Israel Lobby & Democracy
The neocons, the lobby, the Islamists and the Hindutva brigade have figured out that the good for nothing majority can be pushed around endlessly. They are also equipped with the mechanism to crucify the persons who speak out. They know how to defame and disown all those who speak out. The true peace makers like Naom Chomsky in America and several in Israel are discounted and disowned by the Lobby propoganda.
Watch the movie, the life of the bees.
As people of the world, we have to seriously give a thought about peace. What brings about peace, and what is that we have to do to build lasting peace for the humankind, what does it take. The policy of the extremism has failed and we are still letting them carry on with more destruction. Bush will go down in the history in less than polite terms, "Bush, the killer of a Million Iraqis" as I remember the title "Eichman, killer of 6 Million Jews". It is time for the silent majority of Jews to speak up, just as Muslims, Christians or Hindus majorities need to speak up against the few who run over our lives. Shamelessly in our names, they are endangering the world peace. When will we wake up?
Here is a letter to Atlanta Journal-Constitution, that is worth the read:
“Smear campaign stifles U.S. debate”
From: Robert B. Colgin
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Sunday, September 16, 2007.Letters Page C5 -Responses to Richard Cohen's column, "Why Israel matters to America: A Question for the Heart," Sept. 12 issue.
“Smear campaign stifles U.S. debate”
The study of the Israeli lobby by professors Stephen M. Walt and John J. Mearsheimer destroys the doctrinal orthodoxy that American and Israeli interests are identical and inseparable.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the most powerful and feared lobby in U.S. politics, has perpetuated this odious myth. AIPAC controls the discussion of Middle Eastern affairs in many ways, notably brandishing the threat of being tarred as an anti-Semite. That is the most toxic charge in American politics. Fear of this smear is used as an intellectual blackjack to stifle discourse concerning the issue of Israel and its value to America. Nothing is more damaging to U.S. interests than to not have an honest and informed debate about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
ROBERT BOSTON COLGIN, Atlanta
Mr. Robert Boston Colgin
rcolgin@bellsouth.net
You can also refer to: http://www.mikeghouse.net/LawofKarma_and_theIsraelLobby.asp
Mike Ghouse
www.MikeGhouse.net
Congressman Under Fire for Mentioning AIPAC
U.S. House Democrat Said Pro-Israel Lobby Promoted War
By Amy Gardner
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, September 15, 2007; B05
Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D-Va.) has again come under fire from local Jewish organizations for remarking in a magazine interview that the "extraordinarily powerful" pro-Israel lobby played a strong role promoting the war in Iraq.
In an interview with Tikkun, a California-based Jewish magazine, Moran said the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is "the most powerful lobby and has pushed this war from the beginning. I don't think they represent the mainstream of American Jewish thinking at all, but because they are so well organized, and their members are extraordinarily powerful -- most of them are quite wealthy -- they have been able to exert power."
Moran's remarks were criticized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and the National Jewish Democratic Council. Ronald Halber, executive director of the first group, said Moran's remarks are anti-Semitic and draw on ugly stereotypes about Jewish wealth, power and influence.
"He uses several age-old canards that have been used throughout history that have brought violence upon Jews," Halber said this week. "He uses clearly anti-Semitic images such as Jewish control of the media and wealthy Jews using their wealth to control policy."
Ira N. Forman, executive director of the National Jewish Democratic Council, said in a published statement that there is nothing wrong with criticizing the pro-Israel lobby but that Moran's statements go beyond that to defamation by making a "phony" connection between AIPAC and the Iraq war.
"Rep. Moran's comments are not only incorrect and irresponsible," Forman said. "They are downright dangerous."
In an interview last night, Moran said he was dismayed at the reaction to his remarks, which he stands by. The pro-Israel lobby has not represented mainstream U.S. Jewish opinion in recent years, he said -- most notably with its Middle East policies, which he characterized as directly aligned with those of the Bush administration.
"The problem with addressing the groups who have argued strongly in favor of a long-term American military presence in the Middle East is that they raise arguments that are not related to the point," Moran said. "I would like to have a reasonable, objective discussion about AIPAC's foreign policy agenda. But it's difficult to do that because any time you question their motives, you are accused of being anti-Semitic."
Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of Tikkun also defended Moran's position in the article, which appear in the magazine's September-October issue http://www.tikkun.org/magazine/tik0709/frontpage/israellobby .
"It's the kind of statement I would have made to any religious community, or to any labor movement audience, citing their own failures to act as a critical factor in why we had gotten involved," Lerner wrote in the article.
Halber said he welcomes criticism of AIPAC's policies, but he said Moran is wrong that the advocacy group supports the war in Iraq. Most American Jews oppose U.S. involvement in Iraq, he said, and AIPAC has remained neutral.
According to the organization's Web site, AIPEC supports U.S. military aid to Israel but does not openly support U.S. intervention in the Middle East.
"I think Mr. Halber's being disingenuous in suggesting that the AIPAC board has not been strongly supportive of military involvement in Iraq and now in Iran," Moran said yesterday.
Although hailed for forging ties with the region's Muslim community, Moran has gotten into trouble with the local Jewish community before. In 2001, he angered groups by saying in an appearance before the American Muslim Council that then-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was coming to Washington "probably seeking a warrant from President Bush to kill at will with weapons we have paid for."
The next year, Moran returned $2,000 in political contributions from a Muslim activist with ties to the anti-Israeli groups Hamas and Hezbollah.
And in 2003, at an antiwar forum in Reston, Moran said: "If it were not for the strong support of the Jewish community for this war with Iraq, we would not be doing this. The leaders of the Jewish community are influential enough that they could change the direction of where this is going, and I think they should."
Said Halber this week: "There are only so many mistakes he can make before it's fair to call him an anti-Semite."
© 2007 The Washington Post Company
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/14/AR2007091402171_pf.html
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Does God have a religion?
DOES GOD HAVE A RELIGION?
Please note that, you can clearly substitute your beliefs and your scriptures with that of mine. I am basing this from my knowledge of Islam.
Qur'aan - Sura Ikhlas
112:1 SAY: "He is the One God:
112:2 God the Eternal, the Uncaused Cause of All Being.
112:3 He begets not, and neither is He begotten;
112:4 and there is nothing that could be compared with Him.
The Vedas and Bhagvad Gita have identical words, they will be added over this weekend.
Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and Bahai's are trained to know that GOD is not a physical being, he or she is genderless, it is not an object nor is it definable. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) experienced the presence of God during Meraaj and was described as Noor or the light. Is that the experience of being nothing and being everything as the Hindu Philosophy puts it. Nidi Nidi. Sarmad went nuts with the idea as well and Moses saw the light too.
God has consistently asked in Qur'aan not to define him in human terms, it is an abstract energy that gives life and that is the cause of all existence. It is just one single source. The Jews go even further and resist containing G_d in words.
Whereas, the Christian and Hindu theology trains one to believe that God created humans in his own image, and they have come to understand God in human terms, God is personal and God has appeared in human form for them and that is how they relate with the creator.
The Buddhist, Jain, Zoroastrian, Shinto and Tao are trained to be Karma centered rather than God centered. Everything has to have a balance, when one loses that balance through bad actions, a trade off for regaining that energy becomes necessary. Which the other religions explain in terms of repentence, forgiveness or doing lot of good to offset the bad karma.
All the belief systems are legitimate to the believers. The above are not crystal clear boundaries, there is a lot of overlapping in all the ideas above. I hope you can see the essence in all these beliefs; Accountability, Justice and Equilibrium.
Please note that, you can clearly substitute your beliefs and your scriptures with that of mine. I am basing this from my knowledge of Islam.
Qur'aan - Sura Ikhlas
112:1 SAY: "He is the One God:
112:2 God the Eternal, the Uncaused Cause of All Being.
112:3 He begets not, and neither is He begotten;
112:4 and there is nothing that could be compared with Him.
The Vedas and Bhagvad Gita have identical words, they will be added over this weekend.
Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and Bahai's are trained to know that GOD is not a physical being, he or she is genderless, it is not an object nor is it definable. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) experienced the presence of God during Meraaj and was described as Noor or the light. Is that the experience of being nothing and being everything as the Hindu Philosophy puts it. Nidi Nidi. Sarmad went nuts with the idea as well and Moses saw the light too.
God has consistently asked in Qur'aan not to define him in human terms, it is an abstract energy that gives life and that is the cause of all existence. It is just one single source. The Jews go even further and resist containing G_d in words.
Whereas, the Christian and Hindu theology trains one to believe that God created humans in his own image, and they have come to understand God in human terms, God is personal and God has appeared in human form for them and that is how they relate with the creator.
The Buddhist, Jain, Zoroastrian, Shinto and Tao are trained to be Karma centered rather than God centered. Everything has to have a balance, when one loses that balance through bad actions, a trade off for regaining that energy becomes necessary. Which the other religions explain in terms of repentence, forgiveness or doing lot of good to offset the bad karma.
All the belief systems are legitimate to the believers. The above are not crystal clear boundaries, there is a lot of overlapping in all the ideas above. I hope you can see the essence in all these beliefs; Accountability, Justice and Equilibrium.
Equilibrium is the key, every thing is created to have its own balance including humans with themselves and with others. When the balance is disturbed, Law of Karma becomes operative squaring out the negative and positive energies, and those items that are not squared out, has to be squared out, if not in this world, it will be in the mysterious next world either through the concept of re-birth or eternal life after death.
The idea of re-incarnation or continuation of life after death in different theologies has the same essence; when the rest of the issues are squared out in our life time, the unsolved justice will be accounted for in the continuum after this life. This gives hope to the mankind that Justice prevails and inturn brings about an equilibrium to the human psyche. Whether we watch a movie or bad things happen to us in our real life, we yearn for that elusive justice and it is there.
Does God have a religion?
Well, he created us, each one of us with our own fixtures. Qur'an, Al-Hujurat, 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."
God continuously acknowledges the existence of the human kind in all its glorious forms, indeed Qur'aan begins with the idea of the world(s) 1:2 "All praise is due to God alone, the Sustainer of all the worlds," and ends with,114:6 "from all [temptation to evil by] invisible forces as well as men.". Men meaning the human kind.
One may see the clarity and acknowledgement of different pathways laid out by the creator and he tests us 109:6 "Unto you, your moral law, and unto me, mine!" Contrast this with the verse from Al- Hujurat, Surah 49:13 above
Religion is a manual to understand oneself and one's relationship with the creator (creation).
I do not think God has or needs a religion, we have and we need it. I am open to learning through your comments. It is an open field, let's enhance each other with knowledge.
Mike Ghouse
http://www.mikeghouse.net/
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/
http://www.worldmuslimcongress.com/
Friday, September 14, 2007
Muslim Women Conference
MUSLIM WOMEN CONFERENCE
The role of Muslim women in particular is defined by a few, without consultation and ironically with no resistance from the ones who are affected. The role of women is usually defined by the bully men. The men (all men indeed, Muslim or otherwise) ought to consider being on the vigil - to resist and protest the attitude from within and from outside "what do they know?".
You may want to watch the language of some men " oh, we gave them equal rights". Baloney we gave, God created every one with equal rights and responsibilities in making the decisions for their lives, and some of the cruel men snatched some of those rights from their women because they were dependent. It is time to surrender their rights back to them.
If you remember the civil rights movement from the 60's and the subsequent laws that changed the very way we lived in America. Civil rights act is the direct cause for the immigrants to make it and live in America. The right to sit in any part of the bus, the right to eat in any restaurant, the right to advance one's career with merit....were all passed by the support of the majority of the Americans, the white folks in particular.
Now the Muslim men need to play that role, played by the white Americans in stopping any hint or inkling that women are next to them. Please remember, the gender discrimination is equally prevalent among all societies in one form or the other, but that is not the issue, the isssue is what are we doing about it. Score keeping does not do any good, good deeds make the difference and a good deed is respecting and honoring the God given right to each one of his creation.
If you have an opinion, and you believe it has merit in it. Please speak up and pass this on to those who can write and be a part of the folks who make a difference, speak up! I urge the organizers to include women from all ethnicities, races and faith groups, let's treat the world as one family.
Mike Ghouse
CALL FOR PAPERS
Marketing Muslim Women International Conference
April 10-11, 2008
Duke University and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Organizers:
miriam cooke, Banu Gškarõksel, Ellen McLarney
Journal for Middle East Women's Studies
This conference focuses on Muslim womanhood that has become a transnational signifier of Islam as a whole. We are all acutely aware of the specific signs, symbols, and definitions of Muslim women that have gained international currency through their circulation in the media. This conference aims to examine 1) the market forces that manufacture such images for consumption; and 2) women as producers and consumers. How do these images function as the handmaiden of politics to promote imperial conquest, economic domination, and capitalist expansion? What does it mean when religion, religious ideology, and religious products are marketed? Conversely, what does it mean when secularism and secular products are marketed? We seek to explore womenÕs engagement in the culture industry, through their own agency, through consumption of goods and services, and through knowledge production.
We invite papers in all disciplines that treat the topic, including, but not limited to:
Popular Culture: mass media, advertising
Fashion: the market for modest dress, Islamic headgear, Islam as fashionable
The role of Muslim women in particular is defined by a few, without consultation and ironically with no resistance from the ones who are affected. The role of women is usually defined by the bully men. The men (all men indeed, Muslim or otherwise) ought to consider being on the vigil - to resist and protest the attitude from within and from outside "what do they know?".
You may want to watch the language of some men " oh, we gave them equal rights". Baloney we gave, God created every one with equal rights and responsibilities in making the decisions for their lives, and some of the cruel men snatched some of those rights from their women because they were dependent. It is time to surrender their rights back to them.
If you remember the civil rights movement from the 60's and the subsequent laws that changed the very way we lived in America. Civil rights act is the direct cause for the immigrants to make it and live in America. The right to sit in any part of the bus, the right to eat in any restaurant, the right to advance one's career with merit....were all passed by the support of the majority of the Americans, the white folks in particular.
Now the Muslim men need to play that role, played by the white Americans in stopping any hint or inkling that women are next to them. Please remember, the gender discrimination is equally prevalent among all societies in one form or the other, but that is not the issue, the isssue is what are we doing about it. Score keeping does not do any good, good deeds make the difference and a good deed is respecting and honoring the God given right to each one of his creation.
If you have an opinion, and you believe it has merit in it. Please speak up and pass this on to those who can write and be a part of the folks who make a difference, speak up! I urge the organizers to include women from all ethnicities, races and faith groups, let's treat the world as one family.
Mike Ghouse
CALL FOR PAPERS
Marketing Muslim Women International Conference
April 10-11, 2008
Duke University and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Organizers:
miriam cooke, Banu Gškarõksel, Ellen McLarney
Journal for Middle East Women's Studies
This conference focuses on Muslim womanhood that has become a transnational signifier of Islam as a whole. We are all acutely aware of the specific signs, symbols, and definitions of Muslim women that have gained international currency through their circulation in the media. This conference aims to examine 1) the market forces that manufacture such images for consumption; and 2) women as producers and consumers. How do these images function as the handmaiden of politics to promote imperial conquest, economic domination, and capitalist expansion? What does it mean when religion, religious ideology, and religious products are marketed? Conversely, what does it mean when secularism and secular products are marketed? We seek to explore womenÕs engagement in the culture industry, through their own agency, through consumption of goods and services, and through knowledge production.
We invite papers in all disciplines that treat the topic, including, but not limited to:
Popular Culture: mass media, advertising
Fashion: the market for modest dress, Islamic headgear, Islam as fashionable
Market Spaces: bazaar, souq, malls, department stores, internet shopping, weddings
Labor: domestic, slave, wage, sexual
Sexuality and the Body: as commodity, to sell products, as Òcapital,Ó pleasure, desire
Prostitution and Pornography
Tourism and Migration
Abstracts not to exceed one page should be submitted to marketingmuslimwomen@yahoo.com
by Dec. 1, 2007
___________________________________________________________________
Mike M Ghouse
SPEAKER THINKER WRITER
www.WorldMuslimCongress.com
www.FoundationforPluralism.com www.MikeGhouse.net
2665 Villa Creek Dr, Suite 206. Dallas, TX 75234
O: 972-919-4466 F: 972-919-4467
September Festivals
FESTIVALS OF SEPTEMBER
Janmashtami, Paryushan, Enkutatash, Ramadan, Rosh Hashanah, Ganesh Chaturathi, Mabon/AutumnEquinox/Freyfaxi, Dussehra/Durga/ Gowri Puja, Yom Kippur, Sukkot
Janmashtami, Paryushan, Enkutatash, Ramadan, Rosh Hashanah, Ganesh Chaturathi, Mabon/AutumnEquinox/Freyfaxi, Dussehra/Durga/ Gowri Puja, Yom Kippur, Sukkot
This is essentially a month of reflection in general, and the three festivals stand out to expresses our innate desire to reflect, measure and fine tune our own spirituality, they are; Paryushan, Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan. Every festival indeed is a reflection.
I have some good articles on each one of the festivals, God willing, time permitting, I shall post these on the websites
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/ and http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and http://www.worldmuslimcongress.com/ by this weekend.
May you all be blessed and refresh yourselves in your mind and body and be a good human being to one and all.
Mike Ghouse.
_______________________________
Janmashtami - September 3
Celebration of the birthday of Krishna; features a day-long fast broken at midnight, the time of Krishna's birth.
_______________________________
Paryushan - September 2-9
A week of reflection on the past year and starting the new year with new goals
_______________________________
Enkutatash - September 11
Coptic, Ethiopian Christians
Ethiopian New Year; traditions include a family meal, singing, and visiting friends
_______________________________
Ramadan - September 13 - October 12
y month in which the Qur'an was revealed; a time of worship, Qur'an reading, charitable acts, and individual reflection and purification.
_______________________________
Rosh Hashanah - September 13 - 14
Jewish New Year, anniversary of the creation of the world; a 2-day observance (begins at sundown on the 13th).
_______________________________
Ganesh Chaturathi - September 15
Celebrates Ganesha, the elephant-headed god and destroyer of obstacles.
_______________________________
Pagan/ Wiccan/ HeathenSeptember 21
Mabon/Autumn Equinox/Freyfaxi
Pagan observance of the second harvest festival; a time to give thanks and look inward. To mark the Fall Harvest, Heathens celebrate a festival for the God Freyr and the Goddess Freya.
_______________________________
Dussehra/Durga Puja - September 15
Festival celebrating the victory of good over evil; honors the ten-armed goddess of fertility and the third embodiment of the Devi, Durga
_______________________________
Jewish
Yom Kippur - September 22
Day of Atonement; humans' fates for the coming year are sealed by God (begins at sundown the night before).
_______________________________
Sukkot - September 27 - October 3
Feast of Booths; harvest festival commemorating the divine protection of Israelites during their 40-year wandering in the desert (begins at sundown September 26).
_______________________________
Mike Ghouse
SPEAKER THINKER WRITER
(214) 325-1916
Foundation For Pluralism
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/
If we can learn to accept and respect the God given uniqueness of each
one of the 7 billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.
THE SEVEN COMANDMENTS OF PLURALISM
1) We shall not ridicule anyone that God has created.
It amounts to ridiculing their Creator.
2) We shall not attempt to undermine the divinity of other faiths.
It amounts to arrogance, a quality to get rid of, and become a righteous person.
3) We shall not commit another sin in attempting to enforce that one religion is better
than another by claiming that we have the best solutions, or hinting any superiority.
4) We shall not blame any religion or a group for the acts of the individuals
just because they belong to that faith or group.
5) Let’s learn to differentiate the wrong doers from the religion,
while appreciating the goodness of each religion.
6) We shall strive to rid ourselves of greed, anger, hate, haughtiness,
ill-will, pettiness, malice, and ignorance to achieve spirituality.
Our salvation, our peace of mind, our nirvana, our Moksha, our mukti, our freedom
and our joining the kingdom of God is directly dependent on living a prejudice free life
and a life as described in the 6th commandment. Every religion frees us from the negative
engagements. When we truly believe in the ultimate oneness of God and the ultimate
oneness of mankind, we have accepted God’s greatness and parity of human beings.
The world is a better place today because of the spirituality, without which there would be chaos.
All the religions are on the same side; that of goodness for mankind.
If you wish to join the discussion group:
Please send an email toFoundationforpluralism-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Ramadan Articles
Ramadan Articles
- Ramadan Mubarak - Mike Ghouse
- The Spirit of Ramadan - Mike Ghouse
- A Prayer for Ramadan - Dr. Mustafa Sherwani
- Ramadan Mubarak - Jacob Bender
- Ramadan 2007- Mohammad Irtaza
- YES" to Seeing the Crescent, Ghayth Kashif
- 'Yes ' to Seeing the Crescent - Article
- Ramadan an operating Manual - Alan Border
- Ramadan - White house release
As usual, we will be spending a whole lot of time on the subject " When is the first day of Ramadan?" May I ask each one of us to respect what the other does?
Let's not become villains and destroy each others joy of Ramadan by making declarations about the others. Let's hold the temptations to declare others wrong... let Allah decide that on the day of Judgment. It is all about our niyya, and our intentions!
Please ask your friends to stop it. Stop them from propagating ill-will about others. Let's apply
Congratulations to those who begin Ramadan on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. All are valid paths to the believer. May Allah bless us all with the spirit of Ramadan.
Jazak Allah Khair
Mike Ghouse
http://www.worldmuslimcongress.com/ - http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/
_____________________________________
Ramadan Mubarak
May God bless you and your family with joy, peace and prosperity.
The following is not the original writing, it is a compilation of sorts, particulary for friends who may not know anything about Ramadan.
Muslims celebrate the joyous festival of Eid Al-Fitr, at the end of month long fasting. They attend special congregational prayers in the morning and greet each other with "Eid Mubarak," or "Holiday Blessings." And also "Ramadan Mubarak" (Ramzan is the Subcontinentian version of the pronunciation). You can greet with any one of the above phrases.
The Qur'an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. The month is a special time of worship, Qur'an reading, charitable acts, and individual reflection and purification.
Eid Fitr *1 is a reward to humans for striving to temper the souls through restraint and offering of special prayers during the holy month of Ramadan in humble thankfulness and sincere gratitude for the countless mercies, blessings and favors of our Creator which we enjoy in our daily life. Committed devotees abstain from anything that any society considers ill - and come out of this month with a sense of humility, piety, pureness in thoughts, actions and speech.
*1 one of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakat means both 'purification' and 'growth'. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one's capital.
A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as 'voluntary charity' it has a wider meaning. The Prophet said 'even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.'
The Prophet said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. 'He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do well.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'
According to the Holy Qur'an, Allah says, "I have created only jinn and man that they may serve and worship me." (Qur'an, 51:56). Beyond feasting and festivities, Eid Fitr is also an ibadah (worship). Ibadah is the most vital duty of man towards his Maker and includes all actions which are performed in obedience to and for the pleasure of Allah. The concept of ibadah (worship) in Islam is all too comprehensive and encompasses the whole spectrum of human conduct covering both fulfilling obligations to Allah (Huquq-al-Ibad) and obligations towards fellow-beings (Huquq-al'Ibad). Fulfillment of both Huquq Allah and Huquq-al-'Ibad must be integrated to attain success as true adherents of Allah.
All good deeds are included in ibadah and consistent observance of ibadah creates taqwa (Godliness) which consists of complete submission to the will of God. The Prophets of God succeeded in making people observe their duty to God and to their fellow beings through the force of taqwa.
Mike Ghouse
_____________________________________
The spirit of Ramadan
Fasting in Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is
generally taught with ritual precision: abstaining from food, drink
and intimate relations from dawn to dusk. Ironically, Ramadan is best
known,whether by Muslims or others the world over for its exotic
culinary delicacies.
Ramadan, however, has nothing to do with feasting. The spirit and
intent of Ramadan lies in a human transformation, with hunger and
thirst being merely the first stage, the external dimension, in a
month-long inner journey of struggle and discovery.
For starters, fasting is not solely about hunger and thirst. The
prophet taught that God has no need for the hunger and thirst of
someone who hurts others, violates their dignity or usurps their
rights.The fasting of the stomach must be matched by the fasting of
the limbs.The eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet all have their
respective fasts to undergo. The tongue's temptations, for example -
lies, backbiting, slander, vulgarity and senseless argumentation -
must be challenged and curbed to maintain the integrity of the fast.
Consciousness of behaviour and vigilance over action are meant to lead
to the most profound dimension of fasting: the fasting of the heart in
focus on, and attachment to, the divine. It is then that Ramadan
really becomes a source of peace and solace.
Fasting is meant to impart a sense of what it means to be truly human.
We are more than the sum of our parts, more than mere material
creatures or a series of conditioned responses. Different traditions
have different names for it - soul, spirit, heart - but almost all
argue that we possess an essence beyond our physical body. It is
perhaps this recognition that accounts for the fact that fasting is a
common practice in other faith traditions.
True fasting is self-purification and, from this, a rich inner life
embellished with values such as justice, generosity, patience,
kindness forgiveness, mercy and empathy - values that are
indispensable, especially mercy and empathy, to communal life as we
know it.
The world has shrunk but so, it seems, has our empathy for one
another.
Perhaps we should ask why is it so difficult to connect with others?
One reason is that knowing about hunger is different from knowing
hunger. Empathy is not an intellectual equation; it is a human
experience. In our ivory towers, we are typically spectators to the
human drama around us. Our hardness of heart often springs from our
distance from the human condition of others. The poor, sick,
disenfranchised, oppressed - we have rarely walked a mile in their
shoes, or even just a few footsteps. "Rest assured," cautioned one
teacher, "if you do not taste what it feels like to be hungry, you
will not care for those who are."
That 1.2 billion Muslims are fasting concurrently speaks to the
universality of fasting in transcending the barriers of geography,
colour and race. For fasting to be truly universal, however, its
benefits must extend beyond the fraternal ties of Muslims and must
extend to forging a common humanity with others. Each one of us must
look within.
As an abrupt break in our annual routine, Ramadan will come and go
with such stealth that we cannot but be reminded of our mortality.
What is it that we value and why? The food and drink, previously
indulged in with a sense of necessity, even urgency, were reduced
with no dire consequence.Habits, customs, obsessive behaviours like
smoking, too, were curtailed with relative ease in the face of a
higher calling. What does it mean to be a global citizen living in
Canada, a land of tremendous privilege? How much of me is really an
algorithm of consumption?
Though the annual ritual of fasting takes 30 days, its true
destination is endless. May we always hunger to discover our heart.
Mike Ghouse
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A Prayer for Ramadan
MAY the sacred moon of the coming holy month,
Appear with an unprecedented glory and grace;
To become the harbinger of a new watershed,
Which transforms mankind's values and face.
MAY the force of penitence,hunger and thirst,
Conquer the vices of revenge,rancour and greed;
To pave the way for love,affection and solicitude,
Which make this humanity an angelic creed.
MAY the showers of Divine Blessings in abundance,
Give solace to the world, and make it meek and mild
To cover the angry globe with heavenly ambience,
Which enfolds within itself each man,woman and child
------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------
Dr. Mustafa Kamal Sherwani,LL. D.
Former President, All India Muslim Forum
3,Sherwani Nagar, Sitapur Road, Lucknow
U.P. INDIA
Email:sherwanimk@ yahoo. com
Mobile:+ 91-9919777909
_____________________________________
Dear Friends,
As many of you know, following the attacks of September 11, 2001, I embarked upon an ambitious film project originally called “Reason and Revelation.” My goals were to increase the knowledge of the great contributions of Islamic civilization to the West; confront the so-called “clash of civilizations” theory and the spread of Islamophobia in the American media; and highlight the long centuries of Jewish-Muslim coexistence throughout the Umma.
I am happy to report that, six years after beginning, my production team and I can finally see the end of our journey. The documentary will now focus on two wise men of Al-Andalus, Ibn Rushd (Averroes) the Muslim, and Ibn Maymun (Maimonides) the Jew. Now titled "Out of Cordoba" (the birthplace of both philosophers), the film is scheduled to be finished in Spring of 2008. Hundreds of people around the world --- Muslims, Jews, and Christians --- offered me their assistance, encouragement, and support. The film has received major grants from HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and the Kingdom Foundation of Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Ministry of Spain, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, in addition to dozens of other contributions from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian organizations and individuals. The film would never have gotten off the ground but for their, and your, generous help.
The attached PDF file is a Project Update which describes the inspiring interfaith events that I have participated in, and details the scenes of the documentary which have already been filmed.
Finally, we are still in need of some additional funds to complete the final shooting, editing, and music score for "Out of Cordoba." Any additional donations to the film would be most appreciated. (A donation form is found on Page 7 of the attachment.)
Warm Regards and Ramadan Mubarak,
Jacob Bender
Director, Out of Cordoba: Averroes and Maimonides in Their Time and Ours
Co-Founder, "Abraham's Bridge: A Jewish-Muslim Dialogue" (www.abrahamsbridge.org)
224 West 29th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
Tel: 212 564 9605, Fax: 866 312 0670
Email: reasonrevelation@aol.com
_____________________________________
Mohammad Irtaza
Ramadan 2007, USA / September 12– October 11
http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/ramadan/index.html
Ramadan 2007
September 12– October 11
God willing Ramadan begins on September 12, 2007 and ends on October 11, 2007 for North America (and all parts of the Western hemisphere). The Night of Destiny (Night of Power) will be on October 7, 2007 God willing.
The new moon times to be used for determining the beginning and ending of Ramadan are given below for UT (Universal time) – also called GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
12:44 p.m. on September 11, 2007
5:01 a.m. on October 11, 2007
The information reported is based on data from the U.S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications Department.
The actual time for each time zone is relative to UT.
To calculate the Ramadan start date, compare the time of the New Moon with the Sunset in your location. If the new moon is born before sunset, you should fast the next day God willing. *
Similarly to determine the last day of fasting, compare the time of the next New Moon with the sunset in your location. If the new moon is born before sunset, the month of Ramadan is complete on that day.
Phases of the moon data (including the new moon) for 2006 and up are available at the US Naval Observatory. All times are in UT. To convert to your time zone you can use the Time Zone Converter.
* For the year 2007 or other years and for your specific location you can visit theUSNO Sun/Moon daily data page. Calculate the information for the date you are interested. Compare the time of sunset with the time for the new moon (in local time).
_____________________________________
Ghayth kashif" - "YES" to Seeing the Crescent, "NO" to Calculations
As-Salaam-Alaikum
Dear Bro. Erooth:
Will using only the visible "sighting" help the Muslims in Alaska to be accurately in accord?
I understand that no such ability to calculate was available during the time of the Prophet (saaw) therefore "sighting" provided the determination for the beginning of the Month. You might get a sense of how Allah"s Wisdom of handling issues of which we may differ by observing following Ayah's relative to resolutions of given problems. .
(We must move from the "surface" to the "deeper meanings" that Allah provides for us through His Ayats:
You may not see the relevance (and relationship to this issue in the following Ayat of Allah, but it is clearly there). Muslims (as you know, differ, sometimes bitterly--- as they do about prayer directions, et al)
Allah says: "To God belong the east and the West: Whithersoever ye turn, there is the presence of God. For God is all-Pervading, all-Knowing. (2:115)
This response provides a resolution of the debates about "sightings" as well. During the time of Rasulllah (saaw), there was purportedly arguments among Muslims in Mecca about the time of the earlier sightings in Syria, and the Prophet reportedly calmed the disagreement by saying the Syrian people's sighting (though slightly earlier) was sufficient for their beginning of Ramadan. (Allah knows best re the Ahadith).
Also Allah resolves discussions (of some Muslims) about the relevance and/or importance of Allah's Attributes vis-a-vis His Names. Even disputes have arisen relative to the Importance, one Attribute over the the other. Allah is All Wise and Knows All. He says: "Call upon God, or call upon Rahman: by whatever name ye call upon Him, (it is well): for to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Neither speak thy Prayer aloud, nor speak it in a low tone, but seek a middle course between (17:110)
(The latter sentence in the above Ayah speaks of balance, moderation in "tone" and actions as a means of contemplating his Attributes. Such approach helps us to avoid the "extremes" in our conflicting claims.)
Allah warns of those before us:
"Mankind was one single nation, and God sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. God by His Grace Guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For God guided whom He will to a path that is straight of your differences, ("2.213.)
May Allah keep you well.
Bro Kashif
_____________________________________
'Yes ' to Seeing the Crescent, 'No' to Calculations
http://www.islam-qa.com/topics/seeingcrescent/We%20should%20rely%20on%20sighting%20of%20the%20moon,
Contents - Question & Answers:
[1] We should rely on sighting of the moon, not on calculations
Praise be to Allah. (excerpt----full text previously sent to recipents---gnk)
Islam is easy and its rules apply to everyone, mankind and jinn alike, regardless of whether they are scholars or illiterate, settled or nomadic. So Allah made it easy for them to know the times for the acts of worship, and made their beginning and end signs which everyone can know. He made the setting of the sun the sign for the beginning of Maghrib and the end of 'Asr, and He made the disappearance of the red glow in the sky the sign of the beginning of the time of 'Isha'. He made the sighting of the moon after its disappearance at the end of the month the sign of the beginning of the new lunar month and the end of the previous month. He did not give us the task of knowing the beginning of the lunar month from something which is known to only a small number of people, namely astronomy and its calculations. Thus the texts of the Quran and Sunnah make the actual sighting of the new moon the signal for the Muslims to start fasting Ramadan; they stop fasting when they see the new moon of Shawwaal; the dates of Eid al-Adhaa and Yawm 'Arafaat are similarly determined. Allah says (interpretation of the meanings): "… So whoever among you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan),he must observe sawm (fast) that month…" [al-Baqarah 2:185] .........................
While it may not appear of due significance, it is yet important to note that Allah did not say what is in the preferences, but such words are inserted by the given translator and may not appear in other varied translations)----(not stated for a point of debate, but for awareness as we read the Qu'ran)---gnk
_____________________________________
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/09/20070912-4.html
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE: RAMADAN, 2007. White House Press Release, 9/12/07
Ramadan, A Renewal Month
by Mahnaz Shabbir
As I think of this article about Ramadan, my first thoughts are not positive ones because it brings memories of discrimination that I faced as a child while growing up. It was Ramadan 1972 in Willingboro, New Jersey. I was in the sixth grade, something happened that altered how I thought of myself. My cousins had just emigrated from India. One of my cousins was in the same grade.
My cousin’s teacher wanted to know why he wasn’t eating. Not satisfied with the explanation of the Islamic fasting month, he came to my classroom and demanded, “Why isn’t your cousin eating?” I explained Ramadan as best as a 12year old could while also wishing my cousin didn’t go to my school. It was at that moment that a sentence was handed down to me. A sentence that said, I Am Different.
For years I struggled with “being different”. As I grew older, the meaning of Ramadan became clearer and now I look forward to this time of spiritual growth. Yet, not much has changed in regards to education of non-Muslims about this month.
Today, I know there is a need for tremendous education of our school systems, employers and neighbors. A couple of years ago, I developed a fact sheet that I presented to the School Superintendent and the principals of the school district that my children attend. You will find this fact sheet after this article. Copy the page and it out to non-Muslims. Please consider sharing this with your children’s teachers, principals and superintendents.
Also, please consider hosting an iftar at your work. Invite your boss and your fellow employees. Host an iftar for your neighbors. Host an iftar for your children’s friends.
Share with them the meaning of Ramadan, our holy month.
When I was growing up, I had to deal with “being different”. Now our children are dealing with our religion being portrayed in a negative way due to others using the name of our faith incorrectly. Let us welcome the month of Ramadan with the Prophet’s sermon on the next page. We need to give our children the tools to feel confident about who they are and that starts with us being leaders in various communities today.
About the Author: Mahnaz Shabbir lives in Stilwell, Kansas. She is a first generation American Muslim Woman. Her parents immigrated to the United States in the 1950s from India. She was born in Philadelphia and has lived in the Kansas City area for the last 28 years. She is the mother of 4 boys-second generation Americans. She is the President of Shabbir Advisors, an integrated strategic management company that focuses on strategic management and diversity training. She is past President of the Heartland Muslim Council.
Ramadan: A Fact Sheet For Teachers and Parents
Islam is one of the world's major religions, and is the final link in the Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition of monotheism (belief in One God). Islam has two major religious celebrations.
One of them, known as Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), takes place during the time of the Hajj, or annual pilgrimage to the city of Mecca (in modern-day Saudi Arabia).
The other celebration occurs after the completion of Ramadan, the Islamic month during which Muslims (believers in Islam) fast daily from dawn to sunset as part of an effort towards self-purification and betterment. This holiday is known as Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast).
The Lunar Calendar
Among the most important duties for a Muslim is fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan, which is the ninth of the twelve months in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Muslims use a lunar calendar for many of their religious observances. A new month in the lunar calendar is determined by the appearance of a new crescent moon.
As a result, dates of events in the Islamic lunar year "move forward" about 11 days every year.
The Importance of Ramadan
Ramadan is important for Muslims is because it is believed to be the month in which the first verses of the Holy Qur’an (the divine scripture) were revealed by Allah (God) to Prophet Muhammad (570-632 C.E.).
Muslims consider the Qur’an to be God's speech recorded in the Arabic language, and transmitted to humanity through Muhammad, who is considered the last of the prophets.
This tradition of God-chosen prophets or messengers is believed to include such figures as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset every day. This means not consuming food and drink, including water, during the daylight hours.
For married adults, it also includes refraining from marital relations during the hours of fasting (i.e. the daylight hours).
In the Arabic language, fasting is known as Sawm. Muslims arise early in the morning during Ramadan to have a pre-dawn breakfast meal, known as Suhoor. At the end of the day, the fast is completed by taking the Iftar meal, which usually includes dates, fresh fruits, appetizers, beverages and dinner.
Why Muslims Fast
For Muslims, fasting has a number of benefits:
1. It helps one to feel compassion for those who are less fortunate and underprivileged, since each day Muslims feel greater appreciation for what they have as a result of feeling hunger and thirst.
2. It allows one to build a sense of self-control and willpower, which can be beneficial throughout life in dealing with temptations and peer pressure. Through fasting, Muslims learn to control their natural urges such as hunger and thirst, and thus are able to better resist temptations for things which are not necessary, such as drugs or other unhealthy or harmful substances and behaviors.
3. It offers a time for Muslims to "purify" their bodies as well as their souls, by developing a greater sense of humility, spirituality and community. Ramadan is a very spiritual time for Muslims, and often they invite each other to one another's homes to break the fast and pray together. A greater sense of generosity and forgiveness is also characteristic of this time. As with other duties in Islam, fasting becomes obligatory (i.e. one becomes accountable) after the age of puberty.
Eid al-Fitr
After the end of Ramadan, a very festive and joyous holiday is celebrated by Muslims, known as Eid al-Fitr [eed ul fit-ur], the Festival of Breaking the Fast. On the day of the Eid, Muslims attend special congregational prayers in the morning, wearing their nicest clothes.
After the completion of prayers and a special sermon, Muslims rise to greet and hug one another, saying "Eid Mubarak," which means "Holiday Blessings."
Later on, Muslim families visit each other's homes, and have special meals together. Children are often rewarded with gifts, money, and sweets. Lights and other decorations mark the happy occasion.
_____________________________________
Speak up, Silent no more!
WORLD MUSLIM CONGRESS
Good for Muslims & good for the World
www.WorldMuslimCongress.com www.WorldMuslimCongress.com http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com
Discussion: WorldMuslimCongress@Yahoogroups.com
to join the group, please send an email to: WorldMuslimCongress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
.
Unityday USA - A 9/11 event
Unity Day USA 2007 - A 9/11 Event
Event On this day we honored our men and women in uniform, the police and the fire, and the ones who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 by expressing solidarity and Unity.
On this Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America; of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background, gather to pray for peace, unity and security of our nation.
5 Cities were represented by Mayors and council persons; 12 Religious prayers and songs were rendered by Religious leaders; 6 Men and women were appreciate for their contribution for building bridges and working for Unity. The keynote was delivered by Daisy Khan, the national speaker on Unity. Proclamations from the Cities of Plano, Richardson, Addison, Carrollton, Frisco and letters of appreciation from Congresspersons; Eddie Bernice Johnson, Pete Sessions, Sam Johnson and Kenny Marchant.
A full report with pictures and words is in the making. The following are in PDF format:
Program Brochure - http://mikeghouse.net/Articles/UnityDay%202007_Brochure.pdf
Jeff Weiss - http://mikeghouse.net/Articles/Unityday_JeffWeiss.pdf
Bill & Norma Matthews - http://mikeghouse.net/Articles/Unityday_Bill_NormaMatthews.pdf
Julie Ann Turner - http://mikeghouse.net/Articles/Unityday_JulieAnnTurner.pdf
Maryann Thompson-Frenk - http://mikeghouse.net/Articles/Unityday_MaryAnnThompson-Frenk.pdf
Len Ellis - http://mikeghouse.net/Articles/Unityday_LenEllis.pdf
Bob Ray Sanders - http://mikeghouse.net/Articles/Unityday_BobRaySanders.pdf
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Unity Day USA a 9/11 Event
YOU ARE INVITEDWe are pleased to invite your kind presence at the 3rd Annual Unity Day USA event. On this Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America; of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background, gather to pray for peace, unity and security of our nation.
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 14315 Midway Road, Addison
When: Sunday, September 9th between 4:15 PM to 7:00 PM
RSVP: Unityday911@gmail.com
Our theme this year is One Nation under creation. Our religious prayer leaders will seek guidance and wisdom from their respective faiths. Our Civil servants and community leaders will echo the same sentiment and suggest ways in which we as individuals can work toward cohesive and thriving local communities.
The Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress have taken the initiative to remember one of the greatest tragedies in the history of our nation by bringing about a positive response to the 9/11 event. We honor thousands of fellow Americans who sacrificed their lives by committing to make this day, in their honor, the Sunday before 9/11, a day of Unity of Americans to pledge to the peace, prosperity, unity and security of our nation
As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."
Mike Ghouse
Chairperson, Unity Day USA, (214) 325-1916
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/ / http://www.worldmuslimcongress.com/ http://www.mikeghouse.net/
Power Point: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDayUSA_PluralismWebsite.pps
90 Organizations, http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_PastOrganizations.asp
Religious leaders - http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_SpiritualLeaders.asp
Civic Leaders - http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_HonoredGuests.asp
Comments: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_Comments.asp
Different Religious Greetings - http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Index_Greetings.asp
Understanding religion, all religions monthly workshops : http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Calendar.asp
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