Saturday, January 18, 2020

Press Release to get Publisher's Copy


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Dr. Mike Ghouse describes the essence of Islam in the latest book

‘American Muslim Agenda: Muslims Together Building A Cohesive America’ released

WASHINGTON – With Islamophobia happening in today’s society, Dr. Mike Ghouse pens “American Muslim Agenda” (published by Xlibris) to offer Muslims and non-Muslims alike an understanding of the essence of Islam. At its core, the book aims to open people’s hearts and minds towards each other, free them from tensions and bring joy.

Firstly, Ghouse defines a Muslim: It is someone who is a conflict mitigator and a goodwill nurturer, following the formula for peaceful societies practiced by Prophet Muhammad and guided by the Quran. He describes Islam as pristine and pluralistic, another beautiful religion like all others, which brings solace to the individual and teaches one to live in harmony with what surrounds them, people and the environment.

Similarly, he presents how none of the Quranic verses advocated violence and only allowed an act in defense. He believes that the verses were no different from the criminal justice system of the United States of America. “If you violate other people’s rights, there is a punishment for it, and if you care about others, there is a reward for it. God’s laws are no different.”

Ghouse also expounds on how American Muslims, as a community, have not developed any concrete plans to extricate themselves out of the chaotic situations, hostility and incessant Islamophobic rhetoric faced. With the book, he paves the way for Muslims to own the mistakes they have made, remedy them and become fully integrated Americans.

“This book will resonate with every American, and the biggest take away would be hope for America, and goodwill for Islam and Muslims,” Ghouse says. “They would appreciate the Muslim effort to be one with all, E Pluribus Unum, and their attempt to build a cohesive America.”

A review of “American Muslim Agenda” from Dr. Frank Islam, philanthropist, and a scholar, Washington:

I am intrigued by the book, particularly the chapter on the Essence of Islam. The great Talmudic sage Rabbi Hillel in the first century BC said, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of this—to study it!” Dr. Ghouse responds to Rabbi Hillel with a corollary on Islam, “God has created us into different races, religions, sizes, colors and other uniqueness’s, respecting the otherness of the other and accepting the God-given uniqueness is the whole Quran and the rest is the explanation of this – to study it.”

“American Muslim Agenda: Muslims Together Building A Cohesive America”

By Dr. Mike Ghouse

Book is available at Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Kindles and other outlets
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 310 pages | ISBN 9781984575821
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 310 pages | ISBN 9781984575814
E-Book | 310 pages | ISBN 9781984575951

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Dr. Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His book, the “American Muslim Agenda” is about Muslims earning their respective space in the nation, be it social, religious, cultural or political. Ghouse’s mission is to open people's hearts, minds, and souls towards each other. He believes that the ultimate purpose of humans is to live freely and be comfortable with their culture, race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, and individuality. He is a public speaker, author, interfaith wedding officiant, a newsmaker and the executive director of the Center for Pluralism in Washington, D.C. Know more about him at www.linkedin.com/in/mikeghouse/  | SpeakerMikeGhouse@gmail.com (214) 325-1916


Saturday, April 27, 2019

Press Release on Essence of Islam

PRESS RELEASE # 11

Mike Ghouse
Tel: (214) 325-1916
Email: SpeakerMikeGhouse@gmail.com 
Talking Points: www.AmericanMusilmAgenda.com

Dr. Mike Ghouse describes the essence of Islam in the latest book
‘American Muslim Agenda: Muslims Together Building A Cohesive America’ released


WASHINGTON – With Islamophobia happening in today’s society, Dr. Mike Ghouse pens “American Muslim Agenda” (published by Xlibris) to offer Muslims and non-Muslims alike an understanding of the essence of Islam. At its core, the book aims to open people’s hearts and minds towards each other, free them from tensions and bring joy.

Firstly, Ghouse defines a Muslim: It is someone who is a conflict mitigater and a goodwill nurturer, following formula for peaceful societies practiced by Prophet Muhammad and guided by the Quran. He describes Islam as pristine and pluralistic, another beautiful religion like all others, which brings solace to the individual and teaches one to live in harmony with what surrounds them, people and the environment.

Similarly, he presents how none of the Quranic verses advocated violence and only allowed an act in defense. He believes that the verses were no different from the criminal justice system of the United States of America. “If you violate other people’s right, there is a punishment for it, and if you care about others, there is a reward for it. God’s laws are no different.”

Ghouse also expounds on how American Muslims, as a community, have not developed any concrete plans to extricate themselves out of the chaotic situations, hostility and incessant Islamophobic rhetoric faced. With the book, he paves the way for Muslims to own the mistakes they have made, remedy them and become fully integrated Americans.

“This book will resonate with every American, and the biggest take away would be hope for America, and goodwill for Islam and Muslims,” Ghouse says. “They would appreciate the Muslim effort to be one with all, E Pluribus Unum, and their attempt to build a cohesive America.”

A review of “American Muslim Agenda” from Dr. Frank Islam, philanthropist, and a scholar, Washington:
I am intrigued by the book, particularly the chapter on the Essence of Islam. The great Talmudic sage Rabbi Hillel in the first century BC said, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of this—to study it!” Dr. Ghouse responds to Rabbi Hillel with a corollary on Islam, “God has created us into different races, religions, sizes, colors and other uniqueness’s, respecting the otherness of the other and accepting the God-given uniqueness is the whole Quran and the rest is the explanation of this – to study it.”

“American Muslim Agenda: Muslims Together Building A Cohesive America”
By Dr. Mike Ghouse
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 310 pages | ISBN 9781984575821
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 310 pages | ISBN 9781984575814
E-Book | 310 pages | ISBN 9781984575951
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Dr. Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His book, the “American Muslim Agenda” is about Muslim earning their respectable space in the nation, be it social, religious, cultural or political. Ghouse’s mission is to open people's hearts, minds, and souls towards each other. He believes that the ultimate purpose of humans is to live freely and be comfortable with their culture, race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, and individuality. He is a public speaker, author, interfaith wedding officiant, a newsmaker and the executive director of the Center for Pluralism in Washington, D.C. Know more about him at www.linkedin.com/in/mikeghouse

-----
THE BOOK: American Muslim Agenda
It is a Muslim effort in building a cohesive America where each one of the 323 Million Americans feels secure about his/her faith, race, ethnicity and culture. The book is available at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Google, and other book stores. The book is available at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble and other book stores. Talking points at ww.AmericanMuslimAgenda.com
What have we accomplished at the Center for Pluralism? 
 http://centerforpluralism.com/mission-accomplished-at-the-center-for-pluralism/

Your donation produces bold results. 
http://centerforpluralism.com/donate/

# # # 

Thank you.

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916
Center for Pluralism, Washington, DC
Pluralism Studies in Religion, Politics, Society, Culture, and business.
email:Mike@CenterforPluralism.com
Website: www.CenterforPluralism.com 

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Hosting book talk for American Muslim Agenda

If you are a conservative, then grudgingly you'll see the value in what this book offers, and if you are on the left, you want more of it, and if you are moderate, you will dance with joy.

HOSTING A BOOK TALK


The book is about building a cohesive America where each one of us feels secure about our faith, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual and political orientation. Who does not want to live a tension free life at home, workplace, and in the public space? 

The "American Muslim Agenda” serves a two-fold purpose. On the one hand, it separates the chaff from the grain for fellow Americans to see Muslims for who they are and not how the media projects them. On the other hand, it challenges Muslims to restore Islam to its original purpose; that is to create cohesive societies, in our case, a coherent America, where each one of the 323 Million Americans feels proud of his or her uniqueness. 

The book presents many success stories to keep the reader bemused. I am pleased to submit three versions of the blurbs on the book talk. The format can be 10 minutes or 20 minutes presentation with room for Q&A. We want our esteemed guests to go home fully satisfied with all the questions they have had about Islam and Muslims. 

Our conservative friends would grudgingly acknowledge the pathway laid out in the book, while the moderates will dance with joy. If your vision of America is in tune with the book, together as Americans, we can contribute towards the greatness of our nation.



Would this book bring a change? 


Would this bring a change among Muslims towards others and others towards Muslims? Indeed, this book lays out a clear agenda to foster harmony among fellow Americans. It is akin to planting a seed and nurturing to give the beneficence to the next generation.

Some of the reservations we have about Muslims is based on what we have heard from our parents, friends, teachers, pastors, and TV. It is time for us to learn first-hand about them and remove the misunderstandings and live freely. 

It is one of the bold books written about Muslims, and it highlights the sources of extremism and how to cure it.

Unfortunately, some of the Muslim scholars from the past have reduced Islam to a religion of rituals and obedience. This book brings clarity to Muslims and fellow humans and separates the chaff from the wheat for you.

What is the overall theme of your book?


The overall theme of the book is to open people's hearts and minds towards each other. I believe that the ultimate ‘unexpressed’ purpose of humans is to live freely and be comfortable with one's culture, race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, and individuality.

Why do you think that this book will appeal to readers?

It will appeal to Muslims and Non-Muslims alike, as they have never seen the pristine, pluralistic Islam. Moreover, for the first time in Islamic history, the essence of Islam is explained. Also, for the first time, the book explains twelve values directly from the Quran that contributes towards building cohesive societies with no privileges to one over the other. It is human nature to get along with fellow beings, and this book will resonate with them and pave the path for them to see the light at the end of the tunnel.


TEN TAKE AWAY POINTS FROM THE BOOK

1. The American Muslim Agenda challenges Muslims to think and restore Islam to its original purpose – i.e., to create a cohesive America, where each one of the 323 Million Americans feels secure with his or her faith, race, ethnicity culture, sexual and political orientation. 


2. The American Muslim Agenda paves the way for Muslims to own their mistakes, and remedy them. It corrects how fellow Americans perceive Muslims.


3. Islam is not about imposing (Sharia) your ideas or governing others. Islam is about living your life and letting others live theirs with freedom. That is the original Islam. Islam is about freedom and firmly stands for free will.

4. The essence and purpose of Islam from a humanity’s (Aalameen) perspective for the first time.

5. Never before in Islamic history, twelve values of Islam that contribute to creating secure, orderly and cohesive societies have been articulated. Verses from the Quran fully back each value. Thus, the book becomes a reference manual to teach and learn about Islam.

6. The best way to combat Islamophobia is through education, engagement, and dialogue. There are many success stories narrated including dealing with Fox News, Sean Hannity, Stuart Varney and the supposedly most of the Islamaphobes.

7. This book is the product of twenty years of research and interviews with the right, left, and the moderate fellow humans from many faiths including 150 interviews at Fox News and its many right-leaning guests.

8. Can a Muslim become President of the United States? What does it take, there is a full chapter on the topic?

9. In the end, it is learning to respect the otherness of the other and accepting the God given the uniqueness of each one of the 323 million Americans.

10. There is a whole lot more, and it is all in the book.

Talk Version 1.0

Title of the talk: Muslims making America the Greatest nation on earth.

Americans Muslims are committed to building a cohesive America, an inclusive America where each one of the 323 Million Americans feel secure about his/her faith, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual and political orientation.

When you are free from apprehensions, and connect with fellow workers, the workplace becomes a joy to be. You will give 100% of your heart and mind to your work, and your family benefits from having a whole of you, thus creating a little heaven for yourselves.

Dr. Mike Ghouse, author, public speaker, pluralist, interfaith wedding officiant, and the president of the Center for Pluralism in Washington, DC., will discuss how Muslim efforts in building a cohesive America are working.

He points out that we are Americans, we are free and brave people and must jettison our apprehensions about each other to live freely. Mike advises that if you are a conservative, then grudgingly you'll see a value in what this book offers, and if you are on the left, you want more of it, and the moderates will dance with joy.

He points out that we are Americans, we are free, and the brave people, and must jettison our apprehensions about each other to live freely. How do we accomplish that? It is by knowing each other.

America has always led the world in science, medicine, math, agriculture, automation, information technology, exploration and all the advancements of the human race, and it is time for us to lead the world in building a cohesive nation. The book offers concrete solutions to Americans to make America a great and powerful model nation of inclusion for Americans to enjoy living their lives productively and purposefully, and the world to look up to us to emulate.

We have to assure each other and every American without exception that we are committed to each other's security, prosperity, and peace. Our goal is to reach out to every American who has not been reached before, particularly those who do not understand us. As American Muslims, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution.

Mike will share a few incredible success stories of dealing with our friends on the right and answer questions about Muslim efforts.

The book “American Muslim Agenda” will become a reference manual to knowledge seekers and teachers of Islam, and those who want to see one nation, one people and one America. For Muslims, it is backed up with verses from the Quran. You can order this book from Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Google, and other book stores. See the talking points at http://www.AmericanMuslimAgenda.com and Mike’s profile appended at https://www.linkedin.com/inmikeghouse.

Talk Version 2:0

Title of the talk: Muslims making America the Greatest nation on earth
Americans Muslims are committed to building a cohesive America, an inclusive America where each one of the 323 Million Americans feel secure about his/her faith, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual and political orientation.

When you are free from apprehensions, and connect with fellow workers, the workplace becomes a joy to be. You will give 100% of your heart and mind to your work, and your family benefits from having a whole of you with them creating a little heaven for yourselves.

Dr. Mike Ghouse, author, public speaker, pluralist, interfaith wedding officiant, and the President of the Center for Pluralism in Washington, DC., will discuss how Muslim effort is ongoing in building a cohesive America, where each one of the 323 Million Americans feel secure about his/her faith, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual and political orientations.

He points out that we are Americans, we are free and brave people and must jettison our apprehensions about each other to live freely. Mike advises that if you are a conservative, then grudgingly you'll see a value in what this book offers, and if you are on the left, you want more of it, and the moderates will dance with joy.

The book paves the way for Muslims to own their mistakes, remedy them, and correct how fellow Americans perceive Muslims. Mike argues that Islam is not about imposing your ideas or governing others. Instead, Islam is about living your life and letting others live theirs with freedom. It is a bold challenge to Muslims. He shows a narration from humanity's (Aalameen) perspective of the essence and purpose of Islam for the first time in history.

Mike articulates, for the first time in Islamic history, twelve values of Islam that contribute to creating secure, orderly and cohesive societies. He concludes that the best way to combat Islamophobia (and other phobias) is through education, engagement, and dialogue. Mike lays out a clear agenda to foster harmony among fellow Americans. It is akin to planting a seed and nurturing to give the beneficence to the next generation.

Mike believes when Muslims become one with all and defend American values with their souls, they will become part of the American story, and everyone’s language will automatically shift from us vs. them to us, the one nation under God with liberty and justice for all. As American Muslims, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution.

This book will become a reference manual to teachers of Islam and knowledge seekers about Islam, as it is backed up verses from the Quran. You can order his book from Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Google, and other book stores. See the talking points at http://www.AmericanMuslimAgenda.com and Mike’s profile appended at https://www.linkedin.com/inmikeghouse.

BOOK - Version 3.0

The American Muslim Agenda is a primer, a blueprint, and a road map for Americans in general and Muslims in particular.

A Muslim is someone who is a conflict mitigater and a goodwill nurturer, following the formula for peaceful societies practiced by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and guided by the Quran.

As a community, American Muslims have not developed any concrete plans to extricate themselves out of the chaotic situations, hostility and incessant Islamophobic rhetoric we face. Each time a terrorist acts out, we start praying and wishing that the terrorist not be a Muslim. We are Americans, and we can do better than that.

There is only one America, and all of us are fully integrated parts of that nation. We need to learn to engage with those who are opposed to us, and reassure them that we are all in this together. Mike will share some success stories.

When we start defending America and the American values we are in! We become an integral part of American Fabric. That is the clear objective articulated in this book.
The book is available at Amazon, Kindle, Google, Xlibris, Barnes & Nobles, and other book stores. The softcover is priced at $19.99, and the hardcover is $29.99. It is also available as an eBook.

The American Muslim Agenda will be in the hands of lawmakers, presidential candidates, media persons, lobbyists, think tanks, educators, interfaith activists, CEO, and fellow Americans. The book is about building a cohesive America where each one of us can live securely with our faith, race, ethnicity, and culture.

As American Muslims, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution.

Mike is a public speaker, author, interfaith wedding officiant, a newsmaker and the executive director of the Center for Pluralism in Washington, DC. More about him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeghouse/

Email to: SpeakerMikeGhouse@gmail.com or text (214) 325-1916

Sunday, February 17, 2019

American Muslims can do better.

What is the American Muslim Agenda?

We have been misled by the right-wing Muslim scholars of the past, they have distorted the pluralistic teachings of the Prophet and presented Islam as a political entity. The nonsense about not befriending Jews, Christians and others is anathema to the universal, inclusive teachings of Islam. Mike Ghouse boldly apologizes for the misunderstanding spread by a few Muslims about fellow humans.  Islam is not about governance, sharia, dhimmi or jizya, it is about spiritual and social guidance to live in harmony with oneself and fellow humans. 

The book “American Muslim Agenda” is a primer to a Blueprint for Muslims to consider, to carve out a dignified space for them in the civil society, let the discussions begin followed by a concrete plan of action. A Muslim is someone who is a conflict mitigater and a goodwill nurturer, and follow this formula for peaceful societies practiced by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with guidance from the Quran.

This book paves the way to own up the mistakes we have made, and continue to make them. We have to fix them for our next generation to live a fully integrated life with fellow Americans with the least conflicts. There is only one America, and all of us are an active part of it. We need to learn to engage with those who are opposed to us, and I have success stories to share.

We have to be a part of the American story and become one with all to build a secure future for every American. All humans, men, and women are created equal, and no one is more privileged than the other.

No American should be left behind, and we have to embrace each one of the 323 Million of us, no matter how they differ, perceive us and threaten us. We need to reassure each other, particularly the Americans who are committed to President Trump, that together with them as Americans, we are committed to safeguarding the American way of life. No American needs to worry about losing his or her way of life. Together as Americans, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our Constitution; a guarantor of the way of life for every American.

Two of the Nineteen chapters focus on Islamic Values and American Muslim Agenda. Islamic values that contribute to building a cohesive America where each one of us can live in peace with the other. Whereas, the American Muslim Agenda recommends items for Muslims to consider in becoming full-fledged contributing Americans to America's success story.

Ultimately each one of the 323 Million of us must feel secure with our faith, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other uniqueness in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.

When we start defending America and American values, we are in! We become an integral part of the American Story.

Here are three minutes from Brigitte Gabriel on Sean Hannity show at Fox News: https://www.facebook.com/MikeGhouse/videos/1438210749532124/

What is that Americans Muslims want? How close are they to what you want? What can they do about it? What are your issues with each other? If you are a conservative, grudgingly, you'll see the value in this book, and if you are a moderate, you'll dance and sing along with joy.

You and I have a responsibility to create a world where, you, me, and our grandchildren can live without apprehensions. No matter we go, we should feel secure about faith, race, ethnicity, culture and our political and sexual orientation.

Would the book American Muslim Agenda bring attitudinal change among Muslims towards others and others towards Muslims? Indeed, it will once the myths are demystified. It’s akin to planting seeds and nurturing it to give the beneficence to the next generation. I know most American Muslims will wholeheartedly subscribe to the refreshed understanding of Islam, we need to expand it to more Americans.

Some of the reservations we have about Muslims and Islam are based on what we have learned from our parents, friends, teachers, clergy, favorite media people and others.  We need to find the truth on our own and find freedom from misunderstandings. It is a blessing to be free.

Muslims have shied away from confronting difficult issues about their faith, and most of them don't even have a clue about the essence of Islam, it was never articulated before in the history of Islam and you will read what Islam is about.

A few medieval scholars have reduced Islam to rituals, five pillars, dhimmi, jizya, sharia, externalities, and enforcement of your rules on to others. That is not Islam, and most Muslims can recite verses that Islam is about free will. God uploaded free will into Adam’s DNA, and emphasized it in the Quran, the prophet practiced ‘free will’ and established examples for it. Sadly, Muslims know the truth but were bullied into silence with fatwa bombs. All I have done is articulated what Muslims believe, but dared not say it. The book is the voice of the majority of ‘American’ Muslims.

This book is a product of twenty years of research and thousands of discussions in which Muslims, non-Muslims, and “Islamophobes” have participated in it, including debates on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Stuart Varney, Pamela Geller, Brigitte Gabrielle, Robert Spencer, Jamie Glazov, Raymond Ibrahim, Walid Shoebat, Wafa Sultan, and more importantly Judith Miller’s statements.   

Islam is about living your life and letting others live theirs. Islam is about building cohesive societies where all of God's creation lives with dignity and freedom. In God’s universe, we are merely a speck, and no one is more privileged than the other. If you are a moderate individual of any faith, you will find the book in tune with you.

It is time to go beyond the five pillars of Islam, and I hope the Imams and Muslim scholars who are free thinkers would appreciate the contents of the book. This book may indeed become a reference manual for teaching Islamic values that contribute to creating a better world for all humanity.

The American Muslim Agenda offers guidance to Muslims to be one with all, and it voices what Muslims believe and live with and empowers them to live their lives and let others live with free will.  The book opens the door to people of other faiths to shed their biases and join hands in creating a world of safety, security, and harmony for all humanity.
Islam is a public religion, and Muslims don't own it exclusively. You are invited to participate in discussions, including your faith. 

The book is expected to initiate conversations about the nature of Islam and fellow humans. I welcome your criticism (after reading the book).

You can get the book from Amazon online or a book store near you. You can find the talking points at www.AmericanMuslimAgenda.com.


Dr. Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His new book, the “American Muslim Agenda” is about everything you wanted to know about Muslims. The book is available at Xlibris and Amazon. Mike is a public speaker, author, interfaith wedding officiant, and the executive director of the Center for Pluralism in Washington, DC. More about him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeghouse/