Happy Independence day to India

 

My Dear fellow Indians,

An Indian is an Indian is an Indian, period.
We are Adivasis, Atheists, Bahais, Bos, Buddhists, Christians, Dalits, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Tribals, Zoroastrians and every possible grouping. We are Brown, Black, White, Yellow and green with envy and phir bhi dil hai Hindustani (our heart is Indian).

Our Motherland is represented by every race, nationality, ethnicity, language, culture and religion. We see God as one, none and many; and in every form; male, female, genderless and non-existent, being and non-being, nameless and with innumerable names.

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

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

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

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

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

India led the way to the freedom movement, since 1947 every country has been liberated from colonialism. Indian democracy is a shining example to the world, where the people have peacefully transferred the powers. Indians are inherently secular and economically capitalistic. They believe in "live-and-let-live" life style, which is the essence of capitalism.

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

Click and enjoy:KEY INFORMATION

• National Anthem Vocal
• National Anthem Instrumental
• India's possible pledge
• India's Map
• India's heritage
• Favorite National songs

• About Mike Ghouse

Jai Hind

Mike Ghouse

Mike Ghouse for India - http://mikeghouseforindia.blogspot.com/

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/

Pakistan Independence day | Azaadi Mubarak

I wish a very happy independence day to my Pakistani Friends.

Last year people needed freedom from floods, this year I hope the seeds for a vibrant democracy are sowed in each heart here in Dallas or elsewhere in the world. Let's aspire to be the best we can be in our duties to humanity.

Years ago, I had a radio show called independence special where every morning for an hour we learned everything about India and Pakistan... and I had Indians sing Pakistani national songs and Pakistanis sang Indian national anthem, it was all live on Radio. Indeed many of them made an effort to learn the hit songs.

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

On this day, and every day from here forward, make a pledge to yourselves to talk about in terms of "we the Pakistanis" - and not Punjabi, Sindhi, Pathan, Baluchi.... or Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Isaee or Parsee. Don't expect others to jump and say the same, give them the time and if you are consistent for at least a year, you will see others emulating you.

 

May this Independence Day free us all from bias towards fellow beings. Amen

Pakistan Paindabad.
...
Mike Ghouse is a speaker committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His works is indexed at www.MikeGhouse.net

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE ON FOX

Republican Presidential debate in Iowa

1. Romney Sticks out
2. Gingrich was good, but his bigotry and wife cheating will sink him
3. Bachman did not shine, her idea on debt will cost her
4. Huntsman is ok,
5. Ron Paul is great but he will not make it
6. Pawlenty, Santorum and Cain - will be gone
7. Perry and Romney - will go foward
8. Evangelicals will axe Romney
9. Perry will be the Nominee, unless he goofs up bad

I wrote 3 pieces against the exclusive prayers of Perry, however except that NY statement on GLBT which he needs to clarify, nothing significantly dumb has come out of Perry's mouth yet. I can understand his need for exclusive prayers with ...his crowd, but as long as it is not against others, he may have a chance.

If I were to venture on something important, it's my family and friends I would pray with and I would extend that benefit to Perry.

Has he made a mess yet?
All indications are that he will make
Mike Ghouse is comitted to a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on the issues of the day. All his work is indexed at www.MikeGhouse.net


Perry for Presidenthttp://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/08/perry-for-president.html

KRLD Radio
July 7 at 11:55am
If he is sincere in representing Americans he needs to demonstrate it by inviting them all to his prayer fest. Americans see God as one, none and many and in every form; male, female, genderless and non-existent, being and non-being, nameless and with innumerable names. He has an opportunity to win public opinion if he chooses to go the middle path representing the majority of Americans.

# # #
Dallas Morning News :: Is Rick Perry's "Day of Prayer and Fasting" about religion or politics?

If he is using this event as a prelude to run for the President, it is another opportunity for him to be a change maker like Presidents Reagan and Clinton who have reshaped the divisive politics into an inclusive one. They were in tune with the sentiments of the moderate majority of Americans; and likewise, it would be difficult to beat Obama with divisive politics, Americans believe in live and let live and who ever aligns with them has a faint chance. http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/06/is-rick-perrys-day-of-prayer-a.html

# # #

Dallas Morning News:: Is Perry responsible for the religious company he keeps?
We should not tie Perry to Hagee or Wagner, nor should we have tied Obama to Wright. They stand on their own and should be accountable for what they say and do, and not who they listen to or friends with. http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/07/texas-faith-are-perry-and-obam.html

# # #

Huffington post :: Rick Perry has to prove his sincerity

If Governor Perry is sincere in calling Americans to join in the prayers for peace and prosperity of our nation, he has an opportunity to demonstrate it by giving a dignified space to every representation of the 312 million Americans.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/perry-has-to-prove-his-si_b_874392.html

A moment of humanity after 46 years of war.

It is an extraordinary story of a pilot Qais Hussain who was courageous to reflect on an act he did that bothered him and after a period of 46 years, he was able to get it out and hope with it came relief to him.   He shot down a civilian airplane that strayed in to his national territory, the humanity in him made him hesitant because it was a civilian plane, but he hit because he got the confirmation that it might me a reconnaissance plane. On the other side, I felt very emotional that the people who lost their families did not have rancor towards the pilot who shot their parents. It is an emotional story and brings the humanity out of you.

Barkha Dutt the anchor woman rightly pointed out that the soldiers make the best peace makers, as they have seen the futilities of war first hand.

A lot of this has happened during the Vietnam War, where our veterans have gone back and visited the families who were their targets.

VIDEO AND FULL STORY AT: http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/the-buck-stops-here/46-years-after-the-war-a-moment-of-humanity/207609?hp

http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/the-buck-stops-here/after-the-war-a-moment-of-humanity/207609

It is a powerful story....

Mr. Hussain was not able to express his feelings well, and I really feel for him. It was simply beautiful to hear the three ladies who had lost their loved ones but did not have any acrimony or ill will.

This story needs to be explored further.

Barkha and Beena I salute you.

----

It was a similar emotion that inspired me to write a note about the loss of our soldiers in Afghanistan and I prayed for them after Iftaar in Ramadan, the month of Mercy.

HONORING OUR SOLDIERS | A MINUTE OF SILENCE PLEASE
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/08/honoring-our-soldiers-in-aghanistan.html

In memory of our soldiers and Navy Seals who died on Saturday, please observe a minute of silence honoring them. May God bless them and give patience to their families. May God give us the wisdom to end Wars and find solutions through mitigating conflicts and nurturing goodwill.  Amen

I urge fellow Muslim Americans to pray for their well beings, Insha Allah I will pray special prayers for them after Iftaar and Maghrib prayers this evening.

Our soldiers are the defenders of our freedom, they gave up their lives for us, and we have to express our gratitude and pray for them.  

Mike Ghouse is committed to working towards cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. All his work is indexed at www.MikeGhouse.net.

# # #

TEXAS FAITH: What does feminism mean to you?

   

That question is the subject of a growing discussion given that Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann both claim to be feminists. Except their feminism differs from the days of Gloria Steinem. Lisa Miller, a religion writer for Washington Post.com and On Faith, describes Bachmann's feminism this way.

There are about 12 panelists in Dallas Morning News’ Texas Faith’s weekly column and all opinions including mine are at: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/08/texas-faith-what-does-feminism.html

MIKE GHOUSE, PRESIDENT, FOUNDATION FOR PLURALISM

The Palin-Bachman feminism is a new phenomenon; indeed they are setting a new assertive standard for feminism, where the deferential role for a woman in public square may become extinct like the dinosaurs. Palin-Bachman may not be the right role models, but they are the first most visible ones.

Way back in the movie Disclosure, Demi Moore played a challenging role of an aggressive female boss which at that time was labeled as manly woman’s role, it went to the other end of the spectrum of feminism. During the last Presidential election campaign Hilary Clinton was firm and assertive but not an aggressive, gun-toting attacking tigress like the Palin-Bachman duo, she applied logic and reason and rightfully the media was not deferential to her because she was a female.

In case of Palin-Bachman the media is at a loss in handling their aggressiveness and not sure if they would cross the line of feminism and get attacked for seeking substantiated answers. They need to treat the duo like they would any candidate male or female, and on their part the duo needs to substantiate their responses to set the new standards of feminism and not chase the media out with incomplete brash answers as it will be injustice to the emerging healthy feminism. NPR had a great story on Bachman on Tuesday which addresses the media shyness.

Yet, the three candidates accepted the traditional role of a deferential female to the husband within the family setting believing it to be a religious duty. This is the new public standard for the role of a woman until the deference gets replaced with equal partnership, yet maintains the family harmony and cohesion; there is room for us to grow up. 

We may have to modify the Virginia slims slogan to “You have come a long way woman (baby no more)” in establishing and defining the new feminism; genderless in the public square where no one dares to have an upper hand in any endeavor of life and yet and play feminine traditional role in the family setting. Helen Reddy’s song “I am woman” is playing in my ears now.

It has a lot of winning appeal to women; it authenticates their own vision of womanhood and offers a role model for them to emulate. Be yourselves, do what is right irrespective of the opinions out there, eventually that will become the standard and the norm of the society where you are viewed as an individual contributor for the wellbeing of the family and the society. I welcome this new benchmark, it was long overdue.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker committed to a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day – all his work is indexed at www.MikeGhouse.net

Perry for President.

A month ago as a moderate Republican I wrote, unless we find the right Republican candidate, Obama is the best option against the announced Republican candidates who are loaded with bigotry and will tear the cohesive fabric of America.

In the last elections,  I was hoping for Huckabee to make it, but thank God he got dumped, he was drenched in bigotry against fellow Americans. We don't need men like him who will drown us in another war.

Obama is losing; he has not shown his mettle in bringing our men and women back home. America is suffering and he is blowing the money on a war that will not end. He chickened out to the tea partiers, he should have invoked Amendment 14 and tell them to hell with it, and do the right thing for the country, increase the revenues and not lose the credit ratings. Unless he takes a bold step, his leadership remains untenable.

I wrote 3 pieces against the exclusive prayers of Perry, however except that NY statement on GLBT which he needs to clarify, nothing significantly dumb has come out of Perry's mouth yet. I can understand his need for exclusive prayers with his crowd, but as long as it is not against others, he may have a chance.

If I were to venture on something important, it's my family and friends I would pray with and I would extend that benefit to Perry.

Has he made a mess yet?

Mike Ghouse is committed to a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His work is indexed at www.MikeGhouse.net

KRLD Radio
July 7 at 11:55am

If he is sincere in representing Americans he needs to demonstrate it by inviting them all to his prayer fest. Americans see God as one, none and many and in every form; male, female, genderless and non-existent, being and non-being, nameless and with innumerable names. He has an opportunity to win public opinion if he chooses to go the middle path representing the majority of Americans.

# # #

Dallas Morning News
Is Rick Perry's "Day of Prayer and Fasting" about religion or politics?
If he is using this event as a prelude to run for the President, it is another opportunity for him to be a change maker like Presidents Reagan and Clinton who have reshaped the divisive politics into an inclusive one. They were in tune with the sentiments of the moderate majority of Americans; and likewise, it would be difficult to beat Obama with divisive politics, Americans believe in live and let live and who ever aligns with them has a faint chance. http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/06/is-rick-perrys-day-of-prayer-a.html

# # #

Dallas Morning News:
Is Perry responsible for the religious company he keeps?

We should not tie Perry to Hagee or Wagner, nor should we have tied Obama to Wright. They stand on their own and should be accountable for what they say and do, and not who they listen to or friends with. http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/07/texas-faith-are-perry-and-obam.html

# # #

Huffington post
Rick Perry has to prove his sincerity
If Governor Perry is sincere in calling Americans to join in the prayers for peace and prosperity of our nation, he has an opportunity to demonstrate it by giving a dignified space to every representation of the 312 million Americans.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/perry-has-to-prove-his-si_b_874392.html

Honoring our Soldiers in Aghanistan

HONORING NAVY SEALS | A MINUTE OF SILENCE PLEASE

In memory of our soldiers and Navy Seals who died on Saturday, please observe a minute of silence honoring them. May God bless them and give patience to their families. May God give us the wisdom to end Wars and find solutions through mitigating conflicts and nurturing goodwill. Amen

I urge fellow Muslim Americans to pray for their well beings, Insha Allah I will pray special prayers for them after Iftaar and Maghrib prayers this evening.

Serious dialogue on India and Pakistan

http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/08/serious-dialogue-on-india-and-pakistan.html

DRAFT

I am as embarrassed as you may be, that we cannot find solutions to the issues between India and Pakistan. I am writing this note to the moderate majority of Indians, Pakistanis and Kashmiris of both nations. 

If you are born and bred as anti-Indian or anti-Pakistani, don't bother to read. It will deplete your energy as you are not willing to see another point of view.  Those who read it,  read it as an attempt in finding solutions… you can improvise and negate on the issue and not attack any individuals in the dialogue.

Sincerely,

Mike
Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and is available to speak on Pluralism, coexistence, Islam, India, peace and justice. Details at www.MikeGhouse.net

# # #

This is my response to a Rajinder Sud, and Indian who responded to Imran Kazimi, a Pakistani


Rajinder,

Your analysis is on very close on the target and I am pleased to offer a solution.

The root cause of all the tensions between the two nations stems from Kashmir!

The only beneficiaries of waving Kashmir slogan are the Pakistani politicians, Paksitanis military leaders and the Indian right wing politicians. They do not give a crap about Pakistan; instead they have used, abused, misused and ruined Pakistan.

All energies of Pakistan were channeled towards Kashmir, even the user-Pakistanis around the world  who wanted to siphon cash from the nincompoops have said  -“ Khoon bahayiengay magar Kashmir leke raheingay”.  they will never “baha” their damned Khoon, it is rhetoric  - apan ullu theek karnay tha unhien.

How long can the leaders and the users dupe the people?
Did they do any good to Pakistan?

The Major difference is most Indians do not fall for the users whereas the Pakistanis do not say a word about it and their silence encourages the users to continue with their rhetoric.    

All the tension between the two nations is about Kashmir!

I used to publish a News Paper called Asian American Journal (Asian News) and on the front page I placed a map of the subcontinent which showed Kashmir as an Indian state, one of the Pakistani Store owners threw all my papers in the trash and holds grudges and does the back biting and maligning, shame on those who fall for it.  

THE SOLUTION

Accept the status-quo, the LOC

It will free both the nations from any more tension, but will make it difficult for the military in Pakistan and the Right wing parties in India – all in a sudden they do not have an enemy and I hope they resist manufacturing one up. If there is democracy in Pakistan, public will refuse to be duped.

The Lashkar Taiaba and other outfits will go out of business, once the declaration is made and both the people can hope for an end to terrorism.

The monies saved on defense and terrorism can be channeled to food production to make Pakistan self sufficient and work on building their educational institutions.

First priority should be building infrastructure for democratic institutions and the process. The TV channels of Pakistan are fairly independent and they can play a major role in defining a democratic Pakistan.

When two democracies function well, there seldom will be a need for strong defense or any issue. It can lead to a loose federation in the long haul

The Kashmiris will have two states of Kashmir; one is in India and the other in Pakistan.

The Kashmiri Pandits need to be given back their land in the valley and offer all the privileges to them. Recent reports have indicated where the Kashmiri Muslims and Pundits were getting back together, that is good news.  It the damned non-Kashimiris who create the problem for the Kashimiris.  If we cannot do any good to them, we should do any harm either.

The idea of Independent Kashmir is dangerous – China can swallow it any time as they have done a 1/3 of it already. What are we doing to do? Nothing!  The Talibans can ride in and further destroy the pluralistic tradition of Kashmir making it painful for the Kashmiris, Indians and the Pakistanis.  

No nation should be built on Religion, the two that were built – Pakistan and Israel have become a sore point in the history, we cannot reverse what happened, but we should stand up against any religious government.  Much of the terrorism in the world has emanated from those two. Religious governments do not have a good record anywhere. Even if it were ever to come in America, it will be hell – the first target will be the Jews, there is so much anti-Semitism built in there, the second will be Muslims and the third would be Hindus… no one will be spared by the evangelicals who want to harvest the souls and save the Hindus, Muslims and other Christians from going to hell.

The Kashmiris will have the autonomy and freedom to run their state as they wish, just as all other states within India do now. When Pakistan becomes a true democracy, the Kashmiri state to the north should enjoy the same privileges of a state within Pakistan.

India’s states are very independent and sometimes go against the center, it is like in the United States – Two major parties control the states and federal government. You have to be good to remain in government. Even the slogan “Ram Mandir bana kay raheingay’ did not go with the majority of Indians – they wanted jobs and prosperity.  Duping Indians with religion happened once, but will not happen again. It will not happen in America and I hope the Pakistanis will do the same once they have democracy in place, and they have a record of it.

Rarely democracies have fought wars.

The Pakistan Public needs to demand jobs and increase in food production, India can transport the food, tractors, automobiles at a much lower cost than Pakistan can get from elsewhere. Indeed, the Indian businesses that are going to China for production can create those jobs in Pakistan.

On my Part, I can say most Indians are ready to move on, but it will certainly happen once the post-partition Indians and Pakistanis die off and go to wherever they belong. They got too much hate conditioned in them. The 70’s generation does not carry the same baggage.  

As an Individual Pakistani, you can think about it… the changes won’t happen in one day, the energy is built up and critical level can be reached. Are you  in ?

If you are, are you willing to speak up?
 
Mike Ghouse
Committed to cohesive America
www.MikeGhouse.net

-----------------------------

Rajinder writes to Kazmi:

What you say is true that there is corruption and if you say "that is the reason why Pakistan is collapsing" - may be. But if so, why is India not collapsing?

You say "we are of the same umbilical chord", I beg to differ. There is a huge difference in our mindset. In 60+ years India established over 8000 universities when there were only 10 in 1947, and if I am not wrong Pakistan has only two - Punjab and Sindh. Differece: education is supreme on the mind of an Indian. Pakistan has 28,000 madrassas training terrorists - midset. You will find thousands if not millions of stories that an Indian father will go to Bombay, drive a rickshaw in Delhi, work as a labourer in Ahmedabad etc. and send money to educate his son. Mindset.

India developed its economy in a planned manner - mixture of private and public enterprise. Pakistan built military complexes, allotting big farmlands to its retiring generals creating feudalism - mindset. No planning to develop any Industry. Even tiny Bangladesh did better.

India emphasized developing its music and movie industry - what did Pakistan do? Even poor Nur Jahan had hard time advancing her talent as she became Yahya Khan's concubine. I have been told of some very juicy stories by her close confidant. Pakistanis often speak of Indian movie industry in derisive words - mindset.

India opted for mechanized farming, laid a huge network of irrigation canals in Punjab, Haryana etc. and tackled succefully its food shortage problem to a great extent and is today among the largest exporters of rice. Pakistan is barely producing enough for its needs and suffers from acute shortages. The hydro-electric dams India built provided electricity to almost every village and hutment all over the country. Can you speak of the same by WAPDA?

India added hundreds of thousands of railway lines, manaufactures its own locomotives and even exports them to African and South American countries. Does Pakistan?

India is building 30 miles of roadways every month and has changed the landscape of rural India and is doing so constantly. Does Pakistan.

What Pakistan did great is build Nuclear arsenal factories, created one of this planets largest armies and fighting capacity- difference: Mindset.

Instead India developed its Knowledge-based IT industry and is the world's envy. Thousands of US and European companies have their service centres in INdia employing millions of educated workers. What IT industry do you have?

India took secularism and inclusive pluralism as its motto (I wo'nt quibble about its complete success) and Pakistan chose to become an "Islamic Republic". Difference: Mindset.

India condemns and fights its reactionary Hindu extremism, whereas Pakistan promotes it. Mindset.

Sir, if we were of the same umbilical chord, then why don't we think alike. What did a poet sayFault dear Brutus is not with our stars, but with ourselves that we are underlings".

India had a dream of overcoming the handicaps it inherited and its situation as an underling and overcame the hurdles the British had left behind. Did Pakistan? It had the same problems as India, but did nothing to overcome them - instead it chose to fight India over Kashmir, Bangladesh over who is better Punjabi or Bengali, Afghaistan as a stooge of the CIA - right or wrong. India never became anybody's concubine Pakistan chose to sit in the lap of the US for decades, until lately of course, when the US learnt that Pakistan was not a stable friend. We have a saying in our culture which says that a wise enemy is better than a foolish friend. Mindset.

India promoted women in the field of education and workforce, Pakistan kept them in bondage. Mindset.

Yes, we shared the same planet but not the umbilical chord from times immemorial. Muslims always had a religious chip on their shoulder which the Hindus resented, not that there are no Hindu zealots but not like the Muslims. Unfortunately when Hindus felt that they were being marginalised by the Muslims, Sikhs, Christians in the south in the 60's, etc., then these reactionary movements started and got their following which is now on the wane. Extremism in Pakistan which fosters violence is on the increase. Mindset.

Muslims never made good businessmen, but they took pride in becoming good builders, farmers and artisans etc., but Pakistan needed business minds. Mindset.

Sir, Hindus often ask: Aqal badi ke bhains. You tell me Sir, are we of the same kind.

Do not find faults with India, there may be many but inspite of them India is forging ahead, why is not Pakistan? If you say that India could do better without corrupt politicians, then you are dead right, But then can you name me one country on this planet where there is no corruption. USA, Canada, Russia, France, Italy, Greece, Spain????? Where there are human beings there is greed, corruption etc. but India at least is aware of it and is fighting it. Is Pakistan? You have your military running the country for decades and have no guts to fight it. Mindset.

Did I say everything right or do you still differ.

Rajinder

Day 5 of Ramadan 2011

http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/2011/08/day-5-of-ramadan-2011.html

Friday, August 5, 2011 | Ramadan 5, 1432

PURPOSE: To share and appreciate the diversity within Islam.

THE PLAN: Iftaar at a mosque from every denomination including: Ahmadiyya, Bohra, Ismaili, Shia, Sufi, Sunni, Warith Deen Muhammad, Wahabbi and others. You are welcome to join me or experience it yourselves, we have to learn to respect the differences and appreciate the uniqueness of each tradition. God says the best among you is the one who knows each other for peaceful co-existence.

......................................... ...

God willing, I will highlight the uniqueness of each tradition on a daily basis and I hope we as Muslims can cherish it. I encourage each one of you to experience it and write about it.

DAY 5 OF RAMADAN

Terms: Listed below

Sahri (Pre-dawn meal): Oat meal in Soya Milk
Iftaar (refreshments): Dates, Chana Masala (spiced Chickpeas) and Milk
Iftaar (Dinner): Fresh Salad, Pita Bread, Rice and Chicken Korma (curry)
Mosque: Shia Masjid, Momin Center, Irving
Culture: Urdu Speaking Muslims from India and Pakistan and others

....................

Praise the lord, they have expanded the Shia Mosque in Irving, it’s almost double the size from last year and they have added a room, a beautiful sanctuary with hardwood floors. Several picture frames were set on the wooden cabinets with the names of twelve Imams in the Shia tradition with the name of Abbas son of ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib (first Shi'a Imam and fourth Rashidun Caliph) placed prominently in the middle and a brass plate with hand symbols hung in the middle. I believe they call the sanctuary the Imam Bara. I just could not resist noting my Dad’s election symbol which was the hand when he ran for the Mayor of Yelahanka Town Municipality in the early fifties.

Of all the Mosques I have been to, this Mosque has the best carpet with inlaid design for the prayer rows demarcations, and I loved the color of the carpet – it’s kind of greenish Khaki. Mujahid, one of the leaders of the community said that it was imported from Turkey and they had placed heavy padding under the carpet. Indeed, it was a luxury to sit on that carpet.


Iftaar:

The breaking of fast occurs nearly 20 minutes after the sunset; the dusk is interpreted as the disappearance of light after the sunset an uniquely Shia Tradition. The fast ends with Azan (Adhan) the prayer call and everyone breaks the fast with dates and other refreshments, water or the Milk followed by the prayers. The Iftaar dinner is after the prayers and they had the delicious Chicken Korma (curry) that reminded me of my Taiba Uncle's curry, which will never fade out of my memory. Apparently it was cooked by the Aunt of Abbas a friend I have known for nearly 16 years. Compliments to her for the wonderful Chicken Korma.

The 2^nd Prayer call is to gather the worshippers for the ritual prayer called Namaz or Salat. During this call, when the name of the Prophet Muhammad is recited, the Muezzin (the reciter) and the congregation both recite the full Darood (Peace prayer to the Prophet and his progeny). This practice is unique to the Shia branch of Islam.

As the people gather up, the prayer begins, unlike the Sunni Mosques where the Imam invariably asks the congregation to stand in straight lines and shoulder to shoulder, this Mosque assumed that they do and did not make the call.

Another unique item is the biscuit size round clay tablets placed on the floor to rest the forehead during the prostration posture.

As the prayer begins, the worshippers drop their hands to their sides while the Sunnis bring their folded hands together on the abdomen. At the end of the recitation of first chapter of Quraan, the word “Amen” is uttered silently.

During the Ruku (kneeling) the Imam (prayer leader) recites out in audible voice the name of God three times along with sending peace and blessings (darood) to the Prophet, a Shia Tradition. The process is repeated during the prostration as well.

On the 2^nd Unit of the prayers, in the standing position, after reciting the first chapter of Quraan and an additional chapter, the Shias lift their hands and do the supplication prayers, the only other place I have seen that practice is at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Finally at the end of the 3^rd Unit of prayer – they do not turn their head to the right or the left while saying As-salaamu aliakum o Rahmatullah as the Sunnis do.

During the month of Ramadan, most mosques bring guest Imams and here at the Momin Center, Imam Nabi Raza was visiting from San Jose, California. He is from Richmond Town, Bangalore, and a fellow Bangalorean and has been in the states for nearly 20 years. He was excited about my visit to every mosque during Ramadan so we can learn to respect the uniqueness of each tradition. He talked about the extensive programs they have in the bay area Mosques where all the Sunnis and Shias gather up on occasions. He mentioned that they gather up 15-20,000 Audience in Bangalore to celebrate Prophet’s birthday (Maulood, Milaad). Insha Allah, God willing we may coordinate visiting Bangalore as I give a talk “Prophet the peace maker” every act of the prophet had one thing in common – conflict mitigations and goodwill nurturance.

Nabi Raza’s talk topic was Sura Baqara, verse 2:183

Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:183

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (2:183)

2:183 (Asad) O YOU who have attained to faith! Fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might remain conscious of God: -

He talked about what constitutes Muttaqeen, the pious one and he honed on Hazrat Ali’s speech, the number one item (of the 101) is to “speak precisely and to the point” He referenced Prophet Muhammad’s saying where he had said, the most important gift to human beings is intelligence and the tongue (ability to speak) and must be used discreetly, as it is the tongue that can hurt others, can bring troubles in the communities and families.

One of the final attainments in the stage of piety is the ability to receive guidance from God – he used the word Wahi, the revelations. When you have achieved the purity of your being, all that comes to you is God’s wisdom. Indeed, I believe in that as the Sufis do and most Christians subscribe to that whereas it is not a part the Sunni tradition.

The most appealing item of his talk was – God does not need your prayers or fasting, it’s for your benefit that you do. He said if all the humanity abandons God, it does not make any difference to him, or if the whole humanity worships him every minute of the day, it does not make any difference to him, we are a speck (Carl Sagan?) in his unlimited Universe. Indeed the Bhagvad Gita says, even serving others, helping other is for selfish reason; it is an act of self preservation and self balancing. Just the other day, I was sharing with a few friends that I am a Muslim for me and not for anyone else. Several of my Sunni friends attempted to correct me – You are a Muslim for the sake of God. I reiterate that I am a Muslim to be in tune with the universe to seek my own balance in the whole.

Islam is not a monolithic religion and it will take another generation of constant exposure for Muslims to learn to accept and respect the otherness of other. The same goes with the Christian denominations, they are in the same boat of not accepting the other denominations as legitimate and you will find that in every religious tradition. That is not religion; religion is indeed about humility and not arrogance. Together we all have to grow up to enjoy the beauty of humility and valuing the God given uniqueness of each one of us.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, writer and a thinker nurturing the pluralistic values of Islam. More at: http://www.mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp
..................................


MESSAGE: http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/2011/07/ramadan-message.html
POLITICS OF RAMADAN: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2011/08/politics-of-ramadan-on-moon-sighting.html
..................................

TERMS:

Sahri - Pre-Dawn meal before early Morning Prayer (fajr).
Iftaar - Sunset Meal as a conclusion of the fast.

Sawm - fasting from sunrise to sunset - No food, no water, no nothing and no intake of any food or water. More critically it is a practice to abstain from ill-will, malice, anger, temptations and human desires. Don't hear, see, speak or act less than goodness.

Rituals - There are several variations in rituals and they vary from place to place. In Bangalore where I am from, the whole family gets up early around 4:00 AM and together cook extensive meals for Sahri /Suhoor, while others choose to cook earlier night and just warm it up and eat in the morning. The Iftaar is done elaborately at mosques, homes or other gatherings where friends from different faiths are invited to break bread and nurture goodwill.