Building Bridges on Turkish TV with Mike Ghouse

BUILDING BRIDGES - MIKE GHOUSE ON TURKISH TV-A9

God wants us to live in peace, and harmony with each other.  If we follow the Sunnah (practice) of Prophet Muhammad and follow the Guidance of Quraan, we can seldom go wrong.   What does it take to build that momentum… to bring about a change in a society,   I am glad to see Muslims taking the initiatives to build a cohesive world. The Role of Muslims in building cohesive societies was broadly the topic, and Pluralism, co-existence, Islam, Israel and peace were part of the conversation.  Continued http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/11/building-bridges-on-turkish-tv-with.html

VIDEO = http://www.harunyahya.com/en/works/154210/

 

Thanks to the Turkish Television A9 for their program building bridges with guests from around the world. If you get the time, check out some of the fascinating interviews.

I was called to talk about Role of Muslim in the world, and Pluralism, co-existence, Islam, Israel and peace. What can we do to bring about a change in a society, what does it take... I am glad to see Muslims taking the initiatives to build a cohesive world.

On my part, I have a lot more work to do, one of them is to get Jews, Christians and Muslim to start including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Baha’i, Wicca, Earth based and native traditions as a part of their casual conversation.

My message at the end was, God has intentionally created us to different races, religions, ethnicities and cultures, let’s honor gods wish for us to live cohesively.

God willing and media willing, I will be on a few more TV talk shows in 2013, but my dream is to be on Jon Stewart and Rachel Maddow Shows, I will make the effort to communicate pluralism with humor.

Thank you.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, Israel, India, Pakistan, interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and 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, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.

Egypt, Morsi and Brotherhood on Hannity with Ghouse

Tonight on Hannity show, Mike Ghouse about Brotherhood

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6bd3cxnemcc

Talking points

1.    Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi declares himself above the law, neither the Judiciary nor the parliament can question his authority

2.    This is a dangerous situation, the wolf in sheep’s clothing unravels himself, this is where Sean Hannity and I see things differently

a.    Sean is right in his concerns about the brotherhood’s takeover of Egypt.

b.    I believe in the power of people, the people who dared the tyrant Mubarak and got the freedom will not allow another tyrants to take over. It will take time for democracy to take root in Egypt.

3.    The Judiciary has declared it illegal and has challenged Morsi. Morsi is downright stupid.

4.    The protestors are out again, nearly 200 are wounded, but they will not let Morsi, the wolf in sheep’s clothing crush their hard earned freedom.

When the Egyptians got the freedom in January of this year, they wanted democracy and not another tyrant.

5.    The Military establishment was not happy that their candidate did not make it, and the internal strife between Morsi and the establishment is on… Morsi tried to fire Mahmud, the military man. Who knows there is a pattern out there in Muslim run nations like Pakistan where the Military takes it over…?

However, I believe in the power of freedom movement, once it is started, it cannot be stopped. People will get their freedom and democracy one way of the other

6.    Gaza Truce – I hope it stays, it was good to see a religious cleric in Suleman AlDaya, Gaza gave a fatwa that it is a sin to break the truce…and I hope it multiplies, if I were the US Ambassador, I would seek more of those opinions and have discussions on it to firm up respecting the truce. If the Ambassador cannot do this, what is he or she doing there?

7.    The Hamas spokesperson Taher Nunu  said he is committed to the truce

8.    Hamas demands that Israel lift the restrictions of movement of goods and people. Israel currently has restrictions; Gaza is like a high security prison…. They cannot even get the constructions and medical supplies… and those who want to supply them, like the civilian boats, have been hit by Israel. Has anyone thought of the cause of the frustrations of Gazans? Didn’t George Washington Rebel against the tyrant Brits then?

9.    Though Obama has been successful in diplomacy, he is a dismal failure in bringing peace to Israel and Palestine. He has made many mistakes that I have listed on the blog www.IsraelPalestineDialouge.com

10. Israel needs security and Palestinians justice, nothing short of it will work. Hamas needs to reign in on those rockets and Israel needs to lift the restrictions around Gaza and stop the illegal settlements in west bank.

11. Israel is our ally, and we have every right to guide them to peace. Netanyahu will make the bloodthirsty among us feel good, but not the peace makers.  It is a shame on the leadership for their failure to bring solutions to this issue. No one can crush the will of the people to be free.

|Netanyahu will cause more damage to the peace process and generate resentment towards Israel in the community of nations by disregarding the UN resolutions and practicing discriminatory practices against a people. It is in Israel’s interest to work, and our right wing friends are blinded not to see that.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, Israel, India, Pakistan, interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and 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, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.

Posted by Mike Ghouse at 6:36 AM

Interfaith thanksgiving story of gratitude and self balancing acts

REFLECTIONS INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING 

 

Expression of gratitude is the ultimate balancing act in everyone's life. We know whom we receive the good from and offer our gratitude. The absence of a simple thank-you creates an imbalance in the relationship and spiritual energy, while a simple thank you restores it. What do you do when you don't know who to thank?

 

The unforgettable story of Appaiah and the interfaith views from Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Sikh, Wicca, Native Americans and others. 

Article is at Huffington Post, please feel free to share,

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/interfaith-thanksgiving-story-of-gratitude-and-self-balancing-acts_b_2169789.html

 

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Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, Israel, India, Pakistan, interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and 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, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.

Texas Faith: Why do we say grace over a meal, including at Thanksgiving?

http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/11/texas-faith-why-do-we-say-grace-over.html

Expression of gratitude is the ultimate balancing act in everyone’s life. We know from whom we receive the good and to whom we offer our gratitude. The absence of a simple “thank you” creates an imbalance in the relationship and spiritual energy while a simple “thank you” will tie the loose ends and restore the balance - Mike Ghouse

 
Texas Faith: Why do we say grace over a meal, including at Thanksgiving?

The Texas Faith blog is a discussion among formal and informal religious leaders whose faith traditions express a belief in a transcendent power – or the possibility of one. While all readers are invited to participate in this blog, by responding in the comments section, discussion leaders are those whose religion involves belief in a divine higher power or those who may not believe in a transcendent power but leave room for the possibility of one. Within this framework, moderators William McKenzie and Wayne Slater seek to bring a diversity of thinkers onto the Texas Faith panels.

But why do we say grace over a meal, including a traditional one like the Thanksgiving dinner?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Life is a self-balancing act. Everything we do and say is spiritual as well as a real-life transaction that moves the needle from balance to imbalance, and back to balance.
 
The mechanism is built around forgiveness, repentance, service and gratitude. These values are a product of co-existence and inculcated through religious teachings. However, atheists would also achieve the same without invoking God.

The accountant chants that for every debit there is a credit. The physicist has proved that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. And the doctor declares that blood lost from the body of an individual must be replenished with an equal amount of blood to sustain life.
 
As a spiritualist I say, for every wrong we do, an equal amount of energy is drained from us. And for every good we do, energy is recouped. We are constantly receiving and giving energy. Intake and output must be equal to have a healthy living, or else we are thrown off balance.

For every hurt we hurl on others, an equal amount of burden gets dumped on us. Until we say “sorry” and repent genuinely, the energy balance within us deteriorates. The transaction remains incomplete.

Why do we say grace over a meal?

Expression of gratitude is the ultimate balancing act in everyone’s life. We know from whom we receive the good and to whom we offer our gratitude. The absence of a simple “thank you” creates an imbalance in the relationship and spiritual energy while a simple “thank you” will tie the loose ends and restore the balance.

When the giver is not identified, to whom do we give thanks? The accident we got out of safely, the job we did not lose or the meal we are able to have must be accounted for. 

For believers, that source is identified as God, and it behooves them to say grace over the meal. The transaction will be fully complete when we become considerate to those who do not have the same basic things in life as we do. Prophet Muhammad had said when you have nothing to give to others; the least you can give is hope, and a smile to let them know that we care.

Published in Dallas Morning News. Message from all contributors at:
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2012/11/texas-faith-why-do-we-say-grace-over-a-meal-including-at-thanksgiving.html/

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Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, Israel, India, Pakistan, interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and 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, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.

Mike Ghouse on Steve Malzberg Radio tonite at 8:30

Mike Ghouse with Steve Malzberg

TONITE AT 8:30 PM ON 820 AM WBAP, DALLAS

STEVE MALZBERG SHOW IN LIEU OF CHRIS KROCK

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Video: Katie Pavlich & Mike Ghouse on Sean Hannity http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZGO6UIIxDg (10 Minute segment)

 Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, Israel, India, Pakistan, interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and 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, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him. 

Muslims condemn Hamas attacks and Israeli Pounding

PRESS RELEASE
Muslims condemn Hamas attacks and Israeli Pounding
Dallas, Texas: November 19, 2012.

Mike Ghouse, “The long term security of Israelis hinge on justice to the Palestinians, and peace to the Palestinians depends on the safety of Israelis. One will not happen without the other. In light of accomplishing the twin goal, both parties have failed.”

Hamas Terror 

 

We unequivocally condemn Hamas for their random shelling of the rockets into Israel; and the shameful acts of terrorizing the civilian population in Israel.  As a Muslim I protest their acts, and request the Organization of Islamic Countries to join the Muslims worldwide in condemning these acts, and demand Hamas to give up terrorizing the innocent and seek solutions through civil process.

Israeli Reaction

What was Prime Minister Netanyahu doing all these months, instead of initiating a dialogue he chose to pound Gaza; did he think that the missiles will stop reigning on their own? The illegal settlements and lawlessness has to stop; it brings despair to the Palestinians who want peace. The brutal retaliation needs to stop, it is a burden that the Prime Minister may escape but the Israelis will have to carry it on their psyche for generations to come. Is that the kind of Nation Israelis want?  Does violence solve the problems, has it ever? 

Call for action.

The actions of Hamas are unforgivable, and I appeal to the thoughtful among you, did we give them choices to act differently?  A full article is pending publication entitled Security for Israel and Justice for the Palestinians. 

The United Nations need to call for an immediate cease-fire; both parties need to hold the fire.  

In the interest of Security for Israelis and Justice for the Palestinians, President Obama has to play an honest broker of peace. Invite the Israeli and Hamas leadership to join the talks immediately on our grounds at the Rose Garden. If Saudi Arabia and Egypt are convinced about our sincerity, they will bring Hamas aboard.

The Jewish people want sincerity as much as the Palestinians, they don't want duplicity from our leadership, and they had plenty of that in since 1948. They need sincerity and facilitate security for Israel and Justice for the Palestinians.

The two state solutions is the way to go forward and one of the most fundamental items to be included in the transaction is to develop a school curriculum without malice towards each other.  A new generation must be raised with hope and goodwill, so they can live in peace and prosperity. This should be an uncompromising goal. 

Mike Ghouse for World Muslim Congress, a think tank based in Dallas with membership open to everyone, the right, left and the centrist, and from Atheist to Zoroastrians and every one in between. We are one world, and we need to act one.

URL: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/11/muslims-condemn-hamas-attacks-and.html
Posted: WorldMuslimCongress@yahoogroups.com
Site: www.WorldMuslimCongress.com

Mike Ghouse on Hannity about Gaza

MIKE GHOUSE ON SEAN HANNITY TONIGHT

 

The long term security of Israelis hinges on justice to the Palestinians, and peace to the Palestinians depends on the safety of Israelis. One will not happen without the other. The following essay may not be comfortable to a segment of Jews and Muslims, but the recommendations must be factored in to find a sustainable solution- Tonight on Hannity http://www.hannity.com/guest/ghouse-mike/10804

Full article will appear in NY Times in a few days.

 

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, Israel, India, Pakistan, interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and 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, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.

Miko Peled's Video- An Israeli General's son

Miko Peled's Video- An Israeli General's son
URL: http://israel-palestine-dialogue.blogspot.com/2012/11/miko-peleds-video-israeli-generals-son.html

Miko Peled is son of Israel’s General Matti Peled, a champion of Palestinian rights. Those of you who genuinely seek to understand the complexity of Israel Palestine issue, I recommend this video on YouTube Video 1:08:31 Minutes.

Please do not assume that Jews and Muslims are anti-each other, they are not; a few are. This is good educational material for those few Jews who do not believe in human rights, but control the masses through their frightening propaganda. I am reviewing similar educational material for those few Palestinians who do not believe in human rights and use their own propaganda, and post it here on this site.

  

The Palestinian right is no different than the Israeli right. They constantly blame each other and are eager to show off their muscle power, without giving a crap about long term security for Israel and justice for Palestinians, so their children can live in a better world. 

To be a peace maker is to acknowledge the prejudices and conflicts, know that a few individuals drive the agenda for the whole populace, and it is usually not the will of the people. We need to hold the temptation to justify the actions of one over the other. 

To be a peacemaker, we need to be free from bias, hate and ill-will, and we need to be at peace with ourselves to find peace for others. 

Miko touches on Anti-Semitism at the tail end of the video. It has been my experience as well, and I will include that experience in my upcoming book, so we all can learn the little things that can cause us to fall and avoid it.  I thank God for putting me through the tests of withstanding endless harassment through emails, phone calls, and unleashing a few tormentors to exasperate me on social media. The right-wingers wanted to push me to say stupid things, so they can nail me as an “anti-Semite” and bring an end to my little peacemaking efforts. They failed miserably, I am no anti-Semite, and prejudice is not in my blood stream. Most of you may not experience this, as you have not dealt with deeper issues beyond hello, how are you.  It’s just not the right wing Jews, the right wing Muslims have said ugly things to me for commemorating the annual Holocaust event in Dallas, a few even called me that I will not be a Muslim. I am sure most of the peacemakers out there, regardless of their religious affiliations have experienced this. We all can share and learn to stay firm and not be prejudiced, for our own heart.

I look up to Muhammad, Jesus, Gandhi, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Nanak, MLK and those guys, who are my role models. Nothing they did was for their gain; it was all for the benefit of humanity. Likewise, I have nothing to gain from anything I do, zip, nada, nothing.  I just wish to see people get along and willing to bear some abuse and humiliation in the process for the common good. This paragraph is for Miko, and all of you out there who are unselfishly serving humanity without discrimination. Keep it doing, it is the right thing to do.

Miko Peled’s presentation is fairly identical to my understanding. We have used a similar language with one exception; separating the right wingers on Jewish and Muslim side from the common people.  He speaks clearly and I relate with him, there is no malice or hatred in his language but facts. Indeed, he is a true representation of what Judaism is all about; fixing the world to be just and I hope to be a true representation of Islam, to be a just and fair with my own short comings.

At this time, I do not support the idea of one state for Israelis and Palestinians. Although I come from a nation that was split on religious lines, a major geopolitical mistake of India and Pakistan,   as mentioned in the video and the facts out there - the Jewish and Muslim children are indoctrinated that it is ok to kill the others and both invoke religion to suit their right wing agenda. No religion puts life above religion, particularly these two; Judaism and Islam, yet they abuse their religion, enough of us need to speak out against Imams and Rabbis abusing and misquoting religion. Once the two states operate, the focus ought to be education and bring a new generation without hate, then they can form a confederation along the lines recommended in Israel Palestine confederation. At the end of the day, we all need to be fed and live a normal life where we don’t have to live in apprehension or fear of the other.

Please watch the following video and share, this is one of the best things you can do. I will share the other perspective as well. Hold your judgment; until you hear both sides, I will post the other video in a few days. 
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YouTube Video 1:08:31 Minutes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TOaxAckFCuQ

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Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, Israel, India,  interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and 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, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.

Gaza Israel conflict - November 2012

Site: www.IsraelPalestineDialogue.com

Peace hinges on justice to the Palestinians and security to the Israelis. A durable peace comes when neither is compromised.

Our foreign policy and the policy of Arab nations is the real villain in the conflict. Instead of egging each party to the conflict and causing them to dig in their bloody heels, we need to tell them to stop the non-sense and get to the table.

We, the Americans, and them the Arabs must withdraw all the support to both nations, until they sit down and show the progress. No support without results. We have caused the conflict to prolong, and we bear the responsibility to find solutions.

The bullshit theory of supporting the allies has ruined both people, we are screwing Israelis, instead of finding sustainable security for them,  we are causing them to prolong the conflict, the Arab nations are doing the same.  We can be heroes, by tying our support to progress. If Israel or Palestine does not show their ability to dialogue, we have a right to demand them to sit down and find solutions, for their own good.

I hope Obama understands this, and takes the necessary action. Everyone wants peace but we don’t do the things that take us there. 

It is time to drop all the previous failed policies and go with a bold new idea. “If you two don’t show us the progress within 30 days, we are not going to support you." We need to get the Arabs and on our side and they will do it, if the outcome is good for Palestine and Israel with no gain for us.We need to be just and honest. The Jewish people want sincerity as much as the Palestinians, they don't need duplicity.

Please do not judge any one without the full picture, and it is at www.IsraelPalestineDialouge.com. If you can hold out blaming either side, then you are a true peace maker and you will find sustainable solutions. We had enough for 64 years and it is time to bring goodness to both.  

I hope to articulate the full idea in the article to be published in Huffington post next week.

http://israel-palestine-dialogue.blogspot.com/2012/02/about-israel-palestine.html  

 Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, Israel, India, Pakistan, interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and 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, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.

Veterans Homeless Luncheon Blessings

Mike Ghouse

The Homeless Center for the Veterans held a luncheon in Dallas, and I was pleased to deliver the Islamic and Pluralistic benediction at the event. The Jewish Benediction was delivered by WWII Veteran Harry Kabler and Christian Benediction by Rachel Roberts.

The Pluralism Prayers covers most of the faiths including Atheists wishes. By the way, no matter where I get invited, I do make a point to represent as many religions as I can, at least ten in any given time.

The annual event was Organized by Teresa House-Hatfield, Director of the Center in Dallas, and the food was sponsored by the 256 Jewish Battalion. 

URL: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/11/veterans-homeless-luncheon-blessings.html


PICS: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157632016152185/show/

Here was my part;

First of all I am thankful to our creator for blessing us with life,  and secondly, I appreciate you and the men and women in uniforms for defending our freedom and guarding our safety. I am pleased to acknowledge your service to the nation, and I appreciate the sacrifices you have made to keep us guarded.

I was at the Veterans Day parade in Down Town Dallas the other day,  and it was good to see the public support.

Now, I am pleased to share the Universal prayer, also known as the Pluralism prayers.

Dear creator, please accept our gratitude in every name we call upon you; Mahio, manito, Yahweh, Elohim, Ishwar, Buddha, Wahe Guru, Ahura Mazda, Mother Earth, Allah and Jesus Christ.

Thank you lord for enriching our nation, represented by different races, nationalities, ethnicities, orientations, languages, cultures, ideals and religions, we are your own country, a cosmic representation of your universe.

Dear causer of the Universe, in your name we want to create a cohesive and peaceful America with care, kindness and dignity to every one of the 312 million of us as well as 7 billion of us in the world.

Dear God, guide us to talk, act and believe that we are one humanity and one nation under you.

Dear God, as we undertake the mission of building cohesive societies, where no one has to live in apprehension of the other, we are painfully aware of the ignorance, fear, mistrust and ill-will that divides us, help us open our hearts and minds towards receiving each other.

Dear God, Protect our men and women in uniforms committed to our safety and well being.

Dear God, help us think, speak and act peace every moment of the day.

Dear God, guide us to value and practice the principles of liberty and justice for all of your creation, just as you treat us.

Dear God, give us your infinite wisdom and give us the courage to do the right thing, every moment of the day.

Dear God, help us learn to respect the otherness of other in each one of us, and help us accept the uniqueness you bestowed on each one of us.

In your precious name we bow.

Now the Muslim prayer

Al-Fatiha (The Opening)

In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace: 

All praise is due to God alone, the Sustainer of all the worlds,
The Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace, Lord of the Day of Judgment!
Thee alone do we worship; and unto Thee alone do we turn for aid.
Guide us the straight way.
The way of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings,

and not of those who have gone astray and did not follow your guidance.

Now, I render the same in Arabic.

بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ (1:1)
الْحَمْدُ للّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ (1:2)
الرَّحْمـنِ الرَّحِيمِ (1:3)
مَـالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ (1:4)
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ (1:5)
اهدِنَــــا الصِّرَاطَ المُستَقِيمَ (1:6)
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنعَمتَ عَلَيهِمْ غَيرِ المَغضُوبِ عَلَيهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّالِّينَ (1:7)


Amen!

God bless us, and God bless America.

MikeGhouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and 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, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.

Happy Diwali, a celebration of hope and lights

Diwali is the Indian festival of lights, and light symbolizes hope and positive energy, it indicates the victory of good over evil; a new beginning; seeing the light at the end of tunnel and light is also a symbol of knowledge as it is an internationally used.

People decorate their homes with lights and Rangoli (colorful paintings on floor). Their surroundings filled with colorful light to enliven the day, to mark the dawn of a new era in one's life.

Although Diwali is a Hindu tradition, people of all faiths in India participate in celebrations - Hindus, Jains, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and others.

My childhood is filled with good memories of Diwali; the sparklers, the food and everything joyous you can imagine.

Happy Diwali to you my friends, may this Diwali bring happiness, serenity and peace to you. Amen!

Diwali ki shubh Kamnayein aap ko mubarak

White House:

President Obama’s DIWALI message:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edwfv2kreUs

Statement by the President on the occasion of Diwali:

Today, here at home and across the globe, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists will celebrate the holiday of Diwali -– the festival of lights. Diwali is a time for gathering with family and friends, often marked with good food and dancing. It is also a time for prayer and reflection about those less fortunate. It is a testament to the compassion of these communities that so many of them have helped those that have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

Many who observe this holiday will light the Diya, or lamp, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. As that lamp is lit, we should all recommit ourselves to bring light to any place still facing darkness. Earlier this year, we were reminded of the evil that exists in the world when a gunman walked into the Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and opened fire. In the wake of that horrible tragedy, we saw the resilience of a community that drew strength from their faith and a sense of solidarity with their neighbors, Sikh and non-Sikh alike. We also saw compassion and love, in the heroic actions of the first responders and the outpouring of support from people across the country. Out of a day of sadness, we were reminded that the beauty of America remains our diversity, and our right to religious freedom.

To those celebrating Diwali, I wish you, your families and loved ones Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak.

30 some rangoli themes...  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=331967&id=851280248&l=56e2895228