A tribute to Jesus

A tribute to Jesus on this Christmas;

What does it mean to be religious?

Mike Ghouse

This column is dedicated to Rev. Petra Weldes of the Center for Spiritual Living in Dallas. Some of my conversation with her inspired me to write this tribute to Jesus and what it means to be religious.

Continued: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2009/12/tribute-to-jesus.html

~~~

Mike Ghouse to Speak at Parliament of Worlds Religions

DALLAS – (November 28, 2009) – Mike Ghouse, board member of The Memnosyne Foundation, has been invited to speak at the Council for a Parliament of the World Religions in Melbourne, Australia. Co-Founder and President of The Memnosyne Foundation, Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk, made the announcement recently.

Continued - http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2009/11/mike-ghouse-to-speak-at-parliament-of.html

Sabeeha Kazmi for Justice of Peace

Sabeeha Kazmi

Is Running for Justice of the Peace in Dallas County - Precinct-3
Place 1 for the Democratic Party

Sabeeha Kazmi has passion to visit the sick and help the deserving in their difficult times. Sabeeha Kazmi is serving the Dallas County Hospitals as a Chaplain since two decades.

Everyone has a right to just treatment, and a responsibility to ensure justice for others.

Justice is the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, we all hope to be just in our understanding of difficult situations. Everyone must get what they deserve.


Organization Name:Candidate for Justice of the Peace
Precinct-3 place-1 Dallas County
Democratic-Party
Address: P.O.Box 810092
City:Dallas
Zip:75381
Phone:972-754-8093
Website:Linkedin.com/in/SabeehaKazmi
Email:Sabeehak@gmail.com
Fax:972-243-3575

Iftaar invitation - Unity Day USA (9/11)

Iftaar Invitation
http://www.unitydayusa.com/

Insha Allah, Imam Zia Shaikh will lead the ASR prayers followed by sharing the time with our non-Muslim friends and breaking the fast and ending the program on the MAGHRIB prayers. Please join us for the Iftaar between 5:00 - 8:30 PM. Arrangement for Iftaar and prayers is made.

Imam Zia has graciously agreed to be the master of ceremonies for the event, indeed it will break all the barriers and re-affirm that Muslims are participating and contributing members of the society.


WHAT: On this 5th Annual Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our desire to co-exist in peace, and pray for the unity, safety and well being of our nation.

WHO: We have invited Mayors, Civil leaders, Fire and Police chiefs and Ministers and public from all faiths. Some of them may be joining us in the prayers. Please RSVP to: Confirmattendance@gmail.com

WHEN: Please mark your calendar for 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 6 at Unity Church of Dallas, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230

If you would like to be a volunteer, donor, sponsor or would like to list your organization to participate, please log on to http://www.unitydayusa.com/

“This is an annual event for Americans to come together and look to each other as American and nothing but American. We will rededicate our pledge to the safety and security of our nation”.


1. This day is indeed a main stream event sponsored by Muslims.
2. This day is perhaps the first and only main stream event initiated by Muslims.
3. This day is proclaimed as Unity Day USA to be held Sunday before 9/11 event.
4. This day is designed to consciously change 9/11** to a day of American Unity.
5. This day is an annual reminder of the importance of Unity among Americans.
6. This day removes the myth that Muslims chase are not a part of the society.
7. This day is intended to break the stereo typing every one of us is guilty of.
8. This day the “Unity Day USA” Insha Allah will be proclaimed as a national day.
9. This day becomes a Muslim Contribution to unity of America for centuries.


God Bless America;
One Nation under God with Liberty and Justice for all

Mike Ghouse
Chair, Unity Day USA
(214) 325-1916

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas - The Foundation for Pluralism and several faith based organizations have announced the 5th annual Unity Day USA, a 9/11 Memorial event to be held on Sunday, September 6, 2009 in Dallas, Texas.

On this Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our desire to co-exist in peace, and pray for the unity, safety and well being of our nation.

[ CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO GET LARGER PICTURE - DETAILS ABOUT PICTURE ARE APPENDED BELOW ]

Over the years, Americans of North Texas have demonstrated remarkable unity, coming together as denominations, as well as with other theists and atheists. Every faith (or no faith) and denomination is expected to be represented in the event.

Event : 5th Annual Unity Day USA
Date : 5:00 PM, Sunday, September 6, 2009
Place : Unity Church of Dallas,
Add : 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, Texas 75230
Map : Click here for map
Call : Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
email : UnitydayUSA@gmail.com
web : http://www.unitydayusa.com/
rsvp : confirmattendance@gmail.com

Our 2009 theme continues to be "One Nation under God". Our religious leaders will seek guidance and wisdom from their respective faiths and our Civil servants and community leaders will echo the same sentiment and suggest ways in which we as individuals can work toward creating and sustaining cohesive and thriving local communities.

Mike Ghouse, President of the organizations announced. “This is an annual event for all Americans to come together and look to each other as American and nothing but American. We will rededicate our pledge to the safety and security of our nation”.

The American Muslims have taken this initiative to remember one of the greatest tragedies in the history of our nation by bringing about a positive change to the 9/11 event. We are committed to make this day, the Sunday before 9/11, a day of Unity of Americans to pledge to the peace, unity and prosperity of our nation and the humanity.

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."

A. 90 Organizations participated
B. News Media
C. Religious Leaders Participated
D. Mayors & Civic Leaders
E. Public Comments
F. Power Point Presentation
G. 2005 Album
H. 2006 Album
I. 2008 Album



God Bless America

Mike Ghouse Chair,
Unity Day USA,

Information for the previous years
http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/2009/07/v-annual-unity-day-usa.html

09-04-09 : Domestic Violence Day

09-04-09 : Domestic Violence Day

In the Ramadan of 2008, Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation spearheaded an annual Domestic Violence Awareness campaign and declared the second Friday of the month of Ramadan as “Domestic Violence Awareness Day” to be observed throughout the Muslim Community of the North Texas Area.

The Imams and Community Leaders representing the diverse Islamic Institutions heeded this call and addressed the difficult issue of Domestic Violence within the Muslim Community. Khutbahs were given on domestic violence in the majority of Masajid in the Dallas Fort Worth area on that day. This First Annual Campaign held was very effective in raising the awareness in our community about this evil.

This effort was also recognized by the City of Plano and Mayor Pat Evans Saluted the Muslim Community in Plano for addressing this issue by presenting Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation with a Proclamation.

Texas Muslim Women's Foundation is again requesting that your institution observes the 2n Friday of Ramadan, Sept 4. 2009 as the 2nd annual Domestic Violence Awareness Day and that all Imams and prayer leaders of the Masajid and statewide university MSA's participate by giving a Khutbah on domestic violence during the Jummah prayers and by arranging a fundraiser on behalf of TMWF after the Jummah prayers and later, after Taraweeh prayers, the same evening.

The funds thus raised through your support, will bring the establishment and operation of the Domestic Violence Shelter one step closer.

TMWF is counting on your support in this effort, we cannot wait any longer or delay this any further, The latest incident of domestic violence in our community involving Aasiya Hasan has brought this truth to our very own door step .As a community we need to work in collaboration/partnership to make sure that incidents like this are not repeated and that all our women and families are safe in their homes, workplace and in their day to day lives.

I sincerely urge you to respond favorably to the request so that this immediate and critical need can be met.

Jazakum Allah Kul Khair

Mona Kafeel
VP Public Relations TMWF
www.tmwf.org
Phone: 972-208-1284

06.27.09 - Islamic Model of Healthy Families

.
06.27.09 - Islamic Model of Healthy Families
Date: Saturday June 27 (IACC) and
Sunday June 28 2009 at IANT
9:30am-5:00pm

What is Domestic Violence
(Understanding the dynamics of DV,forms of abuse, causes of abuse)
Addressing Mental Health Issues
Marriage & Divorce: Islamic Law and US Law
Realities of Life After Abuse(What does the woman face in the shelter)
Role of Community Members & Leaders in Ending DV

To Insure Promote and Enable Peaceful Muslim Families ;
IACC ; IANT and TMWF present:
a One Day FREE seminar on Domestic Violence

Speakers:
Imam Magid(Vice President of ISNA) and
Salma AbuGeideri Co Director of Peaceful Families Project

Date: Saturday June 27 (IACC) and Sunday June 28 2009 at IANT
9:30am-5:00pm

Place: IACC Multi Purpose Hall and IANT Multi Purpose Hall
Free Materials, Baby sitting ,

Preregistration is required.

For Information Contact hindjarrah@yahoo.com or "Salma Hussaini" hussainisalma@yahoo.com, or info@planomasjid.org


Hind Jarrah, PhD
2005-08 TMWF President
2009 TMWF Outreach Committee chair
Phone: 972-880-4192
Fax 972-548-9717
Cell 214-668-8350
outreach@tmwf.org
www.tmwf.org

#

06-15-09 : British MP Galloway Event

MP George Galloway Event in Dallas
Monday 6/15 at 6pm - Richardson, TX

George Galloway is an outspoken British politician, author, and broadcaster, who has been a Member of Parliament (MP) since 1987 and is known for his anti-war anti-Zionist views. He is originally from Scotland.

Please spread the word and invite others. You just can NOT afford to miss it.

~ Peace

Regards,
Waseem Nasrallah
214-906-8729 (M)

From: George Gallawy Event in Dallas [mailto:muslim1976@yahoo.com] Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 5:35 AMTo: waseem@dfwmuslims.orgSubject: George Gallawy Event in Dallas @ Zituna Hall in Rihardson on Monday June 15 - 6 pm

read the web version www.masdfw.org

George Galloway Speaks in Dallas
"VIVA PALESTINA GAZA CONVOY"
GEORGE GALLOWAY SPEAKS IN DALLAS "VIVA PALESTINA GAZA CONVOY"What: MAS Freedom National FundraiserDate & Time: Monday, June 15 at 6:00pm - 10pmWhere: Zaituna Banquet Hall
970 N Coit Rd,
Richardson, Texas 75080.
Phone: 972-952-0242
For More Information Please Contact Imam Mahdi Bray - imambray@yahoo.com

07-11-09 : The truth about 9/11

The truth about 9/11 on Saturday, July 11, 2009

Plano - Conference Center at Collin College, Spring Creek Campus
2800 E Spring Creek PkwyPlano, Texas 75074 Get Directions
Ticket Info: $10 donation includes ALL DAY PASS and Free DVD film Buy Tickets Website: http://www.711911.webs.com/

http://www.peacefulfamilies.org/publications.html

The Essence of Freedom
Mike Ghouse, Dallas

The essence of freedom is our ability to question; question everything including our belief and what our government dishes out for us to believe.

Many of us do not want to know the truth about 9/11 or simply write it off us a conspiracy theory, meanwhile the multiplier effect of our silence continues to wreak havoc on American families.

We need to take the responsibility to at least explore the truth. Our Media has failed us, they never had the balls to ask tough questions to the President and his gang, they were afraid to question lest they be called unpatriotic. Indeed, their irresponsibility has caused us so much grief and has ruined our financial institutions and finally has hurt the average American.

I am glad even the Neocon outfits like Fox has displayed this event on their calendar along with the other TV, Print and Radio outlets in Dallas. Continued at:

http://mediamuddles.blogspot.com/2009/06/truth-about-911-and-essence-of-freedom.html

#

06-14-09 : Muslim Community Annual Dinner

.
AA,

Dear friends,

May God bless you with more health, happiness and wealth, the more we take care of others, the more we feel good about ourselves, it is an expression of gratitude to the creator for blessing us with whatever we have.

It is time for us to do our share of good by assisting and supporting the Muslim Community Center for Human services.

Muslim Community Center for Human Services
Invites you to

The Annual Fundraising Dinner
On Sunday June 14 2009 at 6:00 PM
At Marriott Hotel- Grand Ballroom
8400 Freeport Parkway
Irving, TX. 75063

MCC touches many lives.
Please come and listen to our clients,
who were helped by MCC's Domestic Violence and Medical Programs

$25.00 Donation/ per person
Free baby sitting arrangements are available.

For information, go to www.mcc-hs.org.
Or Call MCC for Human Services
817-589-9165 or 817-501-5554
.

07-19-09 : Dallas/ Muslim Leadership conference

.
American Muslim leadership conference in Dallas
07-19-09 : Dallas/ Muslim Leadership conference

You are a leader/thinker/activist in our community and you can play a vital role in helping to shape this movement of change in our time. We cordially invite you to participate in MPJP's conference in Dallas, Texas on July 19th of 2009.

Our goal is to organize a leadership group to help create a powerful force for transformation -- political, social and economic -- in both the West and in the Muslim world. This transformation will come about through constructive engagement between these two polarized worlds. In order to do this we first need to seek unity in diversity, as our Muslim community is diverse. This endeavor requires vision and the positive attitude of tolerance and peaceful coexistence for the sake of the greater common interest and welfare.

America is a vital place to spearhead such a movement of change on the national and the international fronts. America -- being the most powerful and influential nation in the world, being governed by ‘self-rule’ and being the most open and pluralistic society -- offers a powerful environment and a powerful rule of law for dialogue, civil engagement and change. God willing if positive changes take place here in America then changes will follow suit in the international arena and in the Muslim world. Our goal is to help create a ‘win-win’ situation.

We invite you to be a part of that greater vision.

Muslims for Peace, Justice and Progress

If you have an interest and want to learn more about it,
please write to wmcarchives@gmail.com

.

Muslim leadership conference in Dallas

American Muslim leadership conference in Dallas

AA,

You are a leader/thinker/activist in our community and you can play a vital role in helping to shape this movement of change in our time. We cordially invite you to participate in MPJP's conference in Dallas, Texas on July 19th of 2009.

Our goal is to organize a leadership group to help create a powerful force for transformation -- political, social and economic -- in both the West and in the Muslim world. This transformation will come about through constructive engagement between these two polarized worlds. In order to do this we first need to seek unity in diversity, as our Muslim community is diverse. This endeavor requires vision and the positive attitude of tolerance and peaceful coexistence for the sake of the greater common interest and welfare.

America is a vital place to spearhead such a movement of change on the national and the international fronts. America -- being the most powerful and influential nation in the world, being governed by ‘self-rule’ and being the most open and pluralistic society -- offers a powerful environment and a powerful rule of law for dialogue, civil engagement and change. God willing if positive changes take place here in America then changes will follow suit in the international arena and in the Muslim world. Our goal is to help create a ‘win-win’ situation.

We invite you to be a part of that greater vision.

Muslims for Peace, Justice and Progress

If you have an interest and want to learn more about it, please write to wmcarchives@gmail.com

Who speaks for Islam?

Thursday, July 3, 2008
Who speaks for Islam?
Mike Ghouse

Any one can speak for Islam, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in his last sermon said that, among other things, he is leaving the book of guidance, the Qur’aan for Muslims to follow. It is up to the individual to learn, read and understand one's responsibilities towards oneself and what surrounds; life and enviroment. The intention to assign the responsibility to individuals was to prevent a few from making a business out of it; the clergy business.

God could not have been clearer than that. On the day of reckoning, or in your personal reflective moments of solititude, your bear the responsibility for your words and actions towards others; and not the clergy or even your parents or kids. It is you who will suffer or feel the serenity in you for your actions. Islam is about freedom and individual responsibility and finding the truth is your own responsibility.

There are several translations of Qur'aan ranging from enlightening ones to flawed one’s; One has to sift through them to understand the truth. I recommend the translations by Mohammad Asad, Yusuf Ali and Pickthal. Please remember translations are human and not God’s words. God's words are for our peace and tranquility and cannot be flawed, the flaws are in translations and understanding of it.

To be a Muslim is to be a peace maker, one who constantly seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence of humanity. God wants us to live in peace and harmony with his creation; Life and Matter.

The World Muslim Congress is driven by the Qur’aan, 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."

We are developing a list of speakers who believe “My faith is dear to me, as other's faith is dear to them." We have to build bridges, mitigate conflicts and work for a world of co-existence. Honoring other traditions does not deplete divinity of one's own faith. If you are a Muslim and wanted to be listed as a speaker, I have the responsibility to ask you to read Sura Kafirun presented at this link: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2008/07/sura-kafirun-un-believers.html

For National speakers bureau, we are working on developing the list and it will be listed at http://www.worldmuslimcongress.com/. For Dallas /Fort Worth area, please visit http://www.dallasmuslimcenter.com/

Our Mission

Our Mission is to work for a world of co-existence through inclusiveness and participation. As a member of diverse family of faiths, our efforts will be directed towards justice and equity to attain peace for the humankind with a firm grounding in commonly held values. We cannot have advantages at the cost of others. Such benefits are temporary and deleterious to lasting peace. We believe what is good for Muslims has got to be good for the world, and vice versa, to sustain it.

Indeed we aspire to promote goodwill amongst people of different affiliations, regardless of their faith, gender, race, nationality, culture or any other uniqueness blessed by the creator.
Here is a beautiful Chapter (Sura) from Qur’aan that addresses the believers in other systems in the most dignified way, putting every one on par and without putting others down.

God wants justice, fairness, balance and peace for his creation and communicates that through Qur’aan. Indeed, the Qur’aan begins addressing God, as God of the cosmos to include every one and concludes with the chapter addressing the humankind in general. There are lots of distortions and propaganda out there to fill one with hate towards the other and take out one's own peace of mind and peace of others. God is not about that and certainly Islam is not about that. It is your responsibilty to find the truth and if you do, you will find the peace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
109:1 SAY: "O you who deny the truth!
Topics discussed in this Verse: [Unbelievers]
Qul ya ayyuha alkafiroona
قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُونَ (109:1)
Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
Writer’s understanding: Addressing those individuals who denied the truth spoken by the Prophet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
109:2 "I do not worship that which you worship,
Topics discussed in this Verse: [Unbelievers]
La aAAbudu ma taAAbudoona
لَا أَعْبُدُ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ (109:2) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
109:3 and neither do you worship that which I worship! [1]
وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ (109:3) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
109:4 "And I will not worship ~hat which you have [ever] worshipped,
Topics discussed in this Verse: [Unbelievers]
Wala ana AAabidun ma AAabadtum
وَلَا أَنَا عَابِدٌ مَّا عَبَدتُّمْ (109:4) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
109:5 and neither will you [ever] worship that which I worship. [2]
Topics discussed in this Verse: [Unbelievers]
Wala antum AAabidoona ma aAAbudu
وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ (109:5) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
109:6 Unto you, your moral law, and unto me, mine !" [3]
Topics discussed in this Verse: [Islam] [Muhammad:faith of] [Unbelievers]
Lakum deenukum waliya deeni
لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ (109:6) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You are welcome to write your comments below
Thank you.
Posted by Mike Ghouse at 9:43 AM

05-09-09 : Mothers Day Celebrations

Event Name: Mothers Day Celebration
Event Address: Sockwell Center, 6301 Chapel Hill Blvd, Plano TX 75093
Theme: "Faces of Motherhood - Interfaith celebration of Motherhood
Day: Saturday May 9, 2009
Date: May 9, 2009
Place: Plano TX
Time: 6:00 pm
Dinner: Yes - Courtesy of Islamic Center of IILM
Speaker: Interfaith speakers including Hashmat Effendi - Tamgha-e-Imtiaz
Organization: Institute of Islamic Learning in Metroplex (IILM)
Contact Name: Asif Effendi
Phone: 972-489-7929
Email: asif.effendi@aeffendi.com
Admission Fee: Free event

05-03-09 : Healing Project

April 20, 2009
The Healing Project
You are different, so what?

Sunday, May 3, 8:00 PM
Meyerson Symphony Orchestra

Also on May 4th and May 6th by the Turtle Creek Chorale featuring members of the dallas wind symphony.
Muslim Participation:

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. Sister Reem Alghonim and Mike have a small part in it and would also appreciate your support and presence.

SUNDAY, MAY 3 AND WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 PRESENTED BY THE TURTLE CREEK CHORALE FEATURING MEMBERS OF THE DALLAS WIND SYMPHONY

http://www.turtlecreek.org/index.php?/tcc/newspost/the_healing_project/

ORDER TICKETS

SUNDAY, MAY 3 AND WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
PRESENTED BY THE TURTLE CREEK CHORALE
FEATURING MEMBERS OF THE DALLAS WIND SYMPHONY

On Sunday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 6 at 8:00 PM at the Meyerson Symphony Center, the Turtle Creek Chorale will present THE HEALING PROJECT; a musical exploration of personal and communal courage during challenging times. Using poetry drawn from personal accounts and powerful, evocative music, we aim to promote awareness of the many similarities among various distinct communities, thus bringing them closer to healing as one greater community.

We, who would heal the world, must first-ourselves be healed,
yielding to a greater love, the human heart reveals. . .
calling to our better angels
to restore our dignity!

The words above come from Our Better Angels, a new work composed specifically for THE HEALING PROJECT by Jewish composer, Andrea Clearfield with text by Reverend Robert Espindola of the Community Church of Christ.

Dr. Jonathan Palant, Turtle Creek Chorale Artistic Director, says, “This concert explores the parallels between various minority communities using both personal accounts and symbolic music. Are the equal rights desired by one community any different than those desired by another? Are both deserving of the same equal rights? These simple questions are the premise of this concert.”

Joining the Turtle Creek Chorale on stage to offer personal accounts of courage and growth are: City of Dallas Councilmember, Hon. Pauline Medrano; Holocaust survivor, Marion Avery; Mike Ghouse, President of the World Muslim Congress; Mrs. Reem Alghonimi, a Muslim Leader; Bud Knight and Chet Flake, two gay men celebrating 44 years as a couple; and Cedric Neal, an African American member of the Dallas Theater Center’s Resident Actor Company.

Our Better Angels, a musical work composed by Dr. Andrea Clearfield with texts by Rev. Robert Espindola, will receive its world premiere at these concerts. This 35-minute work, commissioned by the Turtle Creek Chorale specifically for this concert series, is scored for men’s chorus, brass ensemble, percussion, harp and organ. Members of the Dallas Wind Symphony will accompany the Turtle Creek Chorale in these performances.

Dr. Andrea Clearfield is a prolific composer. Recent commissions include works for the Philadelphia Orchestra, Orchestra 2001, Network for New Music, the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia and the Handel Society of Dartmouth College. Her choral cantata, Dream Variations, was recently premiered at Disney Hall with the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

Reverend Robert Espindola has been a professional librettist for eleven years. A professional educator and ordained minister, he graduated with honors from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. A teacher for twenty-two years, in 1992 Espindola was honored as one of California’s “Distinguished Educators.” A strong advocate for teenagers living with HIV/AIDS, Espindola was keynotes speaker at two national AIDS conferences, and in 1993, served as delegate at the International Conference on AIDS in Yokohama, Japan.

Tickets for THE HEALING PROJECT ($20-65) are available online at www.turtlecreek.org or by calling (877) SING-TCC.

About the Turtle Creek Chorale:

The Turtle Creek Chorale is an all-male chorus in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1980, the Chorale has over 200 members who volunteer more than 100,000 hours annually among rehearsals and service projects for those in the community. The Turtle Creek Chorale has released 37 compact discs and was the subject of an award-winning documentary in 2005 titled, The Power of Harmony.

To arrange interviews with the composer, librettist or conductor, please contact Robert Cole at (214) 526-3214 Ext. 102 or by email at rcole@turtlecreek.org.

05-09-09 : Shehzad Roy for Pakistan

That's one small step for a child, a giant leap for Pakistan

Spot #1

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.

Shehzad Roy presents “Ek Shaam Zindagi Trust ke Naam” at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 9th at Double Tree Hotel on LBJ at Midway. Oh yes, the pop Singer will perform as well. Tickets are available at the site www.Zindagitrust.org or you can call 214-529-5790 or 214-529-5790 or 214-325-1916 for sponsorship and VIP Tickets.

Online purchase - http://zindagitrustdallas.eventbrite.com/

Spot # 2

Shehzad Roy’s brainchild, 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. Since its inception, 34 schools are in operation with 5300 students supported. “Be my buddy” program was created to sponsor the educational expenses of an assigned Zindagi trust student. For those who want to serve on a larger altruistic level, they can Sponsor a School. Please visit the website www.Zindagitrust.org for details.

Shehzad Roy presents “Ek Shaam Zindagi Trust ke Naam” at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 9th at Double Tree Hotel on LBJ at Midway. Oh yes, the pop Singer will perform as well. Tickets are available at the site www.Zindagitrust.org or you can call 214-529-5790 or 214-529-5790 or 214-325-1916 for sponsorship and VIP Tickets.

Spot # 3

Shehzad Roy is breaking the cycle of child labor in Pakistan by opening urban schools in poor areas through the Zindagi Trust. Zindagi Trust is currently educating 2300 students and needs your support to continue making an impact in the lives of the underprivileged.

Hear more about his effort to eradicate illiteracy by attending the Fundraiser, Concert & Dinner on May 9th!

Shehzad Roy presents “Ek Shaam Zindagi Trust ke Naam” at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 9th at Double Tree Hotel on LBJ at Midway. Oh yes, the pop Singer will perform as well. Tickets are available at the site www.Zindagitrust.org or you can call 214-529-5790 or 214-529-5790 or 214-325-1916 for sponsorship and VIP Tickets.

Spot # 4


Hi, I am Shehzad Roy, Chairman of Zindagi Trust, and I am pleased to invite you to join me in learning about the innovative programs to remove illiteracy and child Labor from Pakistan. Our “I am paid to learn” takes working children off the streets and pays them to go to school. Since its inception, 34 schools are in operation with 5300 students supported. “Be my buddy” program was created to sponsor the educational expenses of an assigned Zindagi trust student. For those who want to serve on a larger altruistic level, they can Sponsor a School. Please visit the website www.Zindagitrust.org for details.

Shehzad Roy presents “Ek Shaam Zindagi Trust ke Naam” at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 9th at Double Tree Hotel on LBJ at Midway. Oh yes, the pop Singer will perform as well. Tickets are available at the site www.Zindagitrust.org or you can call 214-529-5790 or 214-529-5790 or 214-325-1916 for sponsorship and VIP Tickets.

Please purchase your ticket from FunAsia, our exclusive Media partner in promoting this event. You can also call 214-529-5790 or 214-325-1916 for sponsorship and VIP Tickets.

05-08-09 : Queen Noor in Dallas

05-08-09 : Queen Noor in Dallas
Attn: Dr. Basheer Ahmed & Dr. Hind Jarrah

Dr. Basheer Ahmed and Dr. Hind Jarrah, two Muslim pioneers in Dallas are working tirelessly in creating a safe haven for women at disadvantage. I hope both of them can attend this event. Indeed, the Texas Muslim women’s foundation is having a fund raising dinner on May 2nd and hope you attend and support the event. Details at:

http://dallasmuslimcenter.blogspot.com/2009/04/05-02-09-texas-muslim-womens-dinner.html

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan to Speak at Genesis Women's Shelter's 16th Annual Mother's Day Luncheon
"Peace Begins at Home"

Genesis Women’s Shelter is pleased to announce that Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan will be the keynote speaker at the organization’s 16th annual Genesis Mother’s Day Luncheon, “Peace on Earth Begins at Home,” Friday, May 8, 2009, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Landmark Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion, 300 Reunion Blvd. Doors open at 11 a.m. Honorary Co-Chairs are Ruth Altshuler and her daughter Susan Sharp and Luncheon Co-Chairs are Joan Eleazer and her daughter Layne Pitzer.

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan is an international humanitarian activist and an outspoken voice on issues of world peace and justice. She has played a major role in promoting international exchange and understanding of Arab and Muslim culture and politics, Arab-Western relations, conflict prevention and recovery issues such as refugees, missing persons, poverty and disarmament. Her international conflict recovery and peacebuilding work over the past decade has focused on the Middle East, the Balkans, Central and Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa. Since 1980, the initiatives of the Noor Al Hussein Foundation (NHF) which she chairs have advanced and modernized development thinking in Jordan by progressing beyond traditional charity oriented social welfare practices to integrate social development strategies more closely with national economic priorities. Queen Noor also chairs the King Hussein Foundation (NHF) and the King Hussein Foundation International (KHFI) founded in 1999 to promote and build on King Hussein’s humanitarian vision and legacy in Jordan and abroad.

Queen Noor was born Lisa Najeeb Halaby to an Arab American family distinguished for its public service. She married His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan in 1978 and was renamed Queen Noor Al Hussein upon her conversion to Islam. Queen Noor has four children with King Hussein.

“Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan’s passion for peace throughout the world is a wonderful tie-in to Genesis Women’s Shelter’s work toward peace and safety for families at home,” said Jan Langbein, Genesis Women’s Shelter Executive Director and immediate past Senior Policy Advisor to the Director of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). “We are so grateful for the support of this community which enables us to provide safety, shelter and services to thousands of area women and children in need.”

This year Genesis Women’s Shelter’s Jane Doe Award will commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, championed by Vice President Joseph R. Biden. The Jane Doe Award recognizes the extraordinary efforts made on behalf of countless women and children living with unspeakable violence in their own homes. Vice President Biden has been invited to accept this year’s award. (His attendance is pending confirmation.) Past Jane Doe Award recipients include former First Lady Laura Bush, Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Cindy Dyer, US Attorney Richard Roper, the Junior League of Dallas and Crystal Charity Ball.

The Violence Against Women Act was enacted in 1994 to address the national epidemic of violence and abuse that women face every day. Over the past 15 years, it has provided billions of dollars for law enforcement, specialty domestic violence courts, training and education on college campuses, and funding for shelters and transitional housing programs that assist women escaping domestic violence.

As author of this landmark legislation, Vice President Biden stated, “The single most important legislative accomplishment in my 32-year career in the Senate is passing the Violence Against Women Act. What was once seen largely as a private, family or cultural matter is now understood by the international community as a violation of basic human rights. Violence against women is a legal wrong. It cannot be excused or justified or ignored.”

Underwriting opportunities for the luncheon begin at $1,500 for a table of 10, and individual tickets at $150. The 2009 Luncheon is sponsored by NBC 5, KXAS-TV. For more information, please contact Kristen Howell, Director of Development, at 214.389.7703 or khowell@genesisshelter.org.

About Genesis Women's Shelter: Since opening it’s doors in 1985, Genesis Women's Shelter has been committed to providing quality safety and shelter to battered women and children through crisis intervention and short-term crisis therapeutics, and to reducing the occurrence of violence against women and children in the greater Dallas area. Genesis also seeks to raise the level of community awareness regarding the pervasiveness and effects of domestic violence. Each year, Genesis serves more than 700 residential clients and 1,000 non-residential clients through Outreach services.

http://www.genesisshelter.org/

Posted by:

Mike Ghouse
SPEAKER, THINKER & A WRITER
Pluralism, Islam, Peace, Co-existence & Civil Societies
http://www.worldmuslimcongress.org/
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/
http://www.mikeghouse.net/

05-30-09 : ISNA conference Dallas

ISNA Central Zone Conference 2009
Theme: Rejuvenate the Spirit of Islam
Register today online at www.isna.net
May 30th, 2009
Crown Plaza near the Galleria14315 Midway Road, Addison, TX 75001

Confirmed Speakers:Dr. Jamal Badawi Imam Mohamed Magid Ali Dr. Altaf Husain Shaykh Mokhtar Maghruoi Dr. Louay Safi Dr. Yusuf Ziya KavakciImam Zia ul haqImam Sayid Ahmed AbdullahiImam Moujahed bakhachImam Yasin SheikhImam Abdul Naser Jangda

Events Include:
Bazaar with 30 Booths
Sessions and Workshops
Saturday Evening Banquet with Keynote Speaker
Babysitting Services
Networking Opportunities
Life time achievement award to a community leader of DFW area

For More Information Contact:For more information

Contact Azhar Azeez (214-769-0922)
Registration and Housing: (317)-839-8157 ext. 129 or convention@isna.net
Bazaar and Sponsorship: (317)-839-8157 ext. 244 or akhan@isna.net
Convention Program: (317)-839-8157 ext. 231 or mukhtar@isna.net
Fax: (317)-839-1822

PLEASE REGISTER YOURSELF & YOUR WHOLE FAMILY ONLINE TODAY AT http://www.isna.net/

ISNA South Central Conference
Crown Plaza Hotel, Dallas, TX
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Theme: REJUVENATE THE SPRIT OF ISLAM

8:30 AM
Conference Registration begins

10:00 - 10:30 AM
Inauguration – Welcome Session
This session will introduce attendees to the conference as well as to the Muslim organizations working together to strengthen bonds of brotherhood to revitalize and promote the spirit of Islam through education and outreach programs at local and regional level.
Yusuf Ziya Kavakci and Local and National Organizational Reps

Qira: Sayid Ahmed Abdullahi
Moderator: Azhar Azeez

10:30 - 11:30 AM
Plenary Session 1A (No Parallel Sessions)
Reformation or Rejuvenation of Islam?
Jamal Badawi, Altaf Hussain, and Mokhtar Maghraoui

Moderator: Gulam Bakali

10:30 - 11:30 AM
Parallel Session 1B (Youth)
Unity in the Community: Giving Youth a Voice
Iyad Alnachef and Aisha Noor - an interactive session with the audience

Moderator: Zuha Nasir

11:45 - 1:15 PM
Plenary Session 2A
Muslim Men and Women: Partners in Faith
Jamal Badawi, Mokhtar Maghraoui, and Zia ul Haq

Moderator: Farooq Selod

11:45 - 1:15 PM
Parallel Session 2B (Youth)
One Small Step for the Youth, One Giant Leap for the Ummah
Altaf Husain, Mohamed Magid Ali, and Abdul Nasir Jangda

Moderator: Aisha Noor

1:15 - 2:30 PM
Zuhr Prayer and Lunch

Azan: Shaykh Abdullah
Imam: Sayid Ahmed Abdullahi

2:30 - 4:00 PM

Plenary Session 3A (No Parallel Sessions)
Extremism vs. Just Balance
Jamal Badawi, Mohamed Magid Ali, and Yaseen Shaikh

Moderator: Shoaib Khalid

4:15 - 5:45 PM
Plenary Session 4A
Principles of Self Development in Islam

Mokhtar Maghraoui, Moujahed Backach, and Yusuf Ziya Kavakci

Moderator: Khalid Hamideh
4:15 - 5:45 PM
Parallel Session 4B (ILDC)
Leading With Compassion-Communicate effectively in Diverse Social settings
Louay Safi - an interactive session with the audience

5:45 PM
Asr Prayer

Imam: Yusuf Ziya Kavakci

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Banquet Dinner
Rejuvenate the Spirit of Islam
Mohamed Magid Ali & Rodwan Saleh
Qira: Shaykh Abdullah
Moderator: Azhar Azeez

8:30 PM
Maghrib Prayer

Azan: Shaykh Abdullah
Imam: Yaseen Shaikh

8:45 - 10:00 PM

Restoring the meaning of Islamic values – Final Concluding Session
Mokhtar Maghraoui, Mohamed Magid Ali and Altaf Husain

Moderator: Mohammad Khalid

10:00 PM
Isha Prayer

Imam: Sayid Ahmed Abdullahi

04-25-09 : Muslim Legal Fund Dinner

You and your family are cordially invited to attend:
The Muslim Legal Fund of America
2009 Annual Fundraising Dinner
Saturday, April 25th 2009
6:00 pm till 9:30 pm
The Embassy Suites Hotel
7600 John Q. Hammons Dr.
Frisco, TX 75034
972.963.9191

I would like YOU to attend this GREAT event insha'a Allah.
Yes, of course I will be asking YOU to plan attend and donate at least $1,000 or more.

In addition, I would like to ask you to invite 5 more people who will match your generous donation. So you too can gain the reward of those who will donate.

As our beloved prophet Mohammad taught us ... whoever leads to goodness, gets the same rewards ... "addal 3ala al khayr ka fa 3eloho".

We are counting on you. Please do NOT forget that whomever alleviates the suffering of his brother / sister, Allah (swt) will alleviate his suffering on judgment day.

MLFA Fundraising Dinner Banquet

This year we have an excellent program for everyone. Lieutenant Charles D. Swift is our keynote speaker. He is an Attorney at Law and is a Retired United States Navy Lieutenant Commander in the Judge Advocate General's Corp. (JAG). Charles Swift was the defense laywer for Osama Bin Laden's driver Salim Hamdan and was a key factor in the Supreme Court's decision in Hamdan's favor. Get an inside view of the "War on Terror".Mr. Mohammed Siddiqui, the brother of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui will give us an update on his sister's case. Torture? Rendition? Kidnapping? Get the facts!Please tell everyone you know and join us.


All that is necessary for evil to triumph
is for good people to do nothing.
Silence is NOT an option.
Regards,
Waseem Nasrallah
214-906-8729 (M)

05-02-09 : Texas Muslim Womens Dinner

05-02-09 Sunday - 5:30 PM
Texas Muslim womens Foundation Dinner
Garland special Event Center

My Personal appeal to Muslims::

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.

Please stop by here and go to other parties later, or come back here later. I hope you feel the responsibility to support this initiative. Parties continue, friendships continue and this must take off the ground as well.

Sister Hind and her team is calling, we should attend and support this event without being asked.

Thank you.
Mike Ghouse

Please join us on May 2nd for TMWF Banquet, INSA we will finalize the raising of funds needed for the TMWF DV shelter; additionally we are eagerly requesting our community to join us that night specially to meet the representative of UNT-University of North Texas who will be officially announcing to our community UNT establishment of CAMSCI-Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Institute, and the hiring of Dr Nada Shabout as the director. This is wonderful news for our community, and -AlHamdulleAllah it happened less than 2years after TMWF proposed its establishment to Dr Gretchin Bataille, President of UNT .
we will be honored by your presence,

Please note that Your $250.00 entitles you to register for a 2009Audi A4 2.0T CVT. Only 1000 registrations are needed to achieve TMWF Goal to raise $250,000.00. A live drawing will be made in TMWF major event and the winner will be notified by telephone. You need not be present to win. Call 972-880-4192 or visit www.tmwf.org. Support TMWF educational, charitable, outreach and social services and everyone wins. PS, a $1000.00 allows you to have 4 registrations for the Audi

Another appeal:

ASAWRAWB

I know that everyone is really tired of Fund raising events, they do seem to be endless, but TMWF alhamduleAllah is really an excellent tool for the community; not only we will INSA finalize the establishment of the DV shelter-We also were successful with our efforts with the Local Institutions of higher learning and INSA a very high level representation from University of North Texas-including the Provost and Dean of School of Visual Arts and the Director will join us to announce that here in North Texas we have the first Institute for Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Institute!

I know you agree with me that this is great news! specially since we formally requested it from DR Bataille in Oct 2007; UNT Provost and adminstration are welcoming our support and involvement in making the institute succesful and will join us on may 2nd to officially announce this.

All of us have suffered from the predominant stereotyping and representation of Arabs and Muslims in this country; here is our chance for us to be engaged personally and to indicate our investment in this institution ; the first of its kind in the South West!

We thank you for Supporting TMWF with your Donations and we urge you to join us in person too; we need to have a sold out hall because this will showcase the Arab and Muslim community's real interest in Education; this is our chance to make a difference, so please Do come and Support TMWF and tell the Educational Institutions here that we are very much appreciative that you are reaching to us, rather than reaching to"experts" who want to speak on our behalf.

I pray that you will be there on Saturday May 2nd at 5:30 to make this statement personally; to UNT and all the higher learning institutions :"we thank you for responding to our request and we give you our word that we will do our utmost to make CAMSCI a success! "

Please forward this e-mail to anyone interested in serving this community and presenting a better image of Islam and Muslims in this country !

Call 972-880-4192 or visit www.tmwf.org. Support TMWF educational, charitable, outreach and social services and everyone wins

Please join us on May 2nd for TMWF Banquet, INSA we will finalize the raising of funds needed for the TMWF DV shelter; additionally we are eagerly requesting our community to join us that night specially to meet the representative of UNT-University of North Texas who will be officially announcing to our community UNT establishment of CAMSCI-Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Institute, and the hiring of Dr Nada Shabout as the director. This is wonderful news for our community, and -AlHamdulleAllah it happened less than 2years after TMWF proposed its establishment to Dr Gretchin Bataille, President of UNT .
we will be honored by your presence,

Please note that Your $250.00 entitles you to register for a 2009Audi A4 2.0T CVT. Only 1000 registrations are needed to achieve TMWF Goal to raise $250,000.00. A live drawing will be made in TMWF major event and the winner will be notified by telephone. You need not be present to win. . PS, a $1000.00 allows you to have 4 registrations for the Audi

Muslim Response to Lies about Qur'aan

Muslim response to Dutch Legislator's lies about Qur'aan.

The link following this note is a Muslim response to Geert Wilders’ documentary called "Fitna", presenting Islam as a danger to his society. The article in the link is authored by Mike Ghouse* and Imam Zia Shaikh, Imam and an Islamic Scholar of the largest Mosque in Texas.

Mr. Wilders, a Dutch parliamentarian is in Washington DC to dupe a few of our Congressman and Senators. I hope they will have their staff members verify the statements he has quoted in the documentary (the link is in the link) and then check it in the Qur'aan and tell the man to come up with truth and not dupe the Americans any more.

Evil persists, because we the good people do not stop the hate mongering and some of us even fund such documentaries. I have seen a series of such documentaries this year where Islam is deliberately misrepresented with the sole purpose of frightening their insecure and cashing it. It is all about money, they are fooling you and several of us.

There was the “obsession” documentary fraught with misquotes and lies, some 2 million copies were shipped to frighten the Americans to vote the other way prior to November 4th elections. A few more documentaries were shown loaded with blatant lies, one of them was downright stupid but to the producer it had its effect, drill fear and gain favors, in that documentary, the propped up Non-Muslim French Expert on Islam was saying the dumbest things I have ever heard. I challenged the producer to pick up the phone and call any Muslim any where in the world to find it if Muslims don’t believe in the coming of Messiah.

We have a choice to know the truth, and I urge those who truly want peace and co-existence to set up a panel of conservatives, liberals and a whole bunch of moderates to review and answer the audience. Private showings to exclusive groups has an intent of evilness, if it is the truth, let it be in the open, let it be subject to questions and another point of view.

Ultimately it is not the Imam, Rabbi, Pastor, Pundit, Politician, Savior, Policy maker or the Clergy who is responsible for our pain, anguish, pangs of conscience, our actions and our bad intent; it is us who have to deal with it in our lonely moments. Men of God do not sell hate, they are about inclusion and love. We need to have true freedom to find the truth on our own.

Should we fund fear mongering or peace making? The choice is ours. I hope to wake you up and have you fund those who are working on mitigating conflicts and nurturing goodwill.

Mr. Wilders has read my piece linked below and is un-willing to retract the false statements he has made; he quoted them as if they are in Qur'aan, and they are not. His intent is not education but chaos. Wikipedia has made similar mistakes and even the prestigious University of Southern California's website has a quote ascribed to Qur'aan, even with a verse number to give the idea that it is legitimate, but that verse is not in Qur'aan either. Of course, only 1/10th of 1% of the extremists blindly believes in such statements without verifying.

Full article at: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2008/03/wilders-fitna-and-muslims_30.html

Mike Ghouse is a Dallas based writer, blogger, speaker and a thinker. 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 the Websites and Blogs listed at his personal website www.MikeGhouse.net
.

Dallas Muslim Issues

To be a Muslim is to be a peacemaker, one who seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence. God wants us to live in peace and harmony with his creation; that is indeed the purpose of religion, any religion. Our Mission statement; http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/WorldMuslimCongress/Articles/Mission-Statement.asp

Friday, February 27, 2009

AA,

I have received the following email with usual concerns. Insha Allah, we can sit down with these guys and allay their fears. This is a part of the propaganda of a few who want to get rich by spreading fears or perhaps are really scared of us. Indeed, without a doubt we need mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill. If the North Texas Muslim Council is taking the initiative, let’s us get a few more Muslims involved in it, who are not part of the council.

Mike Ghouse
# # #

Memo: Keep an Eye on Those Muslims

By Forrest Wilder on Civil Liberties

A bizarre, conspiracy-laden memo [.doc] sent to law enforcement personnel
last week warns of threats to Texas from Muslim organizations and anti-war
groups. It calls on “law enforcement officers to report these type of
activities to identify potential underlying trends emerging in the North
Central region.”

We’re trying to learn more about which law enforcement agencies received
the bulletin - and how seriously they take it.

The bulletin - stamped “For Official Use Only” but leaked to this Web site
yesterday - was apparently issued last Thursday by the North Central Texas
Fusion System, one of a number of post-9/11 centers designed to consolidate
and share intelligence with law enforcement agencies.

The Fusion Center has an email address for “report[ing] suspicious North
Central Texas incidents or observations to the Fusion System Analyst.”
Civil liberties groups and Muslim organizations have worried that the Fusion
Centers are operating with little oversight and may be drifting into
counter-terrorism initiatives that they’re not qualified for.

The ACLU is calling the memo the “latest example of inappropriate police
intelligence operations targeting political, religious and social activists
for investigation.”

Here’s a choice passage from the bulletin:

Middle Eastern Terrorist groups and their supporting organizations have
been successful in gaining support for Islamic goals in the United States
and providing an environment for terrorist organizations to flourish. A
number of organizations in the U.S. have been lobbying Islamic-based issues
for many years. These lobbying efforts have turned public and political
support towards radical goals such as Shariah law and support of terrorist
military action against Western nations. Add to this the Hezbollah training
of Mexican Drug Cartel members on bomb making techniques; the threats to
Texas are significant.

The bulletin singles out certain organizations: the Council on American
Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim advocacy group; the International Action
Center, a left-wing organization founded by former U.S. Attorney General
Ramsey Clark; and the anti-war group ANSWER.

The bulletin is riddled with John Birch Society-ish statements. “Tolerance
is growing in more formal areas,” it warns at one point. As an example, the
memo cites an “Islamic Finance 101″ conference held by the Department of
Treasury. The document cites one Christopher Holton of the right-wing Center
for Security Policy, founded by Frank Gaffney, as calling Islamic finance a
“modern-day Trojan horse.” The document goes on to say, “A Houston bank
now offers Islamic Financing for home loans.”

Scary. But not as scary as the reports of “Islamic radicalization.”

Islamic radicalization of have been [sic] reported by such groups as
Hizb-ut-Tahir who have a goal of overthrowing governments and replacing them
with a caliph. They take advantage of growing tolerance in the U.S. Some of
their marketing schemes have included hip hop fashion boutiques, hip hop
bands, use of online social networks, use of video sharing networks, chat
forums and blogs. They have been especially active in California, New York,
Wisconsin, and Chicago. They target universities for recruitment.

If it seems like this “Prevention Awareness Bulletin” was culled from
conspiracy-prone right-wing Internet Web sites that’s because, apparently,
it was. A source list includes HumanEvents.com, FamilySecurityMatters.org,
FrontPagemag.com and the Christian Broadcasting Network, as well as more
mainstream sources such as the Anti-Defamation League and (using
“mainstream” loosely) the Washington Times.

The meta-data of the Word document lists one “James R. Johnson” as the
author of the document. Johnson is the son of Congressman Sam Johnson,
Republican from Plano. James (Bob) Johnson owns, with his wife Anita Miller,
ADB Consulting LLC, which received a contract from Collin County to design
the Fusion System. A cached copy of Johnson’s personal Web site says he has
“worked in National Intelligence for over 20 years.” Both Miller and
Johnson’s email addresses are listed on the contact section of the Fusion
Center’s Web site.

Calls to Kelley Stone, the Director of Homeland Security for Collin County,
were not returned today. Emails to Miller and Johnson have not been
returned. We will update this post if and when we hear back from them.

Saudi Arabia; a change is in the making

Saudi Arabia; a change is in the making

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was perhaps the first head of a government, who was secure enough to initiate the Madinah pact, one of the first Pluralist documents in the history of mankind that respected and accepted God's intentional diversity to remain intact.I sincerely hope, that the Saudi King will pave the way to make the land of the prophet to once again become a beacon of pluralism, that Islam was and I pray that God help the King achieve it. Amen.

Continued: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/WorldMuslimCongress/Articles/Saudi-Arabia-change-is-in-the-making.asp

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker and a Writer on Pluralism, interfaith, peace, Islam and India. He is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television networks discussing these and the civic issues. His comments, news analysis and columns can be found on the Websites and Blogs listed at his personal website www.MikeGhouse.net. Mike is a Dallasite for nearly three decades and Carrollton is his home town. He can be reached at GhouseMike@gmail.com

Does Qur'aan incite Violence - II

Does Qur'aan incite Violence -II

Qur’aan does not incite violence; those who are violence prone believe that it is, as their mind set is based on fear and violence. It is the propaganda of Neocons; those who are insecure about their extremist values, worry about similar people in other groups. Neocons are extremist literalists like the Muslims, Christians, Jews and Hindus. They are all mirror images of each other.

Religion, yes, and every religion allays fears of the unknown, mitigates the apprehensions, gives hopes and brings a balance to an individual and what surrounds him; people and the environment.

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker and a Writer on Pluralism, interfaith, terrorism, peace, Islam, Multiculturism and India. He is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television networks discussing these and the civic issues. His comments, news analysis and columns can be found on the Websites and Blogs listed at his personal website www.MikeGhouse.net. Mike is a Dallasite for nearly three decades and Carrollton is his home town. He can be reached at MikeGhouse@gmail.com

Continued: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Articles/Does-Qur'aan-incite-Violence-II.asp

Is Qur'aan perfect?

Is Qur'aan Perfect?

It is the true and final word of God for the Muslims who believe in it, it is not for the Christians, Hindus, Jews or others who are not familiar with it. However, if one sincerely understands the Qur'aan, he or she will find the essence of Justice, fairness; truth and peace resonate in Qur'aan as they may find it in their own scriptures.

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker and a Writer on Pluralism, interfaith, terrorism, peace, Islam, Multiculturism and India. He is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television networks discussing these and the civic issues. His comments, news analysis and columns can be found on the Websites and Blogs listed at his personal website www.MikeGhouse.net. Mike is a Dallasite for nearly three decades and Carrollton is his home town. He can be reached at MikeGhouse@gmail.com

Continued: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/WorldMuslimCongress/Articles/Is-Quraan-Perfect.asp

Evolutionary Creation - 2009 Evolution Week

Evolutionary Creation - 2009 Evolution Week

Several Abrahimic Religious leaders 'assume' that evolution is in conflict with creationism. It frightens them about the unknown; which is human. They have an unquestionable need to believe that what they know is the final word of God; a different point of view is anathema to them. The non-Abrahimic faith followers need not gloat; a new idea is usually an abomination to someone or the other including some of them. Whether you are a believer in a God, or several or no God, you would still find a new idea bring insecurity, like some one has pulled the rug from under you and you are out of your comfort zone.

Continued: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Articles/Evolutionary-Creation.asp

Muslim Cemetery - Fund Raiser in Richardson

Muslim Cemetery, Inc. – Denton, TX
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful
“Kullu nafsin zaaikhathul mauth”

(Every living soul must taste death – Sureh Al-Imran, Quran)

Dear Brothers and Sisters

As-salaamu alaikum!
Muslim Cemetery Inc. is a non-profit organization managed by Islamic Center of Denton. We have been serving Muslim Community for their burial needs since 1989. The land was generously donated by a muslim brother to ensure community has their own cemetery with full burial rites in accordance with Quran and Sunnah.

The organization’s primary focus is to keep the burial cost at a minimal of $500 which includes monthly maintenance cost of the cemetery. At several occasions per cemetery policy burial cost was waived for families who did not have enough resources to incur the burial cost for their loved ones.

In the recent years, community in the metroplex have grown manifold thereby prompting Muslim Cemetery to facilitate and accommodate this growth by providing better facilities and infrastructure. At this time cemetery is in dire need of a prayer hall, a wuzoo area, a rest room, and a storage room. The estimated cost for this project is $100,000. Since the incorporation of the Muslim Cemetery, this is our first fund raising event.

This cannot happen without your generous help and support.

Please join us to help raise the funds for a noble cause Insha’Allah on

Friday, February 6, 2009 @ 7:30 PM Sharp
At Fun Asia, 1210 East Beltline Rd. Richardson, TX 75081
Tel: 972-513-5701

Tickets are available for $30 per person and can be obtained from
Junaid Najamuddin @ 214-207-8535 or
Faiza Iqbal @ 214-674-6693

If you are unable to attend, kindly mail in your generous tax deductible donations in
the enclosed envelope provided for your convenience.

Sincerely,
Irfan Ali - Treasurer, Muslim Cemetery Inc.
Muslim Cemetery Inc. P.O. Box 2629, Denton, Texas. 76202
Tel: 940.565.1723

PR - II Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides

II ANNUAL REFLECTIONS ON HOLOCAUST & GENOCIDES

Our Mission is to create awareness of the inhumanity in all of us, and discover and create solutions for peaceful co-existence. We need to remind ourselves frequently to do our share to make the world a better place to live, vow to say “never again” to human atrocities, and at this annual occasion dare to practice the power of forgiveness.

II ANNUAL REFLECTIONS ON HOLOCAUST & GENOCIDES
Day: Sunday, January 25, 2009
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Place: UNITY CHURCH OF DALLAS, 6525 Forest Lane • Dallas, TX 75230
Contact: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
email: MikeGhouse@aol.com
Website: www.HolocaustandGenocides.org

RSVP: ConfirmAttendance@Gmail.com

Dallas Morning News:
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/01/reflections-on-holocaust-and-g.html

Details - Press release:
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Articles/Holocaust-and-Genocides-Press-Release-011709.asp


Mike Ghouse,
Event Chair (214) 325-1916
www.FoundationforPluralism.com
www.WorldMuslimCongress.com

Holocaust, Genocides, Jews, Muslims, World Muslim Congress, Mike Ghouse