Qur'aan conference

Pastor Robert Jeffress , Quraan Conference and birth of America Together Foundation

2011-11-30T04:59:00.000-08:00

Edited on Wednesday, November 30, 2011, written up November 30, 2010

Pastor Robert Jeffress attacks Mormons, Muslims, Catholics, Jews, Buddhists and Hindus consistently, he calls them all cults. Please note that I am not highlighting his affiliation with the Dallas Baptist Church, there is no way, the Church approves hate or ill-will towards other humans, it goes against the very teachings of Jesus Christ.

As a society we have faltered in blaming the group or the religion for the acts of individuals. The words of Pastor Jeffress generates fear, anxieties hate and ill-will, it is him and not the reflection of his Church, even if the congregation sheepishly claps and gives a standing ovation when the pastor calls out, “Islam is an evil evil religion and Quraan is a book written by a false prophet” with full passion.

Please remove any bias you may have against Baptist Church because you’ll find bigotry in every denomination and every religion and no one can cast the first stone. In a short span of 7 years, in my own town Dallas, just one Baptist Pastor’s ignorance is overwhelmed by many Baptist pastors, just to name a few who reflect the inclusive teachings of Jesus with substantial backing are Late Pastor Roy Harrell of Thanksgiving Square, who led the Christian Coalition prayers representing several denominations at the Unity day USA program in 1985; Pastor George Mason of the Wilshire Baptist Church who was the first one to agree to be on the panel of demystifying the myths about Quraan in the Quraan conference and Pastor Bob Roberts who has led many expeditions in exploring common grounds among faiths, including a joint commemoration of 9/11 by Muslims and Baptist. By the way, both the gentlemen were recipients of the “Pluralist Award” in 2009 for their work in living with no bias towards others.

The chronological sequence of the events from the day Pastor Robert Jeffress called Islam and evil evil religion to the Quraan Conference. Much of the documentation is on the Television, Dallas Morning News and at www.QuraanConference.com

This is how it began:

The intent of this piece is to understand Pastor Jeffress, unless more research is un-earthed, he seems to be a charlatan duping his congregation with falsities in the name of Christ.

One listen to his sermon can unravel so much about this man.

First, I must give credit to the man Mr. Jonathan Halsey of the Unificationists Church, who saw that it was an un-Christian thing to preach hate in a Church and he gathered Mr. Marzuk Jami and myself to attend the Church with him on Sunday, September 12, 2010. The day was a busy one for me as I had a major program Unity Day that evening. Alexis Yancey wrote a timely press release to the media.

The four of us including Paul ….. walked into the Dallas Baptist Church in down town on Sunday, September 12, 2010. During the sermon, I observe, he wanted 400 of his congregation members to sign up on Pastors committee; he would not proceed with the sermon unless he had the count. Their goal was to bring at least one potential convert to the church through the fall, spring and summer seasons.

He is an incredible mathematical genius – 2400 new converts at $ 1000 per head would give Pastor Jeffress in excess of $2million in revenues of which some will go to the expansion of the Church and the rest as a possible reward to him for his work.

During his sermon he shared the story of one of the convert founders who had donated over a million dollars and continues to dole out the monies. The Pastor was seeing the rainfall of green bucks.

Someone piped in his ears that a few Muslims are in his congregation and he duly asked us to stand up and had us acknowledged by the congregation. It indeed was a nice gesture.

In his sermon he told that he would walk and put the fire out on a Jewish home, but on the 3^rd day he said on My Fox News that he would reference the story of putting the fire out on a Muslim home. Both the videos should be available on FSB site and of course Fox news.

In the same sermon he praised the lord and extolled Jesus Christ, which Muslims do it with their heart. Indeed, Jesus is my mentor. The he adds, “No other religion teaches purpose of life, except Christianity”. Later on in the lobby I had a conversation with him – that Baha’i, Hindu, Islam and others teach the purpose of life – to serve God and his creation. I asked him if he had studied other religions to have made that claim. He simply ignored the question.

What made me visit the church was his comment a week earlier, “Quraan is an evil book written by a false prophet" and shamelessly, his congregation clapped and gave a standing ovation for a hateful speech in the name of Christ. I implored him to tell the truth or at least find the truth and share it with his congregation; he refused even to find the truth for this congregation. In that speech, he was berating Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism. I am really surprised how the Jewish community let him get away with it, he may be the only one or they may look to him as a looney barking aimlessly. I am glad the African Americans and Jewish Americans will nail any one for one wrong word against them; Muslims need to learn from them and not take the crap from these men ( and of course a few women too).

What followed later were exchanges on NBC 5 and FOX 11 and write ups in Dallas Morning News. All of which is chronicled in the Bibliography below.

Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress chickened out to my challenge to host the Quraan debate on his own turf. I offered him copies of the Quraan translation by Muhammad Asad, giving him the benefit of doubt that he may have read the two false translations out of 25 some translations. Steve Blow of Dallas Morning News framed my interview very well, “In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders. Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews.” I asked the Pastor to invite all the Islamophobes and do a conference and put the falsities behind and look for better relations.

He had the biggest challenge of his life and he chickened out on that tood. “Pastor, I will present the right Quraan translation to you, you gather all the Islamophobes and let’s have a talk. If you find three evil things in the Quraan, I will abandon my religion Islam and join your Church, the Baptist Church.” We need to do a conference and put the falsities behind.

We did the most amazing conference on Quraan addressing difficult verses by Non-Muslims clergy bringing a graceful closure to Pastor Jeffress rants.

Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; it is an old business of maligning others to have a momentary gain. Quraan is challenged by Pastor Robert Jeffress, Pat Robertson, Terry Jones and others who have not made any effort to find the truth, let alone understand the book.

Ever since we declared our independence in 1776, we have been tested time and again by various political, economic and religious forces to divide us, however, at the end we have come out strong as one nation. The Civil War, the Great Depression, the World War, Pearl Harbor, Women’s rights, Abortion, the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Budget Deficits, Unemployment, 9/11, the Iraq and Afghanistan War have all been difficult, but we will make it through and sanity will prevail.

The Quraan conference, Understanding GLBT, Quraan, Anti-Semitism, race, gender and other issues are American issues and not Jewish, Muslim or African American issues. We understand that a few are committed to pitting one American against the other for their own gains.

As Americans Together, we will find solutions to the issues we face and we are indeed committed.

Links in the article:

1. The Quraan Conference Program http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2010/12/quraan-conference-program-sequence.html

2. List of difficult Passages in Quraan http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/12/list-of-difficult-passages-in-quraan.html

3. Graceful Closure to Robert Jeffress rantshttp://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2010/09/graceful-closure-to-dr-jeffress.html

4. Americans togetherhttp://americatogetherfoundation.blogspot.com/2010/11/americans-together-building-cohesive.html

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

VIDEOS AND PRINT LINKS

Dr. Jeffress Tells The Truth About Islam – At the end of the video, his congregation claps for the hateful remarks by Jeffress.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfb9p3qSRqA

Uploaded by firstbaptistdallas on Aug 23, 2010

First Baptist's Robert Jeffress Won't Be Winning Muslim Converts This Way.http://www.dallasobserver.com/2010-09-02/news/first-baptist-s-robert-jeffress-won-t-be-winning-muslim-converts-this-way/

By Patrick Williams Thursday, Sep 2 2010

Unedited: Dr. Robert Jeffress statements on Islam (same as above)

http://www.wfaa.com/video/raw/Dr-Robert-Jeffress-statement-on--101772118.html

Posted on August 29, 2010 at 10:26 PM

Dr. Jeffress Responds to Dallas News Columnist
He claims to speak the truth...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4dHHbO7Slw&feature=player_embedded#!

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/09/dallas_pastor_islam_promotes_pedophilia_video.php
Uploaded by firstbaptistdallas on Sep 5, 2010

Dallas Pastor Defends Claim That Islam 'Promotes Pedophilia' (VIDEO) http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/09/dallas_pastor_islam_promotes_pedophilia_video.php

Jillian Ray field | September 7, 2010, 3:51PM

An Open Letter to Rev. Robert Jeffress, FBC Dallas

http://www.chicktalkdallas.com/blog/?p=4631

Posted on September 7, 2010 by Joanna Cattanach

Sunday Morning on Foxhttp://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/christians-and-muslims-meet
Published: Sunday, 12 Sep 2010, 10:55 PM CDT

Monday Morning on Foxhttp://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/091310-pastor,-muslims-meet-to-discuss-quran

Posted by Richard Ray: Monday, 13 Sep 2010, 4:52 PM CDT

Muslims, Jews and Hindus are going to hell http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/091310-pastor%2C-muslims-meet-to-discuss-quran

Dallas Morning News Responds - In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/sblow/stories/DN-blow_19met.ART.West.Edition1.356a575.html

Published: 19 September 2010 02:28 AM

Mike Ghouse Challenges Quraan Translation with Pastor Robert Jeffress - 1 of 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMN8Zy1kc64
Uploaded by Pluralism center on Sep 17, 2010

Mike Ghouse Challenges Quraan Translation with Pastor Robert Jeffress - 2 of 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZOFLQSAOhA&feature=related

Uploaded by Pluralism center on Sep 17, 2010

Mike Ghouse challenges Robert Jeffress

Article: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/09/rev-robert-jeffress-challenged-on.html
Monday, September 13, 2010

Islam is a false religion by a false prophet, unraveling the difficulties - Americans Together http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_slI-CwnW7g&feature=related

Uploaded by Pluralism center on Nov 3, 2010

Americans have been challenged time and again - Americans Together - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcW84KjXsqo

Uploaded by Pluralism center on Nov 3, 2010

Americans need not live in fear of others - Americans together

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E832SErFzJk&feature=related

Uploaded by Pluralismcenter on Nov 3, 2010

We have to build, rebuild and continuously build the social cohesiveness of our nation. Details at: http://dallasquraanconference.blogspot.com/

Perry's Values Voters Endorser: Islam is an "Evil, Evil Religion"http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/10/perry-values-voters-endorser-robert-jeffress-islam-evil

—By Tim Murphy Fri Oct. 7, 2011 6:29 PM PDT

Jeffress Says Satan Is Behind Roman Catholicism
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/individuals/robert-jeffress
Submitted by Brian Tashman on October 8, 2011 - 1:15pm

Jeffress on Mormons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mht8Vq8aDs Uploaded by daveweigel81 on Oct 7, 2011

The Reverend Jeffress and Mormonshttp://www.rightwingnewswatch.com/2011/10/08/the-reverend-jeffress-and-mormons/

By () on October 8, 2011

Jeffress: Mormonism from Pit of Hell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xl8D7zEm_jI

Uploaded by RWWBlog on Oct 8, 2011

Jeffress Calls Mormonism A Cult – Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism are all false religions

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/jefress-stands-by-calling-mormonism-a-cult

Published: Sunday, 09 Oct 2011, 9:46 PM CDT

Jeffress: Jews, Mormons, Muslims And Gays Are Going To Hell
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/individuals/robert-jeffress
Submitted by Brian Tashman on October 8, 2011 - 8:55am

Richard Ray of Fox4 News interviewed me about Pastor Jeffress and the Quraan at 11:00 AM this morning, however due to time constraints, or other reasons they have edited out the critical points about killing the infidel and Quraan Translations. I will recreate that interview and post it on the web in a few days, right here.

The challenge is simple; I will present the right translations of the Qur'aan to Rev. Robert Jeffress in his congregation and challenge him to find 3 evil things about Quraan, if he does, I will go work for his ministry, if he does not, I ask of him to retract the thoughtless cavalier statements he made about Islam and Quraan, and take up the challenge of becoming a peace maker.

Thanks to the Islam bashers for telling me what is it that bothers them, they have time and again given me a list of about 60 verses, and I have made serious effort to address them most directly at: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/ I have dealt with some of the Islamophobes who have made their business by maligning others including Islam, in this case. Look at their websites; they shamelessly ask for money, people should seriously debate if their money is going to bring peace or chaos.

Whether it is Pastor Jones, Jeffress, Phelps or Robertson, the media has failed to nail down the exact words or phrases that cause them to make such divisive declarations, and the unfinished business is frustrating the public.

America needs peacemakers who can boldly clarify the un-truths and myths about each other for the sake of peace. We owe peace and security to each one of the 301 Million Americans, our efforts ought to be directed so everyone us can live without fear, without harassment and without prejudices. My question to Pastors Jeffress, Jones, Phelps, Robertsons and their likes is this; Didn't Jesus pray and worked to create the kingdom of heaven on the earth, so all of us can live freely?

Some 2000 years ago, Jesus delivered the sermon "Blessed are the peace makers" on Mt. Beatitude, I was there and felt the power of that statement. I walked where Jesus walked on via Dela Rosa; I was baptized in the river Jordan where Jesus was baptized. Symbolically, I accepted Jesus’ message to become a peace maker by drenching myself in the holy water.

The role of people of religions is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill. I ask Rev. Robert Jeffress, Rev. Pat Robertson, Rev. Fred Phelps and Rev. Terry Jones to walk the journey of peace with me.

Pastor, Muslims Meet to Discuss Quran
Published : Monday, 13 Sep 2010, 4:52 PM CDT

Richard Ray
FOX 4 News
Adapted for Web by Tracy DeLatte, myFOXdfw.com

DALLAS - First Baptist Church of Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress said he has no regrets about calling Islam an evil religion. But on Sunday he gave a warm welcome to a group of Muslims visiting his church.

It was an unusual meeting of the minds. A pair of Muslim leaders showed up unexpectedly wanting to talk to the pastor, not sure what kind of reception they’d get.

“We have some very special guests here this morning. Leaders, members of the Islamic faith in Dallas and I want you to join me in giving them the warmest First Baptist welcome you can,” Jeffress said to his congregation.

Muslim Mike Ghouse was part of that small delegation and afterward met with Jeffress to discuss the Quran.

“He asked us to stand up and there was a good welcome. It was beautiful. I really liked that,” Ghouse.

He is convinced that Jeffress and most Americans have only read mistranslations of the Quran, where ugly language about Christians and Jews has been incorrectly inserted.

“What he said about the Quran and Islam I agree with him. He has read the wrong translation. To find the truth, to be peacemakers, we have to find the truth for the sake of a secure America. His statements are divisive and offense,” Ghouse said.

A study last month by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that over the past five years the percentage of Americans with a positive view of Islam has dropped dramatically from 41 to 30 percent.

Jeffress said he enjoyed his meeting with Ghouse and the others, but still believes he has read an accurate translation. He expresses no regret for what he’s said about the religion.

“I have to regrets at all. I think some of my statements have been mischaracterized simply because the whole statement wasn’t given. I don’t believe most Muslims are terrorists. I don’t think most Muslims oppress women. But there is something within the religion of Islam itself that I believe incites violence,” he said.

Jeffress said he thinks he can disagree in a loving and kind way.

“I think we need to quit walking on egg shells. I think we do need to tell the truth. We tell it in love. But we still tell the truth,” he said.

Ghouse and the others involved in the meeting said they’d like to meet with Jeffress again in the future to have a deeper discussion.
# # #

In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

2011-04-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

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.

In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece

Over and over you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don't they stand up and say it?

If that has been you, Mike Ghouse ought to be your hero.

It is hard to imagine that anyone has worked harder than the Carrollton resident to demonstrate the peaceful and moderate side of Islam.

And that effort includes personally visiting Dallas' First Baptist Church last Sunday just to put a friendly face on the "evil, evil religion" that the Rev. Robert Jeffress denounced a few weeks before.

"It was wonderful," Ghouse said of the visit. "We were so warmly received."
He hopes a quick chat with Jeffress will be the start of deeper discussion about Islam and the importance of respect between religions.

"I want to have a dialogue with him, not to say he is wrong but to share another point of view," Ghouse said.

The 57-year-old Muslim was born in India and has lived in the United States for 30 years. He owns a small property management firm. But most of his day is devoted to building bridges between people of different faiths.

"It is my passion," he said in his distinctive raspy voice.

He has been a guest a dozen times on Sean Hannity's TV and radio talk shows. "I don't like the way Sean cuts me off, but I have to honor him for giving the American public a semblance of another point of view."

Ghouse said he can understand fear and criticism of Islam because he went through a time of similar feelings. As a teen, he was troubled by passages of the Quran. He called himself an atheist for a while.

But he said deeper study led him to realize the Quran had been purposely mistranslated down through history.

In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders.

Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews.

"It was all for politics," he said.
Ghouse said he hopes to present Jeffress with a modern, faithful translation and challenge him to find evil verses.

"If he can, I will convert. I will join his church," Ghouse said. "If he can't, I will call on him to retract his statements and become a peacemaker."

Ghouse acknowledges that deep problems persist within Islam. "Three steps forward, two steps back," he said with a sigh.

And he agrees that mainstream Muslims have not done enough to counter violent images of their faith.

"That is very true," he said. "But part of it is that many Muslims have given up hope that we will ever be heard."

He said repeated denunciations of terrorism seem to fall on deaf ears.

And some efforts have backfired - like the proposed Islamic information center in New York. He said it should be hailed for furthering the moderate Muslim cause.
Instead, it has deepened hostility toward Muslims.

I have been astounded by the amount of anti-Islam propaganda that circulates via e-mail. Tons of it has come my way in the last few weeks.

One theme is that people like Mike Ghouse can't be trusted, that Islam encourages deception.

But Ghouse says actions speak louder than words. And he points to elections in Muslim nations.

More than half of Muslims live in countries with some degree of democracy. And time and time again, Islamist parties are overwhelmingly rejected in favor of secular, mainstream parties.

"The religious parties don't get more than 3 percent of the vote," Ghouse said.
Polls show deep mistrust of Muslims. "But the most important question in those surveys is: 'Do you know anything about Islam?' " Ghouse said. "Most people say no."
What keeps him going is faith in Americans, he said.

"The majority of Americans, if they know the truth, they will change their minds."

# # #

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, writer, thinker, futurist and an activist of Pluralism, Islam, India and Civil Societies passionately offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

He is a commentator at Fox News on the Hannity show, nationally syndicated Radio shows along with Dallas TV, Print and Radio networks and occasional interviews on NPR. He has spoken at international forums including the Parliament of Worlds Religions in Melbourne, Middle East Peace initiative in Jerusalem, International Leadership conference in Hawaii, Washington and elsewhere.

Concerned by the divisiveness, he saw the need to bring Americans together and founded America Together Foundation committed to building a cohesive America, indeed it is in response to ACT America which is bent on pitching one American against the other. We will be holding series of educational programs, conferences and workshops to address the issues that divide us such as Civil Right, GLBT, Quraan, Abortion, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Racial Profiling and Stereotyping.

The Annual Unity Day USA is in its 7^th year now, it is a purposeful event to bring Americans together, on this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and wellbeing of our nation.

Thanksgiving Celebration is in its 15^th year showcasing cultural diversity.

The 5^th Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides is to learn and to acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things we have inflicted upon each other and commit to avert such tragedies. Through this event non-Jewish people have consciously learned about Holocaust for the first time, it was also for the first time that people of 14 faiths came together to join in to commemorate the Holocaust that commemorated within the Jewish Community for years. They are not alone anymore in their anguish, we are all in it together with them, and it is a Muslim initiative to effect a positive change.

The programs, seminars and workshops conducted by the Foundation for Pluralism have become a part of the America Together Foundation. While the Foundation for Pluralism continues championing the idea of co-existence through respecting and accepting the otherness of other, the commitment to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam through the World Muslim Congress continues.

# # #

Fuller Profile is at: http://www.mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp

Mike is working on two books scheduled to be released this year; The American Muslim Agenda and My Journey to Pluralism.

Mike has written over 1000 Articles on Pluralism, Islam, India, Peace & Justice and civil societies published in a wide spectrum of Newspapers and Magazines around the world.

Locally, he is a panelist at Dallas Morning News's and writes weekly on a range of issues facing the nation. Washington Post, Huffington Post and other news papers and sites regularly publish his work.

Mike is available to speak on Pluralism, Islam, Civil Societies, and Peace & Justice at your place of worship, school, work place, seminars, workshops or conferences. His work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at http://www.MikeGhouse.net/

Quraan Conference and Fox TV

2011-02-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

A successful conference on Qur’aan was initiated by America Together Foundation at the Unity Church with ten panelists representing different faiths. It was not an Islamic or a Muslim conference, it was indeed an American conference where the beliefs of one group of Americans were mis-represented by the other and the need to de-falsify was in critical to build a cohesive America.

We thank the Unity Church for their support, pictures and the details are http://www.quraanconference.com/

I was on Fox TV discussing Egypt with Sean Hannity and Robert Spencer and the topic turned to Qur’aan.

Here is the latest on Fox TV with Hannity and Spencer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5Q64RUxSd4

Spencer goes on to mis-quote Quraanic verses. There is not a holy book that tells its followers to lie, and Spencer says it is an Islamic thing to lie and pretend. He should know better than that, Americans are not dumb people, they will verify it before believing him. He was quoting verse 3:28 and I am producing verses 3:25 through 3:31 for the readers to judge.

You can buy a copy of the Qur’aan translated by Mohammad Asad or go online at http://www.islamicity.com/QuranSearch/ and plug in the verse numbers 3:28 and search with Asad translation.
If you are a researcher and have a genuine interest in finding the truth, we will furnish you an authenticated copy of the Qur’aan translation by Muhammad Asad.

Search For: 3:25-3:31 - -

Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

· 3:25 (Asad) How, then, [will they fare] when We shall gather them all together to witness the Day about [the coming of] which there is no doubt, and every human being shall be repaid in full for what he has done, and none shall be wronged?

· 3:26 (Asad) SAY: "O God, Lord of all dominion! Thou grantest dominion unto whom Thou willest, and takest away dominion from whom Thou willest; and Thou exaltest whom Thou willest, and abasest whom Thou willest. In Thy hand is all good. Verily, Thou hast the power to will anything.

· 3:27 (Asad) "Thou makest the night grow longer by shortening the day, and Thou makest the day grow longer by shortening the night. And Thou bringest forth the living out of that which is dead, and Thou bringest forth the dead out of that which is alive. And Thou grantest sustenance unto whom `Thou willest, beyond all reckoning."

· 3:28 (Asad) LET NOT the believers take those who deny the truth for their allies in preference to the believers ^[19] - since he who does this cuts himself off from God in everything - unless it be to protect yourselves against them in this way. ^[20] But God warns you to beware of Him: for with God is all journeys' end.

Note 19 (Quran Ref: 3:28 )

I.e., in cases where the interests of those "deniers of the truth" clash with the interests of believers (Manar 111, 278). Regarding the deeper implications of the term "allies" (awliya'), see 4:139 and the corresponding note.(Quran Ref: 3:28 )

Note 20 (Quran Ref: 3:28 )

Lit., "unless you fear from them something that is to be feared". Zamakhshari explains this phrase as meaning, "unless you have reason to fear that they might do something which ought to be guarded against" - obviously referring to situations in which "those who deny the truth" are more powerful than the Muslims, and are therefore in a position to damage the latter unless they become their "allies" in a political or moral sense.(Quran Ref: 3:28 )

· 3:29 (Asad) Say: "Whether you conceal what is in your hearts ^[21] or bring it into the open, God knows it: for He knows all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and God has the power to will anything."

· 3:30 (Asad) On the Day when every human being will find himself faced with all the good that he has done, and with all the evil that he has done, [many a one] will wish that there were a long span of time between himself and that [Day]. Hence, God warns you to beware of Him; but God is most compassionate towards His creatures.

· 3:31 (Asad) Say [O Prophet]: "If you love God, follow me, [and] God will love you and forgive you your sins; for God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace."

The organization, America Together Foundation will focus on bringing Americans together with a series of educational programs to address the critical issues facing our nation in an open forum to find pluralistic solutions to restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America. No American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. Programs on GLBT, Anti-Semitism, Racial Profiling, social justice and other issues are in the planning stage.

Mike Ghouse is a thinker, writer, speaker, futurist and an activist of Pluralism, Interfaith, Co-existence, Peace and Islam. He is a frequent guest at the TV, radio and print media offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His work is reflected at three websites and 21 Blogs listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

# #

Louisville Quraan Conference postponed

2011-02-17T12:07:00.001-08:00

Qur’aan Conference postponed
http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2011/02/louisville-quraan-conference-postponed.html

Please note that the Qur’aan Conference scheduled for February 20, 2010 at the Cathedral of Assumption in Louisville, Kentucky is postponed. The new date will be announced after consulting with the ten panelists representing various religious traditions.

The Dallas Qur’aan conference was successful in achieving the goal of demystifying the myths and removal of falsifications, so all of us Americans can live with the truth. The details are at the website www.QuraanConference.com .

http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2011/01/louisville-quraan-koran-conference.html

Thank you.

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916
www.MikeGhouse.net

Louisville Quraan (Koran) Conference

2011-01-29T13:17:00.000-08:00

This is not a Muslim, Islamic or a religious event.

This is an American event, as Americans it is our duty to search for solutions on issues that divide us, and work on building a Cohesive America, one

America

and one Nation. (click on picture for large size - from Dallas Quraan Conference)

Divisive issues have pitted one American against the other, like the Civil War, Abortion, Vietnam, Civil rights, GLBT rights, 9/11 and a host of other issues. Last year two more items were placed in the bucket; Quraan and the Building of Mosques, before it gets out of hand, we have to take the initiative and shape our society for every one to enjoy living his or her life.

The panelists on Quraan conference will not be Muslims, but Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, clergy and elected officials. The role of Muslim scholars is simply to observe, affirm and share their understanding of the verses. We have had successful conference in Dallas on December 5, 2009 and the pictures are posted on the site and the video of the full program will be uploaded. The copies of Quraan were furnished by ISNA and CAIR.

Your role: To bring People of other faiths with you, and I hope you can bring at least five individuals (5). Would you do that?

Full details, including the verses projected as difficult ones are listed on the site http://www.quraanconference.com/

Or click here: http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2010/12/louisville-quraan-conference.html

SUMMARY

What: Qur’aan Conference
Purpose: To demystify myths about Quraan

When: Sunday, February 20, 2011 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Where: Cathedral of the Assumption
Address: 433 S. Fifth Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Details on Website: www.quraanconference.com/

RSVP to: ConfirmAttendance@gmail.com

Inquiries: QuraanConference@gmail.com

Organizer: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916

Organization: America Together Foundation

Click on Dallas picture to enlarge

Louisville Quraan Conference

2010-12-30T00:44:00.001-08:00

Please mark your calendar for the upcoming Quraan Conference in Louisville.

The purpose of the conference is to weed out the myths from reality.

As members of the diverse family of faiths, we need to work on mitigating the ill-will and falsification of our respective faiths. What is the bottom line? No one has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. If we can learn to accept the otherness of other and respect the God given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

We need to invite elected officials, mayors, clergy, shamans, rabbis, pastors, pundits, imams and people in leadership roles along with the public.

SUMMARY
What: Qur’aan Conference
Purpose: To demystify myths about Quraan & Islam
When: Sunday, February 20, 2011 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Where: Cathedral of the Assumption
Address: 433 S. Fifth Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Details on Website: www.quraanconference.com/ RSVP/Inquiries: ConfirmAttendance@gmail.com

Quraan Conference by Non-Muslim PanelistsPRESS RELEASE

Hate is one of the many sources of disrupting peace in a society, and it is our responsibility to track down the source of such hate and mitigate it for the benefit of all Americans. No American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other.

Since our independence we have endured divisive issues like the Civil war, Vietnam War, Abortion, Prayer in School, Anti-Semitism, Civil Rights, Racism, Iraq- Afghanistan wars and the GLBT rights. Indeed we have consistently worked on the conflicts to keep America together.

Religion has been used, abused and misused to someone’s advantage, as Americans, are we going to let that happen? Absolutely not, we can pull ourselves together and not fall for the temptations to divide ourselves.

However, the newly framed hate towards fellow Americans, who follow the religion of Islam, is going to consume our energies for years to come if we do not take the right steps now. The attacks on Qur’aan, their holy book have just begun.

Mike Ghouse adds, “As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths, malice and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us. Indeed, a conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits this year.” If we make an effort, goodness will come to our rescue.

A panel of Non-Muslim clergy and scholars from different faith traditions will respond to questions that the audience or the media will pose. The Panel members will be given a copy of the English translation of the Qur’aan to refer to when a question is asked about a verse. The audience will also have access to such translations. The program is NOT to glorify Islam or Quraan, but to remove the falsifications about it so we can live without fear of each other.

As Americans, we have led the world in science, medicine, technology, business and innovation, and it is time for us to lead the world with the ideals of Pluralism and co-existence. Let us become a model nation and pave the way for cohesive societies around the world.
It is time now to replace the ill-will with goodwill; no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other.

Thank you.

Mike Ghouse
AMERICANS TOGETHER BUILDING COHESIVE SOCITIES
http://www.quraanconference.com/
http://AmericaTogetherFoundation.com

(214) 325-1916

Quraan Conference Program Sequence

2010-12-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

Quraan Conference Program Sequence
Full Video of the program and report will be posted soon.

# # #

The purpose of this conference is to understand the issues and find ways to remove such fears in an open forum and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

PROGRAM SEQUENCE

National Anthem
Pledge of Allegiance
Acknowledgements
How it got started – Jonathan Halsey
Purpose – to build a cohesive America
Misrepresented verses in circulation
Narrow it down to 10 Verses
A short prayer
Methodology of reading the verses
Non-Muslim Panelists will read & explain
Conclusion - comment from each panelist
Recognition of Recent Awardees
Refreshments.

IN CO-OPERATION WITH:

American Clergy Leadership Conference

Dallas Peace Center
Unity Church of Dallas

Universal Peace Federation –
Fun Asia, banquet halls, Theaters, Catering

PANELISTS

Pastor George Mason - Wilshire Baptist Church
Rev. Petra Weldes – Center for Spiritual Living
Rev. Michael Jenkins – American Clergy Leadership
Dr. Harbans Lal – Guru Granth Sahib Studies
Pastor Eric Folkerth - United Methodist Church
Hon. Lon Burnam – Texas State Representative
Dr. John Norris – Professor of Theology, UD
Rev. Bill Matthews, Chair, Interfaith Council
Rev. Tony Brigmon, Mormon Church

Dr. Karen Hollie, Protestant

MUSLIM PANELISTS

Imam Zia Shaikh, Islamic Center of Irving
Imam Shakoor, Warith Deen Muhammad Masjid
Hamid Sheikh, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Dr. Basheer Ahmed, Muslim Community Center

QURAAN COPIES

CAIR – Council on Islamic Relations
ISNA – Islamic Society of North America

KEY VOLUNTEERS

Dr. Karen Hollie and her team, Life way Church
Esther Vasquez and her Team, Unification Church
Adil Khan, General AssistanceRita Clarke and her team, Dallas Peace Center

SERVICES

Aftab Chagani and his Staff – Audio & Video
Kevin Foresman, Video Technician
Syed Rafi, Banners and Signs

GRATITUDE TO:
Laura Sutherland, Unity Church of Dallas

# # #
The program was organized by World Muslim Congress and the Foundation for Pluralism working towards building cohesive societies with dignity and respect to every human on earth.

Mike Ghouse runs the Foundation for Pluralism championing the idea of co-existence through respecting and accepting the otherness of other and has dedicated his life to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam through the World Muslim Congress. He is a regular commentator on the TV, Radio and Print media offering pluralistic solutions to the issues of the day. He is a speaker, thinker, writer and a peace activist. Mike's work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Quraan Koran Conference in Dallas

2010-12-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

Dallas Conference on building an inclusive America

No American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to understand the issues and find ways to remove such fears in an open forum and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

When: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX. 75230

Event: Qur’aan Conference in Dallas

Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam
Website: http://www.quraanconference.com/
Inquiries: quraanconference@gmail.com
RSVP: Confirmattendance@gmail.com
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916

THE EVENT IS FREE

PRESS RELEASE | INVITATION

Contact: MikeGhouse@aol.com

You are invited, details below

Since our independence in 1776, we have been tested time and again by various political, economic and religious forces to divide us, however, at the end we have come out strong as one nation. The Civil War, the Great Depression, the World War, Pearl Harbor, Women’s rights, Abortion, the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Budget Deficits, Unemployment, 9/11, the Iraq and Afghanistan War have all been difficult, but we will make it through and sanity will prevail.

The controversy over the Muslim Community Center in New York has unraveled the difficulties Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Wicca and others have endured.

We have come a long way to embrace and accept the otherness of other. However, this year has given rise to yet another temptation; to blame Islam, calling it an evil, evil religion and calling its prophet a false prophet. No American has to live in fear of the other, nor live in anxieties or discomfort.

Religion has been “abused” and “misused” to someone’s advantage, as Americans, are we going to let that happen? No, we can pull ourselves together and not fall for the temptations to divide ourselves.

If we make an effort, goodness will come to our rescue. Mike Ghouse adds, “As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths, malice and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us. Indeed, a conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits of America this year.”

The Conference puts the Quraan in the hands of panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons, elected officers and the public. The uniqueness of the event is highlighted by facing the “terrifying passages” of Quraan. For the first time in history, the actual verses from Quraan will be read directly and explained by panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons and elected officials who have a deep interest in bringing Americans together on common grounds. The Muslim scholars either affirm their reading or share the additional information right from the very Quraan for further understanding.

It is time now to replace the ill-will with goodwill; no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure

America

Thank you.
Mike Ghouse for
A COHESIVE AMERICA,
AMERICANS TOGETHER
http://www.quraanconference.com/

COMING UP 2011:

Conferences on other divisive issues of the society including Anti-Semitism, GLBT and other issues

Documentary – listed at http://www.quraanconference.com/

Americans Together building Cohesive societies

2010-11-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Dated: Wednesday, October 27, 2010
PRESS RELEASE | INVITATION

Contact: MikeGhouse@aol.com

You are invited, details below

Ever since we declared our independence, we have been tested time and again by various political, economic and religious forces to divide us, however, at the end we have come out strong as one nation. The Civil War, the Great Depression, the World War, Pearl Harbor, Women’s rights, Abortion, the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Budget Deficits, Unemployment, 9/11, the Iraq and Afghanistan War have all been difficult, but we will make it through and sanity will prevail.

The controversy over the Muslim Community Center in New York has unraveled the difficulties Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Wicca and others have endured.

Goodness will come to our rescue, if we make an effort. Mike Ghouse adds, “As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths, malice and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us. Indeed, a conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits of America this year.”

The Conference puts a Quraan in the hands of panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons, elected officers and the public. The uniqueness of the event is highlighted by facing the “terrifying passages” of Quraan. For the first time in history, the actual verses from Quraan will be read directly and explained by panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons and elected officials who have a deep interest in bringing Americans together on common grounds. The Muslim scholars either affirm their reading or share the additional information right from the very Quraan for further understanding.

Bring your children to experience the multi-cultural costumes in a designated room for them.

Refreshments will be served after the event.

THE EVENT IS FREE

Event: Qur’aan Conference in Dallas
Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam
When: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX. 75230
Website: http://www.quraanconference.com/
Inquiries: quraanconference@gmail.com
RSVP: Confirmattendance@gmail.com
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916

Thank you.
Mike Ghouse for
A COHESIVE AMERICA,
AMERICANS TOGETHER
http://www.quraanconference.com/

2010-10-16T15:27:00.001-07:00

You are invited to this free event, pl rsvp

Event: Qur’aan (Koran) Conference in Dallas
Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam
When: 3:00 PM Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX. 75230
Website: http://www.quraanconference.com/

Inquiries: quraanconference@gmail.com
RSVP: Confirmattendance@gmail.com
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
Press Releases and details below
____________________________________________

Quraan (Koran) Conference in Dallas, an American effort to build cohesive societies

2010-10-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

The Conference puts the Quraan in the hands of panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons, elected officers and the public. It is to demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam. It is an American effort to build cohesive societies.

PRESS RELEASE
Oct 09, 2010 – DALLAS, TEXAS – The Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress have announced a conference on Quraan in Dallas to be held between 3:00 PM and 6 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at the Unity Church of Dallas.

Representing the organizations, Mike Ghouse adds, “As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths, malice and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us. Indeed, the conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits of America this year.”

The uniqueness of the event is highlighted by facing the “terrifying passages” of Quraan. For the first time in history, the actual verses from Quraan will be read directly and explained by non-Muslim panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons and elected officials who have a deep interest in bringing Americans together on common grounds. The Muslim scholars either affirm their reading or refer to the same Quraan for further understanding.

It is time now to replace the ill-will with goodwill; no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

Bring your children to experience the multi-cultural costumes in a designated room for them.

PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY

1. American Clergy Leadership Conference

2. Dallas Peace Center

3. Unity Church of Dallas

4. If you wish to be a supporter, please call me.

YOU ARE INVITED | IT'S FREE

Inquiries: quraanconference@gmail.com
RSVP: Confirmattendance@gmail.com
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916

# # #

More information;

The controversy over the Muslim Community Center in New York has unraveled the difficulties Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Wicca and others have endured. We have come a long way to embrace and accept the otherness of other. However, this year has given rise to yet another temptation; to blame Islam, calling it an evil, evil religion and calling its prophet a false prophet.

From times immemorial Religion has been “abused” and “misused” to someone gain, usually for controlling others. Are we going to let that happen? As Americans, we can pull ourselves together and not fall for the temptations to divide ourselves. No American has to live in fear of the other, nor live in anxieties or discomfort.

All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

We have to be pro-active, we have to dream of a society we desire for our children and work towards creating it. Rather than funding and encouraging destructive forces, we have to invest in efforts that bring about peace for every one. We simply cannot have peace if what surrounds is not in peace.

At this time, Islam is used to further the political agendas of a few; we have to guard ourselves from such tempters. We are pleased to present a purposeful event to bring Americans together and to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

The event is inspired by the comments of Rev. Robert Jeffress, Rev. Pat Robertson, Rev. Jerry Falwell, Rev. Billy Graham Jr. and several others.

We have to consciously create institutions and systems which would become a catalyst in building cohesive societies, where every one is acknowledged of his/her space and the right to the pursuit of happiness.

Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; it is an old business of maligning others to have a gain. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and build a safe and secure America, where no American lives in fear, anxiety or discomfort.

As Americans, we have led the world in science, medicine, technology, business and innovation, and it is time for us to lead the world with the ideals of Pluralism and co-existence. Let us become a model nation, so others can emulate us and not vice-Versa.
Please visit the website and RSVP

Thank you.
Mike Ghouse for
A COHESIVE AMERICA,
AMERICANS TOGETHER
http://www.quraanconference.com/

An American event, Qur’aan Conference

2010-09-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to invite Pastors, Rabbis, Imams, Pundits, Bhikkus, Shamans, Clergy, Civic leaders, Teachers, Educators, Journalists and you to join us on Sunday, December 5, 2010. We hope it would be one of the best Christmas Gifts to Americans living in North Texas.
____________________________________________

Event: Qur’aan Conference in Dallas
Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam
When: 3:00 PM Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX. 75230
Website: http://www.quraanconference.com/
Inquiries: quraanconference@gmail.com
RSVP: Confirmattendance@gmail.com
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
____________________________________________

An American event: Qur’aan Conference

I am pleased to invite you to the Quraan conference on Sunday, December 5, 2010. Please note that this is not a Muslim event, it is rather an American event to sustain harmony and co-existence for the good of our nation. Details in terms of the news coverage, videos, TV interviews about the event are at http://www.quraanconference.com/

The controversy over the Muslim Community Center in New York has unraveled the difficulties Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Wicca and others have endured. We have come a long way to embrace and accept the otherness of other. However, this year has given rise to yet another temptation; to blame Islam, calling it an evil, evil religion and calling its prophet a false prophet.

From times immemorial Religion has been “abused” and “misused” to someone gain, usually for controlling others. Are we going to let that happen? As Americans, we can pull ourselves together and not fall for the temptations to divide ourselves. No American has to live in fear of the other, nor live in anxieties or discomfort.

All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

We have to be pro-active, we have to dream of a society we desire for our children and work towards creating it. Rather than funding and encouraging destructive forces, we have to invest in efforts that bring about peace for every one. We simply cannot have peace if what surrounds is not in peace.

At this time, Islam is used to further the political agendas of a few; we have to guard ourselves from such tempters. We are pleased to present a purposeful event to bring Americans together and to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

The event is inspired by the comments of Rev. Robert Jeffress, Rev. Pat Robertson, Rev. Jerry Falwell, Rev. Billy Graham Jr. and several others.

We have to consciously create institutions and systems which would become a catalyst in building cohesive societies, where every one is acknowledged of his/her space and the right to the pursuit of happiness.

The Quraan Conferences is an open dialogue with open Quraan in the hands of the panelists made up of non-Muslims Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons, elected public personalities and the general public. Fifteen of the most difficult passages will explored and learned.

Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; it is an old business of maligning others to have a gain. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and build a safe and secure America, where no American lives in fear, anxiety or discomfort.

As Americans, we have led the world in science, medicine, technology, business and innovation, and it is time for us to lead the world with the ideals of Pluralism and co-existence. Let us become a model nation, so others can emulate us and not vice-Versa.
Please visit the website and RSVP

Thank you.
Mike Ghouse for
A COHESIVE AMERICA,
AMERICANS TOGETHER
http://www.quraanconference.com/

Quraan Conference Invitation

2010-09-28T18:21:00.001-07:00

____________________________________________

Event: Qur’aan Conference in Dallas
Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam
When: 3:00 PM Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX. 75230
Website: http://www.quraanconference.com/
Inquiries: quraanconference@gmail.com
RSVP: Confirmattendance@gmail.com
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
____________________________________________

The conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits in Dallas/ Fort Worth Metroplex. It is time we replace the ill-will with goodwill, where no American has to live in fear of the other, anxieties or discomfort. We have to restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

Let us gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, so we can separate the myths from the truth and free ourselves from anxieties. Indeed, the truth always brings salvation and we owe that to fellow Americans.

A graceful closure to Dr. Jeffress’ comments on Islam

2010-09-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

Event: Qur’aan Conference in Dallas
Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam

When: 3:00 PM Sunday, December 5, 2010

Where: Unity Church, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX. 75230

Website: http://www.quraanconference.com/

Inquiries: quraanconference@gmail.com

RSVP: Confirmattendance@gmail.com

Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
______________________________________________

PRESS RELEASE II

Bringing a graceful closure to Dr. Jeffress’ comments

Monday, September 27, 2010, Dallas, Texas: - The Quraan conference is scheduled for Sunday, December 5, 2010 at the Unity Church of Dallas to demystify the myths about Qur’aan and Islam. The conference is a positive response to a sermon delivered by Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church of Dallas in August this year.

“Dr. Walter Gilliam, a senior Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Dallas, called me this morning to inform that Pastor Jeffress has said everything that needed to be said and there is no need to meet or talk any further, there was a sense of impatience in the tone of Dr. Gilliam,” said Mike Ghouse.

It is human to manufacture myths about others without any substantiation; most certainly Qur’aan and Islam have received more than their due share.

It is time for us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, so we can separate the truth from the myths and free ourselves from anxieties. Indeed, the truth always brings salvation and we owe that to fellow Americans. We are pleased to honor Dr. Jeffress for becoming the instrument for this positive change. The invitation to the conference remains open.

“It is our responsibility to close this chapter gracefully as seeds of ill-will have been sowed in Pastor Jeffress congregation” Ghouse adds, ‘It is time we replace it with goodwill, where no American has to live in fear of the other, anxieties or discomfort. We have to restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

Details at: http://www.quraanconference.com/

Dallas Quraan Conference 2010

2010-09-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE I
Demystifying the myths about Quraan

Dallas, Texas, Friday, September 24, 2010. The Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress have announced a conference in Dallas to demystify the myths about Qur’aan and Islam

Mike Ghouse, representing the organizations, said, “As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths and purify ourselves from ill-will, malice and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us.

Ghouse adds, “We owe it to our country and fellow Americans to build a safe and secure America, where no American lives in fear of the other, anxieties or discomfort and where everyone’s space is respected. We have to stand up for others. As an individual I have stood up for everyone.”

A panel of clergy and scholars from different faith traditions will respond to questions that the audience or the media will pose. The Panel members will be given a copy of the English translation of the Qur’aan to refer to when a question is asked about a verse. The audience will also have access to such translations.

Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; most certainly Qur’aan and Islam have received more than their due share. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

As Americans, we have led the world in science, medicine, technology, business and innovation, and it is time for us to lead the world with the ideals of Pluralism and co-existence. Let us become a model nation, so others can emulate us and not vice-Versa.

CONTACT:
Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
MikeGhouse@aol.com
Foundation for Pluralism
2665 Villa Creek Dr, Suite 206
Dallas, TX. 75234

Rev. Jeffress challenged on Quraan

2010-09-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 13, 2010

Quraan is challenged by Pastor Robert Jeffress, Pat Robertson, Terry Jones, Fred Phelps and others who have not made any effort to understand the book, let alone reading it with sincerity.

Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; it is an old business of maligning others to have a momentary gain.

The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and build a safe and secure America, where no American lives in fear, anxiety or discomfort.

Video presentation

Sunday Morning on Fox
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/christians-and-muslims-meet

Monday Morning on Fox
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/091310-pastor,-muslims-meet-to-discuss-quran

MUSLIMS, HINDUS, JEWS ARE GOING TO HELL http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/091310-pastor%2C-muslims-meet-to-discuss-quran

Dallas Morning News Responds: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/sblow/stories/DN-blow_19met.ART.West.Edition1.356a575.html

Our Response:

1 of 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMN8Zy1kc64

2 of 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZOFLQSAOhA&feature=related

Article: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/09/rev-robert-jeffress-challenged-on.html

We have to build, rebuild and continuously build the social cohesiveness of our nation
Details at: http://dallasquraanconference.blogspot.com/

# # #

Richard Ray of Fox4 News interviewed me today about Pastor Jeffress and the Quraan at 11:00 AM this morning, however due to time constraints, or other reasons they have edited out the critical points about killing the infidel and Quraan Translations. I will recreate that interview and post it on the web in a few days, right here.

The challenge is simple; I will present the right translations of the Qur'aan to Rev. Robert Jeffress in his congregation and challenge him to find 3 evil things about Quraan, if he does, I will go work for his ministry, if he does not, I ask of him to retract the thoughtless cavalier statements he made about Islam and Quraan, and take up the challenge of becoming a peace maker.

Thanks to the Imam Zia Shaikh, other Imams and friends for their encouragement to challenge the myths and ask the mis-informed to be informed. Thanks to the Islam bashers for telling me what is it that bothers them, they have time and again given me a list of about 60 verses, and I have made serious effort to address them most directly at: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/ I have dealt with some of the Islamophobes who have made their business by maligning others including Islam, in this case. Look at their websites, they shamelessly ask for money, people should seriously debate if their money is going to bring peace or chaos.

Whether it is Pastor Jones, Jeffress, Phelps or Robertson, the media has failed to nail down the exact words or phrases that cause them to make such divisive declarations, and the unfinished business is frustrating the public.

America needs peacemakers who can boldly clarify the un-truths and myths about each other for the sake of peace. We owe peace and security to each one of the 301 Million Americans, our efforts ought to be directed so every one us can live without fear, without harassment and without prejudices. My question to Pastors Jeffress, Jones, Phelps, Robertsons and their likes is this; Didn't Jesus pray and worked to create the kingdom of heaven on the earth, so all of us can live freely?

Some 2000 years ago, Jesus delivered the sermon "Blessed are the peace makers" on Mt. Beatitude, I was there and felt the power of that statement. I walked where Jesus walked on via Dela Rosa; I was baptized in the river Jordan where Jesus was baptized. Symbolically, I accepted Jesus’ message to become a peace maker by drenching myself in the holy water.

The role of people of religions is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill. I ask Rev. Robert Jefferess, Rev. Pat Robertson, Rev. Fred Phelps and Rev. Terry Jones to walk the journey of peace with me.

Pastor, Muslims Meet to Discuss Quran
Published : Monday, 13 Sep 2010, 4:52 PM CDT

Richard Ray
FOX 4 News
Adapted for Web by Tracy DeLatte, myFOXdfw.com

DALLAS - First Baptist Church of Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress said he has no regrets about calling Islam an evil religion. But on Sunday he gave a warm welcome to a group of Muslims visiting his church.

It was an unusual meeting of the minds. A pair of Muslim leaders showed up unexpectedly wanting to talk to the pastor, not sure what kind of reception they’d get.

“We have some very special guests here this morning. Leaders, members of the Islamic faith in Dallas and I want you to join me in giving them the warmest First Baptist welcome you can,” Jeffress said to his congregation.

Muslim Mike Ghouse was part of that small delegation and afterward met with Jeffress to discuss the Quran.

“He asked us to stand up and there was a good welcome. It was beautiful. I really liked that,” Ghouse.

He is convinced that Jeffress and most Americans have only read mistranslations of the Quran, where ugly language about Christians and Jews has been incorrectly inserted.

“What he said about the Quran and Islam I agree with him. He has read the wrong translation. To find the truth, to be peacemakers, we have to find the truth for the sake of a secure America. His statements are divisive and offense,” Ghouse said.

A study last month by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that over the past five years the percentage of Americans with a positive view of Islam has dropped dramatically from 41 to 30 percent.

Jeffress said he enjoyed his meeting with Ghouse and the others, but still believes he has read an accurate translation. He expresses no regret for what he’s said about the religion.

“I have to regrets at all. I think some of my statements have been mischaracterized simply because the whole statement wasn’t given. I don’t believe most Muslims are terrorists. I don’t think most Muslims oppress women. But there is something within the religion of Islam itself that I believe incites violence,” he said.

Jeffress said he thinks he can disagree in a loving and kind way.

“I think we need to quit walking on egg shells. I think we do need to tell the truth. We tell it in love. But we still tell the truth,” he said.

Ghouse and the others involved in the meeting said they’d like to meet with Jeffress again in the future to have a deeper discussion.
# # #

I will continue with the points later.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker on Islam and Pluralism offering pluralistic solutions to the media and the public on the issues of the day, his work is expressed in 22 blogs and 3 websites listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

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2010-09-20T14:14:00.001-07:00

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In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

2010-09-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue
Steve Blow
Dallas Morning News
12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, September 19, 2010
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/sblow/stories/DN-blow_19met.ART.West.Edition1.356a575.html

Over and over you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don't they stand up and say it?

If that has been you, Mike Ghouse ought to be your hero.

It is hard to imagine that anyone has worked harder than the Carrollton resident to demonstrate the peaceful and moderate side of Islam.

And that effort includes personally visiting Dallas' First Baptist Church last Sunday just to put a friendly face on the "evil, evil religion" that the Rev. Robert Jeffress denounced a few weeks before.

"It was wonderful," Ghouse said of the visit. "We were so warmly received."

He hopes a quick chat with Jeffress will be the start of deeper discussion about Islam and the importance of respect between religions.

"I want to have a dialogue with him, not to say he is wrong but to share another point of view," Ghouse said.

The 57-year-old Muslim was born in India and has lived in the United States for 30 years. He owns a small property management firm. But most of his day is devoted to building bridges between people of different faiths.

"It is my passion," he said in his distinctive raspy voice.

He has been a guest a dozen times on Sean Hannity's TV and radio talk shows. "I don't like the way Sean cuts me off, but I have to honor him for giving the American public a semblance of another point of view."

Ghouse said he can understand fear and criticism of Islam because he went through a time of similar feelings. As a teen, he was troubled by passages of the Quran. He called himself an atheist for a while.

But he said deeper study led him to realize the Quran had been purposely mistranslated down through history.

In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders.

Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews.

"It was all for politics," he said.

Ghouse said he hopes to present Jeffress with a modern, faithful translation and challenge him to find evil verses.

"If he can, I will convert. I will join his church," Ghouse said. "If he can't, I will call on him to retract his statements and become a peacemaker."

Ghouse acknowledges that deep problems persist within Islam. "Three steps forward, two steps back," he said with a sigh.

And he agrees that mainstream Muslims have not done enough to counter violent images of their faith.

"That is very true," he said. "But part of it is that many Muslims have given up hope that we will ever be heard."

He said repeated denunciations of terrorism seem to fall on deaf ears.

And some efforts have backfired – like the proposed Islamic information center in New York. He said it should be hailed for furthering the moderate Muslim cause.

Instead, it has deepened hostility toward Muslims.

I have been astounded by the amount of anti-Islam propaganda that circulates via e-mail. Tons of it has come my way in the last few weeks.

One theme is that people like Mike Ghouse can't be trusted, that Islam encourages deception.

But Ghouse says actions speak louder than words. And he points to elections in Muslim nations.

More than half of Muslims live in countries with some degree of democracy. And time and time again, Islamist parties are overwhelmingly rejected in favor of secular, mainstream parties.

"The religious parties don't get more than 3 percent of the vote," Ghouse said.

Polls show deep mistrust of Muslims. "But the most important question in those surveys is: 'Do you know anything about Islam?' " Ghouse said. "Most people say no."

What keeps him going is faith in Americans, he said.

"The majority of Americans, if they know the truth, they will change their minds."

Dallas Quraan Conference 2010

2010-09-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

DALLAS QURAAN CONFERENCE
SUNDAY 12/05/10

Myths are manufactured about others; it is an old business of maligning others to have a gain. Qur’aan and Islam are no exception. It all started in 1142 by the Monastery of Abbey who were paid to deliberately mistranslate Quraan to foster hate towards Muslims in the name of Christianity and then in 1922, the hate was resuscitated towards Christians and Jews by a Muslim Hilali Khan.

Thank God for the comments at Dallas Morning News, thank God for opening people’s hearts and minds to share what is bothering them. I want to thank abh00 for sharing the following statement, “In fact, in this very book, it states that they are to pretend to be friends with non-Muslims in order to take advantage of their non-Muslim counterparts in order to force their beliefs upon our society.” This is one of the strongest reasons to hold the conference. Please highlight the verse from the Qur’aan that even matches closely with the statement. Let’s do it in open public forum to remove the phobias and fears based on hearsay and propaganda. One of my friends suggested that it would be great Christmas Gift to Christians and Americans to remove the fears and ill-will from all our hearts and towards each other.

Unless Pastor Jeffress wants another date, I want to announce Sunday, December 5th to hold a conference to demystify the myths propagated out there. You cannot get a better challenge than this, bring all the fears, all the hearsay and all the propaganda, let’s put it all on the table and find solutions. Let's have a civil dialogue and address those issues.

We owe it to our country; we owe it to our nation to build safe and secure America, where no American lives in fear, anxiety or discomfort. We cannot let anything destroy the social cohesiveness of our nation. Join me with your skepticism and good will, let's find the way forward. We are all Americans with a common goal; peace and prosperity of every one of the 301 Million Americans.

Mike Ghouse

Qur'aan conference

Pastor Robert Jeffress , Quraan Conference and birth of America Together Foundation

In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

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In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

Dallas Quraan Conference 2010

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece

Over and over you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don't they stand up and say it?