WHAT IS THE CALL OF GOD?

Mike Ghouse: “It is a call from God to learn about each other and know each other.”

LISTENING TO THE CALL OF GOD

When we do that, myths about others disappear. We open up to friendships without reserve or fear. Mike shares some practical points about the practice of Islam in the USA and worldwide.

ISLAM USA STYLE

Almost every Muslim (both male and female) drives to the mosque; there are no separate residential areas where people of any religion live exclusively. Even though there is a trend for developing smaller neighborhoods around the Mosques, it will not become the lifestyle. In the long haul integration (not assimilation) is essential for the overall good of individual communities and nation as a whole.

PRAYERS IN RICHARDSON MOSQUE, NORTH DALLAS

Anyone can lead the prayer, even though Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci is the imam (the equivalent of pastor, pundit, rabbi, shaman, clergy, minister), he designates one of his students from his academy to lead the prayers, and he has 60 Huffaz (plural for Hafiz, the one who memorizes the whole Quraan) in Dallas.

WIDER COMMUNITY SERVICE

Richardson Mosque started a Medical clinic to serve the people who do not have insurance. It is for everyone, and people from all faiths and traditions visit this clinic for care. I am proud of this clinic, where Muslims are contributing to the well being of the overall society. Indeed, Richardson Mosque is an example of being a part of the society, serving the society.

I believe that is the purpose of a Mosque, a community center.

COMMUNITY PURPOSE
The Islamic Association of North Texas is developing the Islamic Village project, a Muslim neighbourhood. (More about this project at www.Iant.com - the Islamic Association of North Texas).

The Islamic Village Project is a multi-million dollar project that will foster great change in the Muslim community of Dallas. It will house a senior center, Youth center, Social Services department, residential quarters, play area for the children, retail center, clinic, and a separate building for IQA (Quranic Academy) and Suffa Islamic Seminary classes. The project will extend from the current Masjid facility at Abrams, on the North and South side of Spring Valley across from the masjid, and West towardsGreenville.

Coming up - an artist’s impression of the Islamic village in North Texas- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7bjh56GU-0&feature=player_embedded#!

MORE ABOUT MIKE GHOUSE

A call from God to know each other
http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/01/mission-of-world-muslim-...

Mike Ghouse is committed to doing his individual share of building cohesive societies and invites you to the 8th Annual Unity Day USA on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. Details at www.UnitydayUSA.com, it’s an event that builds bridges and uplifts every American. Watch the trailer of the upcoming film - Americans Together, building a cohesiveAmericaat www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com

Author's Bio: 

An I CAN READ English specialist with over 20 years teaching experience, I have worked in the British Council and Linguaphone, well-known language institutions. I am a London-trained lawyer and have been the public affairs officer at the British High Commission, Singapore, as well as an editor in an international book publishing house and a national magazine. In 2006, I was appointed as an Ambassador of Peace (Universal Peace Federation and Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace). I am also co-author of two law books: English Legal System and Company Law, published by Blackstone, Oxford University Press. For enquiries about I CAN READ classes, email susanmckenzie2003@yahoo.co.uk. FOR DAILY BLESSINGS: www.abetoday.com