A conversation about Muslims and Pakistan at Dr. Mona Kazim Shah's home

June 13, 2015, Dallas, Texas 

at Dr. Mona Kazim Shah’s home.

With what is going on in Pakistan with minorities, Mona invited several of her friends to join her for an open conversation, about 30 gathered and each one shared his or her thoughts about it. One overwhelming theme was the agony of being misunderstood, and what each one is doing to change that. It was a motivating gathering of activists, who are doing something or the other to bring about a change. 

Most of the problems in the society stem from not knowing each other, when we do, things will change. Otherwise, we keep building myths about each other without ever making an attempt to fall them. We cannot expect change if we do nothing about it. 

What does it take to change the perceptions about Muslims? Not fight, but be an example and connect and get to know”? Knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance (not agreement) and appreciation with a different point of view. 

JULY 4TH.

Such an opportunity exists, and it is here – July 4th; inviting your non-Muslims friends to celebrate July 4th, it is the most patriotic thing to do, and it will bind us with fellow Americans. Make an effort to invite people from different faiths, races, ethnicities and orientations – to rid of your own biases against others. You’ll be pleased you did it. An article about it will be released next week with details. It will be atwww.AmericansTogether.org 

RAMADAN 

It is a blessed month, and we need to feel its blessings in our guts by being honest and sincere with ourselves. The most important question we have to ask ourselves is – Is Prophet Muhammad really a mercy to the mankind? If he was, as a follower, am I? Am I kind to everyone? All Humanity? or just some? Am I loaded with hate for fellow Muslims? How can I be a better Muslim like the Prophet without prejudice towards fellow humans? Are we capable of meeting someone from Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya or the sub groups within, and say peace to them? Do we really mean it when we say Prophet was a mercy to "mankind" or do we reduce him to the ownership of Muslims? Can we show it by your actions? If you cannot, then please don't say anything shallow. Take a look at this http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/how-i-connect-with-prophet-muhammad_b_2547782.html 

Ramadan is to purify us, it’s here for you. Go do the Iftaar in a Masjid a day, every Masjid of Shia, Sunni and Ahmadiyya and within each denomination there are several – you have 29 or 30 days to practice removing your prejudice, go do it and be free from the conditioning, being free from prejudices is such a joy, it's like walking out of home to work with no worries. A list of Mosques in Dallas is at www.DallasMuslimCenter.org 

How each Mosque follows their own unique tradition is chronicled here with the pictures of Mosques since 2010-http://ramadanexclusive.com/

POWER OF ENGAGEMENT.

I shared my experience with Sean Hannity, which I have called the power of engagement – change comes by engaging with people without which there is no chance. It’s like the lottery ticket, you cannot complain for not winning it, if you have not purchased it. Engagement increased the chances to a change, disengagement guarantees status-quo. 

Full story in the video at my talk at Aligarh Muslim University -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDMuE4bdYW4 

If you want to learn about Pluralism – please visit 
www.FoundationforPluralism.com 

Pluralism in Islam – www.worldMuslimCongress.com 

Building a cohesive America at www.AmericansTogether.org 

Thanks
Mike Ghouse – all about me is at www.MikeGhouse.net in 63 Links 

AMU - Aligarh Muslim University Conference Summary report

Summary: The Aligarh Muslim University held a conference, "First high profile conference. Intellectual crisis of the Muslim Ummah; Rethinking traditions solutions" on April 6 and 7th this year.

Conference pictures http://futureislam.com/conference/2015/

I believe,  AMU was looking for critical thinkers who can challenge the prevailing practices and take the Ummah forward to live the God given life on this earth to the fullest without compromising it for the Akhira (hereafter), which is a natural consequence of the good we do here.   Sir Syed Ahmed took dauntless steps to establish the institution despite the opposition and hurdles, his vision was bold at that time, and it is perhaps the first "Muslim" university in the world where Muslims were taught subjects other than memorizing Quran and Hadiths. 

We have got to thank Sir Syed for that vision and thank the VC General Shah, Pro-VC Brig Ali and professor Shaz for having the courage to resuscitate that vision and bring critical thinking to AMU. We have admire the staff and volunteers who supported them without any reserve. I pray that AMU will become one of the high profile Muslim Universities and I hope you as a Muslim, would also wish it to go further. I am not an Alumni of AMU, but my spirit has been with AMU since I learned about Sir Syed in my school days. Now, I feel that I belong to the Alumni of AMU without taking away anyone's assets. 

I have started writing about different aspects of the AMU conference where I was involved. Insha Allah, I will complete that in the next few weeks.

1. Plenary Session - The Muslim puzzle of misplaced focus on Aakhira while ignoring the Hazira - I spoke about the need to refocus on Hazira instead of dying for Akhira. We cannot cheat on the God given Amana of life. We have to live this life to the full and not sacrifice an ounce of it for Aakhira, which is a consequence of Hazira. This is a major flaw in our thinking and we need to invest our time in learning about it and change the future of Muslim Ummah. Thanks to Pro VC Ahmed Ali Sahib, who acknowledged on the thought and expanded further. I will be writing the full outline of my speech.
2. Chaired the panel on "Islamic perspective for the future" - notes will be added soon.
   
3. Panel speaker on "Who speaks for Islam today" - Can Muslims lead the world?
   
4. Chaired the panel on "Gender Issues and Gender Pluralism"  -http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/05/dignity-of-women-in-islam-conference-at.html
   
5. Valedictory Session -  I spoke about "the power of engagement" with the civic society to change things for common good, and I have three of the attendees ready to take on Subramanian Swami, Taslima Nasreen and their likes - to get them engaged in discussion and let them silence themselves as I have done with many here in the United States. I will add the notes soon.
   
6. General Notes -http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/congratulations-to-aligarh-muslim.html
   
7. Summary remarks -http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/back-to-dallas-from-conference-at.html
   
8. Official Conference pictures: http://futureislam.com/conference/2015/ 
   
9. Personal pictures:https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157651704661377/

Thank you
Mike Ghouse,
World Muslim Congress
Dallas | Washington
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
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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.

Dignity of women in Islam | Conference at Aligarh Muslim University and Gender Pluralism.

www.TheGhouseDiary.com | Dignity of women in Islam

Aligarh Muslim University conference – April 6 and 7^th 2015 – “Intellectual crisis of the Muslim Ummah: Rethinking traditional solutions. Details at:  http://futureislam.com/ 

It was such a joy to be a part of the panel on Dignity of women in Islam, Dr. Sadat Ullah Khan moderated and Dr. B.A. Khan coordinated the proceedings. 

Dr. Azra Abidi, Mohsin Mandal, Mariya Khan, Shaista Tabassum, Dr. Sarika Sharma and Tarannum Khan boldly presented their papers.   I was pleased that they offered me to chair this panel and loved dealing with a few misogynistic attitudes out there (in every society). I pride myself in being a big supporter, believer and practitioner of equality of women.  Indeed the pleasure was listening to each one of the presenters and acknowledging their contribution to the discussion at the end of the program.

One of the greatest lessons of my life came from an individual who taught me how to listen intently while I am at it. I was under tremendous pressure to hear each one out, and I am glad I was able to do that.  

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is perhaps one of the first women’s libbers, he liberated women from the oppressive clutches of men and set them free as God had created and intended for all humans to be free.  Perhaps again for the first time in human history women had the liberty to own their own property, own their business and chose to marry whom they want and the freedom to divorce for a better life.  If all men follow their religions, world would be a better place.  Each one of us is individually responsible for our actions and as such no one should be less than the other.  

Conference pictures: http://futureislam.com/conference/2015/
and  https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157651704661377/

Mariya Khan is an outstanding confident, assertive speaker for women’s rights, I will post a few video clips in the next few days and hope to invite her to speak in the United States. She is Malaysian, but spoke perfect American.  Dr. Azra Abidi boldly presented her paper on wrongful practices among Muslims – including temporary marriages, divorces etc. Mohsin presented a list of things that need fixing. Dr. Sarika Sharma talked about the work being done by NGO’s to preserve the status of women and quoted extensively from Mahatma Gandhi.  Shaista Tabassum blasted on the “Haibatnak Jehez” – dowry system that is common to all Indians regardless of their religion.  Imtiaz and Jamil presented good statistics, and quoted Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer and Sachar report. Tarannum talked about women empowerment, and cited that Muslim women are 51.9% literate compared to the average of 53.1% nationwide literary among women. The good news is Aligarh Muslim University has 42% women enrollment. 

I was rather surprised at the lack of awareness of corrected translation-interpretation of the verse 4:34 by Dr. Lelah Bakhtiar. For nearly 1400 years we were misled to believe that a man can beat his wife a feather lite stick if they are not in agreement, that is not the case now, respectful separation is the way forward as it reflects the character of the prophet and God's justness - that all people are created equal. More about it at http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2014/05/wife-beating-is-culture-of-men-and-not.html 

I have asked the presenters to share their paper, and once I receive them all, I will be posting it at www.WorldMuslimCongress.com and possibly ask Dr. Sultan Shaheen to publish in www.Newageislam.com

Though the conference was between 9 am and 6 pm, I chose to stick around and had several informal mini-conferences and I wanted the participants to go home asking every question they had about the topic.

Mike Ghouse is a Muslim thinker, writer and a speaker. Just Google Muslim Speaker or Pluralism Speaker to get most of my writings. www.TheGhouseDiary.com  - www.MikeGhouse.net

Back to Dallas from a conference in Aligarh India

I am back in town now.

Briefly

1. I spoke in the plenary as well as the closing session at Aligarh Muslim University's conference on, "Intellectual Crises of the Muslim Ummah: Rethinking Traditional Solutions" between April 6-7, 2015. It was good to chair two panels and make presentations. Count on AMU to be in the forefront of necessary reforms in creating cohesive societies.

My talk on "Engagement with Civil society" and focusing on "the present rather than hereafter (Akhira)" went very well. More at: http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/congratulations-to-aligarh-muslim.html

AMU They had several bill boards in town and on the campus... it was a humbling experience to see them include me among the top scholars. 

2. Met with General Zameer Uddin Shah, Vice-Chancellor of AMU and was pleased to see his commitment and vision. He is determined to resuscitate Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's Vision. I am sure, he and the Pro-VC Dr. Ali will make AMU, one of the top ten universities in India, and the Islamic world.

3. AMU is offering bridge courses to students out of Madrasas and getting them to see the larger world of Aalameen and presenting the inclusive Islam rather than a narrow version of it. 

4. Gave a talk at Asim Siddqui Memorial college in Badaun with the greetings from Bahai to Zoroastrian and every one - spoke about the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbukum in dharmic and abrahamic traditions. If you visit UP, I would suggest you to visit this college, what an inspiration to see an India in making.  

5. Met with Girish Karnad (no introduction is needed) and talked to him about appearing on a Cameo role in the film "sacred"  we are making, he is interested in it for its message and the reform it brings. No commitment yet. 

6. We hope to make a documentary on Tippu Sultan, the secular ruler of an Indian State. I met with several researchers, prominent among them is Dr. Range Gowda (not related to Deve Gowda). He has written two books on Tipu Sultan  and has solid documentation on his credentials.

 Girish Karnad is also interested in it, and he has written plays about it and wrote the book "The Dreams of Tipu Sultan" The book takes you back to that era as the fall of Mysore took place.

 It is such a joy to hear so many positive things from fellow Indians and Kannadigas, not only they are writing but actively seeking a prominent place for Tippu. Several years ago, Bangalore was ready to install statutes of Tippu Sultan, the Muslim community opposed it, what a shame - to deny our own history and contribution through symbols.

Dr. Shakeel Samdani of AMU is also working on keeping Tipu Sultan's contribution alive and has gotten a designation to house Tipu Library at AMU. He needs all the support he can.   

7. Held several mini discussion groups at AMU, I have come out very optimistic about India and Indian Muslim's efforts to make a better India. 

8. Spoke with the Human rights group and talked about my upcoming book about human rights.

9. Indians in India are far more pluralistic than some of the Indians in America.

10. I hope to work with a few scholars from AMU in taking on the role of civic engagement and dialogue with the likes of Subrmanian Swamy, Taslima Nasreen and others who throw things at every one. It is time for all of us to focus on India's development rather than endless bickering. 

11. Spoke at the NRI Film producers and actors guild in New York, a new organization with aa growing membership. Thanks to Professor Saluja.

12. Spoke at a Desi interfaith group in NY at Kwality Restaurant, amazing food and great discussion, again thanks to Professor. Saluja.

Thank you
............................................................................................................................... 
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism, 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. 

Does Islam need a Reform or we just need new interpreters?

Published at www.WorldMuslimCongress.com

International Conference   
"Intellectual Crises of the Muslim Ummah: Rethinking Traditional Solutions"
Aligarh Muslim University, April 6-7, 2015
PAPER PRESENTATION
by Mike Ghouse

Does Islam need a Reform or we just need new interpreters?

Reform is one of the most detested words among Muslims. On the one hand the academics see the corrupted versions of Islamic interpretations and rightfully want to fix it, whereas, the firebrand religious leaders take it as an attack on their tradition and willing to shed the blood to defend it. 

Click on the image for larger image

And how do we bring the change? The key is communicating the intent (niyya) and a need to understand the issue without pulling the rug from underneath their feet. 

Justice is one word in Islam that wraps balance, harmony, fairness, mercy and equity together for the society to function cohesively, where no one has live in fear of the other but God. Without it, things will degenerate into a dysfunctional society.

In the last decade the pristine Islam we knew has been mangled up, and it is our duty to restore it. 

Sharia is central to all this, which was designed to offer complete guidance to personal and public behavior of a Muslim, and justice to humanity. However, due to human management Justice was not served. 

We have identified a few problems in “applications” of the Sharia laws that undermine the principles of justice in dealing with apostasy, blasphemy, rape, divorce, dhimmi, separation, marriage, child custody, and inheritance, interfaith and other issues.

We need to fix the laws  without it a large swatch of population becomes rudderless. In the Indian context, we may want to go with UCC as it’s’ intent is Justice and is enforceable.

Mike Ghouse, World Muslim Congress, Dallas | Washington (214) 325-1916 |SpeakerMikeGhouse@gmail.com
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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 United Islam Possible? International Conference at Aligarh Muslim University, India

Published at: www.WorldMuslimCongress.com

International Conference   
"Intellectual Crises of the Muslim Ummah: Rethinking Traditional Solutions"
Aligarh Muslim University, April 6-7, 2015

ABSTRACT OF PRESENTATION
by Mike Ghouse

II. Is United Islam Possible?

United Islam is not a reality, nor do Muslims have an appetite for it.  Given the unwillingness to acknowledge the otherness of others, a deep chasm has developed and pushed the denominational plates too far apart. However, we should pursue alternatives and strengthen ad hoc federations as a part of existential needs. One Islam is a pipe dream.

Human division is purely based on the God given uniqueness to each one of us. Quran advises in 49:13, “you have been created into many tribes, communities and nations from a single couple” and in another place it tells us that “had God willed, he would have created all of us alike.”

So, what is the alternative to a united Muslim community?  God knows that our uniqueness generates conflict, and as we continue to seek security for our space, fight for sustenance and defend our nurturance, he offers the solution; the best ones amongst you are those who know each other. Accepting diversity is very Islamic and that is the guidance found in Quran.

Prophet Muhammad understood that Islam is a reflection of human nature, and said that his followers will divide themselves up into 72/73 tribes – an elusive number to indicate many. Indeed that is story of all religions.

Everything God has said in Quran is demonstrated by the actions of the prophet. When we become Amins and respect the otherness of others and accept the God given uniqueness to each one of us then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.



Mike Ghouse, World Muslim Congress, Dallas | Washington (214) 325-1916 |SpeakerMikeGhouse@gmail.com
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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.

Can Muslims lead a conglomeration of faith communities? International Conference at Aligarh Muslim University

Published at www.WorldMuslimCongress.com

International Conference   
"Intellectual Crises of the Muslim Ummah: Rethinking Traditional Solutions"
Aligarh Muslim University, April 6-7, 2015

ABSTRACT OF PRESENTAION
by Mike Ghouse

Can Muslims lead a conglomeration of faith communities?  Implications of Kalmae siwa

Muslims can lead a willing conglomeration of faith communities if they start believing in being Mukhlooqul Aalameen, representing the interests of all humanity.  It is an extension of their belief in God as Rabbul Aalameen and prophet as Rahmatul Aalameen.

Was Islam ever meant to be a religion for Muslims? Indeed the message of Islam was for those who submitted to the idea of oneness of humanity, universe and its creator, and further believed in accountability of their actions in preserving the harmony of the universe.

God has set himself up as a God of universe - the very first verse in the first and last chapters of Quran declares “Rabbul Aalameen” and “God of humanity” and throughout the Quran the theme is the same.

Quran is not for Muslims, and by making it exclusively ours, we are reducing God to be our property and denying him to others and thus creating a Muslim specific God, as if others have their own.

Implications of 3:64and 3:85God is advising to be truthful, state your belief and acknowledge the otherness of other's belief (109.6) , but come to common terms and figure out how to work together. The best ones among you are the ones who learn about each other. Knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of another point of view. 

We have an obligation to lead the world in creating cohesive societies where no one has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.

Mike Ghouse, World Muslim Congress, Dallas | Washington (214) 325-1916 |SpeakerMikeGhouse@gmail.com
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Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism,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.