Skip to main content

What does 4th July mean to US Muslims? Spiritual freedom, blessings of peace and joy

By Mike Ghouse 

We are a nation of free people, both politically and religiously, thanks to our founding fathers for setting up a beautiful country for enjoying freedom for generations and perhaps forever. However, we also need the release from entanglements and live freely.
Seriously, you can achieve that freedom by forgiving people who have hurt you and seeking forgiveness from those you hurt. Let me share how it worked for me.
When Texas Savings and Loans crumbled, I was managing the properties of Empire Savings; the CEO was good to me. He reimbursed all the repair expenses. There was a house on Pinery Dr in West Richardson that I spent 35000 on remodeling. As usual, I walked up with the bills - He looked straight in my face and told me he did not own the property anymore. He had transferred to his father's name. I was angry to no limit, and my blood boiled each time I saw his name or heard it.
Ten years later, I was to speak at the Canyon Country Club, and I had to pass by the Pinery Dr - my blood boiled again. So, I decided to drive in front of the house, parked my car, closed my eyes, sincerely forgave the man, and prayed. That was the last time I was tense. After that, I accomplished peace. I have cleaned my slate and cleaned it frequently.
Spiritual freedom is the most outstanding achievement in one's life and permanently clings to you till eternity. Those of us, who can free ourselves from tension, pain, anxiety, apprehension, hostility, malice, pressure, tension, stress, strain, and conflicts, are showered with blessings of peace and joy. It is good to be free. You live in the greatest country on the earth; say a word of gratitude to the founding fathers and our constitution.
May you be blessed with true freedom.
Happy 4th, my friends.
---
Mike Ghouse is a motivational speaker and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is the founder of the Center for Pluralism and offers pluralistic solutions to policymakers and the media. More about him at www.TheGhouseDiary.com

Comments

TRENDING

Beyond the 'silent relocation' narrative in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts

By Dr. Mohammad Asaduzzaman*  In recent years, a narrative has emerged from the rugged and forested terrain of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), portraying the region as the site of a “silent relocation” — a mass forced migration of Bangladesh’s non-Muslim ethnic communities into neighboring India and Myanmar.

Ram, Bam and Bengal: Memories of a Left turn toward the Right

By Rajiv Shah   The BJP ’s massive electoral win in West Bengal is being interpreted across political persuasions — except, of course, by the BJP itself — as the result of the alleged deletion of around 90 lakh voters from the electoral rolls during the controversial intensive revision process. This may well be true, given my own experience in Gujarat regarding the shoddy manner in which electoral revisions have often been conducted. In West Bengal, there also appeared to be a political angle to the exercise. But I am not interested in discussing that here, as enough has already appeared in the media on the subject.

India's housing boom hits a wall: Prices soar, buyers struggle

By Rajiv Shah  India's residential real estate market recorded near-flat growth in the January–March quarter of 2026, with sales volumes dipping year-on-year even as property prices hit a historic milestone — crossing ₹10,000 per square foot for the first time.