The first community dinner after the completion of IHW renovation was held in the Mahdi Reception Hall on Sunday April 15^th. About 500 community members, religious leaders, interfaith partners, political personalities from Dearborn Heights and other cities and town in Michigan participated in the dinner. Dr. Mohammad Bazzi the chairman of IHW was the first speaker of the ceremony. Dr. Bazzi welcomed the guests and gave a brief presentation on the activities and services at the Islamic House of Wisdom.

            The chairman’s speech was followed by Imam Elahi’s address who first welcomed the clergy community, interfaith members, community leaders, public representatives and all the participant and thanked them for taking time out of their busy schedule to honor IHW with their presence.

      Imam Elahi considered this dinner and other community functions as an opportunity to reach out in brotherhood, sisterhood and friendship to make more alliances among the people of good will.

      Describing the domestic and global atmosphere of the world, the Imam emphasized the necessity of more education, organization and action.

      America is a land of opportunity but it is also a land of many weapons of mass destruction like drugs, alcohol, violence, rape and crime. Currently more than 7 million Americans are either behind the bars or on probation; many of them are victims of those weapons.

      Millions of Americans are affected by the wars in the Middle East. The families of thousands of soldiers who  died in Iraq, in addition to thousands of Americans who lost their family members or friends in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and elsewhere in the region. The number of American soldiers that committed suicide in 2006 reached to100. This was more than twice in the recent years. The so-called war against terrorism only increased the number and activities of the insurgents and the terrorists.

      It’s time to wake up as a nation, get united and start an open and meaningful dialogue at the national and global levels and search for right solution for these crises.

      Those who are hungry of power, money and domination try divide us sometime in the name of Muslim-Christian and other times in the Shia-Sunni name.

      We have a clear road map enriched by Abraham’s submission and sincerity, Moses struggle and courage, Jesus’ love and sacrifice, and Mohammad’s wisdom and vision. We can’t ignore the sufferings of the orphans, poor, hungry and those subjects to the daily brutality of evil wars and violence.

      America can and should be the greatest hope of justice and freedom for humanity. Unfortunately it is standing on the wrong side of the struggle. The current military budget of the Pentagon is $606 billion dollars. But how much is spent for bringing peace to the world? Obviously people like Dick Cheney are not interested in peace, they like war since that is the fastest way to satisfy the appetite of those who benefit from weapon manufacturing. I heard that Condoleezza Rice asked for the release of Iranian diplomats in Iraq, but Mr. Cheney disagreed. Apparently the mess in Iraq is not enough that they like to start a new one on Iran under the excuse of Iran’s nuclear power plant. While Iran called for the U.S. to be a partner in this business of building nuclear power plants, sadly some people in this administration push for conflict no matter what.                  

       Imam Elahi continued his speech by saying that the solution for our world problems is to return to our Lord’s teachings and desires for mankind. He mentioned the universal messages of the Quran and especially verse 13 from chapter 49 which indicates that all human beings are created out of a male and female (Adam and Eve) and the reason for the diversity in human colors, nationalities, genders and tribes etc was for us to know each other and to celebrate our similarities and appreciate our differences. The diversities were not meant to be a source of jealousy, greed, arrogance and aggression to one another. Being from a different color or race shouldn’t be a reason for making fun, insulting, defaming and humiliating each other.

      The Prophet (pbuh) chose Bilal, a poor, black slave to call for the adhan and said you all are the children of Adam and Allah made Adam out of clay. Another word, humble yourself you all are made out of dust and will turn to dust. Allah doesn’t look at your appearance, social power and prestige but He does look at the piety of your hearts. No superiority of an Arab over Ajam, or Black and White over each other except by piety. Piety is the key to salvation, peace and paradise in this world and hereafter.

      We must look at our great prophet as an example of faith, integrity, morality, manner, kindness, compassion, love, prayer, patience and sacrifice for the sake of others. We continually condemn terrorism in all its forms especially Al-Qaida style. The Muslims are the main victims of 9-11 in the US and victims of war in Iraq.

      In another part of his speech Imam Elahi mentioned the story of Don Imus who was fired from CBS for his insulting words against a basketball team and said that we never heard any of those who attacked and insulted Islam and its prophet be fired. We have not forgotten the inflammatory and sick statements of Evangelicals like Pat Robertson, Jerry Fall well and Franklin Graham. All of them who called Islam wicked, violent, barbaric, aggressive, and irrational and defamed Islam as the problem and enemy of the West. They called the man whom God regarded as the mercy for mankind as terrorists and none of them were fired from their position, as a matter of fact they were praised for creating this public delusion, and contaminating the public discussion. Hate is the product of fear and fear is a product of ignorance.

      They ignore the great contributions of the Muslim community to this nation. Thousands of Muslim teachers, university professors, medical doctors, police officers, business professionals, firefighters, sport stars, lawyers, journalists who contributed many services to our society.

      Unfortunately thousands of Muslims have been jailed or deported in the name of the war on terror. We all are responsible to speak out against all kinds of injustice and violation of human rights under any name or excuse. Muslims and Christians are half of this planet’s population. If we work together and cooperate we can make a paradise on this planet.

      At the end Imam Elahi reminded the audience of the famous statement given by the protestant minister during Nazi Germany who said, “First they came to the communists and I didn’t speak out because I was not a communist. Then they came to the socialists and I didn’t speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came to the unionists and I didn’t speak out because I was not a unionist. Then they came to the Jews and I didn’t speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came to me, and by then no one was left to speak for me.”

      Remember the Prophet (pbuh) said you all are responsible. Be like a shepherd not like a sheep or wolf.

      Imam Elahi ended his speech by asking the community to support IHW especially in its recent renovation and construction that cost $1.2 million. The best way to gain something is to give it up. If you want to be loved, give love. If you look for respect, then respect others, if you look for happiness then bring happiness in the life of others, if you look for prosperity then bring prosperity to others life and if you like to have money then share part of your money with others. Helping IHW is helping the community and the future of our faith and children in this part of the world.