"Many religious leaders represented in the Interfaith movement will get together in solidarity, after a day of fasting, to break bread in the name of faith and unity during this holy month", said Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, founder and director of IHW, in a press release dispatched to all local media outlets.
Imam Elahi's words rang true when more than 300 people showed up and packed the IHW halls coming from different churches, denominations, and synagogues, to meet with Muslim community leaders under one roof. "This is the first time ever where you find Interfaith members outnumber Muslim members in a Mosque" observed Imam Elahi.
Mayor Dan Palteko of Dearborn Heights, State Representative Bob Constan, and State Representative-elect Rashida Tlaib were among the attendees.
The speaking program started at 6:30 p.m. with showing a movie regarding the double standards against Muslims in this country, followed by an invocation by Rabbi Mordachi Waldman who blew his ram according to Jewish tradition.
Hajj Khalil I. Rammal, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, was the MC who thanked everyone for their presence that made this a day of solidarity and human brotherhood. He mentioned it was indeed a day of Peace in the Holy Month of Ramadan, a day of coming together to rejoice in the blessings of One God The Almighty that we all worship, and to reject all forms of violence afflicted against humanity under any pretext whether religious or political.
As Islam adopts a positive attitude to all aspects of life, its campaign of struggle adopts all necessary means to ensure success. Fasting is the best area where firm resolve and strong willpower are truly demonstrated. It also shows the essence of man's relation with God, which is a relation based on total submission and complete obedience by man. Fasting is also a symbol of man's rising above all needs of his body and willingly enduring their pressures in order to win God's pleasure. Our fasting month is indeed a highly advanced school with an annual course lasting 30 days. It is a practical course, which equips the participants for their very important task and provides them with the necessary training to overcome the difficulties that lie ahead.
Then Hajj Rammal introduced Imam Elahi. He said in his introduction:
It's my pleasure to call the next speaker to the podium. He is a prominent leader in the interfaith movement and the most dynamic religious leader I have even seen. He is a man of words, intellect, great deeds, and above all a man of honor. He gave a lecture last night about the importance and rewards of patience and he got me thinking about how much his words are congruent and compliant with his actions. It was due to his patience along with the early founders, the Chairman of the Board, and the Board of Directors that kept this holy place going and thriving with activities. It's my pleasure and honor to introduce Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi.
Imam Elahi also spoke about the meaning of fasting. He said: Ramadan is a month of reflection and reward. For us it’s a season to educate our minds and purify our hearts. Fasting is an Abrahamic tradition and it’s a good way to participate in the suffering of the poor and the hungry.
Mentioning that Ramadan is the month of revelation of the Quran, the imam called the holy book of Islam an interfaith book and spoke about the number of times Abraham, Moses and Jesus are honored in this great heavenly document.
Imam Elahi then spoke about the concept of God, revelation, Adam and Eve, and the day of resurrection in all Abrahamic traditions and explained the similarities in moral values and social challenges for our communities.
Imam considered the faith in unity of God as the most unifying force and source of healing and harmony among the people of faith. He emphasized on the role of faith leaders and called for encouraging the communities to get involved in the election and social issues. Imam concluded that the job of working for peace and justice can’t be left for the politicians and the UN and asked the faith communities to work together in search for love, justice and end of corruption and oppression.
After the speech a causal conversation and dialogue ensued. Those who shared their vision and wisdom included: Rev. Edwin Rowe- from Central United Methodist Church, Jack Seman from the Chaldean community, Mayor Dan Palteko of Dearborn Heights, Brenda Rosenburg from the Jewish Community, Dr. Michael Ross and a few others. The program concluded with a short blessing of the dinner by Imam El-Amin from Detroit Muslim Center and Fr. Lawrence Ventline.
Prayer followed where the Muslims headed to Masjid to pray Maghreb while Interfaith members observed.
The complete report will be posted soon enshallah.
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