Purpose
To train men and women, youth and seniors to speak about Islam in public square. Let Islam be explained by trained Muslims and non-Muslims rather than the pundits who have learned Islam from the wrong sources.
Need
In a survey produced by the Evangelical Pastors, there was a glaring item in it; 64% of the Evangelical Pastors thought Islam was a violent religion and 46% of their congregation also believed in the same. In one of our monthly programs called, “State of Muslims,” we asked the pastors what does it takes to improve the situation. The overwhelming response was the need for Muslim Speakers to speak in the common language. The dearth of average Muslim speakers to speak about Islam has been a major problem in the society; it has created an imbalance in creating stereotypical images of Muslims. We hope to train Muslims to speak in Churches, Synagogues, Gurdwaras, Temples, civic center, community centers, Schools, Colleges and the Media.
Who can attend
Program is not limited to Muslims, all are welcome to learn and understand Islam. After all we have to work and live together as neighbors and co-workers.
Program
The program is divided into three parts:
The training will focus on presenting basic Islam (Islam 101) in its social, cultural, ritual and spiritual dimensions, so people of other faiths can understand Islam.
PART I
Saturday, October 29, 2016 – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Venue: Montgomery County Muslim Foundation 811 Russell Ave, Suite G, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
RULES
RSVP is required –
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/muslim-speakers-training-tickets-28562060893
Class room doors will be closed at 11:00
No late entries allowed – it is a discipline we have to practice to be on time.
Full attendance is required to receive certification.
Sponsored by: Montgomery County Muslim Foundation – www.mcmfmd.org/
Supporting Organizations: Islamic Society of Washington Area – www.iswamd.org/ Add the name of your organization Even though it is basic course, there is a lot to learn.
- Each Segment will be 20 Minutes followed by 15 Minutes Q&A.
- A bulleted outline will be given to the students to follow.
- Diverse speakers will be presenting the material.
- All material will be based on Quran and Hadith.
- Our audience would include Muslims and non-Muslims
- This is offered for the first time, and we have to continually improve upon it.
COURSE MATERIA
First Amendment
A study of the first Amendment and its impact. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Islamic Values
It is time we emphasize on Islamic values. These values contribute towards creating a cohesive America, and they are; Caring for fellow beings, Justice, humility, forgiveness, truthfulness, pluralism and freedom of conscience.
Islamic History
It is a two part history – Islamic history in general and Islamic history in America in Particular.
Rituals and the Five Pillars of Islam
The five pillars of Islam and the rituals that go with including but not limited to Eid-al-Fitr, Eid-al-Adha, Ashura, Milad and other events with a clear understanding that there is diversity of practices among Muslims. A one unit prayer demonstration will be beneficial including the postures and Duwa.
Denominations
All the known denomination will be respectfully presented – the major divisions are; Sunni, Shia, Sufi and Ahmadiyya. Within Sunni there are many subgroups including Wahhabi, Ahle- Hadith, Ahle-Sunnah and several others, and among Shia we have Alawite, Bohra, Ismaili, Twelvers and others, then the Ahmadiyya and Sufi groups are smaller. Baha’i and Druze are different religions and not a part of Islam. Like all human endeavors and religions, Islam has many denominations or unique sub-groups among Muslims. Indeed God intentionally chose each one of us to be unique and made us into many tribes, communities and nations while acknowledging different religious traditions. After all only God has the authority to judge what is in one’s hearts and not us.
Quran:
Quran is God’s words revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), this is the primary sources of all Islamic teachings. It is a book of guidance address to the entire universe with the very first verse to all humanity in the last chapter. Thanks to the human progress, we have over 50 English translations available in the market now, of which two of them are loaded with mistranslations and most of the others are acceptable translations. Newer translations have made their way in fixing some of the translation errors of the past. Beware: 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. Details will be shared in the class.
Hadith:
Hadiths are the sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) compiled and named after the scholars; Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu-Dawud, Malik’s Muwatta, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and others. There are six schools of thoughts as well.
PART II
Saturday, December 3, 2016 – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Venue: Muslim Community Center 15200 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Springs, MD 20905 Sponsored by Muslim Community Center – mccmd.org/ Supported by:
COURSE MATERIAL (Details will be provided soon)
- Pluralism
- Sharia
- Islamophobia, Terrorism and Jihad
- Countering Violent Extremism and radicalization.
- Youth
- Women
- FAQ ( included review of the terminology)
CAPSTONE
Saturday, December 10, 2106 – Media Training The final and 3rd part would involve preparing Muslims to deal with the Media with experts from the media conducting the 4 hours workshop. One must attend Part I and Part II to qualify to attend this course. A certificate will be issued to those who successfully complete all the three events. …………………………….
Please visit our website: www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org go to Events tab RSVP to the event: Event will be listed on Eventbrite About us: Thank you
Program produced and moderated by: Mike Mohamed Ghouse
Dr. Mike Ghouse is a Muslim Speaker, thinker, writer, organizer and an activist committed to building cohesive societies with a belief that what is good for Muslims has got to be good for the world and vice versa to sustain peace, harmony and prosperity.
Mike has appeared in over 300 shows on TV and Radio, and about 150 times on Fox News and over 100 times with Sean Hannity. He has published over 3000 articles and about a 1/3rd on Pluralism, a third on Islam and the rest on a variety of topics. Bulk of the writings is published by Dallas Morning News, Huffington Post, Op-ed News and others. Mike’s Mission is to work for a world of co-existence through inclusiveness and participation. www.MuslimSpeaker.com