12/20/12: Celebrating Life & Honoring the Memory of the Connecticut Catastrophe

      March 11, 2013    

Summary of Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi's words delivered last Sunday at the Islamic House of Wisdom in memory of the Connecticut tragedy!

Celebrating Life & Honoring the Memory of the Connecticut Catastrophe

20 kids and 6 of their teachers were targeted during a terrorist attack in an elementary school on the eve of this New Year to come.

During the Sunday family breakfast service following this tragedy, Imam Elahi the spiritual leader of the Islamic House of Wisdom dedicated his Sunday message addressing this tragedy and the lessons our community and nation can learn to prevent future fires of disaster.

We understand the pain of those parents who lost their beloved ones and share our thoughts and prayers with the rest of our nation in sympathy and solidarity with those suffering families, the imam said.

Imam continued his sermon by saying the real solution for more security is not having more guns but more God consciousness.

To protect society and establish a foundation of national security we must start from home by instilling faith, family values and educating our children with the principles of love, forgiveness, respect, responsibility, modesty, humility and positive energy.

Increasing the sale of guns in addition to the widespread abuse of drugs, alcohol and violent video games calls on society to evaluate its direction. Mental illness, which has become a recent scapegoat of blame in many tragedies calls for allocation of financial resources, study, proper care and awareness.

If Adam Lanza had ever experienced the human obligation toward his parents which is the most common Quranic order he would not have shot his own mother nor inflicted any type of harm on any soul!

For the Muslim community to protect our children we must teach them the importance of loving the Lord and His creation, reflection of God's attributes towards application within our own lives and prayer. We must protect them from associating with faithless friends and evil influences.

Imam Elahi criticized the double standards in the mainstream media who used words like gunman or shooter instead of terrorist for the Connecticut murderer. He said, if the killer carried an Islamic or
Arabic name they would mislabel his name, religion and cultural back ground, while in this case none of these were addressed.

At the end, the imam prayed for the innocent souls of this massacre and the thousands of other children who die daily in Iraq, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, Africa and other parts of the
world as a result of poverty, deadly disease, war, violence, extremism and terrorism. The Imam concluded by praying for the Divine day in which the Lord sends peace and justice to this planet through Imam
Mahdi and Jesus (pbut).

12/14/12: To Honor the Victims of the Tragic Terrorist Shooting!

 To Honor the Victims of the Tragic Terrorist Shooting!

For Immediate Release:        Friday, Dec. 14, 2012

Dearborn   Heights, MI --  On behalf of Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, Chairman Dave  Abdallah and the Islamic House of Wisdom Board of Directors,  we would  like to express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims in the criminal massacre  in Newtown, Connecticut.

We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of  this senseless attack on an educational facility targeting teachers and innocent children. In mourning, we join our fellow Americans and share in their thoughts and  prayers with our broken hearts.

So   far more   than 27 people have been reported dead in this brutal shooting,  including  20  beautiful little kids. Words cannot express our  deep grief that was caused by someone who had lost all sense of humanity and conscience!

We  ask the Lord to bless the souls of the innocent victims,  provide the suffering families with  patience, the wounded with healing  and to help us come together as one nation in prevention of this type of  tragedy from repeating again.

The Islamic  House of Wisdom is one  of the largest Islamic Institutions in Michigan  and is one of the  leaders in interfaith dialogue and outreach. It will dedicate this Sunday's Breakfast  Service to honor the memory of the victims of this tragedy.

 This Sunday- Breakfast will start at 11am
Prayer & Remembrance Service to begin at 11:45am

  We invite all including our interfaith friends to join us.

22575 Ann Arbor Trail    Dearborn Heights, MI 48127   (313) 359-1221

For more information, please contact IHW at 313-359-1221 or reply to this message!

09/15/12: Council of Imam's Press Conference Held at the IHW

Saturday, September 15, 2012- Statement Released by Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi

Council of Imam's Press Conference Held at the IHW

Muslim Religious leaders and interfaith partners participated in a press conference to address the new Islamophobic movie that followed with the tragic deaths of four American diplomats and many other innocent individuals.

Imam Elahi welcomed participating Imams, members of interfaith clergy, community members and media representatives.  

We are here this morning to stand united against extremism under any name or excuse!

For some people to abuse freedom of speech in this country by demonstrating hate, intolerance, defaming another faith and dehumanizing another community, it is absolutely against all faiths and American values of respect and tolerance.

The recent Islamophobic movie is an uncivilized, irresponsible, irrational, and immoral outreach to the Muslim world. To accuse, insult and attack a leader who is holy to at least 1.5 billion of the population of this planet and is honored and remembered in prayer at least 5 times a day is absolutely wrong. 

Those who intentionally participated in the making of this movie are not only enemies of Islam, but enemies of American values, interests and security.

Anyone who may have any problem with the Islamic history or teachings is welcomed and encouraged to sit down and have a dialogue and dispute on this. Islam is religion of reason and love and its light can't be turned off through these hateful expressions.

At the same time we have a serious problem with some of the reactions from the Islamic world, especially from the violent response in Libya that caused the tragic death of 4 American diplomats in Benghazi. 

That kind of reaction was not only against America but against Islam as well. There is no justification for attacking the innocent individuals while even the US president and Secretary of State condemned the movie and called it disgusting. That is unislamic and uncivilized too.

Freedom of assembly and demonstration is their right, to be upset for the painful content of the movie is understandable, but angry attacks, violence and bloodshed is unacceptable. That is extremism and against the teachings of the holy Quran that orders the faithful to answer evil with good.

We are here to condemn extremism in any religion and culture, to condemn the deaths of individuals to show solidarity with the families of all innocent victims.

We are here to promote building bridges of understanding, education and ethics. We are here to encourage working together to remove ignorance and arrogance from this world and to provide the light of love, justice and peace for all.

Extremism is wrong. From burning the Quran and making a movie to mock people, to reacting with violence and bloodshed is extremism.

Imam Elahi ended his words by thanking the Imams, Interfaith partners and the media for coming and for showing unity and solidarity at this time of tension and confusion.

Send us your thoughts: Info@IslamicHouseofWisdom.com

For further comments from Imam Elahi, Email:  ImamElahi@IslamicHouseofWisdom.com

09/11/12: Imam Elahi's Interfaith Prayer on Anniversary of 9/11/2001!

09/11/12: Imam Elahi's Interfaith Prayer on Anniversary of 9/11/2001!

قُلْ يَـأَهْلَ الْكِتَـابِ تَعَالَوْاْ إِلَى كَلِمَة سَوَآءِ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلاَّ نَعْبُدَ إِلاَّ اللهَ وَلاَ نُشْرِكَ بِهِ شَيْئاً وَلاَ يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضاً أَرْبَاباً

مِّن دُونِ اللهِ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْاْ فَقُولُواْ اشْهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ﴾3-64

We came here this evening as a diverse community, representing different religious, cultural, social and political backgrounds. We are here to honor the about 3,000 innocent people, who lost their lives in the tragic terrorist attacks on America on Sept. 11, 2001. We also want to honor the millions of other innocent lives, who were killed or wounded in the last 9 years in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other places.

As one nation, one human family and under one Creator, we ask the Lord to bless us with the wisdom, vision, courage, commitment and tolerance to build better communities. This can be  done by working together, visiting one another, listening and learning from each other and opening our hearts to share our mutual love, compassion, respect and responsibility.

O Lord: Your prophets focused on 5 principles: Protecting  human life, intellect, integrity, religious traditions and property.  O Lord: Guide us to represent Your beauty, Your benevolence and Your perfection on earth. It is with Your help and our genuine faith, we can  heal humanity against the diseases of injustice, oppression, poverty, war, violence, and racism.

O Lord: We trust every messenger You sent to lead us. O Lord: You sent the Quran as a a book of interfaith. While You mentioned the Prophet Muhammad only 5 times in the Quran, You honored Abraham 70 times, Jesus and Mary 70 times and Moses 136 times in the Holy Book.

So please help the ignorant to understand that:

Islam is not an enemy, it's a friend,

Islam is not a problem, it's a solution.

Islam is not a threat, it's hope and mercy.

O Lord: Bless those who had the wisdom to speak up against the burning of the Quran, and we pray for those who called for this evil act to heal them from ignorance, hatred and prejudice.

O Lord: We thank you for converting this terrible incident into a moment of unity against all extremists in all religions.

May God bless the souls of all victims of terrorism from America to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Palestine, the birth place of Jesus, the prince of peace.

May God bless us and bless this land of liberty and freedom!

____________________________________________

A Call for an International Day of Reverence and Respect for all Faiths and their Holy Books

September 10, 2010  -  Imani Temple on Capitol Hill - Washington, D.C.

We, the American Clergy Leadership Conference, a movement of Clergy who are Christian pastors and leaders of all Faiths, call on the Christian community to join in celebrating an International Day of Reverence and Respect on Sunday, September 12th, in which we open our arms to embrace our Islamic brothers and sisters and welcome them into our churches, asking them to share with us their faith as we share ours with them.

We stand here today on the eve of 9/11 with sincere prayer and remembrance of those who lost their lives and the loved ones they left behind. The tragedy that occurred at Ground Zero was born out of hate and extremism, a new era will only be born out of love and cooperation.

We as representatives of the faith communities are all people of the Book.  That is, we are people of God's Word.  We stand as One to say to our American Islamic brothers and sisters, as well to our Islamic brothers and sisters in every nation of the world, we reverence and respect the faith of Islam.  We are confident that God (Allah), the creator of us all is One.

Jesus said in the Gospel of John 10:16:  "I have many sheep who are not of this fold.  I must bring them also and they will heed my voice, so there shall be one flock, one shepherd."

The desecration of a synagogue, a church, a mosque, or the Qur'an or any holy book is a detestable and despicable offense to people of all faiths.  Therefore, we sincerely ask in prayer that Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida end his commitment to denigrate the faith of Islamic believers by burning their holy book, the Qur'an, and join with us in dialogue and understanding. We say to him: "If you read the book that you are about to burn, you will be burning words that are sacred not only to Islam, but words that are consistent with the tenets of many faith expressions."

In the fifth Surah of the Qur'an, it says, "And nearest to them in love to the believers (Muslims) you will find those who say, 'We are Christians,' because among them are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.  And when they listen to the revelation received by the Apostle, you will see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth.  They pray, 'Our Lord, we believe.  Write us down among the witnesses."  Qur'an 5:82-85.

This is the testimony of the Qur'an in respect of all Christians and people of the Book.  Therefore, we call upon all Christians who are true to the principle of the love taught by Jesus to stand with us now in prayer, and ask that we engage in a new level of reverence and respect for all faiths, especially Islam and its Holy Book, the Qur'an.

We stand on common ground because there is only one God that created all of us.We stand on common ground with our Muslim brothers and sisters because we believe in fidelity and faithfulness in marriage and family.   Therefore, we as Christians are proclaiming to the Muslim world that the true believers of the Book, true believers of the Gospel love, reverence and respect our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith.  We are calling upon all believers to come together and to end the bloodshed and violence in the world by lifting up respect and love.

America was founded on the spirit of the love of Jesus.  In the Declaration of Independence it says: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  Our Constitutional principles are founded on the spirit of this declaration which acknowledges God our creator.  America will be preserved if it honors God and to do so we must honor the faith traditions and believers he has created. 

On these principles America is a nation where people of all faith expression can find a safe haven of reverence and respect.  However our history tells us that these principles only come to life when they are practiced by people of courage and faith.  Only through the struggle of overcoming the barriers of race, ethnicity and religion can we realize the ideals of the scriptures and the founding principles of this nation.  Faith leaders are called to lead the way. 

We pray now that we can move beyond this era of religious intolerance and conflict into an era of religious cooperation and mutual understanding, that we can grow together in love, and that we can realize the fulfillment of all the Scriptures that call on all of us to truly be faithful to God and to love and respect all people.

A Call for an International Day of Reverence and Respect for all Faiths, Believers and their Holy Books

The American Clergy Leadership Conference, standing as Christian pastors together with leaders of all faiths, call on our Christian communities nationally and internationally to join us in celebrating an International Day of Reverence and Respect for all Faiths, Believers and their Holy Books on Sunday, September 12th , by

·         Urging All Pastors and Ministers of the Gospel to reverence God and all believers who he created by respecting the Qur'an/Koran and and proclaiming it as a Holy Book that is as sacred to Muslims as the Bible is to Christian believers

·         Using the International Day of Reverence as a 'Teachable Moment' to promote Religious Tolerance and Understanding of Faith Expressions different from our own.

·         Selecting a Reading from the Qur'an/Koran to be publicly proclaimed during the Sunday Worship Service as a way of clearly demonstrating that it shares meaningful beliefs and truths in common with other world religions

·         Inviting an Iman or Representative of the Islamic Faith to participate in the main worship service on the International Day of Reverence

·         Distributing a leaflet or brochure on the main teachings and beliefs of Islam to members of non-Islamic congregations as a way of encouraging further study and understanding of the tenets of the Islamic Faith

The American Clergy Leadership Conference was founded by the Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon in 2000 has grown to an association of thousands of clergy throughout all 50 states.  Presiding Prelate Rev. In Jin Moon, Chairman Emeritus,  Dr. Chang Shik Yang,  Chairman, Rev. Michael Jenkins, Co Presidents - Archbishop G. Augustus Stallings Jr. and Bishop Jesse Edwards.  Rev. Levy Daugherty, Executive Board member and Senior Advisor,  Rev. Tanya Edwards, Minister Reiko Jenkins - National Coordinators - Women in Ministry ACLC.

             Verses of the Qur'an that Respect Jesus, Christianity and "People of the Book" 

" Of the people of the Book there is staunch community who recites the revelations of Allah in the night season, falling prostrate (before Him). They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and enjoin right, conduct and forbid indecency,  and vie one with another in good works. They are of the righteous. And whatever good they do, they will not be denied the need thereof. Allah is aware of those who ward off (evil)". Surah 3:113-114

"And lo! Of the People of the Scripture  there are some who believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto you  and that which was revealed  unto them, humbling themselves before Allah. They purchase not a trifling gain at the price of the revelation of Allah.. Verily their reward is with their Lord, and lo! Allah is swift to take account. Surah 3:199

 "And nearest to them in love to the believers (Muslims) you will find those who say, 'We are Christians,' because among them are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.  And when they listen to the revelation received by the Apostle, you will see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth.  They pray, 'Our Lord, we believe.  Write us down among the witnesses."  Surah 5:82-85

"ALLAH is HE besides Whom there is none worthy of worship, the Living, the Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining. HE has sent down to thee the Book containing the truth and fulfilling that which precedes it; and HE has sent down the Torah (Law of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guidance to the people; and HE has sent down the judgement between right and wrong)." -Surah 3:3-4

"Thereupon she pointed to him. They said, 'How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?' Jesus said, 'I am a servant of ALLAH. HE has given me the Book, and has made me a Prophet; 'And HE has made me blessed wheresoever I may be, and has enjoined upon me Prayer and almsgiving so long as I live; 'And HE has made me dutiful towards my mother, and has not made me arrogant and graceless; 'And peace was on me the day I was born, and peace will be on me the day I shall die, and the day I shall be raised up to life again.' That was Jesus, son of Mary. This is a statement of the truth concerning which they entertain doubt."- Surah 19:30-35

When the angels said, 'O Mary, ALLAH gives thee glad tidings of a son through a word from HIM; his name shall be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, honoured in this world and in the next, and of those who are granted nearness to God;

'And he shall speak to the people in the cradle, and when of middle age, and he shall be of the righteous. She said, 'My Lord, how shall I have a son, when no man has touched me? He said, 'Such is the way of ALLAH. HE creates what HE pleases. When HE decrees a thing HE says to it 'Be,' and it is;"- Surah 3:38-48

"When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: 'Now I have come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute. Therefore, fear God and obey me. God, He is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him -- this is a Straight Way.' But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement. So woe to the wrongdoers, from the penalty of a Grievous Day!" Surah 43:63-65

                     

07/10/12: Imam Elahi's letter to President Obama, regarding the recent attack on the peaceful march in Saudi Arabia

In the Name of God, The Beneficent, The Merciful  

Imam Elahi's letter to President Obama, regarding the recent attack on the peaceful march in Saudi Arabia.
                                                               

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

July 10, 2012

Dear President Barak Hussein Obama, 

As you are aware, the decision of Saudi authorities to use their security forces to fire on the peaceful march in Qatif turned bloody and barbaric.

Dozens of civilians have been killed, wounded, or arrested in brutal styles! The use of live ammunition against Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, a popular regional religious leader and victim of human rights violation has brought a new phase in this tragic development by the Saudi suppressive regime.

Saudi Arabia, a key US ally is one of the most repressive regimes in the world and while the minorities have often borne the brunt of brutality and discrimination, the monarchy has been enjoying the silence and support of the US administrations. 

 Not only 15 of the 19 hijackers of 9-11 shared the same sectarian mentality of the Saudi political structure but most of the extremist and terrorist attacks in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon and some other parts of the Middle East have been financed and fueled by Saudi Arabian money and manpower. There is almost always a connection between Saudi money, terrorism and sectarian fighting in the region.  

Currently the people of Qatif are under fire for standing against discrimination and calling for freedom, justice, rule of law and human dignity. They want reform in their country, as many other Arab nations already did through the Arab spring. 

The silence of the White House while the Saudi citizens are suffering is a serious moral and political sin. 

As American Muslims, we categorically condemn the Kingdom's brutal behavior against its own citizens and also the people of Bahrain. We demand the immediate release of seriously wounded Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr and other innocent and dignified political prisoners. This uncivilized and ruthless fire and iron policy against peaceful demonstrators must stop.

Saudi money that comes from oppressed areas like Qatif doesn't legitimize the silence of our government on the corruption and crimes of the Saudi rulers. This Saudi Dark Age strategy must end and the aspiration of freedom must be honored.

We repeatedly heard the loud voice of our administration in the case of Libya and now Syria but not Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. 

Mr. President, you often speak about your responsibility to do what is right. Please take this opportunity to deliver on your promise. The Saudi citizens just like Egyptians deserve democracy, dignity and freedom to choose their own leaders.  Please be on the right side of this struggle and help elevate some of the pains and sufferings of the victims of injustice and oppression in Arabian Peninsula and save some lives!

God says both in the Bible and the Quran that:

" For that cause...We decreed for the Children of Israel that whosoever killeth a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if be had killed all mankind, and who saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind. "

 The Quran 5:32

Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi

Islamic House of Wisdom

Dearborn Heights MI

12/24/11: Interfaith Message in Honor of the Christmas Holiday Season

Dear Interfaith Partners!

In this blessed holiday season, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate our brothers and sisters in the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas.

Arguing over the exact birthday of Jesus Christ is irrelevant to the fact that his birth brought so much blessing and light to our world. After, more than 2000 years, still the hearts of the faithful continue to be full of love and passion for Jesus.

Jesus sacrificed for the sake of truth and justice. We have learned from

Jesus's lifestyle and example that love is the most powerful force in the life of mankind. The true teachings and traditions of Jesus should unite us to work together to end human sufferings and to bring benevolence, peace and justice to our world.

Some Christians may not be aware that the Holy Quran has mentioned

Jesus and his mother Mary nearly 70 times with honor. Chapter 19 in the Quran is called the Chapter of Mary! (interestingly the only female

mentioned in the Quran by name!!)

(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! God giveth thee glad

tidings of a word from Him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of

Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto God).  - Holy Quran Chapter 3, verse 45.

Again, Congratulations and Happy Birthday of the Messiah! 

Wishing you health and happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year.

                              Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi

                               Islamic House of Wisdom

                                    22575 Ann Arbor Trail

                                Dearborn Heights, MI 48127

05/7/11: Bin Laden death brings relief for all, lessons for American policy makers

Bin Laden death brings relief for all, lessons for American policy makers

By Imam Mohammed Ali Elahi

Saturday, 05.07.2011, 09:27am- Arab American News

The death of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan was a historic event for America, for American Muslims and for the world.

 American Muslims were the first community to thank President Obama for fulfilling his promise, bringing the leader of al-Qaeda to justice.

 In addition to the pain and suffering that the September 11th terrorist attacks inflicted on the United States, Bin Laden's crimes directly affected American Muslims and the Muslim world at large by hijacking Islam, a faith that is based on peace, tolerance and the belief in one God, one universe and one humanity.

 Bin Laden, although he never burned the Bible, misrepresented Islam through his actions as much as Terry Jones misrepresents Christianity.

 The Prophet Mohammad defined a Muslim as a person who never harms anyone with expressions or actions. He described attacks on innocent people, regardless of faith or race, aa attacks on all humankind.

 We, as American Muslims, grieved for the loss of our fellow citizens on 9/11, and we paid a heavy price for that terrorist tragedy. Psychological terrorism called  Islamophobia has spiked, as has harassment against our community, intimidation at airports and during immigration procedures. Our holy book, the Qur'an, is being burned, our Constitutional rights are violated and opposition to building mosques has increased.

 Islam is an Abrahamic religion, whose commandments are based on heavenly revelations and human rationality. It is a religion of justice and compassion that considers all mankind as God's family, and the best of them are those who do good to benefit humanity, the one who goes to bed full while he knows someone in the neighborhood is hungry has no faith in God.

 From the beginning, we opposed the un-Islamic, inhumane philosophy of Bin Laden.

 The death of Bin Laden is a relief for our nation's victims and their families, and a confirmation of the President's statement that "as a nation there is nothing we can't do."  However the spontaneous celebrations may not meet Dr. King's doctrine:

 "I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy... Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

 Could bin Laden have not been captured to answer for his crimes in court?  Could his sea burial cause controversy and questions in the world?  Al-Qaeda never cared to bury its victims, yet to set a good example, protection of human dignity even after death matters.  Perhaps it would have been better to leave the burial decisions to his family.

 We are encouraged to bury dead bodies as soon as possible; it's permissible to delay the burial for technical reasons. One reason for speed in the burial procedure was hygienic, to avoid smelling and health problems and also a show of respect. Nowadays, using refrigerators would protect the body from fast deterioration and bad smells.  

 Our government needs to learn its lesson not to arm the wrong people as it armed and helped bin Laden and his groups in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan.

 Let's remember that bin Laden was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. Fifteen of the 19 terrorists also came from Saudi Arabia and none of them were Afghani citizens. The Saudi money has been behind so much corruption and terrorism in the Middle East.

 The Saudi regime is helping the Bahraini regime to terrorize the doctors, nurses and patients in the hospitals, torturing pro democracy forces to death, destroying the places of worship and eliminating voices for freedom and human rights. This is no different from what bin Laden did and our government ignores that.

 Let's pray that God will direct the decisions of our policy makers to choose a path that serves the interests and the integrity of our nation and the world.

The writer is the imam of the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights.

5/7/11: Bin Laden death brings relief for all, lessons for American policy makers

Bin Laden death brings relief for all, lessons for American policy makers

By Imam Mohammed Ali Elahi

Saturday, 05.07.2011, 09:27am- Arab American News

The death of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan was a historic event for America, for American Muslims and for the world.

 American Muslims were the first community to thank President Obama for fulfilling his promise, bringing the leader of al-Qaeda to justice.

 In addition to the pain and suffering that the September 11th terrorist attacks inflicted on the United States, Bin Laden's crimes directly affected American Muslims and the Muslim world at large by hijacking Islam, a faith that is based on peace, tolerance and the belief in one God, one universe and one humanity.

 Bin Laden, although he never burned the Bible, misrepresented Islam through his actions as much as Terry Jones misrepresents Christianity.

 The Prophet Mohammad defined a Muslim as a person who never harms anyone with expressions or actions. He described attacks on innocent people, regardless of faith or race, aa attacks on all humankind.

 We, as American Muslims, grieved for the loss of our fellow citizens on 9/11, and we paid a heavy price for that terrorist tragedy. Psychological terrorism called  Islamophobia has spiked, as has harassment against our community, intimidation at airports and during immigration procedures. Our holy book, the Qur'an, is being burned, our Constitutional rights are violated and opposition to building mosques has increased.

 Islam is an Abrahamic religion, whose commandments are based on heavenly revelations and human rationality. It is a religion of justice and compassion that considers all mankind as God's family, and the best of them are those who do good to benefit humanity, the one who goes to bed full while he knows someone in the neighborhood is hungry has no faith in God.

 From the beginning, we opposed the un-Islamic, inhumane philosophy of Bin Laden.

 The death of Bin Laden is a relief for our nation's victims and their families, and a confirmation of the President's statement that "as a nation there is nothing we can't do."  However the spontaneous celebrations may not meet Dr. King's doctrine:

 "I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy... Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

 Could bin Laden have not been captured to answer for his crimes in court?  Could his sea burial cause controversy and questions in the world?  Al-Qaeda never cared to bury its victims, yet to set a good example, protection of human dignity even after death matters.  Perhaps it would have been better to leave the burial decisions to his family.

 We are encouraged to bury dead bodies as soon as possible; it's permissible to delay the burial for technical reasons. One reason for speed in the burial procedure was hygienic, to avoid smelling and health problems and also a show of respect. Nowadays, using refrigerators would protect the body from fast deterioration and bad smells.  

 Our government needs to learn its lesson not to arm the wrong people as it armed and helped bin Laden and his groups in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan.

 Let's remember that bin Laden was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. Fifteen of the 19 terrorists also came from Saudi Arabia and none of them were Afghani citizens. The Saudi money has been behind so much corruption and terrorism in the Middle East.

 The Saudi regime is helping the Bahraini regime to terrorize the doctors, nurses and patients in the hospitals, torturing pro democracy forces to death, destroying the places of worship and eliminating voices for freedom and human rights. This is no different from what bin Laden did and our government ignores that.

 Let's pray that God will direct the decisions of our policy makers to choose a path that serves the interests and the integrity of our nation and the world.

The writer is the imam of the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights.

03/17/11: Message of Imam Elahi to the Saudi Ambassador in Washington DC following his previous message to the Ambassador of Bahrain in DC

3-17-2011

Message of Imam Elahi to the Saudi Ambassador in Washington DC following his previous message to the Ambassador of Bahrain in DC.  

Mr. Ambassador, Adel A. Al-Jubeir of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Washington DC

The Muslim community in Michigan is extremely concerned about the military interference of the Saudi kingdom in Bahrain.

This unwise action will make the situation even worse than it is now.

The people of Bahrain both Shia and Sunni have risen up asking for  their  basic human rights.To send soldiers to kill innocent citizens of   another country is a big shame for both Saudi and Bahrain governments.

We ask you urgently to ask your government to withdraw your troops  (and  the soldiers you hired from other nationalities) from Bahrain   immediately. The evil age of dictatorship and corruption is coming to   end.The people of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia both have the right to enjoy   their human dignity, democracy, and justice.

The Muslim community in Michigan is impatiently waiting to see that the Saudi   soldiers are out of Bahrain. The Holy Land must be a haven for the   oppressed, unfortunately, it has become a shelter for the evil doers,   criminals and oppressors. Its time to stop this and choose a right  direction!  

Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi

Islamic House of Wisdom

02/12/11: Arab World's moment of truth is coming

Arab World's moment of truth is coming

By Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi

Saturday, 02.12.2011, 10:34am- Arab American News

The massive social and political volcano that erupted in Tunisia with the death of Mohamed Bouazizi has burned the foundations of the oppressive Pharaohic establishment in Egypt for the last three weeks. So far, the protesters have won some unprecedented concessions.  Their main demand is still the same: "Step down Mubarak, the people want the overthrow of the regime."

It seems that nothing less than the departure of Mubarak will satisfy millions of patriotic Egyptians who choose to suffer and sacrifice for the sake of freedom and justice! There was hope that in his televised speech Thursday night he would meet that demand, but his stubbornness energized by Israel and the support of some Arab rulers stopped him from doing so.

Searching for an identity that has been abused over the years is the biggest cause propelling the uprising.  In targeting 30 years of dishonesty, deception and dictatorship, the people want their dignity back.

Apparently Omar Suleiman, like his master, is out of touch with the reality. He foolishly insulted all of those women, men, intellectuals, scholars, workers, young and old who have been demonstrating for more than three weeks now, by describing them as kids, influenced by foreigners, whose culture is not ready for democracy yet. To make matters worse, he warned of chaos and coup, giving Egyptians two options: submission or force.

Suleiman promised to accomplish in a few months what the Egyptian government has failed to do in three decades. The Holy Qur'an speaks to that in Chapter 2 verse 12: "Surely they are the ones who make mischief but they realize it not."

It's all about greed, arrogance, money, corruption and might.

Imam Mohammad Ali ElahiThe Guardian newspaper estimated the wealth of the Mubarak family to be about $70 billion. If that is true, he had better stay in Egypt to answer to the nation, where people live on $2 a day.

As the end of Mubarak approaches, his downfall will cause a massive political and social earthquake that will turn every Arab capital into 'Liberation Square'. The call for change, which is being crushed by secret police and intelligence agents, is flooding Facebook, Twitter and other means of communications. The moment of truth for the Arab world is coming.

In 2006 when Beirut was burning under Israeli bombardments, Condoleezza Rice described the plight of Lebanon as a part of the "birth pangs of a new Middle East." The delivery is taking place but not with the same DNA Condoleezza had in mind.

Supporters of Mubarak, such as Israel, keep trying to scare the world that Egypt might become another Iran. The anti-Western sentiment that swept Iran in 1979 was after the West supported the dictatorial regime of the Shah against the people; to do the same in Egypt will yield the same result!

There are similarities and differences between these two revolutions. The 1979 revolution in Iran was blessed with unity in leadership, and clarity of its goal.   There was a powerful, charismatic, inspiring, and exceptional leader, who faithfully and fearlessly called for the establishment of an Islamic government, and the whole nation followed him unconditionally. The Egyptian revolution is different both in leadership and goals; yet the people seemed to be inspired spiritually with the events in Iran, Lebanon and Tunisia. One similarity among all these populace movements is powerful participation of the young generation.  The youth are determined to end oppression and injustice in their Egypt and enjoy an honorable life.

No doubt the Egyptian uprising is an opportunity and also a challenge for all.  It's up to al-Azhar, a thousand year old Islamic university and its great muftis and scholars to speak out, show leadership, courage and commitment to justice and fairness, emulating the Prophet Mohammad when he faced tyrants and evil authorities. Or the muftis can act as puppet preachers who stand against the oppressed and the victims of torture, pain, poverty, humiliation and death.

It seems that some of those religious leaders live on another planet. They don't mind if the West interferes in their country's affairs, but they condemn the sympathy of Iranian and Lebanese religious leaders toward the impoverished Egyptians.

While the youth of Cairo camped in 'Tahrir Square' for the last three weeks in plastic tents, suffering from the chilly weather, the highest Saudi Mufti calls the Egyptian revolution a fitna (mischief) that makes division between the people and governments. Unfortunately some al-Azhar scholars echoed the same irresponsible words.  The youth of Egypt will never forget the dignity, wisdom, and leadership of many Shi'a and Sunni scholars who have expressed their support and solidarity for their struggle. They will remember the one who called them from the south of Beirut and said "Your action is not any less important than the Resistance's victory in the July 2006 war; we wish we could be with you in the 'Tahrir Square' and all of Egypt."

For sure, the 82-year-old Mubarak will be swept into the dustbin of history, and the youth will be the decision makers of their country. Egyptians should have free and fair elections and we should all accept the results regardless.

The writer is religious leader of the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.

2/12/11: Arab World's moment of truth is coming

Arab World's moment of truth is coming

By Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi

Saturday, 02.12.2011, 10:34am- Arab American News

The massive social and political volcano that erupted in Tunisia with the death of Mohamed Bouazizi has burned the foundations of the oppressive Pharaohic establishment in Egypt for the last three weeks. So far, the protesters have won some unprecedented concessions.  Their main demand is still the same: "Step down Mubarak, the people want the overthrow of the regime."

It seems that nothing less than the departure of Mubarak will satisfy millions of patriotic Egyptians who choose to suffer and sacrifice for the sake of freedom and justice! There was hope that in his televised speech Thursday night he would meet that demand, but his stubbornness energized by Israel and the support of some Arab rulers stopped him from doing so.

Searching for an identity that has been abused over the years is the biggest cause propelling the uprising.  In targeting 30 years of dishonesty, deception and dictatorship, the people want their dignity back.

Apparently Omar Suleiman, like his master, is out of touch with the reality. He foolishly insulted all of those women, men, intellectuals, scholars, workers, young and old who have been demonstrating for more than three weeks now, by describing them as kids, influenced by foreigners, whose culture is not ready for democracy yet. To make matters worse, he warned of chaos and coup, giving Egyptians two options: submission or force.

Suleiman promised to accomplish in a few months what the Egyptian government has failed to do in three decades. The Holy Qur'an speaks to that in Chapter 2 verse 12: "Surely they are the ones who make mischief but they realize it not."

It's all about greed, arrogance, money, corruption and might.

Imam Mohammad Ali ElahiThe Guardian newspaper estimated the wealth of the Mubarak family to be about $70 billion. If that is true, he had better stay in Egypt to answer to the nation, where people live on $2 a day.

As the end of Mubarak approaches, his downfall will cause a massive political and social earthquake that will turn every Arab capital into 'Liberation Square'. The call for change, which is being crushed by secret police and intelligence agents, is flooding Facebook, Twitter and other means of communications. The moment of truth for the Arab world is coming.

In 2006 when Beirut was burning under Israeli bombardments, Condoleezza Rice described the plight of Lebanon as a part of the "birth pangs of a new Middle East." The delivery is taking place but not with the same DNA Condoleezza had in mind.

Supporters of Mubarak, such as Israel, keep trying to scare the world that Egypt might become another Iran. The anti-Western sentiment that swept Iran in 1979 was after the West supported the dictatorial regime of the Shah against the people; to do the same in Egypt will yield the same result!

There are similarities and differences between these two revolutions. The 1979 revolution in Iran was blessed with unity in leadership, and clarity of its goal.   There was a powerful, charismatic, inspiring, and exceptional leader, who faithfully and fearlessly called for the establishment of an Islamic government, and the whole nation followed him unconditionally. The Egyptian revolution is different both in leadership and goals; yet the people seemed to be inspired spiritually with the events in Iran, Lebanon and Tunisia. One similarity among all these populace movements is powerful participation of the young generation.  The youth are determined to end oppression and injustice in their Egypt and enjoy an honorable life.

No doubt the Egyptian uprising is an opportunity and also a challenge for all.  It's up to al-Azhar, a thousand year old Islamic university and its great muftis and scholars to speak out, show leadership, courage and commitment to justice and fairness, emulating the Prophet Mohammad when he faced tyrants and evil authorities. Or the muftis can act as puppet preachers who stand against the oppressed and the victims of torture, pain, poverty, humiliation and death.

It seems that some of those religious leaders live on another planet. They don't mind if the West interferes in their country's affairs, but they condemn the sympathy of Iranian and Lebanese religious leaders toward the impoverished Egyptians.

While the youth of Cairo camped in 'Tahrir Square' for the last three weeks in plastic tents, suffering from the chilly weather, the highest Saudi Mufti calls the Egyptian revolution a fitna (mischief) that makes division between the people and governments. Unfortunately some al-Azhar scholars echoed the same irresponsible words.  The youth of Egypt will never forget the dignity, wisdom, and leadership of many Shi'a and Sunni scholars who have expressed their support and solidarity for their struggle. They will remember the one who called them from the south of Beirut and said "Your action is not any less important than the Resistance's victory in the July 2006 war; we wish we could be with you in the 'Tahrir Square' and all of Egypt."

For sure, the 82-year-old Mubarak will be swept into the dustbin of history, and the youth will be the decision makers of their country. Egyptians should have free and fair elections and we should all accept the results regardless.

The writer is religious leader of the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.