning with the creator all the way to someone who gave you hope to live.

Christmas is also a time to wish well to someone you don’t like and benefit from the idea of forgiveness Jesus taught. There is nothing like the feeling you get from wishing someone well. Try it, may this Christmas bring you peace of mind and free you from all that hurts.

By the way, it was a new life for me when I got baptized in the name of God in River Jordan some six years ago, where Jesus was baptized in the name of same God. I observe Lent and attend Easter Mass, and enjoy Christmas carols and looking forward to opening what Santa has for me.

As a Muslim I will be celebrating Christmas, recommitting myself to listen to Jesus and follow his path, and in my Islamic tradition, I will reflect on chapter 19 of Quran, dedicated to Maryam, Mother Mary, and pray on his birthday. I will pray that we all honor his message of creating peace and building cohesive societies where no one has to be apprehensive of the other. Amen!

Merry Christmas y’all.

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer, news maker, and a speaker on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, politics, human rights, India, Israel-Palestine Terrorism and foreign policy. Over 3000 Articles have been published on the subjects. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and bulk of his writings are at TheGhousediary.com  

The Fantasy Islam of Mike Ghouse by Front Page Magazine

Fantasy Islam is an imaginative construct of Dr. Steve Kirby, and he is no stranger to me.   I was there in the same boat 15 years ago.


I don’t claim to be a scholar, nor do I claim to be an authority on Islam, but I do claim that I have investigated Islam thoroughly and continuously learning. I have invited criticism of Islam, Quran and the prophet, have discussed with many, and have found answers. I did not have to choose to be a Muslim, there was no need for me to be one, however, I decided to choose a religion for me and Islam suited me for two reasons – I knew and had re-learned a lot about it, and it is an inclusive and pluralistic faith. Let me be clear, had I studied other religions with the same intensity, I would have found value in each one of them and would have chosen any one.   

I will be responding to the following article by Dr. Kirby as I have responded before to many such misunderstandings at the site www.Quraantoday.com.
Fantasy Islam is an imaginative construct of Dr. Steve Kirby, and he is no stranger to me.   I was there in the same boat 15 years ago and did not like what I read or heard about parts of Islam and Quran.  I did not call myself a Muslim and had nothing to do with Islam or Quran. I did not hate or disliked any religion; I was too pluralistic for that. 
What changed all that? I will have the article ready in a week. If you wish to receive the article, please write in your email address in the email box on the top right hand corner of the site www.TheGhousediary.com  

Meanwhile, review this video Pluralism in Islam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7Tyt7raIXM


Mike Ghouse is a motivational speaker committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net
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THE FANTASY ISLAM OF MIKE MOHAMED GHOUSE

http://www.frontpagemag.com/author/dr-stephen-m-kirby
A moderate Muslim's personal version of Islam -- and its curious non-relationship with Islamic doctrine.

September 3, 2015

 

Dr. Stephen M. Kirby

Fantasy Islam: A game in which an audience of non-Muslims wish with all their hearts that Islam was a “Religion of Peace,” and a Muslim strives to fulfill that wish by presenting a personal version of Islam that has little foundation in Islamic doctrine.

As I pointed out in an earlier article, "Fantasy Islam" is a popular game among many non-Muslims and so-called “moderate” or “reformist” Muslims.  Mike Mohamed Ghouse appears to be such a Muslim.

Ghouse was born Mohamed Ghouse in India (He adopted the name "Mike" later).  He was raised as a Muslim until he became an atheist in the late 1960s; he returned to Islam in the late 1990s and lives in the United States. Ghouse is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated talk radio programs, and he writes for major newspapers. Ghouse also plays Fantasy Islam.

Apostasy

In an article titled "Qur'aan on Apostasy," Ghouse makes the following claim about the punishment for apostasy:

Unfortunately, it is a common belief that 'death' should be the punishment for apostasy. However, the Qur’aan mentions nothing of such punishment, so why should we impose such a cruel and inhumane form of punishment? Are we so insecure about our own religion that if anyone is to leave it we kill them?

But Ghouse is wrong: In 4:89 of the Koran Allah commands Muslims to take hold of those apostates who have left Islam and “kill them wherever you find them.”

And, for the sake of argument, even if it wasn’t in the Koran, death for apostasy is still a part of Islam because that is what Muhammad commanded.  Muhammad said that death was the penalty for a Muslim who left Islam (e.g. Sahih Al-Bukhari, Nos. 6878 and 6923; and Sahih Muslim, No. 1676). Muhammad even specified the nature of that death:

If someone changes his religion - then strike off his head!

Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik ibn Anas, 36.18.15, in a section titled “Judgement on Abandonment of Islam.”

So we see that this "cruel and inhumane form of punishment" for apostasy is well-grounded in Islamic doctrine.

Muslim-Americans 'Uphold' the U.S. Constitution

In an article titled "Muslims are an integral part of American Heritage," Ghouse made the following statement:

As American Muslims we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in the U.S. constitution.

Islamic doctrine, found in the verses of the Koran and the teachings of Muhammad (the Sunnah), is diametrically opposed to the U.S. Constitution.  Consider just these three amendments to our Constitution:

1st Amendment – Freedom of Religion and Speech: The penalty for a Muslim who wants to leave Islam is death (4:89 and Sunnah).  Non-Muslims are given the option of fighting to the death, converting to Islam, or paying the jizyah (9:5, 9:29, and Sunnah).  Once Allah and Muhammad have decided on a matter, Muslims are not allowed to disagree (33:36, 4:115), and criticism of Muhammad is cursed by Allah and punishable by death (33:57, and Sunnah).

8th Amendment – Cruel and Unusual Punishment Is Prohibited: Islam commands the following punishments: Flogging (24:2), Stoning (Sunnah), Amputation for Theft (5:38 and Sunnah), Beheading (8:12, 47:4, and Sunnah), Crucifixion (5:33), and Cutting-off of Hands and Feet from Opposite Sides for waging war against Islam (5:33).

13th Amendment – Prohibition of Slavery: Slavery, and using captured non-Muslim women as sex slaves ("those whom your right hands possess") is allowed in Islam (e.g. 2:221, 4:3, 4:24, 4:92, 23:6, 24:58, 33:50, and Sunnah).

So just by considering these three amendments, we can see that if Muslim-Americans believe in Islamic doctrine, they cannot "uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined" in the Constitution.

The 'Best Way to Understand' the Koran

What is the “best way” to understand the Koran? Ghouse wrote this simple explanation:

The best way to understand Quran [sic] is to remember, "If it is not about justice, mercy and creating harmony", then the translation is wrong.

The immediate response to Ghouse’s statement is to look at the preceding section involving the three Amendments to our Constitution.  There is little justice, mercy and harmony there.

But Ghouse also said that Marmaduke Pickthall’s translation of the Koran, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran, was one of three translations he recommends.  So let’s look for the justice, mercy and harmony in some of the verses from Pickthall’s translation:

• "Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you.  Allah knoweth, ye know not." (2:216)
• "In truth the disbelievers [non-Muslims] are an open enemy to you." (4:101)
• "O ye who believe!  Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends.  They are friends one to another.  He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them.  Lo!  Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk." (5:51)
• "Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush.  But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free.  Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." (9:5)
• "O Prophet!  Strive against the disbelievers [non-Muslims] and the hypocrites!  Be harsh with them.  Their ultimate abode is hell, a hapless journey’s-end." (9:73)
• "Lo! those who disbelieve [in Islam], among the People of the Scripture [Jews and Christians] and the idolaters, will abide in fire [sic] of hell.  They are the worst of created beings." (98:6)

There is not a lot of justice, mercy and harmony in these verses from Pickthall’s translation, so according to Ghouse’s standard, he appears to be recommending a translation of the Koran that is “wrong.”

Allah Loves Everybody

In an article titled "Quran is not for Muslims," Ghouse wrote that

God [Allah] is not the God of Muslims and no where he claims that in Quran [sic]…God loves us all, and no one is deprived of his love…

In reality we find that in the Koran Allah states that the only religion acceptable to him is Islam (e.g. 3:19 and 3:85).  And Allah states that Islam is to be made superior over all other religions, even if the non-Muslims don’t like it (e.g. 9:33, 48:28, and 61:9).  Allah curses the Jews and Christians (9:30).  He states that non-Muslims are among the worst of creatures who “will abide in the fire of Hell” (98:6), while Muslims are the best of creatures (3:110 and 98:7).  Non-Muslims are “open enemies” to Muslims (4:101) and Jews are among the worst of those enemies (5:82).  And Allah commands Muslims to be harsh toward non-Muslims (e.g., 8:57, 9:73, 9:123, and 48:29) and to kill those non-Muslims (9:5).

In spite of Ghouse’s claim, and as I noted in more detail in a previous article, Allah is only the god of Islam and the Muslims, and Allah has no love for non-Muslims.

The Ubiquitous 2:62

Chapter 2, verse 62 of the Koran is commonly quoted by Muslim-Americans to indicate that Judaism and Christianity are respected in Islam and the adherents of those two faiths will be rewarded by Allah. Ghouse continues with this theme in the article "Quran is not for Muslims":

[I]f you take care of his creation (neighbor), you need not worry; your rewards are with him. Just to make sure we understand this precisely, he says, whether you are a Jew or a Christian and by corollary other, if you take care of your neighbor, I will take care of you (2:62).

Here is Chapter 2, verse 62

Verily, those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

In spite of what Ghouse and other Muslim-Americans claim, this verse only means that Jews and Christians would be rewarded for the good deeds they did before the advent of Islam. After the advent of Islam,righteous good deeds would be accepted by Allah only if they are done by Muslims.  And this verse was actually abrogated by 3:85 which stated that Islam is the only acceptable religion to Allah, and non-Muslims will be “losers” in the Hereafter (e.g. Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Al-Qurtubi Vol. 1, and Tafsir Ahsanul-Bayan).

Conclusion

As is common in Fantasy Islam, Ghouse’s personal version of Islam has little, if any, support from Islamic doctrine, and actually often runs counter to that doctrine.  This appears to be of little concern for many in his non-Muslim audience because such personal versions relieve their concerns about Islam and allow them to continue to consider the jihadists as just a fringe group of “radicals” who have “hijacked” and “perverted” the Religion of Peace.  Ignorance, whether willful or not, can be a great anesthesia.  But anesthesia is only temporary and will not alter the world going on around you, and to which you will eventually reawaken.

Dr. Stephen M. Kirby is the author of three books about Islam. His latest is "Islam According to Muhammad, Not Your Neighbor."

Mike Ghouse on Voice of America about Iran deal, Turkey and Ferguson

My talking points for Voice of America Radio, Washington, D.C 

Turkey

Turkey has allowed 6 F-16 Falcon fighters to operate from their Incirlik air base to do the sorties over ISIS territory.  We had enough of the evil acts from the ISIS, it is time to stop them from killing people, destroying the heritage of the nations and forcing women to be sex slaves.

Way back in September 2014, in an Op-ed at Huffington Post, I had urged President Obama to use the Quranic method, to give them warning, if they don’t stop killing, drone them and save the innocent lives of Christians, Yazidis, Shias and others.   However, if they retrieve, we have to stop. 

I would rather round them up and question them, and demand them to show where Quran tells them to do such evil things. I hope that will put an end to the false propaganda against Islam, and let the world focus on evil in men. Religion is never the problem; it is the evilness in men.

We have the world with us, and it is time to stop them and that is the right thing to do.

2    Iran Deal

a.     This is the best thing that has happened – It is good for Israel, America, Iran and the world. I am writing a full article on this topic.

b.    Netanyahu is possibly the worst enemy of Israel – he is isolating the nation from the rest of the world. Six Powerful nations Russia, China, UK, France, Germany and US are in this together to ensure Iran does not go nuclear behind everyone’s back. They have made this deal in good faith for the protection of Israel.  

c.     It is good for Israel and what does Netanyahu do? He slaps them in their face! 

d.     Why should they like this man?

e.     We have to guide the world’s anger towards Netanyahu, the pied piper of Israel, instead of the people of Israel.

f.       The Republicans want to double down on this, shame on them, if they do not pass this bill, I would question their loyalty? Are they allowing a foreign leader to be disrespectful of our president? Shame on them.

g.     I am sure there a few good Republicans out there who want to do the right thing for America, Israel, Iran and others, but will they do the monkey see, monkey do? That is obedient conformists and jump like sheep instead of exercising their minds?

h.    Mother Teresa said – if you want peace, go talk with the enemy

i.       Chinese Quote – if you want to get rid of the enemy for good, make friends with them.

j.       Obama has precisely done that, and this is a major paradigm shift in our foreign policy – it is sensible and the righteous one

k.     Obama said, super powers don’t response to talks – he is right, we cannot be yelling at each other, one has to be an adult. I hope the Republicans act like adults as well.

l.       Obama is right again, it is the best way for Iran not to get nuclear weapons.

m. Reagan had that wisdom, and he dealt with Russians while they had their missiles pointed at us. Of course every Republican is eager to claim to be a follower of Reagan – but very few of them are

n.    Negotiate with enemies

o.     Hardliner on the Iran side are as ugly as ours are.

p.    Netanyahu does not get it, he is not comfortable with peace, he has got to be on the edge and keep the Israelis and Americans on the edge.  

3

Behjat Gilani and Mike Ghouse on VOA

      

Ferguson after one year
The police chief says, "They were criminals, they weren't protesters," Belmar said – aren’t they innocent until proven guilty? We should demand an apology from this officer.  Instead of mitigating the bad race relations, this guy aggravates by killing.  Aren’t they not trained to hold the trigger?

I question the police training to produce these men who are too eager to pull the trigger.

Mike Ghouse, speaking for America Together Foundation.

Thank you,

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916

Mike is a speaker, thinker, writer, pluralist,  TV-Radio commentator and a human rights activist committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His info in 63 links at MikeGhouse.net and writings at TheGhouseDiary.com 

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 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.   

Sacred - a great American movie in the making

What is Sacred, Flag, Holy Books, Mother, Freedom of Speech?

Sacred Film is about a successful real life event set in Mulberry, Florida coupled with a compelling romantic story built around the Quran burning incident. It is filled with human aspirations, fears, suspense and actions of a typical Hollywood Film.

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 nurturance 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.

Shooting will begin in March for a September 11 release.  I will be happy to give a presentation to your group.

What Jesus Means to Christians and Muslims

Each group claims their version of the truth is the absolute truth, which means the other group’s truth is not the truth. The source of all conflict between Muslims and Christians is about the persona of Jesus.

What Muslims believe is not the same as what Christians believe about Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus is God incarnate or son of the God, whereas Muslims believe that he was a revered prophet. The immature human in each one of us resorts to calling the other a liar.

What difference does it make if Jesus is Son of a God or a prophet? Nothing changes, not a thing changes in the world except your belief, and that belief is nurtured and not natural. Meaning, you can raise a child to believe one or the other, he or she will grow up with that belief. Would Jesus change because of our belief? No, not all. He is who he is for Jews, Christians, and Muslims and Baha’i – others have not incorporated him into their belief systems.

Both the groups believe that they know the truth, because God has said so. You have to ask God, why he said two different things, and why should you be right and others be wrong. If you believe Jesus is son of a God, so be it, and so be it if he is a prophet. He loves us all the same, and if he were to walk on the earth today… do you believe he will not love you, even if you tell him he is no son of a God? If you believe that, you are yet to understand Jesus.

None of this matter to God, what matters to him is if you were good to his creation; life and environment. Good to fellow humans and responsible to create a cohesive society where each person lives without fear of the other.

The best option is to learn to respect the otherness of others, and accept the God given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge – both the religions lay emphasis on forgiveness and taking care of the neighbor. None of us are alike in our thumbprint, taste bud and DNA – why should we be alike in our faith? What Muslims believe works for them just as what Christians believe works for them? You believe what you believe and I believe what I believe – let’s figure out living respectfully with each other.

I will be writing a series of short notes involving almost every religion. Over the years I have written over 800 pieces on Pluralism – of which 200 are at Dallas Morning News and 125 plus at Huffington post alone. You can check out www.foundationforpluralism.blogspot.com and on facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/PluralismCenter. Almost all of my articles are home at www.TheGhouseDiary.com

By the way, I am a big follower of Jesus without being a political Christian.

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.

Fixing the Muslim Mistakes

On Diane Rehm Show this morning, three callers in a row attacked Islam and were building on each other.  Yesterday, a guy in Wisconsin drove his car right into two Somali kids killing one, he was threatening them that he would do so because they were Muslims.  Thanks to the Law enforcement, otherwise these incidents would have been more frequent.  

Islamophobia is growing and the more we “fight” the more it blazes and we cannot be silent either. There is a way out to reverse the trend if we work on it.  It is like the frustration game kids play - a head pops up from surface of the game board, you bang it down with a wood hammer, and another head pops up. This will continue unless we take steps to mitigate it.

The most effective antidote to Islamophobia is to become a part of the society and quit living in silos.  We need to seriously invest our time in building cohesive societies for the safety of all people, and that time comes from cutting our time at Mosques or other activities.  Hold your judgment and think about it, which is indeed the formula prescribed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

We practice our religion upside down – we attempt to put the roof on the house even before laying the foundation or erecting the frame.

We wear our beards, Muslim garbs or Hijabs to loudly tell the world that we are Muslims. Did we lay the foundation first? Are we the Amins? 

That’s how prophet built Islam – a system to live in peace with oneself and with others. First, he laid the foundation necessary to build such system, he chose to become the Amin of the society; people trusted him, liked him for his fairness and caring and he was just towards all people. He knew everyone around him. He was friends with all, and was a mercy to mankind, was he not? Shouldn’t we be a mercy to fellow beings?  Isn’t that the second foundational Sunnah after being the Amin?

We need to ask ourselves if we have at least a friend or two in each faith, race or other cultures.  If not, why not? Do we participate in events of our friends who are not Muslims? Those few who attend find themselves to be the only Muslim in the entire group. How many times have you discovered that your mere presence has prevented the others from Islam bashing? How many times have you been asked, if other Muslims are like you?  Shouldn’t we be the Amin’s first before we flaunt our Muslimness through externalities? 

Ask those Amins among us, how they have practiced Islam by building a positive image of Muslims, and by being with others just with the first and second Sunnah and without the exhibitive Sunnah.  There are many good examples, and I hope you have your own examples to share.  Dr. Arjumad Hashmi has done that in Paris, Texas, and last night it was a joy to see Dr. Nabil Syed in a gathering of Indian Doctors.  We don’t drink and we had plenty of Vegetarian food, and we don’t have to make a big deal about being Muslims through Halal food and no alcohol.  You can give a lot more examples than me and let’s build on it.

We need to re-set our priorities given our situation.  We need to restart ourselves. Become the Amin first, and then wear all the garb, beard and Hijab we want– you will not stick out, because you have become a part of the society and your religion is not preventing you from being with other people.  God would not have said the best ones amongst you are the ones who 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, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

On your part, you can do simple things and they are laid out in the following articles:

• 1. American Muslim Agenda - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/american-muslim-agenda-a-_b_5528706.html
  
  
• 2. Are Muslims a part of America?http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2014/07/july-4th-celebrations-muslims-and.html
  
  
• 3. American Muslim Agenda -3 -http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2014/07/july-4th-celebrations-muslims-and.html
  
• 4. Connecting with the Prophet http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/how-i-connect-with-prophet-muhammad_b_2547782.html
  
• 5. In defense of Islam http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece
  
• 6. Criticism of Islam and the Prophet -http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/11/criticism-of-islam-prophet-muhammad.html
  
• 7. Two Islams - Mangled up and Pristine -http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/two-islams-the-mangledup-_b_5748280.html
  
• 8. Establishing Muslim Attitudes -http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2014/04/reestablishing-right-muslim-attitudes.html
  
• 9. The power of engagement; Sean Hannity and Peter King – have made positive changes. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2014/06/youre-dangerous-sparks-fly-between.html
  
• 10.  Our Mission at World Muslim Congress -http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/01/mission-of-world-muslim-congress.html

A Muslim Organization committed to promoting Civic Islam

Insha Allah, I will be heading to Washington DC and start working on Public Relations with a twofold objective to promote the foundational civic Islam and changing perceptions about Islam.  If it is not common sense, then it is not Islam. Would you support this?  All we need is office rent, a paid assistant and expenses to run it.

This will supplement the great work done by CAIR, ISNA, ICNA, MAS, MYNA, MPAC and other organizations.

Take a look at these events.

1. 16^th Annual thanksgiving Celebrations and Awards Nightwww.ThanksgivingCelebrations.org

2. 8^th Annual Holocaust and Genocides event is scheduled for 1/25 in Dallas and 1/27 in Washington DC – www.HolocaustandGenocides.com

3. 12^th Annual Unity Day USA is scheduled for 9/11/2015 – www.Unitydayusa.com

4. Quran Conference – www.Quraanconference.com

5. Several Intrafaith conferences, and a lot of work on Sharia is done, all atwww.WorldMuslimcognress.com

Thank you
mike
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 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 several 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.