Muslims Standing with Sikhs

Standing up with Sikhs in their vulnerable moment

Standing up with Sikhs in their vulnerable moment

Muslims in America are overwhelmed with the tragedy that befell on the Sikhs in Oak Creek, Michigan. Here are a few press releases from Muslims organizations as well as the civic organizations. It will be update with additional press releases:

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PRESS RELEASE
Mike Ghouse, President
America Together Foundation
 (214) 325-1916 / text or talk
Mike@AmericaTogetherFoundation.com
MikeGhouse@aol.com

Sunday, August 11, 11:00 AM

We pray for the innocent people who died in the senseless shooting at the Sikh Gurudwara in Oak creek, Michigan.

We also condemn the senselessness of the murderer's attitude towards fellow Americans, he was not alone, there are more like him and we need to find solutions.

As an American, Muslim and an Indian, I stand by the Sikh community and hope to find long term sustainable solutions to prevent the shameless events like this from happening in our nation.

It is our duty to keep law and order and faithfully guard the safety of every citizen. Hate is one of the many sources of disrupting the peace in a society and it is our duty to track down the source of such hate and work on mitigating it. We have an obligation to maintain peace and justice in the society.

Standing up for others is the right thing to do, every human goes through a period of invincibility to vulnerability, and if we don't stand up for those who are vulnerable, then who will stand up for us when we are vulnerable?

As Americans we need to come together to build an America where no one needs to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other.

I appeal to individuals and organizations to speak out against bigotry and terrorism and work on finding solutions, hating them will not solve it, pushing them to the corner will not cut it, engaging (there is no them, it is all of us) in a dialogue has a chance of mitigating bigotry and nurturing goodwill.

We need to learn about each other and demystify the myths about the others.

It starts out with knowing each other, knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of a different point of view. If we can learn to respect the otherness of others, and accept the God given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

Mike Ghouse represents America Together Foundation, The Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress, all committed to nurturing pluralistic values.

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Sat Sri Akaal,
I am the current President of the Council on American Islamic Relations Dallas/ Fort Worth Chapter and I wanted to extend our deepest and most sincere condolences from the entire North Texas Muslim community. I would like to come in person so please let know when I can come. Also, I saw that you are planning a candlelight vigil that we would like to be a part of in expressing our sorrow and support with our sikh brothers and sisters. Please let me know the details and I can pass it on to the muslim community.

In support and Sorrow,

Amina Rab
President, CAIR-DFW chapter
info@cair-dfw.org
arab@cair.com

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August 6th, 2012

I am deeply saddened and dismayed at the loss of so many innocent lives at the Oak Cree Gurudwara over the weekend, my deepest condolences to our Sikh American community. I join the rest of Americans in mourning this tragic incidence and I pray to God to give patience to victim’s families .

Akram Syed
Former President, India Association of North Texas (IANT),
American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI)
Co-founder, North American Society of Indian Muslims (NASIM Foundation )
Board Member, Islamic Association of Collin County (IACC)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Muslims Stand with Sikhs After Wisconsin Shootings

Islamic Speakers Bureau-DFW, joins American Muslims throughout the nation today to express grief for the tragic incident that took place this morning, August 5th 2012, in Wisconsin. According to reports at least seven people, including a gunman shot by a police officer, were killed Sunday in an attack on worshippers at a Sikh temple in the Milwaukee suburb of Oak Creek.

SEE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/05/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html

While details of the attack and the motivation of the attacker are still emerging, American Muslims stand with their Sikh brothers and sisters in this time of crisis and loss. We condemn this senseless act of violence, pray for those who were killed or injured and offer sincere condolences to their loved ones.

This tragic incident appears to be a bias-motivated attack on American Sikhs. Sikh men who wear beards and turbans as part of their faith are often targeted by bigots who mistake them for Muslims.

As a minority going through our own challenges, American Muslims can imagine what the Sikh community might be going through. ISB calls upon the local Muslims of Wisconsin, and the rest of the United States to stand in solidarity with the Sikh community, and reach out to assist them in whatever way they can.

ISB also urges mosques and houses of worship of all faiths nationwide to be vigilant and to implement procedures for the safety & security of all worshippers.

ISB-DFW
info@isb-dfw.org
(972) 652-0786

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ISNA Offers Condolences After Tragic Shooting at Sikh Temple in Wisconsin

(Washington, DC - August 6, 2012) The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is deeply saddened by news of a shooting yesterday at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who lost their lives and to those who are suffering from critical injuries. Reports indicate that the gunman took the lives of 6 people and injured three others before being shot himself. ISNA is grateful for the heroic police officers who risked their lives to put an end to the shooting, and prays for the swift recovery of the officer who was shot multiple times in the process.

ISNA Vice President Azhar Azeez said this morning, "On behalf of ISNA, I offer my deepest condolences for those who lost their lives yesterday in the tragic attack. We stand in solidarity with the Sikh community during this difficult time and pray that such a tragedy is never repeated again."

While the attacker's motives are still unknown, Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards referred to the incident as an act of domestic terrorism, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating.

Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, ISNA National Director for Interfaith and Community Alliances, personally conveyed ISNA's condolences to leaders from the Sikh community. For the past several years, ISNA has worked very closely with them to promote respect and understanding toward minority communities in our country.

Numerous Sikhs have faced discrimination and violence since the September 11, 2001 attacks. Swarnjit S. Arora of the local Sikh Religious Society told the Journal Sentinel that at least four acts of violence against Sikhs have occurred in the Milwaukee area alone.

In April, 90 members of Congress signed a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder and FBI Director Robert Mueller, asking them to record and track hate crimes directed at members of the Sikh community. In recent years, the Department of Justice has worked to monitor and reduce hate crimes against American Muslims, and ISNA fully supports any efforts to track hate crimes that specifically target members of the Sikh faith. ISNA is part of an ongoing dialogue with the Department of Justice and other federal agencies to reduce hate crimes against South Asians, Arabs, Muslims, and Sikhs.

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ISLAMIC SHURA COUNCIL
(ANAHEIM, August 5, 2012) - The Islamic Shura Council grieves with the Sikh community for the senseless killing of innocent worshippers at their Milwaukee temple. "We stand in solidarity with the Sikh community and pray for them at this time of pain and sadness. May peace and goodness prevail here and all over the world." said Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Chairman of the Islamic Shura Council.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the Islamic Shura Council also called on the local and the national Sikh leadership to record Muslims' solidarity and support for the Sikh community. In response, Dr. Gurpreet Singh Ahuja, a Los Angeles based Sikh community leader replied, "thank you for your kind wishes. We appreciate your prayers. As you might imagine, it is a challenging time for the Sikh community in the US." Also, Amardeep Singh of the New York based Sikh Coalition thanked Shura Council for its moral support.

As people of faith and conscience we urge all people in America to work together and put an end to hate and bigotry. Shura Council asks the community to stand together in solidarity with the Sikh community and take action today.

Call or send flowers as a tribute to the fallen at any of the local Gurdwaras. Click here for a list of SoCal Gurdwaras.

We strongly urge you to take a minute and send your support and solidarity email toinfo@shuracouncil.org. We will compile all emails and forward them to the Sikh leadership.
Click here to Stand Strong Against Hate.

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Dear Harbans,

It was indeed a very sad news about the massacre in the Sikh temple in Wisconsin. It is beyond the imagination the grief which was experienced by the relatives and friends of the victims in the community at large. We condemn this senseless act of violence and pray for those who were killed or injured and offer our sincere condolences. It is indeed very sad to see the most brutal and inhuman behavior in this most civilized part of the world.
We all should stand together in combating this discriminatory conduct and hateful crime.

If we can be of any help please keep in touch.

Sinerely,

M. Basheer Ahmed, M.D.
Chairman, MCC for Human Services
www.mcc-hs.org

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August 6, 2012

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)-Metropolitan Washington Chapter, a non-partisan, secular, civic, and community service organization for people of Indian origin, strongly condemns the shooting at the Sikh Gurudwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. We pray for the souls of the deceased and extend our deepest sympathy to the relatives of victims.

We urge the authorities to fully investigate this heinous crime and provide support to victims’ families.

We also request to law-enforcement authorities to take appropriate actions to prevent such hate crimes against all communities.

Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D.
President, Washington Metro GOPIO

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MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.

Pakistan's Prime Minster takes the right step

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

This is really a good start and good step forward, resting the legalities and politics aside.New Prime Minister of Pakistan says his Motto is "Love for All Hatred for None" !!- Isn't that what Muslims living in America, UK or elsewhere crave for? That they be treated like every American? Well I do believe it will happen, if we mean it and work for it. 

"Love for All Hatred for None" is a beautiful slogan mascot of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. I hope the Prime Minister means it. When Obama became the President, the whole world cried with joy - for the first time in human history a man from the minority was freely elected to be their president. Indeed, Prophet Muhammad said that in his last sermon... I hope Pakistan can move into this direction where no Pakistani - be it Sunni, Shia, Ahmadi, Bohra, Ismaili, Sikh, Hindu, Christian, Parsee and others need not live in fear. That would be an Islamic government, wouldn't it? If your head bobble from left to right with a no, look up the Madinah Charter.

Alhumdullilah our Motto 'Love for All Hatred for None' has reached some people's tongues, lets Pray that it reaches their Hearts.

http://www.arynews.tv/english/Newsdetail.asp?nid=60755

Monday June 25, 2012

Peace in Karachi is my priority, says Ashraf

Prime Minister, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has said the maintenance of peace in Karachi is one of the foremost priorities of his government. "We want to take along all to serve the people."

The prime minister was talking to media after meeting Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) chief and spiritual leader of Hurr community, Pir Pagara Sibghatullah Rashdi at Kingri House in Karachi.

He asked Pir Pagara to pray for him that he could achieves big goals in his short tenure, he said. Ashraf said, “I hope to do something that solves the problems of the people of Pakistan.”

Ashraf also thanked Pir Pagara for the “delicious food” he offered him at the meeting.

“PML-F, as our coalition partner, played a very positive and strong role in my election as the prime minister, for which I have come to thank Pir Pagara on behalf of my party’s co-chairman President Asif Ali Zardari.”

The prime minister said that Pir Pagara prayed for us and was very hospitable towards him and his party.

“Our motive is – love for all hatred for none,” said Ashraf. “With the help of our coalition partners and with the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and President Zardari, we would like to take Pakistan towards progression.”

He said that the two big challenges faced by his government were energy crisis and security situation, particularly in Karachi. “We are striving to bring peace to Karachi which is the economic hub of Pakistan.”

Responding to a question regarding the Opposition’s resistance in his election, he said, “I am here till the party and coalition partners have confidence in me and till God wills so. Nobody elects themselves as a PM. This is all God-willing. He can provide to anyone, anytime.”

IS THIS THE PAKISTAN YOU WANT?

A few Pakistanis have asked me to work on making a movie

about building a cohesive Pakistan. Insha Allah, if they

gather the funds, we will take that step... a small step.

Here is the Original in making, an American Version

No American has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.
There are solutions, here is a trailer of the movie in making:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMXsTo4VYh8&feature=youtu.be

Please let me know if you wish to you have more information.
Thank youMike Ghouse
America Together Foundation
www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com
Dallas, Texas  

Relgion, conversion, monopoly and God's will

Let's begin with greetings.

All religious greetings express the same wisdom; wishing you to be blessed, soaked and drenched in peace, so we can talk and act peace. Amen!

Peace, Shalom, Salaam, Satsriakaal, Namaste, Alaabho, Hamzor hama ashobed, and all other greetings are ways of acknowledging the stranger and seeking to build relationships. Its how all religions evolved in building the elusive kingdom of heaven, where no one has to live in fear of the other.

About Conversions

I honor your beliefs, and hope you honor my beliefs. It is dead wrong for you or I to believe that the other one is wrong, and that is sheer arrogance and goes against the key principle of religion, every religion; humility.

Every word I am writing below, will be in Bible and is in Quraan and sure will be there in all holy books. Eeach one of my statements below has origins in Quraan and my fellow Muslims can quote the verses. This is what most Muslims subscribe to, but may not have expressed in this fashion. 

Religion is not mathematics or physics to be clearly wrong or right, it is rather a belief, a leap of faith that has no rhyme or reason, and as such neither you, nor I can be wrong. All are right in our own beliefs, there is no need for any one to be wrong. The evil surfaces when we erroneously and arrogantly believe that the other one is wrong, and we compound the error by pushing our beliefs onto the others. People should be free to believe as long as they are not robbing you, hurting you or being unjust to you. There should not be any compulsion to convert, what is the need? 

Life is a celebration, and gratitude  is the capstone.

Birth is a celebration, growing up is, graduation is, getting a job is, marriage is.... praying in church, mosque, synagogue, temples and altars is celebration of creator's glory.


An atheist, pagan or native traditionalist appreciating the nature is celebration of the causer of the universe without giving a name, face  or ascribing divinity to it.

Father’s day, Mothers day, Anniversaries, Rakhi are all expressions of gratitude.

One should be grateful every moment and to everyone who has done whatever little to enhance other's and one's own life.

Life will remain incomplete without expressing gratitude... it is a powerful emotional release that gives you peace of mind, the other components are justice, repentance, forgiveness...

God does not want homogeneity

God does not want his creation to be exactly allike; he would have created if that was the case, he can do anything, after all he is the creator.

God created each one of us to be different intentionally, each one with his/her own thumb print, eye print, DNA... no two humans are alike...no two snowflakes are like... isn't that God's will?

God will not allow:

You may not like this, and most religious folks who are not "free" will not like this, but do think about it. Some of my Muslim friends may not see Islam in terms of freedom; it released slaves, women, egos and others from bondage...including my god v your god... and moving on to a common denominator God. 

God will not allow the entire world to be Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jew, Buddhist or the other.  It's tough to swallow, but if we get off the delusional world, we can see it. 

Jesus, Muhammad, Krishna, Moses or Buddha will reach out to a segment of the population, but never the whole population. What we believe is simply belief, facts are otherwise.

A few Christians, Muslims and others live in the dream world that one day every one would be a Christian or Muslim. Indeed that is likely, if being Christian, Hindu, Muslim or a Jew means a good human being that treats every human being with respect and dignity, but if it means political Christianity, Islam, Judaism or Hinduism, it will not happen.

Because it goes against God's will

I pray that God give us all the humility to respect each other and their opinions.

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer onpluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily. 

TEXAS FAITH: Is religious freedom under attack in America?

Indeed, every group feels that their religious liberty is under attack. Is there a time in history when a group did not feel threatened by co-religionists, other religions and the governments? Here is a short history and possible solutions.

This a weekly column at Dallas Morning News, here is Mike’s contribution on the topic.

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Indeed, every group feels that their religious liberty is under attack. Is there a time in history when a group did not feel threatened by co-religionists, other religions and the governments? Here is a short history and possible solutions.

Jews have always been under attack. They felt at home in Spain, which was destroyed by butcher Ferdinand. Then, they felt at home in Germany, but the Holocaust tore them apart and their belief in humanity was shattered. Every day, they have to be on guard. Someone or another is making anti-Semitic comments.

Fred Phelps was in Dallas in July 2010 demonstrating hate against Jews. The anti-circumcision bills in San Francisco and Santa Monica in 2011 were irritants. Last month in Houston, the Jewish academy could not participate in a basketball game. It was set on Saturday, most Jews refrain from activity that day. Indeed, it is restricting their freedom to practice their religion by exclusion and being insensitive to their faith.

Hindus are an open game to evangelists. A few years ago, a Baptist convention made a declaration to harvest the "Poor Hindu souls". This year, Russians made a serious attempt to ban Bhagvad Gita, the Hindu Holy Book. In November 2011, a Kentucky state senator attacked Hinduism as an idolatrous belief. California textbooks portrayed Hinduism in negative light, so the battle is still on. There is a debate among Indians: Had Bobby Jindal of Hindu parents and Nikki Haley of Sikh parents practiced their faiths, and not converted to Christianity, would they have become governors?

Sikhs had to fight with Arizona to keep the name of a Sikh 9/11 victim on a memorial wall. Wicca had to fight for the headstone in Arlington Memorial Cemetery for those who died serving America. Of course, there are enough stories about Native Americans, atheists and others.

Muslim Americans strongly feel the noose tightening on their freedom. Most restrictions are coming out of sheer ignorance and a false understanding of what their faith is about, as they practice in America rather than Saudi Arabia or Iran. The senators and representatives who have initiated anti-Sharia bills can't even tell what they are opposing.

The irony is neither the organizations nor the Muslims are seeking Sharia to be a part of the American law. All they are asking is to have options to square personal matters between family members through a jury, mediation, court hearing or the Sharia guidelines. Indeed, it is no different than the option of Jews using Halaqa in their personal conflicts or going to a psychologist for counseling.

Most Christian denominations have been under attack by fellow Christians. Missionaries were unforgivably cruel to natives around the world, including America. Most of the groups that infringe on the freedom of others have also been a victim.

The Catholic diocese has rightly filed the law suit protesting the Government's intrusion in the practice of their faith that the employers provide workers free contraceptives. This is the right thing to do - to stand up for the freedom of religion. As a Muslim I have stood up for freedom of every religious group, in this case with the Catholic Church. Indeed, it was good to see evangelical leader Richard Land make the same pledge along with me on Sean Hannity Radio.

In summary, the issues are about whether a majority - or the government - can arrogantly push vulnerable ones into obeying.

We need to build an America where no one is apprehensive or afraid of the other. Each one of us needs to feel home, a home where everyone can drop his or her guards and lives freely.

It is our duty to safeguard the liberties endowed by our creator to practice our beliefs. It behooves for us to stand up for each other, why should anyone stand up for you, if you are not willing to do the same for them?

To see all the contributors, please visit Dallas Morning news at:http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2012/05/texas-faith-is-religious-freed.html

. . . . .

MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.

Who owns the word “Allah” ?

The Malaysian Government need to learn that no one owns the word "Allah" nor does any one own "Allah". Same formula applies to the other names of God be it Yahweh, Ahura Mazda, Krishna, Allah, Ahura Mazda or any other name one can imagine to call on the creator.

As a Muslim I welcome every one to call God with his name in Arabic – "Allah" with equal devotion and honor. Quietly and peacefully this would be the response of over 99% of Muslims in the world. It is time for us not to run over by the few.

Full article at: http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2008/07/who-owns-word-allah.html