Standing United in Defending Human Rights and Dignity!
“Together, Against Hate, Violence and Terror". Listening to Those Words and presentations was Extremely Moving. I asked AHRC chair Mr. Imad Hamad to share some of those awakening message, so more people get benefit.
Thank you AHRC For Your Inspiring and Enlightening Forum & Dinner Last Night in Bintjbeil Center in Dearborn!
Reclaiming Intellectual Primacy Conference at United Nations
Today’ UN conference was intended to bring together some thought leaders to discuss the Muslims right position in the world community!
The speakers addressed some fundamental Islamic concepts such peace, justice love, knowledge, Moderation, service, bridge building, universality and more.
Finally the conference came to conclusion and addressed the question of a strategy for Transformation!
That was the time I got a chance to speak for few minutes!
I mentioned two points!
One was about the strategy of an American founding father Thomas Jefferson who ordered a Quran in English and read it before writing the Declaration of Independence and before deeply influencing the American Constitutional discussion . He kept emphasizing on religious liberty which without a doubt is an Islamic and Quranic order. We need to promote religious liberty in its Islamic and human notion in our diverse Muslim communities and nations. Religious liberty is not just respecting all the sects and schools of thoughts but providing them all an equal opportunity in social and political leadership levels.
Another point that I mentioned was what happened to me early this morning while entering the building of UN in New York.
First I got my pass from the desk of the conference at the gate but then the security also asked me to show them my photo Id! I checked my wallet, I had every other Business and credit cards but somehow sadly I had left my driver license in the hotel room! Though everyone knew me, representing Islamic House of Wisdom but the security kept asking for photo id, they told me in this case there was no difference between me and the Secretary General of UN, we both need to have a photo id to get in! So I was forced to go back to the hotel in the crazy morning traffic jam of Manhattan and get my photo id in order to join the conference!
I shared this interesting story with the conference and concluded that one way to succeed in our Islamic Renascence is to start believing in the rule of law, I admired the security for reminding me this great lesson today!
We have so many stories in the life of our prophet and judgements of Imam Ali who acted not only on the rule of love but also the rule of law!
Let’s move toward the rule of law so we would never suffer from the dictatorships such as corrupt kingdom of Arabia and it’s satanic sisters!
As American citizens we must be promoting the notion of religious liberty and rule of law and protect our country from submitting to the racist forces of hatred, intolerance and division!
I would like to thank Al-Khoei Foundation and all other organizations who succeeded to have an Islamic and Shia conference at the Headquarter of UN in NYC! Inshaallah this is the first step in our journey of one thousand miles!
Faith Leaders Stood Against Detroit Water Shut-Offs at the Spirit of Detroit- Hart Plaza!
October 4, 2018
Imam Elahi was among other faith leaders to address this peaceful protest!
These are few quotes from Imam Elahi during the ceremony and later in his media outreach!
"Michigan is blessed with so much rain and so many rivers and lakes! Michigan is not Somalia and it isn’t suffering from drought and major natural disasters, so to hear that thousands of poor families in this city denied access to water in their houses is absolutely embarrassing!
Imam Elahi called for practical plans so the residents can start paying their bills and get their water reconnected!
The problem is poverty and the solution is not to punish the poor, the solution is not more greed and negligence, the solution is not to deprive the poor from access to drinking water, taking shower, cooking and cleaning but showing more understanding, responsibility, sympathy and support for the vulnerable families in the city.
Water is a sacred substance both in the Bible and the Quran, it’s the source of life, prosperity and progress.
Let’s share the clean water instead of turning it to a weapon to make more money to satisfy the greed of the wealthy and showing no grace and humanity for the thirsty and the needy!
It’s sad and silly to spend trillions of dollars by the Federal Government for wars in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Yemen and turn a blind eye to a water problems in Detroit which can be solved by applying a small portion of those resources!
Of course money matters but morality, justice, generosity and principles matter much more!"
Watch Part of Imam Elahi's Message: HERE
Imam Elahi's Prayer and Reflection at the International Day of Peace at Littlefield Presbyterian Church in Dearborn, Michigan!
September 23, 2018: The Imam spoke about some obstacles of peace including: injustice, discrimination, hate, hypocrisy, poverty, racism, intolerance, greed and warmongering.
He stated to establish peace we must work for justice, equality, religious freedom, faith and family values, recognition of human dignity, education and dialogue.
Imam Elahi's Presentation at the Interfaith Conference of Muslim and Catholic Communities in Divine Child Church in Dearborn Michigan!
September 24, 2018
"How our communities experience of prayer can lead to positive action in fostering peace, greater understanding, and collaboration!"
First, I would like to thank Fr. Jim Bilot and Fr. Hatt Hood for hosting this historic event.
Just a brief background: During an interfaith Iftar dinner at IHW last Ramadan, honorable Archbishop Allen Vigneron sent a distinguished delegation with a dynamic message to our interfaith Iftar. The message was read by Bishop Robert Fisher who was accompanied by Fr. John Kasza and Mr. David Conrad from the Catholic Ecumenical Department.
To appreciate the Archbishop's honorable outreach, I invited some of our board members and community leaders including Dr. Ned Fawaz to join me to visit the Archbishop in his office and express our gratitude. We had an over hour friendly interfaith conversation. During that meeting Dr. Nasib asked the Archbishop to help continue this interfaith journey. The Archbishop agreed and a week later we received a call from David to meet in this church and discuss our further action. We met here in July, Fr. Jim was out of town but Fr. Hood was there (btw Hood in Arabic a great prophet, grandson of Noah. Probably Eber in Old Testament) and went through some pressing issues in our community and country. Br. David took notes and made to these three categories. Hopefully this would be a beginning for a long journey not only in Dearborn but all over the world. Nothing is local any more. You can have a whisper in your friend's ear in a small room but people all over the world would hear your whispering lol!
I am grateful of this assembly this evening. God already lead our prayer to a positive action. Many communities including Jewish, Catholic, Muslims and African Americans have gone through so many same challenges and struggles in history of our nation. For a long time Catholics faced so much fire and phobia. They were called a foreign domination and a threat to the nation. There was serious resistance to the citizenship of both Catholics and Jews. By 20th century they gained equal rights but the Muslim situation got even worse thank to president Trump. I don’t know what happened that president Thomas Jefferson was replaced with president Trump. Jefferson used to say I believe in one God but if you want to believe in 3 gods or even 20 gods, I don’t care. I want to make sure you are protected and enjoy equality regardless of your religious opinion.
Although the Catholics still suffer from a media war and kind of prejudice, yet from original number of 250000 reached to over 40 million Catholics in the US.
It wouldn’t happen if the Catholics would stay in the church and do prayer only. They worked so hard in education, medical services, business area to be where they are today.
We as Muslim community trying to put our prayer in practice but the propaganda against us is so powerful that many times won’t get the equal opportunity to do so.
Of course prayer is a fundamental feature in our faith. We must stop our activities 5 times a day to spend at least few minutes for prayer, to connect with God, remember God, to submit to Him, to take a spiritual shower, to repair any damaged cell in our souls, to get light and energy.
Imam Ali (as) distinguishes between 3 kinds of prayer, out of fear of fire, out of greed of the garden, out of admiration appreciation!
That is not a prayer by tongue only, but a prayer in mind, in heart, in intention and action. To the point that a person him/herself becomes embodiment of prayer. His talk, his walk, his breathings, his behaviors. We have hundreds and hundreds of prayer texts from our prophets and imams. Specially the book of supplications from imam Zainol-Abedeen.
My favorite Christian prayer is the peace prayer of Saint Francis.
Lord make me an instrument of your peace where there is hatred
In the Quran the words salaat and dua prayer and supplication are mentioned over 300 times.
There are so many verses in the Quran teach us how Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammad and other representatives of God’s heavenly Kingdom on this earth used to pray!
Also there are 40 special prayers in the Quran start with Rabbana Our Lord!
Since God is the absolute source of peace, love, light, beauty, perfection, mercy, glory, holiness,
In these verses we ask for: guidance, light of knowledge mercy, forgiveness, patience, peace, prosperity, salvation, domination over our temptation, blessing for our parents and children and all faithful, help for the poor and oppressed, freedom from hate and hypocrisy, repentance, neighborhood next to the residence of the righteous on resurrection day.
The Quran keeps encouraging us to pray!
When people ask about Me, I am close, answer the call of the caller, (2-186)
Never lose hope in His mercy, He would forgive all the sins (29-53)
One interesting point in the Quran is relationship between prayer and action, in many verses salaat comes with zakat. Prayer is relationship with the creator but charity is relationship with the creation. Prayer is not accepted if charity is not involved.
Or the relationship between prayer and peace.
I was talking in Littlefield Presbyterian Church in Dearborn last weekend on the anniversary of Day of Peace proposed by UN in 80s.
Yes we pray for peace, that is so powerful, nice and necessary but not enough.
We must oppose the obstacles of peace such as human greed, selfishness, jealousy, hate, hypocrisy, discrimination, pain of poverty, racism, fear, violence and the culture of war-mongering.
Then stand for what contribute to the establishment of peace such as justice, equality, diversity, religious and cultural liberty and pluralism, recognizing human dignity, commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, advocating tolerance and peaceful coexistence, promoting family values and raising a generation faithful to moral principles and understanding the meaning and purpose of life.
Interesting the person who is leading a group prayer must be Adel, means just!
What about the president? Lol
In Chapter 7 verse 29- God ordered me to establish justice and then pray!
Prayer of someone who backbites someone is not accepted for 40 days!
Yes prayer is power, protection, purification, purpose, security, balance, confidence, key to His kingdom, humbleness, healing, salvation, but it is not substitute for action.
When hurricane targeted puerto Rico and killed thousands of people, the people in power must do more that “ our prayers and thoughts go with them”
Famous sentence from MLK “we must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools” and “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!
IHW Weekly Services For those Interested to Learn About the Islamic Faith!
While Islamophobia advances over the fear and ignorance of people about Islam, there are so many people in this country who follow the philosophy of the Founding Fathers such as Thomas Jefferson.
People who don’t consider corrupt, oppressive and messy monarchies such as Saudis and their ISIS school of thought as spokesmen of Islam and try to learn Islam from its real sources.
Instead of banning or burning the Quran, Jefferson ordered an English translation of the Quran to read and get a better understanding of the Islamic faith. Jefferson read the Quran almost a decade before writing the Declaration of Independence.
We at Islamic House of Wisdom spend so many hours of our weekly schedule to meet and converse with those who visit us tired of fake Islamophobia propaganda, searching for the truth. Our goal is not to convert people! Conversion is a matter of conscience and that is between a person and the Lord, our job is clarification. In my experiences of the last 27 years of face to face talking with people, I remember so many cases that people voluntarily pronounced the Shahada, which is to declare faith in One God and faith in His messengers including the Last one, Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
Religious pluralism and protection of all faiths, not just tolerance, was the vision of Jefferson and his colleagues, a Constitutional legacy that makes America great!
Visiting my First Seminary School in Esfahan last Monday!
It was an extremely emotional visitation and meeting!
I started my studies in Zolfawar seminary in the beautiful city of Esfahan right after completing my elementary school almost 50 years ago!
Later, I moved to Tehran and finally to the US and had not seen the Zolfaqar seminary and it’s teachers since then!
It was sad to realize that the founder of Zolfaqar seminary, Auatollah Sayed Hassan Imami already left this world and out of 40 teachers of the seminary who kindly welcomed me in the school, I knew just a few of my old teachers or old fellow students!
I shared some of our Dawah work experiences and IHW's interfaith Journey and answered some questions in meeting with the teachers of the seminary!
Talking about my old memories of the seminary, I couldn’t control my tears once in a while during our conversation!
It was a great rewarding and humbling experience and I was grateful to God and the school teachers and leaders for providing me such an exiting opportunity!
I wish we could get visa's for some of these great schoolers to join us and share their knowledge and wisdom with the thirsty of truth in our society!
Inshallah, in Today's Friday prayer, I will mention about my recent trip to Lebanon, the land of love and Iran the land of Imam Ali Ibn Musa Al-Ridha (as).
Another Amazing Day of Dialogue, Bridge Building, Brotherhood and Guidance at IHW.
Almost Two Hours of Interfaith Session, Questions and Answers!
Some members of a non-denominational Church from Memphis, Tennessee drove 13 hours to reach to Dearborn MI to visit Islamic House of Wisdom, meet with Imam Elahi and ask questions about Islam.
Imam Elahi asked the delegation about taking the hardship of 13 hours driving to get to IHW and the answers were so inspiring and humbling.
They said they came to Dearborn to ask their questions directly from Muslim sources. They pointed to the current gap and division in the country and irrational fear of Islam, called Islamophobia!
They mentioned that they are tired of fake news from the Fox News and some other media about Islam and interested to have a discussion about all these issues.
Imam Elahi welcomed the guests and passionately appreciated their thirst for the truth. Imam answered all the questions faithfully and friendly.
From prayer to politics, war and peace, the Quran and the Bible, Jesus and Mohammad, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Judaism and Zionism, gay and abortion, mosques and churches, faith and family values……
No doubt the interfaith interaction is a great way to end the ignorance and injustice and to bring better understanding and cooperation among this nation of immigration.
IHW is a community center and also an interfaith platform, welcomes delegations from any community and culture interested in fact finding and truth searching.
Watch Highlights of the Discussion: HERE
Umaa 16th Annual Convention in Dearborn Titled: Imam Redha (SA) Great Leader of Engagement!
Last Friday during the grand opening of the convention, Umaa chairman Dr. Abedi, Dr. Azmat Hussein, Rep. Abdallah Hamoud and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi welcomed the local and national guests.
Imam Elahi admired the umaa leaders for their 16 years of hard work, courage and commitment.
Talking about the title of the convention imam Elahi reflected on Islam two fundamental features, the Quran and Ahlol-bait (SA)
Imam described the Holy Quran as the most beautiful book in the library of revelation and creation.
A book of universal light, energy, healing and hope.
Referring to the life of Imam Redha, he emphasized on the Imam Diplomacy, dialogue and political engagement which save the school of Ahlol-bait after 200 years of being target of tyranny, torture and terrorism of Baniomayya and Banelabbas.
Imam Elahi said that the purpose of engagement was to promote what is right and prevent what is wrong and that is an obligation of every member in the faith community.
Imam Elahi concluded that in this Islamophobia atmosphere, fighting ignorance, injustice and hatred is a religious and social duty of every Muslim and fellow citizen.
He ended with the famous expression of “If you want to walk fast, walk alone, but if you want to walk far, walk together”
A long way to go and we need to march together!
Last Friday- 4 hours of interfaith Presentation, dialogue and bridge building at Islamic House of Wisdom!
Dozens of faithful Christians from all over of the US and Canada attendedFriday prayer service at IHW and spent another 3 hours of questions, answers and chatting with Imam Elahi and some IHW members after the prayer!
A big part of conversation was aired live and it gave opportunity to the viewers to send their comments and questions!
Although the questions were mainly religious and spiritual, imam Elahi added some social and political aspects specially on the current Islamophobia viruses in the media and social networks!
Some of the questions were answered by imam Elahi included:
Islamic views on the nature of relationship between Muslims and Allah
Islamic understanding of God’s justice and forgiveness!
Christians believe that Jesus can forgive sins, do the Muslims share this concept or they believe that forgiveness of sins related to God only?
What are the words of comfort the Muslims exchange with the families who lost their beloved ones, especially during the tragic incidents?
How do Muslims find peace with God in this violent world?
How the Muslims experience God’s love in their personal life?
What the Muslims mean by saying all God’s prophets were Muslims?
How the Muslims can prove the truthfulness of Mohammad as the last messenger and the Quran as the final revelation?
What are Muslim beliefs about the end times?
There were much more questions and imam Elahi tried to keep the answered short to cover as many points as possible!
At the end IHW distributed some Islamic publications related to interfaith among the guests!
Some members of IHW interfaith committee joined the Imam and participated in the discussion!
Both Christian delegations and members of IHW were so delighted with this deep and faithful dialogue and continued chatting even after the meeting officially ended!
We thank God for yesterday passionate opportunity and pray to Him to guide the forces of hatred, greed, warmongering, animosity and arrogance to the straight oath of peace, justice, love and humanity!
Expression of Appreciation to an Old Friend!
Shared by Imam Elahi-
I love Hajj Hussein Hamoud. When I arrived at the Islamic Center of America in Joy Road, Detroit 27 years ago in 1991, the Hajj was the chairman of the board. I have so many good memories from the hajj’s iman, integrity, hard work and commitment to serve the Creator and the community.
He is now over 90 years old and can’t walk without walker, yet his mind, heart and soul as sharp as the first time I saw him!!
His wife passed away few years ago and his son Ali died few months ago, yet the other children rotate daily to spend time with him.
His daughter Mona though decided to be with her dad and to live with him, she is doing a big sacrifice, bless her heart! Sadly Mona went through a heavy car accident recently though hamdellah miraculously survived and was visiting her doctor the time I visited her dad this afternoon.
The touchiest part of today’s visit was when hajj Hussein said mawlana during my daily prayers recently sometimes; I don’t trust my memory and feel that I might miss the order or some words! Can you please listen to my prayer and tell me if anything I missed?
I listened to hajj Hussein's entire prayer and said sobhanallah, my dear hajj you didn’t miss any single word or deed anywhere in your prayer. Your prayer was perfect, May the Almighty continue His grace and blessings on you and provide your daughter Mona with a speedy recovery.
I like to ask our community members to let me know of any other senior brothers or sisters that I should go and pay a visit. As you know I am extremely busy and don’t have enough time even for my own family, yet my community members are also like my family members, I love to meet and listen to their life stories and memories of their journey that they love to share. So despite of my busy schedule I would do my best to make that happens Insha’Allah.
A Tragic Death that Hurt everyone’s Heart!
Since the disastrous departure of a member of our community, late Rabih Talal Othman, Imam Elahi was looking for the first opportunity to go to their house and express his deep sadness and solidarity with his family.
Imam Elahi was impressed with patience of Rabih’s father, Ostad Talal (AbuAli) Othman and his brothers Ali, Mahmoud and Osama! Looking at Maryam, the Rabih little innocent daughter really hurt my heart.
The things that inspired me the most were the faith, sincerity, patience and good spirit of this suffering family.
Imam Elahi thanked hajj Haidar Ouza for coordinating this blessing visitation.
Before saying goodbye, Imam shared a beautiful hadith from Imam Sajjad (SA) about God’s rewards for the patient!
جزاء الصابرين
رُوي عن الإمام علي بن الحسين زين العابدين ( عليه السَّلام ) أنه قال :
"إِذَا جَمَعَ اللَّهُ الْأَوَّلِينَ وَ الْآخِرِينَ يُنَادِي مُنَادٍ أَيْنَ الصَّابِرُونَ لِيَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ!
قَالَ: فَيَقُومُ عُنُقٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ فَتَتَلَقَّاهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ.
فَيَقُولُونَ: إِلَى أَيْنَ يَا بَنِي آدَمَ؟
فَيَقُولُونَ: إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ.
فَيَقُولُونَ: وَ قَبْلَ الْحِسَابِ!
فَقَالُوا: نَعَمْ.
قَالُوا: وَ مَنْ أَنْتُمْ؟!
قَالُوا: الصَّابِرُونَ.
قَالُوا: وَ مَا كَانَ صَبْرُكُمْ؟
قَالُوا: صَبَرْنَا عَلَى طَاعَةِ اللَّهِ، وَ صَبَرْنَا عَنْ مَعْصِيَةِ اللَّهِ حَتَّى تَوَفَّانَا اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ
.قَالُوا: أَنْتُمْ كَمَا قُلْتُمْ، ادْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ فَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعامِلِينَ"
مسكّن الفؤاد عند فقد الأحبة و الأولاد:
Rev. Gregory Roberts With the Lord Now!
The death of our dear brother Rev. Greg is a big loss not only for his family and the Wayne County but the entire interfaith community.
Rev. Roberts was a man of faith and action, a real role model in interfaith leadership. He was a great partner with IHW in outreach and fighting ignorance, racism and Islamophobia,
He never gave up! He used to say:"When Fear or Apathy knocks, Let Faith Answer the Door!
Our condolences to his family, to Executive Mr. Warren Evans of Wayne County for losing his spiritual advisor, and the entire interfaith network of losing a good leader!
May God bless his soul!
Interfaith Leadership Lunch Turned to a Successful Dialogue!
Some of the statements made by the speakers:
God Cares about Your Hearts More than your Race, Religion and Nationality.
If some people get united for common evil, we should be able to get united for common good!
We need deeper friendship, bridge building, connection fostering and more appreciation for diversity.
Living in a frustrating world, we may not have solution for every problem, but giving up should not be an option.
In the darkest hours of history always some people rise up and make deference!
When one of us is hurt, all of us should hurt! If we don’t suffer when others are suffering, we don’t deserve to be called human beings!
The conclusion was to find more ways to foster more dialogue, more exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences among our communities and our nation!
Let’s thank Islamic Center of America for hosting this great interfaith lunch!
Some words by Imam Elahi in Saturday's Protest in front of the Saudi embassy in Washington DC!
It was an inspiring experience to be with hundreds of faithful from different States gathering in front of Saudi embassy in Washington DC to protest the kingdom's crimes against humanity including demolishing the historic spiritual sites in particular the Shrines of 4 Imams and many righteous companions in Baqi in the holy city of Al-Medina!
Imam Elahi was one of the speakers invited by the Baqi organization! The following are some of his words...
"8th of Shawwal is one of the most painful public morning in Islamic history!
In a day like today in 1926 an army of ignorance, injustice and brutality under the authority of the Saudi household and the ideology of Wahhabi-Takfiry demolished the shrines of 4 infallible Imams and many other righteous companions of the prophet under the excuse of sherk and bedaa!
In reality it was and it is not about religion but money, power and domination!
The same thing about the other products of this Takfiri ideology such as al-Qaeda, Alnosra,, Alshabab, bokoharam, isis and Taleban! They all are used as instruments to hijack the Islamic faith!
Protesting the destruction of Baqi is not a Shi’a issue, since those shrines were built, visited and honored by both Shia and Sunni for over 1000 years!
Considering the role of Imam Baqer and Imam Sadeq and their contribution to human salvation and civilization , demolishing of Baqi by the Saudis was an attack to human cultural and educational heritage! So today we must say condolences to every human with conscience anywhere globally!
We are here today to say we never forget this crime, as we never forget Ashura,
We are here today to continue our call for reconstruction of Baqi shrines!
We are here today to ask the UN that if you are powerless to protect those places of worship at least protest their destruction by the forces of darkness and oppression!
How come you protested the destruction of Buddhist statues in Afghanistan but silent of the Saudi and its mercenaries in attacking places of worship in the Middle East?
Off course it takes one phone call from the White House to stop Saudi atrocities in beheading of the innocent and bulldozing the holy buildings!
In the absence of any pressure from the White House the Studies get green light to continue their bloodshed, barbarianism and brutality!
Though we lost our hope in DC politicians but not in the Lord of this world. We continue our prayer and tell the corrupt kingdom of Arabia that the light of the Lord of love, compassion and justice won’t be extinguished with your mouths, money and military! God would complete His light regardless of your evil expression and actions!"
Today’s meeting with His Excellency Allen H. Vigneron Archbishop of Detroit at Archdiocese!
Imam Ali (as) Nahj Al-Balaqa Was Presented to The Archbishop!
Continuity of Dialogue to Deepen the Relationship We Already Enjoy Was Emphasized!
It was to thank Catholic leadership for his Ramadan message and for standing for justice, unity and religious liberty!
His Excellency welcomed Imam Elahi and his accompanying delegation from IHW and other community organizations including clergy members sheikh Ali Nassoor, Sayed Alireza Mosawi, Hajja Nawal Hamadeh, Hajj Nasib Fawaz, Imad Hamad,hajj Ahmad Alzaroui, Dr Fras Hamada, Hajja Sabah Beydoun, imam Aref, Dr Alireza Mosawi, Dr Salar and Anaya Shehab!
Imam Elahi thanked the Archbishop for his Ramadan message and for sending a high delegation from the Catholic Church to IHW interfaith Ramadan Iftar dinner!
Archbishop Vigneron expressed happiness that despite of some theological differences between two faith traditions, Muslims and Christian can enjoy respectful relationships and work together for peace, justice and for promotion of religious liberty.
Imam Elahi presented a copy of Nahj Al-Balagha to the Archbishop and read imam Ali’s sermon 160 explaining the purity, simplicity, love and sacrifice in the life of Jesus Christ!
Imam expressed his sadness and also warning of those who claimed passion for Jesus yet using the Bible to justify racism, separation, slavery, Islamiphobia, and discrimination!
This is exactly what the so called Muslim extremists did when justified their crimes in the name of God and the Quran.
Imam Elahi concluded that it’s necessary that the mainstream Muslims and Christians and other faith traditions to stand together against extremism in their own communities and remove the evil of ignorance that causes all those diseases of fear, hate, division and discrimination!
Then the floor opened for an hour of comments and questions from the participating guests and the Archbishop addressed each and every point with sincerity and wisdom.
The continuity of communication and cooperation was a mutual promise of the leadership of the Catholic Church, imam Elahi and the Muslim organizations represented in this visit!
The Muslim delegation left the Archdiocese office while escorted kindly and friendly by the Archbishop Allen Vigneron, David J. Conrad Coordinator of Ecumenical and Interfaith Dialogue and some members of Archdiocese staff.
Travel Ban, Immoral, A service to Injustice!
June 27, 2018, Wednesday- A Group of Conscientious,True American Patriotic, Gathered at Campus Martius to Protest Immorality of Travel Ban! The Ban Became Legal but Not Moral!
The Supreme Court Turned the Travel Ban on 7 Countries, Majority of them Muslims to a Law, But the Ban Still Immoral!
Imam Elahi was one of the speakers at downtown Detroit at Martius Park.
Imam Elahi's Words included:
Today’s ruling is a service to injustice, oppression, discrimination and racism.
Ban on those Muslim countries that have been fighting isis was a reward to terrorists and a punishment for those who sacrificed all they had to defeat the isis.
Travel ban is absolutely unjust, it's an attack on the integrity, image and interests of the US in the world.
Our silence on this is a serious sin, though no fast solution for this dangerous decision, yet not giving up either! We will continue our opposition to this legislation through our determination, dedication, unity and our vote in August!
Last Night's- Ramadan Official's Iftar, Hosted by Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko!
It was a festival of faith and friendship.Imam Elahi thanked Mayor Paletko and the City Officials and said: Let the resolution of our Ramadan be expression of mercy and forgiveness to all, except the oppressors and those commit crimes against innocent people the month of mercy!
Seham Awada moderated the reception; Mayor Paletko thanked the City staff and the community guests. The Mayor admired imam Mardini and imam Elahi for their outreach and interfaith work.
Imam Elahi called the month of Ramadan a great season of soul, a month of reflection and remembrance, he added but the main spiritual function of Ramadan was asking the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. If forgiveness was our main Divine demand, then it’s time to forgive one another. Let’s turn the Eid-el-Fitr on this Friday a festival of forgiveness. Let’s start this from our family, friends, neighbors, community and our country.
Both imams shared words of grace blessing the iftar dinner in El-Shallal restaurant in Dearborn Heights.
Archbishop Allen Vigneron's Ramadan Message to Muslim Community at Islamic House of Wisdom!
Imam Elahi Addressed the Interfaith Audience!
Islamic House of Wisdom celebrated its annual interfaith iftar dinner Wednesday successfully, attracting more than 250 religious, civic, business and community leaders, including Bishop Robert Fisher of the Archdiocese of Detroit and a host of imams, pastors, priests and Christian and Jewish leaders.
Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko thanked Islamic House of Wisdom for its initiative to hold the interfaith dinner and welcome everyone to the city of Dearborn Heights.
The audience included Chief Judge Sam Salamey, Judge Christopher Dingell, Judge Marc Summers , Judge Gene Hunt, former Lebanese ambassador Dr. Ai Ajami, Dr. Ned Fawaz, Dr. Mohammad Ajjour , Message of Hope leader hajj Hussein Elhaf, representatives of Bintjobail cultural center and other community leaders and representatives.
Bishop Robert Fisher related the greetings of Archbishop Vigneron to Imam Elahi and the community during the month of Ramadan. “For many years, the Catholic Church in Detroit has had a close relationship with the Islamic community,” he said.
He also said that As Muslims celebrate this holy month, not only do they fast during the day, they also reap many spiritual rewards from the activities which accompany that discipline, such as increasing the offering of prayers, the recitation of the Quran, as well as increase the doing of good deeds and charity.
“All of these things, fasting, prayer, and charity, seek to better the human condition and increase the love of human beings for one another, he said.” Please read the complete remarks at the end of story.
Islamic House of Wisdom spiritual leader Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi highlighted the benefits of fasting and how worship benefits the individual and the entire society.
Imam Elahi Thank Archbishop Allen Vigneron for sending Ramadan greetings to the Muslim community through a delegation including Bishop Fisher, Fr. John and Rev. David.
Imam invited other church leaders and interfaith activists to the stage to introduce themselves and their communities.
The imam talked about Ramadan as the month of revelation and the Quran as an interfaith book with over 300 verses about Abraham, Moses and Jesus. He mentioned the main goal of all the prophets to guide humanity to fix their relationship with God, themselves and the rest of the society.
They all talked about the family as a foundation for the community and how to make this foundation stronger through faith, respect, love and forgiveness and save it from jealousy, greed, and selfishness.
Imam noted the common concerns of interfaith about the youth in our society such as drugs, depression, alcohol, addiction, suicide and spiritual loss.
Speaking about Islamophobia, racism, the culture of violence, the imam mentioned how the media were silent about the religious and political identity of Dimitrios Pagourtzis who killed and wounded over 20 students in a public school in Texas last week and never used the word terrorist for him, while they jump to all the religious details of the criminal even if falsely claims Islamic identity.
Imam Elahi mentioned some other stars of interfaith such as MLK, Mahatma Gundy, Nelson Mandela and Imam Musa Sadr and asked the entire interfaith community to be united in condemnation of injustice and oppression. He mentioned the victimization of 3000 Palestinians in Gaza by the Israeli forces a clear case of faithful concern and condemnation and said as Muslims stood against Isis, the Jews need to save the image of Judaism from this injustice done in their name.
The imam also expressed sympathy with the suffering people in Yemen under Saudi bombardments and Syria under war and terrorism without celebrating their Ramadan season.
Imam Elahi concluded with honoring the birth of Imam Hassan (SA) and his worship, wisdom, and peacemaking role in human history.
Emcee Khalil Hachem, who co-presented the program, said the idea of interfaith is that we are united under one humanity and it is something that brings us together and removes the barriers that divide us.
It starts with love because love changes hearts not laws not legislations. It starts by showing compassion and removing distances between us.
The best way to start is to go back to basics by promoting selflessness. Basic is the concern more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own.
This is the powerful image of God and that is the ability to sacrifice and help each other and understand each other. This is what we hope to accomplish during these meetings.
The interfaith participants and the Muslim community leaders expressed their joy and appreciation for IHW initiative and its unifying and inspiring iftar celebration.
--------------------------------
Entire Message Delivered by Bishop Robert Fisher of Catholic Church!
Dear Imam Elahi and other honored guests present for this annual dinner here at the Islamic House of Wisdom:
I extend to you greetings and blessings to you Imam Elahi and to all who are celebrating this holy month of Ramadan. His Excellency, Archbishop Vigneron, sends his best wishes as you celebrate this holy month of fasting and prayer. Due to his schedule, the Archbishop is unable to attend this evening’s event. He is most grateful for your kind invitation and remembers with affection the many encounters that he has had with you, Imam, as well as members of the Muslim community during his time as the Archbishop of Detroit. He was especially touched by your kind expression of condolence upon the murder of Father Hamel who was killed in northern France in 2016. The Archbishop also appreciated the opportunity to appear with you on the radio program last year as well.
For many years, the Catholic Church in Detroit has had a close relationship with the Islamic Community. We have worked together on many initiatives, especially in the area of building community and improving interreligious dialogue. In the years since the Second Vatican Council, beginning with the document Nostra Aetate, the Church has promoted dialogue and humanitarian work which furthers the human condition and improves life for all people. Furthermore, it is the duty of every person, regardless of his or her faith tradition, “to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom” (NA, 3).
It is in this spirit that we join with you at tonight’s Iftar (eef-tar) dinner. As you celebrate this holy month, not only do you fast during the day, you also reap many spiritual rewards from the activities which accompany that discipline. During this time which commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, devout Muslims increase the offering of prayers, the recitation of the Quran, as well as increase the doing of good deeds and charity. All of these things, fasting, prayer, and charity, seek to better the human condition and increase the love of human beings for one another.
We Christians have a similar period of fasting called Lent which occurs 40 days prior to the celebration of Easter. During this time we abstain from certain foods and activities that we may better focus our minds and hearts on doing the work of God. In addition, we spend more time in prayer and engage in works of charity and almsgiving. This Lenten observance helps us to be cleansed of sinful behaviors in order that we may more closely imitate Jesus and become witnesses of the Gospel.
While we share many common practices and have come a long way in our dialogue and interaction with one another, there is still much to be done. Increasingly, there are attacks against people because of the way in which they worship. Because of a lack of knowledge about different faith traditions, some people choose to deny certain groups the autonomy to worship and live in peace. This is contrary to what God intends for His world. Together, Muslims and Christians must promote religious liberty and human rights for all people. We need to highlight what is common to both of our faith traditions and work together for the increase of charity and peace in our world. Through prayer, fasting, and works of mercy (which are traits we share in common), we learn more about what God intends for the world and we are challenged to make this world a better place for all people.
As you continue to celebrate this holy month, we ask God the Almighty and Merciful One to bless you and give you his peace. May we continue to live together as brothers and sisters working to bring God’s peace, mercy, and love to all people.
Archbishop Allen Vigneron's Ramadan Message to Muslim Community at Islamic House of Wisdom!
Imam Elahi Addressed the Interfaith Audience!
Islamic House of Wisdom celebrated its annual interfaith iftar dinner Wednesday successfully, attracting more than 250 religious, civic, business and community leaders, including Bishop Robert Fisher of the Archdiocese of Detroit and a host of imams, pastors, priests and Christian and Jewish leaders.
Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko thanked Islamic House of Wisdom for its initiative to hold the interfaith dinner and welcome everyone to the city of Dearborn Heights.
The audience included Chief Judge Sam Salamey, Judge Christopher Dingell, Judge Marc Summers , Judge Gene Hunt, former Lebanese ambassador Dr. Ai Ajami, Dr. Ned Fawaz, Dr. Mohammad Ajjour , Message of Hope leader hajj Hussein Elhaf, representatives of Bintjobail cultural center and other community leaders and representatives.
Bishop Robert Fisher related the greetings of Archbishop Vigneron to Imam Elahi and the community during the month of Ramadan. “For many years, the Catholic Church in Detroit has had a close relationship with the Islamic community,” he said.
He also said that As Muslims celebrate this holy month, not only do they fast during the day, they also reap many spiritual rewards from the activities which accompany that discipline, such as increasing the offering of prayers, the recitation of the Quran, as well as increase the doing of good deeds and charity.
“All of these things, fasting, prayer, and charity, seek to better the human condition and increase the love of human beings for one another, he said.” Please read the complete remarks at the end of story.
Islamic House of Wisdom spiritual leader Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi highlighted the benefits of fasting and how worship benefits the individual and the entire society.
Imam Elahi Thank Archbishop Allen Vigneron for sending Ramadan greetings to the Muslim community through a delegation including Bishop Fisher, Fr. John and Rev. David.
Imam invited other church leaders and interfaith activists to the stage to introduce themselves and their communities.
The imam talked about Ramadan as the month of revelation and the Quran as an interfaith book with over 300 verses about Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
He mentioned the main goal of all the prophets to guide humanity to fix their relationship with God, themselves and the rest of the society.
They all talked about the family as a foundation for the community and how to make this foundation stronger through faith, respect, love and forgiveness and save it from jealousy, greed, and selfishness.
Imam noted the common concerns of interfaith about the youth in our society such as drugs, depression, alcohol, addiction, suicide and spiritual loss.
Speaking about Islamophobia, racism, the culture of violence, the imam mentioned how the media were silent about the religious and political identity of Dimitrios Pagourtzis who killed and wounded over 20 students in a public school in Texas last week and never used the word terrorist for him, while they jump to all the religious details of the criminal even if falsely claims Islamic identity.
Imam Elahi mentioned some other stars of interfaith such as MLK, Mahatma Gundy, Nelson Mandela and Imam Musa Sadr and asked the entire interfaith community to be united in condemnation of injustice and oppression. He mentioned the victimization of 3000 Palestinians in Gaza by the Israeli forces a clear case of faithful concern and condemnation and said as Muslims stood against Isis, the Jews need to save the image of Judaism from this injustice done in their name.
The imam also expressed sympathy with the suffering people in Yemen under Saudi bombardments and Syria under war and terrorism without celebrating their Ramadan season.
Imam Elahi concluded with honoring the birth of Imam Hassan (SA) and his worship, wisdom, and peacemaking role in human history.
Emcee Khalil Hachem, who co-presented the program, said the idea of interfaith is that we are united under one humanity and it is something that brings us together and removes the barriers that divide us.
It starts with love because love changes hearts not laws not legislations. It starts by showing compassion and removing distances between us.
The best way to start is to go back to basics by promoting selflessness. Basic is the concern more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own.
This is the powerful image of God and that is the ability to sacrifice and help each other and understand each other. This is what we hope to accomplish during these meetings.
The interfaith participants and the Muslim community leaders expressed their joy and appreciation for IHW initiative and its unifying and inspiring iftar celebration.
--------------------------------
Entire Message Delivered by Bishop Robert Fisher of Catholic Church!
Dear Imam Elahi and other honored guests present for this annual dinner here at the Islamic House of Wisdom:
I extend to you greetings and blessings to you Imam Elahi and to all who are celebrating this holy month of Ramadan. His Excellency, Archbishop Vigneron, sends his best wishes as you celebrate this holy month of fasting and prayer. Due to his schedule, the Archbishop is unable to attend this evening’s event. He is most grateful for your kind invitation and remembers with affection the many encounters that he has had with you, Imam, as well as members of the Muslim community during his time as the Archbishop of Detroit. He was especially touched by your kind expression of condolence upon the murder of Father Hamel who was killed in northern France in 2016. The Archbishop also appreciated the opportunity to appear with you on the radio program last year as well.
For many years, the Catholic Church in Detroit has had a close relationship with the Islamic Community. We have worked together on many initiatives, especially in the area of building community and improving interreligious dialogue. In the years since the Second Vatican Council, beginning with the document Nostra Aetate, the Church has promoted dialogue and humanitarian work which furthers the human condition and improves life for all people. Furthermore, it is the duty of every person, regardless of his or her faith tradition, “to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom” (NA, 3).
It is in this spirit that we join with you at tonight’s Iftar (eef-tar) dinner. As you celebrate this holy month, not only do you fast during the day, you also reap many spiritual rewards from the activities which accompany that discipline. During this time which commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, devout Muslims increase the offering of prayers, the recitation of the Quran, as well as increase the doing of good deeds and charity. All of these things, fasting, prayer, and charity, seek to better the human condition and increase the love of human beings for one another.
We Christians have a similar period of fasting called Lent which occurs 40 days prior to the celebration of Easter. During this time we abstain from certain foods and activities that we may better focus our minds and hearts on doing the work of God. In addition, we spend more time in prayer and engage in works of charity and almsgiving. This Lenten observance helps us to be cleansed of sinful behaviors in order that we may more closely imitate Jesus and become witnesses of the Gospel.
While we share many common practices and have come a long way in our dialogue and interaction with one another, there is still much to be done. Increasingly, there are attacks against people because of the way in which they worship. Because of a lack of knowledge about different faith traditions, some people choose to deny certain groups the autonomy to worship and live in peace. This is contrary to what God intends for His world. Together, Muslims and Christians must promote religious liberty and human rights for all people. We need to highlight what is common to both of our faith traditions and work together for the increase of charity and peace in our world. Through prayer, fasting, and works of mercy (which are traits we share in common), we learn more about what God intends for the world and we are challenged to make this world a better place for all people.
As you continue to celebrate this holy month, we ask God the Almighty and Merciful One to bless you and give you his peace. May we continue to live together as brothers and sisters working to bring God’s peace, mercy, and love to all people.