Fostering Harmony in a Diverse World As a Muslim, my role is to create cohesive societies where all aspects of the universe—humans, animals, and the environment—can live together in harmony. This is a foundational concept rooted in the Quran and exemplified by the divine balance in the universe. God created the universe with precision and…
Lailatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, is one of the most sacred nights in Islam. It occurs during the last ten nights of Ramadan, typically on one of the odd-numbered nights after the 20th day. While many observe it on the 27th night, others choose different odd nights, recognizing the mystery and…
A Contemporary Perspective on Interfaith Marriages Interfaith marriages are increasingly becoming common, and Quran 2:221 from Surah Al-Baqarah is frequently referenced in these discussions. Interpretations vary — some follow traditional scholarly views, while others seek timeless Quranic wisdom as it applies in our lives. The Quran urges us to think and reflect, not follow blindly.…
A Challenge to My Faith Farrukh once wrote in a social forum, “This is a warning to all Muslims in this forum that Mike Ghouse’s religion is not Islam; he is Ismaili, and he is a misguided person. If anyone needs more info about his religion, please let me know.” Am I Not a Muslim,…
The Question That Never Ends: “What Is Your Real Name?” Since I stepped onto this soil, not a week has passed without someone asking, “What is your real name?” And my answer has always been the same: Mike Ghouse. But I see the hesitation on their faces. They struggle to phrase their next question, trying…
Who is a Muslim and What is Islam? Islam is a faith centered around subscribing to the creator’s guidelines to live in peace and harmony. and a deep commitment to personal responsibility, compassion, and coexistence. A Muslim is someone who aligns with these three foundational values that nurture harmony with oneself, others, and the universe.…
Introduction to Ramadan Ramadan, also known as Ramzan in South Asia and Hari Raya Puasa in Indonesia, is the holiest month in Islam. Over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide observe it, making it one of the largest religious practices globally. This article is designed for non-Muslims who want to understand Ramadan better. Whether you are Christian,…
Dr. Zafar Iqbal. In my stay of about five decades in North America, I have experienced changes in the lifestyle, food habits, and social and cultural practices of immigrants from the Subcontinents. Like most first-generation immigrants, the South Asian populations settling in their newly adopted land worked hard to adhere to the family traditions they…
Men have not outgrown their ‘need’ to control others, particularly their women. They want their women to be subservient to their whims, even in America, and in all faith traditions. It is what the men wish that happens. The societies are still misogynistic, and I hope it will change. I am pleased to share the…
On June 12, 2017, it will have been 50 years since the U.S. Supreme Court decided that Americans should in fact be allowed to marry a partner of whatever race they want. Since then, many American couples have availed themselves of that right, although white people remain much less likely to marry another race than people of…