Insha Allah; the full article will appear at Huffington Post in a few days. Here are a few key paragraphs.
Americans Muslims are fully committed to a strong, peaceful, prosperous and a secure America. As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faith reinforces the creed of “One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”
Every time a group wanted the constitutional rights be applicable to them, they had to fight what’s was theirs to begin with…………… Now, Muslims and the GLBT communities are clamoring to be equal, and Hindus will be next as their numbers increase.
Let me begin with two simultaneous trends developing to address the acceptance of Muslims as “equals” beginning with interfaith movement, and Muslim initiatives.
Many organizations have contributed to this phenomenal growth in American Pluralism. Some of them are Eboo Patel’s interfaith youth core, Aga Khan’s Pluralism Center in Canada, Diane Eck’s Pluralism project and Mike Ghouse’s Foundation for Pluralism, the Center for studies in pluralistic societies. All these organizations are committed to understanding and working towards building pluralistic societies.
Muslim Organizations
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is considered by Muslims as a mercy to mankind; however a few Muslims deny him that role. Ask Asia Bibi and Rimsha Masih of Pakistan, and Pastor Naderkhani of Iran and a few others, they have no reason to consider the Prophet to be a mercy to the mankind.
Prophet Muhammad is indeed a mercy to the mankind, and Muslims need to demonstrate that through their actions of being a mercy to fellow beings. The responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of Muslims and non-Muslim alike to change that notion; shame on us Muslims for creating an environment, against the will of God, to have others curse at the Prophet; it is our problem, not theirs. The World Muslim Congress boldly voices these concerns and gives it a currency. Visit www.WorldMuslimCongress.org
Islamic Speakers Bureau (http://www.isb-dfw.org/ ) is an affiliate of ING, Islamic Networking Group, the first main stream Muslim organization in America that has gone bold with its emphasis on Pluralism, it is built on a strong foundation based on the Religious Liberty Clauses of the First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law establishing religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” and the verse from Quran 49:13. It is a new paradigm for some Muslims, and it is a new experience for me to see a Muslim institution take this posture, it’s a dream come true for me and perhaps a majority of Muslims. You may read this piece – Islamic Speakers Bureau, a blessing to Dallas/ Fort Worth
Pluralism is one of the most mis-understood concepts, and at times shunned believing it to be a compromise, or giving up one’s identity. Pluralism is not a religion, it is not a mish-mash of religions, and it is not even an effort to bring religions together. It is simply respecting who you are, as you are created by same process (God) as everyone else. It is an attitude of finding ways to co-exist with least conflicts. A Pluralist is someone who believes in living his own life and letting others live theirs. Muslims and non-Muslims must find the truth before they judge; truth comes from genuine inquiry, after all God wants his creation to function smoothly.
What makes Hamza Yousuf and Imams like him appeal to Muslim Majority? They speak what is in the heart of every Muslim; that is what Islam means to them, to get along with Allah’s creation and mind their own business and not make a business of denying the otherness of others to others. . You will find World Muslim Congress, ISB, ING, PMV and several other organizations (Please share if your organization needs to be included). All are taking the bold steps to reflect the sentiments of a majority of Muslims. It is not easy, but until you take that step, we will not get out of the ditch.
Two Big events your can support in Dallas, please do rsvp and attend both the events. One thing we as Muslims need to learn is to support each other.
Unity Day USA – Luncheon on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 11:30 AM – Seven community leaders from Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh and others are being honored…including a Muslim Imam for their work in building bridges. And additionally two communities are being recognized for their efforts – its free, but must rsvp to
[email protected] – details are at www.UnityDayUSA.com
ISB-DFW Fundraising Dinner: Strengthening the Bridge – Sunday, September 16, 2012 (5 PM). Register Online Today
A few individuals change the course of history negatively or positively while the majority watches the show. It’s time for us to step up and make the positive change.
Jazak Allah Khair
Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and nurturing the universal values of Islam, all his work in 30 blogs and four websites is indexed at www.MikeGhouse.net
URL – http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/09/muslim-commitment-to-america-on-911.html
URL – http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/09/muslim-commitment-to-america-on-911.html