Dallas Muslim Priorities?

What is important to us?

It is different for each one of us, at each different period. Prior to 9/11, we did not have to fight for erosion of our rights, now we don’t have to worry about them with Obama in place.

However, we have to repair a lot of damage done in the last eight years including but not limited to;

i) correcting how Muslims are perceived from the acts of extremists and propaganda of Neocons (Neocons are extremists in every faith; Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam...... etc)

ii) how we may have to cope should extremists from Republicans make a come back, the extremist among the republicans don't believe in peace, they believe in annihilation of any one who differs with them.

iii) how to regain what we had before 9/11. Terrorism is a new phenomenon in the last 40 years slapped on to Muslims as a whole insted of the extremists who did it.

I hope these would be our priorities – to re-establish respect, become known as participating and contributing members of the nation.

We have to retire and our grand kids have to live here, it will be a great thing if we can see the goodness of money working while we are still alive. But we should consider making a difference before nature gets us out.

Here are three events that can satisfy your desire to do good, it is laid out for you, just attend and support it.

Creating a department for Muslim Studies at UNT

Every Muslim ought to be proud of this significant development of Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Institute. Here is an opportunity to correct information about Islam and Muslims to the world.

I hope you feel the responsibility to support this initiative. Parties continue, friendships continue and this must take off the ground as well and you must seriously consider attending this event. We should attend and support this event without being asked.
Details: http://dallasmuslimcenter.blogspot.com/2009/04/05-02-09-texas-muslim-womens-dinner.html

You are different, so what? What are Muslims doing about it?

The Healing Project. Sister Reem Alghonim and Mike Ghouse are participating in this program to create awareness of bias against Muslims, Jews, Hispanic and African Americans. A note from Reem;
Asalaamu alaikum, A moving tribute - as well as an extremely worthwhile project promoting mutual tolerance and respect -is being presented this Sunday and Monday. The Turtle Creek Choir will perform magnificent pieces from different religious and cultural traditions. Representatives of diverse groups will share personal stories of hardships and triumphs. They are performing an Islamic song entitled Zikr - incredibly, these 200+ men will be singing Hasbiya Llahu Laa Ilaaha Illa Llah on stage at the Meyerson Symphony! Details are below. They are honoring us, and it would be gratifying to see strong Muslim attendance to honor them and show all types of people that Islam respects them, no matter their faith or background. I have a small part in it and would also appreciate your support and presence.

Please spread the word. With gratitude,
Details: http://dallasmuslimcenter.blogspot.com/2009/04/05-03-09-healing-project.html
Every one wishes a different Pakistan ; some one is actually doing it.

Every one wishes a different Pakistan ;
some one is actually doing it.

When Neil Armstrong stepped on moon on July 21, 1969 he made that famous statement. “That’s one small step for a man; a giant step for the mankind” Likewise, Shehzad Roy, renowned Pakistani pop singer and philanthropist has taken the initiative to facilitate a change in Pakistan through education for every Pakistani child. “That’s one small step for a child; a giant leap for Pakistan "

Shehzad Roy’s Zindagi Trust has started an innovative program to eliminate child labor in Pakistan . The “I am paid to learn” program takes working children off the streets and pays them to go to school.

Details: http://dallasmuslimcenter.blogspot.com/2009/04/05-09-09-shehzad-roy-for-pakistan.html

The Pakistani Americans have a lot of good things going for them, whilst there in despair, as you wished correctly, if some one had created solid educational institutions in Pakistan twenty years ago, Pakistan would not be facing some of turmoil it is going through.

You do have an opportunity to be Thank God, that you will be the proud Pakistani to bring about a change a generation from now. Your job of wishing is made easy for you. Please attend the Program, buy your table or the ticket, be a sponsor.

The Good news: On Another note, the Pakistani Americans can take pride in establishing a Pakistan Chair at the University of Texas at Austin . “The preliminary fund goal of $536,000 needed to create the chair at the UTAustin has been achieved. We were able to generate the funds to meet the Foundation Challenge. Thanks To All - Jalil Khan”

Mike Ghouse is a Dallas based Writer, Blogger, Speaker, Thinker and a Moderator. He is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television networks offering pluralistic perspectives on issues of the day. His comments, news analysis and columns can be found on 3 Web sites and 15 Blogs listed at his personal website. The Ghouse Journal in e-format reaches over 24,000 friends and 30,000 in different groups.