See Photo Highlights of the Program & Dinner: HERE & Below!
The crowd included Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, State Representative David Knezek, Islamic Center of American Chairman hajj Khalil Kadouh and a group of ICA board members and some members of the Bint Jebail Cultural Center Board.
IHW Board of Trustee chairman, David Abdullah and IHW spiritual leader, Imam Mohammad Elahi welcomed guests and presented a report on IHW's educational, spiritual, social and family services, including the complete funeral services that IHW is currently offering.
IHW is not a place for prayer only, it's a community center to meet the personal, family and even financial needs of the poor to the best of its capacity.
During the dinner, IHW honored four community members for their achievements and their service to the community, including hajj Chaffic Moussa, hajj Ahmad and hajja Rehab Amer and hajj Chuck Bazzi.
Hajj Moussa has been a long-time member of the Islamic Center of America and has been volunteering in the community for more than 50 years.
The Amers led an arduous struggle for justice to convince the Michigan government to enact new laws to protect innocent children.
Hajj Chuck Bazzi was an active member of Islamic House of Wisdom during his membership in the Board of Trustees.
The awardees expressed appreciation to IHW's Imam and board, and Moussa captured the moment with his remarks to the audience:
"It gives me a distinct honor to receive this award tonight which I humbly and gratefully accept on behalf of all hard working individuals in our community, and we are blessed to have many of them.
I would like to thank the board of directors and Imam Elahi, whom I've had the pleasure of working with throughout the years. Under his leadership, this great institution has been able to grow and reach new heights.
I leave you with this: When you were born you cried and the world around you rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you will rejoice. Keep up the good work ".
We would like to thank everyone who participated and contributed- your support empowers us to build upon and add to the services, outreach and care to those in need!
