Press Releases

Muslim Speaker's Training (1 of 3)

Part –I Saturday, October 29, 11AM to 3 PM
Part –II Saturday, December 3, 11AM – 3 PM
Capstone Class December 10, 2016, 11- 3 PM
Details are listed below
RSVP – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/muslim-speakers-training-tickets-28562060893


MUSLIM SPEAKER TRAINING
Saturday, October 29, 2016

 “If Muslims don’t tell what Islam is, then others will continue to present the distorted version of Islam to their audience and the media.” said Ambassador Rasool.  Indeed, it is our (Americans together) collective duty to train speakers who can present the faith correctly. There is an acute shortage of trained speakers to speak about Islam at Churches, Synagogues, Temples, Civic Centers, Public service offices like Police and fire departments, Colleges, Schools, Radio and Television networks.  At American Muslim Institution, we are committed to fill this gap, please join us.

The course is not limited to Muslims,

it is for every American who wants to learn and share correct information about Islam – so we all can drop misgivings and start living as neighbors and friends, understand each other and build safe communities.  We particularly urge the youth to participate, as it is they who have to live in the world, and they had better shape the world they want it to be to live in peace and prosperity with fellow Americans.

The Islam that American Muslims practice contributes to the well being of our nation. It is our duty to communicate to fellow Americans that we have the same dedication to America as every patriotic American does.  Indeed, American Muslim Institution is committed to explaining Islam first hand with a clear goal of building a positive relationship with fellow Americans.  We are all in this together.

Safe societies are created by learning and sharing about each other, knowledge leads to understanding, and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of different faiths. We are all in this together, and together we have to build a cohesive America where no one has to live in apprehension, tension or fear of the other.

The course is divided into three parts. If you attend both Part I and Part II, you would qualify to attend the Capstone class, where you will be trained to deal with the TV and Radio media and reporters. Successful candidates will receive a certificate as trained Muslim Speaker through American Muslim Institution.

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

Every American is welcome to attend the program to simply understand Islam or you can select to become a speaker. After all we have to work and live together as neighbors and co-workers.

If you chose to become a registered speaker, we ask you to attend the program in its entirety.

RSVP – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/muslim-speakers-training-tickets-28562060893

Details: www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org/event

Both Part I and Part II are divided into 7 modules each, and will be presented by 14 different speakers including Imams and Muslim Scholars.

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 learn and 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.

  1. Each Segment will be 20 Minutes followed by 15 Minutes Q&A.
  2. A bulleted outline will be given to the students to follow.
  3. Diverse speakers will be presenting the material.
  4. All material will be based on Quran and Hadith.
  5. Our audience would include Muslims and non-Muslims
  6. This is offered for the first time, and we have to continually improve upon it.

COURSE MATERIAL

First Amendment by Nate Walker

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 by Dr. Mike Ghouse 

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 by Imam Ali Siddiqui

It is a two part history – Islamic history in general and Islamic history in America in Particular.

Rituals and the Five Pillars of Islam by Imam Faizul Rahaman Khan

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 by Falah Shams 

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 by Mike Ghouse,

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 by Imam Dai’n Johnson, 

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.


Biographies for the speakers for part I are listed below

nate_walkerNathan C. Walker (M.Div., Ed.M., M.A.) is executive director of the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute in Washington, DC. He is the co-author of “Promoting and Protecting the Universal Right to Freedom of Religion or Belief through Law” (International Development Law Organization 2014); coeditor of “Whose God Rules?” (Palgrave Macmillan 2011); and coeditor of “The Oxford Handbook on Religion and American Education” (forthcoming, 2017). He is an advanced doctoral candidate in law, education, and religion at Columbia University and previously studied law and religion while serving as a Resident Fellow at Harvard University. Websites:www.ReligiousFreedomCenter.org<http://www.ReligiousFreedomCenter.org


Imam Faizul Rahaman Khan

na-fthood 11/5/09 210605 Silver Spring, Md. Post Photos by Richard A. Lipski At his home in Silver Spring, Faizul R. Khan, the former Imam at the Muslim Community Center. StaffPhoto imported to Merlin on Thu Nov 5 22:02:02 2009

Imam Faizul R Khan is the founding member of the Islamic Society of Washington Area (ISWA), a growing, diversified and religious community that started in 1973 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Imam Khan has been involved in social, religious, cultural, educational, and outreach programs in the community for over forty years. He is the Imam of ISWA, Board Member of the National Council of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), General Secretary of Council of Muslim Organizations (CMO) in the Washington Metropolitan Area, and serves as Director of four other regional Islamic Organizations.

He has received thirteen national awards in the field of Domestic Violence, Social Services, and Volunteerism, and was named among the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World by Georgetown University in 2011.

He has published a book on the Life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The Journal of Religion and Abuse published his article on Islamic Perspective on Domestic Violence and the Washington Post on his article in Capital Pulpit on 911. He has appeared on every major national network  in USA and the DC Examiner, and the Muslim Link Newspapers. He is also involve  in the   Montgomery County  Democratic Central Committee  in Silver Spring, Maryland, Precinct


Imam Ali Siddiqui

imam-ali-siddiquiClassically educated Imam, Khatib, Interfaith Leader, organizer, Hospital Chaplain, and Advocate for Mutual Understanding and Respect, Peace, Economic Justice, and Humane Immigration with 43 years of interfaith experience working with Jews, Christians, Catholics, Mormons, Quakers, Buddhists, Sikh, and the other faiths in the area of community service, educational development, interfaith coordination, and service to low-wage workers, the sick, and the incarcerated.

Very engaged and frequently delivers invocations and benedictions at City Councils and School Boards, Civic and political groups, and Graduation Ceremonies including Baccalaureate Lecture, University of LaVerne, La Verne, CA.  He is also a recognized Friday Khatib, educator, Faith-based Family Councilor, youth counselor, public speaker, poet and writer, involved in the teaching of Islam, comparative religion, History of Islam and Muslims of Americas, contemporary issues to Muslims and non-Muslims, and teaching at institutions of higher learning as a Visiting Lecturer including Sonoma State, Santa Rosa Community College, School of Religion (Claremont Graduate University), California Baptist University, Disciple of Christ Seminary,  and School of Theology (now Lincoln University). He has been on many successful speaking tours to Belgium, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Iran, Pakistan, Spain, Switzerland, and across the USA.

PRESENT ENGAGEMENT
Muslim Institute for Interfaith Studies & Understanding, Lorton, VA 22079
Researcher/Lecturer, Islamic History Workshop, Fairfax, VA
Teacher (Volunteer), ESL, Hogar Immigrant Services, Alexandria, VA
Board of Directors, Interfaith Action for Human Rights, Washington D.C.
Fairfax Muslim Unitarian Universalist Monthly Brunch, Fairfax, VA
Khatib Circuit, Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area
Imams-Rabbis


Imam Dain Abdul-Fattah Johnson

dain-johnson-2Accepted Islam at the age of 13 in Brooklyn, New York under Sheikh Ibrahim Abdus Samad, formerly Martin Lyons.

Studied Maliki fiqh under Students of Dr. Sulaiman Dunia, former Chairman of Dept of Theology, Jami’ al-Azhar, Cairo

Majored in Religious Studies, QC of C.U.N.Y

Served/ Serving as Board Chairman,  Vice-President, Sunday School Principal of Quranic Language Studies institute for Muslim Association of Virginia.

Special interest – Qur’an/ Arabic Language & Grammar,  Islamic Jurisprudence & Legal History.


 Falahud Din Shams

2ndfalahphotoHe is currently National Vice President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. Shams spent most of his career in financial management as a CPA in Chicago metropolitan area. He served as the president of Chicago chapter of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for over 35 years. He is currently responsible for missions in the Pacific Ocean Region, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Kiribati and Palau. Islam has been introduced in these regions for the first time with the first mosque built in the area in the city of Majuro, Marshall Islands.

He was the Editor in Chief of the longest running Muslim magazines in America, Muslim Sunrise, for ten years and now is serving as a consulting editor of that magazine.

He has written numerous articles and has recently published a book “Straight Talk” which is available on eBay and Amazon Kindle. This book is educational for American Muslim youth in easy to read, humorous language. He has another book ready to be published, “New Age of islam”.


Mike Mohamed Ghouse

state-of-muslims-5-copyDr. 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 been a part of the conversation during the 9/11 Mosque imbroglio he was on Radio, TV and Print Media almost every day.  Pastor Jones Quran Burning challenge was taken up and offered interfaith prayers to honor 9/11 victims,  Pastor Robert Jeffress blatant condemnation of Islam turned into a beneficial Conference. Two of his big achievements are getting Sean Hannity on Fox News to stop bashing Quran,  and Stuart Varney to not use the phrase Radical Muslims.

Over the years he has held several intra-faith seminars and conferences and many interfaith conferences.  He has published over 1200 articles on various aspects of Islam and has done two workshops for all communities, and done 100 hours of radio talk show on educating about Islam.  Over 150 appearance on Fox TV and over 100 talk show radio events.

Much of his work is listed at www.MuslimSpeaker.com 

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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)

  1. Pluralism
  2. Sharia
  3. Islamophobia, Terrorism and Jihad
  4. Countering Violent Extremism and radicalization.
  5. Youth
  6. Women
  7. FAQ ( included review of the terminology)

CAPSTONE

Capstone is the final touch to the Muslim Speaker’s Training
Saturday, December 10, 2106 – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Place: 100 Maryland Av, NE, Washington, DC 20002

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

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

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Program produced and moderated by:  Mike Mohamed Ghouse

The programs are designed and presented by Dr. Mike Ghouse, a thinker, speaker, writer, and an activist committed to building cohesive societies, and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.  More about him in 65 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and www.MuslimSpeaker.com
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