American Muslim Observer

We are planning to take a small step forward to bring an online News Journal “American Muslim Observer” to be reflective of Muslims, every denomination and school, conservatives and progressives; so we can learn about each other and learn to respect the otherness of other and accept our differences for common good.

It is going to be difficult and we don’t expect to take it off immediately; it needs to be nurtured with a few open minded souls in every one of our groups to begin with. Insha Allah, we are looking forward to inaugurate in July this year, we are open to participation, contribution and guidance for all Muslims. Thank you.  www.IslamTogetherFoundation.com

Muslim Pledge, is this possible?

Islam is about belief in God, free will, accountability of one's actions towards sustaining harmony and managing the equilibrium of a given society, and an acknowledgment that Muhammad (pbuh) was God's prophet.

Who is a Muslim? 
Any one who subscribe to the above idea is considered a Muslim.

Prophet Muhammad understood the human nature, and was cognizant that it is human for an individual to regress to "me, me and me" causing him or her to mess up the cohesiveness of a given society. To keep checks and balances in place, the principles of equality, rather humility are built in to every aspect of an active Muslim life, like the pledge, prayers, fasting, Zakat and the Hajj pilgrimage.

His last sermon emphasized equal opportunity "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 a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves."

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a mercy to mankind, meaning a liberator of humanity from the shackles of oppression, encouraging freeing slaves, liberating women from bondage and places every human on equal footing.  

To preserve the senses of oneness among his followers, the Prophet added one of the most beautiful clauses of pluralism as a check to regressing one to to me, me, and me alone is better kind of arrogance; it was to learn to respect the otherness of other.

He said, over a period of time the followers will group themselves in to 73 (or 72) tribes, a metaphorical number to indicate ‘many.’ Then he added each one needs to race in doing good to fellow beings and there will be one who will earn the greatest rewards. As expected of humans, the literalists believe that they are the righteous ones and the other 72 (or 71) are not.  What the Prophet probably meant can be explained in a school analogy where the teacher tells his or her 73 students, all of you must study hard and do well in the exams, there will be only one who will score the highest and earn the title of first rank and every one must aspire for that. It does not mean the 72 other will all score zero, it means that a majority will pass in varying degrees and earn their own equilibriums of peace and tranquilities. A few will no doubt fail and bear the burden for it.

YOU ARE A MUSLIM

“You are a Muslim, if you believe in one God and bear witness that Prophet Muhammad is his last messenger.” You may belong to any one of the 73 tribes, yet, you are a Muslim. We believe if there were a roll call on the Day of Judgment by religion, Prophet Muhammad will probably say If you are a Muslim, raise your hand.

All our writings listed in the sites on the left panel will keep that attitude. No group will be considered superior or inferior. Only Allah knows who is pious and who is not and he judges individuals and not groups.

If you believe this (draft) pledge has merit, add your note with your name and website or blog address. Insha Allah, we will publish this in two formats:

PROPHET'S LAST SERMON:

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every *Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

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 a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before *God and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

Muslims together, Islam together Foundation

It is simply consolidation of the different sites and the work that begun with the World Muslim Congress in 2003.

There is another organization called Motamor Al-Alam-Al Islami (World Muslim Congress) that has been in existence since 1949. When we registered for World Muslim Congress, their name did not come up, indeed, we have registered it as WorldMuslimCongress.org, .com, and .net.  They were inactive on the net all these years, but in the last year, a number of articles have appeared on the net. In deference to them, we will gradually switch over to Muslims together. Hence,  this foundation.

However, all the publications and work will be carried under World Muslim Congress and the related sites listed in the list and on the left panel.  This site will be merely a central site with outlines, details will be in the subsidiary site.  

We are driven by the passion to serve Islam with a focus on pluralism and social justice and you can read more about it in our mission statement.

Mike Ghouse, Organizer

A film in the making - Americans Together

It is time we bring fruition to the change we want, here is the first step in working towards building a cohesive America, where no American is afraid of the other. We have ventured in making a documentary to goad and to bring to conscious the things we need to do. We hope to document all such efforts with an emphasis on Muslim effort.

# # #
PAMELA GELLER - Reads Qur'an

Pamela Geller & Mike Ghouse at Fox Studios

Sean Hannity and Pamela Geller were presented a copy of the Qur’aan translated by Muhammad Asad on the Hannity Show on Friday, October 21, 2011. I am glad she had the time to read some pages from Qur’aan and write a blog about it, which I intend to respond.

It's a business for Pamela to misrepresent Islam. Her Blog has caused a few to read the Qur'an as well and a few have questioned her integrity and I appreciate them for writing to me about it. Thanks Pamela for the mis-statements..

Continued at - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/10/pamela-geller-sean-hannity-and-quraan.html

# # #

Filming the Documentary

<><><><>

Americans Together, a documentary

Americans together is a documentary about Americans working towards building a cohesive society, where no American would be apprehensive of the other and lives with a sense of safety, security and freedom.

We have begun on our plan to interview and present different perspectives representing full spectrum of America. I have started out with the heads of major Muslim organizations and will be reaching out to every representation of America. It’s my commitment to work towards building a cohesive America.

Adil Khan, Dr.Syyed Saeed of ISNA and Mike Ghouse

Chief Seattle (1854), a Native American said this perfectly, “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the webs, he does it to himself." This is the theme of the movie, what is each one of the 312 Million Americans doing to preserve that web... what are you doing about it?

1. What are you doing to preserve that web?
2. What are your initiatives?
3. What are the divisive issues?

4. How would you allay the prevalent phobias and fears?5. What is your vision for America?

<><><><>

Mike Ghouse at Cair Washington office

The Prophets, Messengers of God, Spiritual masters, Wise Men and Women and the Peace Makers believed in peaceful co-existence of humanity and consistently mitigated conflicts and nurtured goodwill amongst various groups. Their effort was to bring about a positive change and create a cohesive society where no one was to be apprehensive of the other.

Continued - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/10/americans-together-on-road-again.html

# # #

GROUND ZERO VISIT

<><><><>

Mike Ghouse praying at Ground Zero Center

I prayed for the well being of those who lost their lives and those who survived; those who are angry and those who are at peace; those who are hurt and those who are callous and those who want to bring goodness. I am deeply committed to the Unity Day USA and have been organizing the public event for the last 7 years, bringing Americans together.

PARK 51 MOSQUE

Imam Junaid delivering Juma Khutba at Park 51 Mosque

I  spent half a day with Sharif El-Gamal in understanding the situation of Park 51 Mosque, he shared the breaking news and spoke at Juma Prayers; he wants to Deed over the property to a Muslim Trust. Now, it is upto the Muslim community to build the landmark center representing Mulims in America. My friend Adil Khan joined us for the Juma congregational prayers at Park 51 Mosque. Insha Allah, the Muslim community center will be built there.

MLK STATUE INAUGURATION

MLK Statue unveiled in Washington DC



10/15:- Awesome speech by President Obama at the unveiling of MLK statue across Jefferson Memorial. I was desperately looking for Muslim presence to capture for the film, we have to be participants in everthing Americans.

OCCUPY WALL STREET

10/20:- I wrote a piece on Occupy movement In Dallas Morning News, however I missed going there and was happy to hear a conversation about Muslim participation and Friday prayers. The man was talking with Sharif El Gamal and as I was introduced the stranger recognized my name with Pluralism, it was a big surprise.

Mike Ghouse
Committed to building a cohesive Americawww.MikeGhouse.net

Muslims in America, a documentary

It is about our participation and our effort towards a safe, secure and a prosperous America. We are committed to build a cohesive America where each one of the 312 Million of us feels safe and free from apprehension of the other.

Indeed, we are not connected enough with the 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 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.

 Professor Sherman Jackson observes, “Thus far, however, Muslims remain outside the American story, which is why, despite their positive contributions to society; they seldom enlist empathy when they are jailed, deported or discriminated against.” And he offers the solution, “Hopefully, however, it will not be long before Muslims come to understand this. Once they do, while guilt by association may continue, Muslims will be able to fight back. For in this they will be joined by others.”

 Article at: http://wisdomofreligion.blogsp?ot.com/2009/04/are-muslims-par?t-of-american-story.html

 Prophet Muhammad believed in peaceful co-existence and consistently mitigated conflicts and nurtured goodwill amongst various groups. He wanted to bring about a change and create a cohesive society where no one was to be apprehensive of the other.

 I will be in Washington DC on October 17,18 and 19 and then in New York on 20th and 21st and Louisville on 22nd through 25th. Good solid ideas, movie clips and funding is invited, Insha Allah, we hope to get this released before March Next year at the Sharia conference in several cities involving political candidates and influential clergy of the town and media. It’s time to do thing and not dream about it. Serious inquiries only.

Mike Ghousewww.MikeGhouse.net | MikeGhouse@aol.com | Text and Cell: (214) 325-1916

 Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

Palestine Statehood must be approved

Since President Truman, none of the American presidents have had the balls to take a stand and do the right thing; facilitate a lasting solution for the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The talk of two states remains a hoax without recognition of Palestine as a nation. It is a necessity for the security of Israel to recognize Palestine; it will tie the loose ends.

Two videos:..

MR. PRESIDENT, YOU MUST VOTE FOR PALESTINE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNYmI6MlhZw

YES TO PALESTINE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WA2NlDU-LM

Sixty three years have been squandered with no signs of genuine security for the Jews; they have been living with an unsettling fear and have been on-the-run for their whole history. Not a week goes by where Anti-Semitism is not countered in Europe, it is there in Latin America and it is there in Asia. The Jews have not been able to breathe freely. There is a genuine phobia that someday a segment of radical Christians will uproot them as Germany did in the recent past and Spain some five hundred years ago, those were the only nations where the Jews felt home twice in their history but were betrayed both the times.

Shamelessly, anti-Semitism continues to operate under the radar in the United States. Not a month passes here in the United States without the markings of Anti-Semitism. Some one’s house is painted with Swastika, someone yells at them “you people” or opens the fire in the Holocaust Museum or demonstrates hateful placards like “Christ Killers”, there are still a few Christians out there who cannot shake this off from their chests.

Shame on our civilization that one group of people has to live in apprehensions of the other. It is just not the Jews but many a minorities in the world live in fears of the other. Shouldn’t we feel bad about it? Are we evil that someone has to be afraid of us? It has got to change.

Recognition of Palestine will put an end to the phobias and fears. The Jewish anxieties will subside when they realize for the second time in their history (first one was creation of Israel) that they are able to live a life of justice, which is a central tenet of Judaism that they had abandoned for security. It will free their psyche. It will have a domino effect, one by one, the Arab nations will recognize Israel’s right to exist over a few years. It simply means acceptance of Israel and a welcome call to the neighborhood.

The real enemies of Israel are those who are milking monies in the name of Israel. It is business to them, they are the Madoffs whose sincerity to Israel is doubtful but loyalty to cashing in the name of Israel is certain. They are manipulators and constantly coerce our congress and senate and get their way. Heck, they have made it worse for Israel by aggravating the conflicts.

The Judeo-Christian phrase was thrown around 40's to make up for the guilt. A whole industry of opportunists was born from that. The two faced support for Jews by Billy Graham, Richard Nixon, Pat Robertson, John Hagee, Glenn Beck and other chest thumpers had ulterior motives. They wanted to cash in on the name of Israel and perhaps convert them or pre-empt God for the Armageddon.

Jews need sincerity and not duplicity to feel secure. A genuine security is like a child in mother’s lap; safe and free from fears. Jews need to feel there is a home for them, where they can chat with friends in a café and carry on conversations without any fear, have zero fears for their school going children or ride the bus without fear. More than that, Jews can live their life again as they wanted to; to be a just people.

All of that is possible once the Palestinians feel justice is finally served to them. Shame on our cvilization, we have not cared for the lives of Palestinians, they are deprived of the very basics of life; a home and a nationality. We have stripped them from their hopes, it will change with this recognition.

President Obama has an opportunity to finalizing the transaction for Israel which was opened by President Truman. Prior to President Truman’s decision to recognize Israel, he was vehemently opposed by many in his administration including the Secretary of State George Marshall, Truman was threatened that his administration will be wrecked, indeed “the wise men” firmly opposed recognition of Israel. Did Truman budge?

President Obama will be equally hounded by Fox News and the right wingers. He has a choice to stand up and act with courage and become a one term president with balls and leave a lasting legacy of bringing genuine security to Israel and hope for the Palestinians.

If President Obama vetoes for Palestinian Statehood, he will do more damage to America’s stature in the community of nations besides keeping Israel in the state of anxiety until another Truman is born.

Let’s recognize Palestine and continue the peace process. It will abate the strife between Jews and Muslims and restore the cordiality that existed prior to the World War I. It is good for Israel, good for Palestine, good for America and good for the Middle East and the World.

Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive Societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

Jews Together, Muslims Together on Palestine Statehood

Since President Truman, none of the American presidents have had the balls to take a stand and do the right thing; facilitate a lasting solution for the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The talk of two states remains a hoax without recognition of Palestine as a nation. It is a necessity for the security of Israel to recognize Palestine; it will tie the loose ends.

Two videos:..

MR. PRESIDENT, YOU MUST VOTE FOR PALESTINE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hb0Y-4lRkM

YES TO PALESTINE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WA2NlDU-LM

Sixty three years have been squandered with no signs of genuine security for the Jews; they have been living with an unsettling fear and have been on-the-run for their whole history. Not a week goes by where Anti-Semitism is not countered in Europe, it is there in Latin America and it is there in Asia.
The Jews have not been able to breathe freely. There is a genuine phobia that someday a segment of radical Christians will uproot them as Germany did in the recent past and Spain some five hundred years ago, those were the only nations where the Jews felt home twice in their history but were betrayed both the times.


Shamelessly, anti-Semitism continues to operate under the radar in the United States. Not a month passes here in the United States without the markings of Anti-Semitism. Some one’s house is painted with Swastika, someone yells at them “you people” or opens the fire in the Holocaust Museum or demonstrates hateful placards like “Christ Killers”, there are still a few Christians out there who cannot shake this off from their chests.

Shame on our civilization that one group of people has to live in apprehensions of the other. It is just not the Jews but many a minorities in the world live in fears of the other. Shouldn’t we feel bad about it? Are we evil that someone has to be afraid of us? It has got to change.

Recognition of Palestine will put an end to the phobias and fears. The Jewish anxieties will subside when they realize for the second time in their history (first one was creation of Israel) that they are able to live a life of justice, which is a central tenet of Judaism that they had abandoned for security. It will free their psyche. It will have a domino effect, one by one, the Arab nations will recognize Israel’s right to exist over a few years. It simply means acceptance of Israel and a welcome call to the neighborhood.

The real enemies of Israel are those who are milking monies in the name of Israel. It is business to them, they are the Madoffs whose sincerity to Israel is doubtful but loyalty to cashing in the name of Israel is certain. They are manipulators and constantly coerce our congress and senate and get their way. Heck, they have made it worse for Israel by aggravating the conflicts.

The Judeo-Christian phrase was thrown around 40's to make up for the guilt. A whole industry of opportunists was born from that. The two faced support for Jews by Billy Graham, Richard Nixon, Pat Robertson, John Hagee, Glenn Beck and other chest thumpers had ulterior motives. They wanted to cash in on the name of Israel and perhaps convert them or pre-empt God for the Armageddon.

Jews need sincerity and not duplicity to feel secure. A genuine security is like a child in mother’s lap; safe and free from fears. Jews need to feel there is a home for them, where they can chat with friends in a café and carry on conversations without any fear, have zero fears for their school going children or ride the bus without fear. More than that, Jews can live their life again as they wanted to; to be a just people.

All of that is possible once the Palestinians feel justice is finally served to them. Shame on our cvilization, we have not cared for the lives of Palestinians, they are deprived of the very basics of life; a home and a nationality. We have stripped them from their hopes, it will change with this recognition.

President Obama has an opportunity to finalizing the transaction for Israel which was opened by President Truman. Prior to President Truman’s decision to recognize Israel, he was vehemently opposed by many in his administration including the Secretary of State George Marshall, Truman was threatened that his administration will be wrecked, indeed “the wise men” firmly opposed recognition of Israel. Did Truman budge?

President Obama will be equally hounded by Fox News and the right wingers. He has a choice to stand up and act with courage and become a one term president with balls and leave a lasting legacy of bringing genuine security to Israel and hope for the Palestinians.

If President Obama vetoes for Palestinian Statehood, he will do more damage to America’s stature in the community of nations besides keeping Israel in the state of anxiety until another Truman is born.

Let’s recognize Palestine and continue the peace process. It will abate the strife between Jews and Muslims and restore the cordiality that existed prior to the World War I. It is good for Israel, good for Palestine, good for America and good for the Middle East and the World.

Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive Societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com