July 4th event by Muslims for America and Center for Pluralism

As we become one with the nation, most of the attitudes towards Muslims, Hispanics, Blacks and others will dissipate.  What does it take to be one nation? We have to be a part of it.

CFP is the only organization that has produced unbelievable number of articles on July 4^th and integration.  We need your help, please donate generously to make this program possible 

PRESS RELEASE

Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
President, Center for Pluralism, Washington, D.C.,
email: Mike@Centerforpluralism.com
Web: http://www.Centerforpluraism.com

July 4^th event by Muslims for America and Center for Pluralism

Washington, D.C., Jun 30, 2017 - The Center for Pluralism and its Board of Directors have every reason to be jubilant.  Each successive year, they see the vision of the Founding Fathers coming to life, where every American is treated with dignity and respect. 

Mike Ghouse, President of the Center said, “We are not a perfect union yet, but a perfect union we will be, as we can continue our efforts to be an inclusive society. The Fourth of July should not simply come and go; we must make it a remarkable day. It should be a great happening to augment National Integration, where Americans of all faiths, or no faith, races, ethnicities, nationalities, political, sexual and other orientations come together to celebrate the oneness of our nation."

This year the Muslim contributions to America are highlighted.  Each one of the Board Members is excited. Dr. Karen Hollie-Thibodeuax, Fatima Argun, Sam Madden, Dana Lankford-Russell and the supporting team members OS Modgil and Ali Azhar Fateh have provided extensive support.  The encouragement and long term support for Pluralism came from Ambassador Sada Cumber, Mr. Farooq Wazir Ali and Professor Emeritus Dr. Harbans Lal who are genuinely committed to a cohesive America.

Muslims have been contributors towards the wellbeing of the United States of America from the very beginning from the declaration of independence on July 4^th, 1776.  Not only did they acknowledge the new state, but the treaty signed with Morocco and the United States is one of the oldest operating documents.

 Per Wikipedia,   Morocco’s Sultan Muhammad III was the first world leader to recognize the sovereignty of the United States followed by Nederland’s Johannes de Graaf and Tipu Sultan of Mysore (India). 

According the Dr. Range Gowda, an authority on Tipu Sultan, “That Tipu Sultan had fire crackers going up in Sriranga Patna, his Capital cheering America’s independence. He faced the same enemy that the United States had faced: Lord Cornwallis.”

JOIN THE CELEBRATIONS

What: July 4th Celebrations 

Time: 2-4 PM ( right after the end of July 4th Parade at the National Mall)

Where: Farragut Square, Washington, D.C. (right across from the Farragut West Metro) 912 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006

FIRST 2 OF 3 LEADERS WHO RECOGNIZED OUR SOVEREIGNTY WERE MUSLIMS

American Muslims uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in the U.S. constitution. Their faith reinforces the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."

“The more integrated we are, the safer it is for every one of the 322 million Americans to feel and live safely.” Mike Ghouse concluded.

Details: http://centerforpluralism.com/july-4th/

Don't forget to bring your flags and chairs.  

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United Voices for America - Saudi Gazette by Tariq Al-Maeena

Note: At this blog, only articles written by me are published, but when others write about me, I include them as well. This article is based on our press release, thanks to Tariq A. Al-Maeena and Saudi Gazette - Mike Ghouse

Last updated: Tuesday, July 07, 2015 5:04 PM

Tariq A. Al-Maeena

The United States of America recently celebrated its 239th birthday on July 4.  What is not so well known is that Muslims have been an integral part of American heritage. With the declaration of American independence on July 4, 1776, two of the first three heads of states who recognized the sovereignty of the United States were Muslims.

Morocco, a Muslim country, was the first country to recognize the independence of the United States of America, signing the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship, the first of its kind. Next came Friesland, one of the seven United Provinces of the Dutch Republic, followed by the Muslim king Tippu Sultan, the King of Mysore State now in India. Sultan’s congratulatory letter to America remains preserved in a French library. He celebrated America’s independence by bursting firecrackers in his home state of Srirangapatna.

So what does July 4th mean to Muslims?  Mike Ghouse a dynamic human rights activist committed to building cohesive societies and offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day through the NGO World Muslim Congress, says that “it means everything and the biggest thing is freedom. Islam is indeed about freedom of conscience, justice and liberty."

He adds that the Pledge of Allegiance is one of the most cherished statements for Muslims: "One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." There are several verses in the Holy Qur’an that assert those values, so it’s like coming home for Muslims.

The concept of equality is etched and nurtured in the Muslim psyche in every ritual and spiritual practice of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered the following words in his last sermon: "All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action." Muslims hold this declaration close to their hearts.

America’s founding fathers had a vision and laid the groundwork for a sustainable cohesive America for centuries to come: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

However, that has not always played well with some racist elements and opportunists.  As Mike reminds us, Donald Sterling, the basketball billionaire, and Don Imus, the popular American radio host, and several others faced severe retribution for racial slurs.

In recent years, American Muslims have become an easy target for abuse without any consequence. Some US presidential candidates top the list for bigotry, having said that they would not hire a Muslim in their cabinet.

Last week, Congressman Peter King (R-NY), whom I suspect to be a closet AIPAC card-carrying member, took to the airwaves to send a message to American-Muslims ahead of the 4th of July weekend.  His message is so offensive that if it was said to or about any other American minority group, there would have been an uproar. But because the targets of his bigotry were Muslims, there was not much of a reaction or waves of condemnation.

In a radio interview Congressman King, who serves on the Homeland Security Committee, warned of an imminent attack by a terrorist from within the Muslim community during the Independence Day celebrations. Playing down the terrorist actions of Dylann Roof, the white supremacist who killed nine people in a church in Charleston, SC, King also disregarded new research by the think tank New America and the New York Times which found that white supremacists and non-Muslim homegrown extremists have killed far more Americans than Muslim radicals.

Why do Peter King and other lawmakers feel that it is acceptable to lie about and attack Muslim communities in the USA?  Because they think that American Muslims will not fight back, they think Muslims cannot hurt them on election day, and they think Muslims will just sit back and take it.

United Voices for America, another NGO operating in the US is dedicated to defeating political bigotry and the anti-Muslim movement. And they have taken an issue with this racial stereotyping by Peter King. They should be supported for their stance.

As Mike says: “America is one of the most beautiful things that has happened to Muslims. As American Muslims, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in the US Constitution.”  And to do that, American Muslims should not continue to be slurred by racists such as Peter King and make their voices heard on election day.

— The author can be reached at talmaeena@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @talmaeena

Happy 4th - Muslims are an integral part of American Heritage

Happy 4th - Muslims are an integral part of American Heritage
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2015/07/happy-4th-muslims-are-integral-part-of.html

Upon declaration of our independence on July 4, 1776, two of the first three heads of states who recognized the sovereignty of the United States were Muslims and one of them was a Muslim from India.

Americans, Indians and Muslims have a connection since the very beginning of our independence. We were all opposed to colonial rule, and fought them and chased the British out of America, but they continued to rule India through divide and conquer for another 150 years.

Morocco was the first country to recognize the independence of the United States of America, signing the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship, the first of its kind. Friesland, one of the seven United Provinces of the Dutch Republic, was the next to recognize American independence (February 26, 1782) and Tippu Sultan, the King of Mysore State (India) was the third. According to Dr. Range Gowda, Tippu Sultan's historiographer, the congratulatory letter to America is preserved in a French Library. Tippu celebrated America's independence by bursting fire crackers in Srirangapatna.

What does July 4th mean to Muslims and Indians?

It means everything and the biggest thing is freedom. Islam is indeed about freedom of conscience, justice and liberty.

The Pledge of Allegiance is one of the most cherished statements for Muslims, "One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." There are several verses in the Quran that assert those values, so it's like coming home for Muslims.

The concept of equality is etched and nurtured in the Muslim psyche in every ritual and spiritual practice of Islam. Prophet Muhammad delivered the following words in his last sermon, "All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action." Muslims hold this declaration close to their hearts and as American Muslims, "We hold these truths to be self-evident..."

The raging battle among Americans to keep the state and church apart resonates with Muslims living in America as the Quran speaks out to them, 49:13- "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in the sight of God, is the best in conduct. God Knows and is Aware." Indeed, knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance of the otherness of others and appreciate a different point of view without having to agree with it.

Honoring merit appeals to Muslims: you can be who you want to be and Muslims bpast about their ability to rise on the basis of their merit. The Prophet tells his own daughter that she will not get a free pass to paradise because she is a daughter of the prophet; she has to earn it on her own through good deeds to fellow beings, such is the emphasis placed on merit and individual responsibility. That is what capitalism, democracy and America are all about.

Every immigrant in general and a Muslim in particular loves the idea that you are innocent until proven guilty. They see the wholesomeness of justice in America and they love America for it. An observant Muslim recites at least 17 times a day that God alone is the judge and we must refrain from judging others.

On July 4, 2015 we will be celebrating the 239^th birthday of America. It is time to reflect upon our journey from the historic declaration of independence on July 4^th, 1776 to July 4^th, 2015.

Our Founding Fathers had a vision and laid the ground work for a sustainable cohesive America for centuries to come, " We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

We have come a long way, and still have miles to go to realize the above truths, and to fulfill the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. Indeed, the last two months have packed an incredible amount of events in our history. The pulling down of the confederate Flag in several states after the tragic events in Charleston, South Carolina gives us a lot of hope, the Supreme court's landmark decision to make same sex marriage legal brings freedom to the GLBT community; yet another decision by the Supreme Court brought freedom to those who were vulnerable, the sick and the poor Americans. Thanks to President Obama for making health care a reality for all Americans. The affordable care Act is the law of the land now.

First, I pray for the spirit of that freedom to be born again, again and again every year, for eternity. Indeed, we are the land of the free and the brave. The whole world looks up to America with admiration, although we still have a few more milestones to achieve.

Donald Sterling, the basketball billionaire and Don Imus, the popular American Radio host and several others faced severe retribution for racial slurs. Rick Sanchez and countless Senators and Congress persons were taken to task for making Anti-Semitic comments. Now thank God for the Supreme Court, no one will dare abuse the freedom of these three communities: African Americans, Jews and the LGBT community.

Two more communities, among many need such freedom; women are still not getting equal pay, and I hope the Republicans will join the Democrats and pass that bill.

Who is left behind? Hispanic Immigrants and Muslims!

In 1986, President Reagan brought relief to 3 million undocumented aliens through his amnesty program. Now President Obama is working on freeing 11 million aliens from the tension of separation with their family members. As a nation we need to collectively reflect on the issue and do the right thing; legalize those here with agreed upon conditions.

In recent years, American Muslims have become an easy target for abuse without any consequence. Some US presidential candidates top the list for bigotry, having said that they would not hire a Muslim in their cabinet.

The problem is two-sided: we the Muslims are not connected enough with mainstream society for a vast majority of Americans to stand up for us, empathize with us, or even understand the truth about us that we are no different than them in our endeavors and aspirations of life. We need to get out of our shells and be part of American society.

We must however express our gratitude to the millions of Americans who have stood up for us, compelled by their sense of justness and fair play after 9/11 and as recently as the Phoenix and Garland rallies.

As Muslims we are making serious efforts to be fully participating and contributing members of American society for the security, peace and prosperity of our homeland. We have unequivocally stood up for free speech.

As American Muslims we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in the U.S. constitution. Our faith reinforces the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."

We at America Together Foundation, will take bold congenial steps on behalf of Muslims to get ourselves on a par with the other communities who had previously endured abuse, and with the support of all Americans, we will shame them for their bigotry.

I urge every Muslim to reach out to their fellow Americans to share the joy of July 4^th God willing, Muslims will be celebrating July 4^th2016 en masse all over the nation. We are going to be unfurling big plans soon. The more integrated we are, the safer it is for every one of the 318 million plus Americans.

What does July 4^th mean to me?

The very first step on American soil puts a smile on an immigrant's face; if not you, it has happened to your parents, grand or great grandparents. It's the exuberance you witness on a baby's face when she stands up for the first time, it is the exhilaration you see when a toddler eats the food on his own for the first time, or the relief written all over the face of a student when he or she graduates. Indeed, it is an expression of freedom I felt upon arrival in New York some thirty five years ago. My journey continues as I get ready to celebrate another July 4^th.

America is one of the most beautiful things that has happened to Muslims. As American Muslims we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in the U.S. constitution.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer, pluralist, TV-Radio commentator and a human rights activist committed to building cohesive societies and offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His info is in 63 links at MikeGhouse.net -- Mike is also president of America Together Foundation.

Muslim role in American Independence - happy 4th

Muslim role in American Independence
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My speech at Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s
63rd Annual Convention/ Salana Jalsa
Saturday, July 3, 2011 m Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

THEME:: Islamic Concept of Freedom
A video will be uploaded upon availability

SPEECH FOLLOWS THE NOTE

Dr. Imam Yusuf Zia Kavakci inspires me, a long time ago, he had said, “ you have the ability to bring the umma together” and Alhamdu Lillah I have made several efforts in bringing Muslims togther including Ahmadiyya, Bohra, Ismaili, Kurdish, Shia, Sufi, Sunni and Warith Deen Muhammad Muslims on a number of occasions. Indeed, you will find a few examples at - http://www.mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp

Sunni Muslims believe that Jesus will come back in the end times as the Messiah, whereas the Ahmadiyya Muslims believe that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is the Messiah. As a Muslim without bias, I honor their belief without believing what they believe. Other than this singular difference, there is not much of a difference at all. From Adhan to Salat, fasting to Zakat and other arkans to Hajj, they are same, indeed Prophet Muhammad holds "exactly" the same place in their tradition as with other Muslims. I urge Sunni Muslims to open their hearts and minds towards fellow Muslims. Surah 49:13: "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Allah Knows and is Aware." Muslims from post colonial era may never be able extricate themselves from what is given to them, but the next generation in America will be open enough to see Muslims as Muslims and nothing but Muslims based on Shadah at its core.

We have to honor the uniqueness of each group of Muslims, indeed Prophet Muhammad had given us guidance and prophesised that we will eventually form 72 groups, and encouraged us to race in doing good things for the good of humanity, all of us will earn God's grace in the process, but one of us will be showered with bonus for doing the extra good. Only Allah knows that and we cannot pre-empt Allah in juding any one of us. Indeed, we have to be respectful of God and Prophet's prophecies.

About 7000 Ahmadies from across the United States gathered in Harrisburg this Independence Day weekend to celebrate their 63rd Annual convention. The Ahmadies are one of the first group of Muslims to establish their mission in the United States (1920) and they are holding their conventions since 1948.

It was an outstanding program, topics were relevant and the event ran like a precision machine. Everything was on time and seldom a speaker exceeded the given time. I enjoyed the simplicity of lunch and breakfast– lentil, pita bread and fruits served in hygenical environment, shortest imaginable lines, clean tables, clean floors, clean bathrooms, it was a joy to observe the details. It remided me of the efficacy of the Ismaili Muslims whose events are adminitered with perfection. There were several members from the State department and video and written messages from members of congress, governors and other dignitaries were a part of the presentation. They have initiatied an award program to honor those who have served the interests of humanity, among them was a Congresswoman from California. Two of the several programs that were fascinating were; Science and God, and Nile will not stop.

This weekend The Islamic Association of North Texas held their convention in Chicago and I believe some 40,000 people attended the program. Jazak Allah for the success every where. There are several such conventions and I hope we can participate in all.

I appeal to you to consider writing a proposal urging all Muslim organizations to plan on a joint convention in 2012 before the election. Let’s hear and listen to each other without judgements. If we can't do that in America, then no one else can do it and if we don’t articulate this need to race together in doing good, then no other nation will. We have to create a template for other nations to consider. Muslims together can become participants and contributors in the world peace for the good of humanity.

I value the humanitarian work done by Ahmadiyya, Bohra, Ismaili, Kurdish, Shia, Sufi, Sunni and Warith Deen Muhammad Muslims. There is indeed a net gain for Islam collectively, and we must appreciate them all. Islam is universal and it is universal enought to absorb all of us in its embrace.

Let’s learn to respectfully disagree on certain issues but at least know all the great things we do and become a catalyst for each other’s growth.

Here is the outline of my speech, Insha Allah the video link will be added upon availability.
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As-Salam o Alaikum
Upon declaration of our independence on July 4, 1776, two of the first three heads of states who recognized the sovereignty of the United States were Muslim. That is two out of three recognitions came from Muslims, invariably we have been a part of America from the word go.

Morocco was the first state to recognize the independence of the United States of America, and they signed the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship; first of its kind. Friesland, one of the seven United Provinces of the Dutch Republic, was the next to recognize American independence (February 26, 1782) and Tippu Sultan, the King of Mysore State (India) was the third. According to Dr. Range Gowda, Tippu Sultan’s historiographer, the congratulatory letter to America is preserved in a French Library.

It was a coincidence, that General Cornwallis who surrendered to George Washington in the battle of York Town in 1781 was the hired gun to defeat Tippu Sultan through deceit in the 4th war of Mysore against colonialism in 1799.

What does July 4th mean to Muslims in America?

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 the ideals of their own faith, while the majority cares and wants to get along with other.

The very first step on American soil puts a smile on an immigrant’s face; if not you, it has happened to your parents, grand or great grandparents. It’s the same exuberance you witness on a baby’s face when she stands up for the first time, same exhilaration when a toddler eats the food on his own for the first time or the freedom written all over the face of a student when he or she graduates from school. Indeed, that was my feeling when I walked in to the Immigration center at JFK Airport some thirty years ago.

The next step for an immigrant is to earn his or her Citizenship and take the pledge, “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Reciting, “One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” is like coming home for Muslims. Indeed, Islam rests on the foundation of Tauheed, the oneness of God, oneness of universe and oneness of mankind with liberty and justice. If Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims can be summed up in one word, it would be justice. Justice imbues a sense of security and trust among people leading to peace and prosperity. Our country started out with the constitution that no other nation on the earth had done before.

Not a day goes for Muslims without expressing their gratitude for the first Amendment, gratitude is a part of our tradition and just about every Muslim says Alhamdu Lillah, praise the lord in the course of normal conversation. The First amendment reads “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” It is this law that has opened all of God’s creation in America to worship God every which way they know God.

Muslims cherish this freedom and see the corollaries in Qur’aan and strongly wish that the Muslim nations follow the Madinah treaty where Jews, Christians and others were treated as one community; the treaty reads the Jews have their own religion as Muslims have their own to practice. The Conditions of peace and war and the accompanying ease or hardships must be fair and equitable to all citizens alike. A Believer will not make the freedman of another Believer as his ally against the wishes of the other Believers.

Qur’aan declares in 2:256, “There shall be no compulsion in matters of faith” one is free to believe and practice his or her own faith as he or she chooses to. In verse 6 chapter 109 of Qur’aan, the guidance on conducting a civil dialogue is concluded with, “Unto you, your moral law, and unto me, mine.” In essence the faith is in the heart of the believer as beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It is respecting the otherness of other in America that Muslims honor every day.

Muslims thank God each time they hear the Equal opportunity Mantra, “You will not be denied an opportunity based on your race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” Invariably they think of the speech Prophet Muhammad delivered in his last sermon, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action."

As American Muslims, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

American Laws holds the criminals individually responsible for their crimes; it is your heinie that is hauled off to the jail. You parents, siblings, spouse, kids, community or religion are not responsible for your actions. Muslims know that well, on the Day of Judgment you stand alone with your deeds, the good things you have done to fellow beings count in your favor, while your parents, spouse, kids and leaders will be busy with their own accountability. You are on your own!

The Prophet tells his own daughter that she will not get a free pass to paradise because she is a daughter of the prophet; she has to earn it on her own through good deeds to fellow beings, such is the emphasis placed on individual responsibility.

“You are innocent until proven guilty” sounds like a verse from Qur’aan. An observant Muslim recites that God alone is the judge and we must refrain from judging others, they do that at least 17 times a day and some do it 51 times. Muslims love the wholesomeness of Justice and they love America.

I urge every one of us to commit to building a Cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension of the other. Let our nation

Indeed, the essence of freedom is directly proportional to the ability to question oneself, question one's own faith, myths and prejudices about others and find answers to set one free.

God Bless America and God bless our men and women in the uniforms protecting our freedom.

Happy 4th.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer and a frequent guest on Hannity show and nationally syndicated Radio shows and Dallas TV, Radio and Print Media. He presides America Together Foundation and is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Over 1000 articles have been published on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India and cohesive societies. Two of his books are poised to be released this fall on Pluralism and Islam. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars or conferences. His work is encapsulated in 27 blogs, four websites and several forums indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/