Domestic Violence Targeted & Discussed by Local Leaders & Activists
Today, June 5, 2013 in Dearborn Michigan-
Dr. Aziza Al-Hibri met with the Shia-Sunni religious leaders at the IIK to give a presentation about Domestic Violence. Together, Muslim scholars and activists present discussed this very sensitive and serious issue! Some details of today's discussion will be mentioned in this week's Friday Prayer.
Recently: Some speakers & organizers of the recent Imam Ali (as) Conference
in Dearborn met in a banquet dinner before their departure.
Saturday, May 25th-
The UMAA Convention, titled the Conference of Ali (as) was held at the
Adoba Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan.
Well known international public speakers addressed this gathering of 3000 participants.
Sheikh
Jihad Ismail, Imam Mustafa Qazwini, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi and Sheikh
Hanif from Atlanta spoke about the importance of building bridges of
understanding, peaceful co-existence and cooperation between Muslims and
non-Muslims. The speakers emphasized on both intra and interfaith
interaction.
Imams of Michigan's Muslim Community Council Met at IHW
Yesterday, Wednesday: May 22, 2013- Following the Boston bombing, increase of Islamophobia and negative backlash on the Muslim community in the US, the Imam's council asked Mr. Robert Foley, the MI director of FBI and his assistants to address some of the Imams questions about the new developments.
The three hour meeting dealt with a variety of concerns coming from Shia and Sunni Imams about anti-Islamic prejudice in the public media.
In this meeting American Red Cross representative, Mr. James Bayson gave a presentation on Blood donation and Emergency Response.
A special guest of the council was Dr. Talal Turfe who emphasized on the importance of unity in the Muslim community. Dr. Talal distributed his book on Unity to the participants and reflected on how to end the conspiracy of division between Shia and Sunni.
At the end, both Co-Chairs of the Council, Imam Mustafa Al-Turk and Imam Elahi suggested a one day conference on dealing with the fitna of Shia-Sunni division in the Middle East and how to prevent its effects on the Muslim community in the US.
Some council members pointed out the daily death and destruction in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other parts of the Middle East and asked the imams of Friday prayers to observe the Code of Honor signed by imams at IHW in 2007.
The date of the conference was set up for Saturday, June 29th from 10:00am till 4:00 pm. More details will be sent out soon.
Last Tuesday, May 21st- 3 members of DAMA, Pastor Amy, Pastor Fran Hayes and Hajja Lila Amin met with Imam Elahi at IHW to discuss ways to revive inter-religious dialogue within the area.
Imam Elahi said that interfaith dialogue is a Divine desire mentioned in the Quran. The church leaders agreed with Imam Elahi that interfaith outreach doesn't have to be just about the theological aspects but also issues related to people's lives and daily struggles of the community.The issue of Jury Duty, Youth Conference, report of the Imams meeting with federal judges were part of the discussion of today. Dr. Muzammil and Dr. Halim Naeem also participated in today's meeting to discuss mental health issues.
Sister Amal Kilawi, representing ACCESS briefed the Imams about the legal status of Domestic Violence.Imam Elahi repeated the request of the Federal Judges, asking the members of the Muslim community to exercise their rights and participate in performing jury duty in defending the truth.
Meeting with Chief Judge Gerald E Rosen & other federal judges in the courthouse in Detroit
In a two hour meeting coordinated by attorney Abed Hamoud and Arab-American News founder Mr. Osama Siblini, Imam Elahi along with several local leaders addressed the Chief Judge, Federal and State judges.
Mentioning contributions of Muslim community to the country, the Imam warned about the influence of Islamophobia on the judge's decisions. He noted of many Muslims who were the victims of injustice after 9-11 in US courts.
Imam mentioned that we are Muslims and we are Americans and we don't feel any conflict between these two identities. Justice must be our common goal. This is something both the Quran and US Constitution calls for.
At the end of this meeting the Chief Judge appreciated the points mentioned by the Imams and the danger of decisions under the influence of Islamophobia. The Judge asked the Imams to educate the Muslim community about the importance of participation in Jury Duty. The Imams promised to work on this civil duty.
Saturday, May 4, 2013-
Michigan State University sponsored a
conference dealing with depression as a serious social problem. The
conference was held in the Double Tree Hotel in Detroit.
Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi participated in the conference and was welcomed by two of the organizers, Dr. Jean Wright (on the left) and Dr. Halim Naeem (on the right).
March 27th-
Continuing the tradition of interfaith communication and cooperation, local Dearborn area religious leaders met with Police Chief Ronald Haddad, his assistants and Dr. Michael Wagers.
Imam Elahi, an interfaith leader in the US for the last 21 years, emphasized on communication between civic and religious organizations towards facilitating the community with social, spiritual and moral opportunities in a safe and prosperous environment.
Muslim Girl Scouts form strong friendships through faith
Thursday, 03.21.2013, 05:39pm: Arab American News
DEARBORN HEIGHTS — The Muslim Girl Scouts troop of southeast Michigan could be one of the largest scout groups in the region with its more than 250 members according to a report. Its members reside in different cities in the region, and meet once a week. They also take trips during the summer.
Janan Wutwut, who has been a member for years says the group has brought her closer to her faith, and she wouldn’t know as much about Islam as she does today if she hadn’t joined. Wutwut says over the years she’s met friends through the group she wouldn’t have met otherwise, and formed close friendships.
“I’ve been in the group for years, and a lot of us have watched each other grow up. It’s more than just a girl scout troop. We’re forming strong friendships and learning a lot about each other. I’ve learned so much about my faith as well,” Wutwut said.
There are about 25 volunteers who dedicate their time to leading the group, and include parents, college students among others.
Muslim Girl Scouts at the Islamic House of Wisdom where they performed a reenactment of Hajj ritual proceduresRana Alaouie, who’s a volunteer and has two daughters in the group says its members are taught to be confident and encouraged to take on leadership roles when they get older. “We want them to be strong and take on leadership roles in the future,” Alaouie said. She says the girls are taught about different issues such as bullying. “We teach them that bullying is wrong and Islam teaches us to love one another,” she said. Through the group the girls are embracing American culture and their faith.
Hawra Yassine, 21, and a volunteer was never a part of the group growing up, but wishes she was because of the opportunities and friendships its members form.
“It’s a wonderful thing to watch these girls mature and grow,” she said.
Last Friday the group delivered a powerful performance before hundreds at the Islamic House of Wisdom’s interfaith event here where they reenacted the ritual procedures of Hajj through prayers and songs.
Sayyed Najah Al-Huseini spoke about the philosophy of Hajj, from unity to purification of the soul. Imam Elahi welcomed the guests and spoke about the future role and responsibility of the Girl Scouts. Imam Elahi said that Girl Scouts is about love through action, and service and sacrifice for the sake of others. Imam Elahi wished the girl scouts a joyful journey in life, a journey beautified with two words: love and action. At the end, he thanked Hajja Amal Mazeh and other Muslim and non-Muslim leaders of the girls organization.
“It’s a great experience, when we have our own kids we want them to be in it,” Wutwut said.
If residents are interesting in participating with the group, they can contact the Religious Relationship Committee at interfaith@gssem.org.
March 19th
Shia-Sunni Imam's Meet- Visiting them, Dr. Tariq Ramadan
Dr. Tariq Ramadan, the leader of the Movement of Swiss Muslims and a Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies in the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Oxford University arrived in Michigan this week, met with the Counsel of Shia and Sunni Imams of the State. He shared with them some of his interfaith experiences between Muslims and non-Muslims, also his stance against the fitna of sectarianism and working for the unity, understanding and cooperation among the Muslim communities themselves!
In the recent Sadr Foundation Dinner, Dearborn Mayor John B. (Jack) O'Reilly, Jr. and Imam Elahi took the opportunity to discuss some community issues. They emphasized on the responsibility of every resident as freedom comes with responsibility. The cooperation between the city's houses of worship for the sake of moral education was discussed.
IONA's 6th Annual Sirah Conference
Reflecting on the noble character and conduct of the Prophet (pbuh) while striving to follow his example!
Speakers included:
Imam Mohamed Musa, Imam Mohammad Elahi & Ameer Mustapha Elturk.
Said Jesus, the son of Mary, "O God, our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers." The Holy Quran 5:114
To welcome and witness the dawn of a New Year is another Divine gift and another opportunity to reflect on our relationship with our Lord, ourselves, society and with nature!
Submission to God's will and solidarity with our fellow humans were the first articles in our original spiritual covenant with our creator. As the Persian poet Saadi said, "The children of Adam are members of the same body, if one member suffers, the entire body suffer."
Jesus and other heavenly ambassadors on this earth, such as Abraham, Moses and Mohammad (pbut), came to remove the darkness of ignorance, arrogance, injustice, hate, hypocrisy, corruption and dishonesty. They came to turn on the lights of love, sacrifice, sincerity and fulfillment of truth and trust. That legacy of light is still shining and inviting the forces of faith to remember their responsibility and mission on this earth in calling for peace and justice with courage and confidence!
As we bid farewell to 2012 and welcome 2013, we pray the new year brings bright beginnings that promise a new vision filled with wisdom.
The evil forces of arrogance and extremism turned 2012 into a year of death, destruction, brutality and bloodshed in the Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa. The heartbreaking massacre of teachers and their young students in Connecticut and the shooting and killing of the firefighters in New York were part of shocking crimes against the innocent.
The challenge of replacing blindness and barbarism with balance, benevolence, humility and respect for human dignity should be our main social resolution for the new year. Big changes are not easy to make while facing the resistance of the ego, selfishness, greed and ignorance. The value of great people is measured with their dedication, discipline and determination.
Security concerns can not be met by selling more guns! The solution is in teaching moral values, introducing the right role models and focusing on faith and family, which is the first school in the learning journey of life.
Recently I started a new series of sermons during our weekly Friday congregational prayer service under the category of educating minds and purifying the hearts, especially the young generation. Taleem and Tarbiya (knowledge and construction of good character) were of the main missions of the prophets and were the best instruments of transferring Divine light to the world.
On behalf of the Islamic House of Wisdom Board of Trustees and myself, we wish you a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous new year!
We pay tribute to the generous support from members of our faithful community who continued their encouragement and contributions throughout the year for IHW projects and successful services.
The dream of having an open and visionary house of wisdom, house of work and house of worship in an excellent location came true 17 years ago. IHW, a beautiful foundation of faith, is open seven days a week, welcoming all visitors and receivers of services from all colors, cultures, nationality backgrounds, and languages.
The modern facility of IHW is beautified with unique Islamic art, comfortable auditorium seating, masjid prayer area, classrooms for almost 500 students, maqhsal (Islamic washing facility for funeral preparation), reception dining hall, capacity for large memorial services, accommodating facility for wedding ceremonies, spacious and inviting atmosphere for public lectures and conferences, all of which have made IHW a great community center!
What has made IHW an inspiring and rewarding institution is its language and educational programs geared for the youth, commitment in serving the needs of the elderly, quality Friday and Sunday services, strong interfaith outreach, sincere and loving hearts of its founding members, directors, staff and volunteers and the courageous position in defending justice and truth- any time, under any circumstance and with any price!
We encourage you to join us in our upcoming programs and weekly services and hope that you will invite your family and friends to take part in them as well! Again, we wish you a joyful new year full of love, peace and success.
May God bless you and your family,
Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi
Founding Imam of the Islamic House of Wisdom
Community reacts to Connecticut elementary school massacre
By Samer Hijazi
Friday, 12.21.2012, 04:40pm- Arab American News
DEARBORN, DEARBORN HEIGHTS -- The Lebanese American Heritage Club (LAHC) with the co-sponsorship of the Arab Student Union of the University of Michigan Dearborn held a candlelight vigil in honor of the victims from the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut on Monday, December 17th in front of City Hall.
Twenty elementary school children aged six and seven, along with six staff and faculty members were killed by a gunman last Friday, before taking his own life shortly after. The incident brought droves of emotions and discussions, and the community here was no different.
A Candlelight vigil at city hall was held in honor of the Sandy Hook Elementary victims. PHOTO: Samer Hijazi/TAAN"I saw the news and I couldn't take it, so I put myself in those families shoes. You can imagine the reaction, if you were a part of one of these families. We always care about outside stuff like what's going on in Palestine, what's going on in Syria or what's going on in the Arab world. But we never care about what's going on in Michigan or what's going on in our nation. The youth are reacting to something that's going on in the U.S, and that's amazing," stated Hussein Hachem.
The group of commemorators weren't just honoring the victims, but among certain individuals, the topic of gun control had also come up.
"I came out today because the least we can do is to pay our respects to what has happened. But I think something needs to be done globally. A few years back when there was a shoe bombing, it forced us to take our shoes off at the airport. This is not the first time there has been shootings at schools and nothing has been done to stop it. I think there needs to be measures taken so this doesn't happen again. A lot of people who own guns are not mentally stable, so I think gun owners should be mentally evaluated repeatedly," stated Zeinab W. Bazzi, a student from the University of Michigan Dearborn.
Other individuals had stated that regardless of any preventive actions taken in the future, you could never predict when something of this tragic nature would occur.
"We are part of this great nation. We share the happiness and we share the sadness and tragedies. As an Arab American community, we are always protesting for the Middle East, but today we are here to show a great appreciation for this nation. You can take all the precautions and try to take all these measures, but when a sick act like this happens, you pray for the best," stated Ali Jawad, the founder of the Lebanese Heritage Club.
Another individual also echoed in on these statements, stating that criminals are still likely to get their hands on a gun, even if more restrictions are put in place.
"I think you can't control guns. If a criminal wants to get a gun, he will get a gun no matter what laws are in place. So more laws are not going to help solve this issue," Alicia Beydoun, a student from Henry Ford Community College had stated.
Another ceremony in commemoration of the victims was expected to be held on Thursday, Dec. 20 by the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit (IFLC) at Groves High School, 20500 West 13 Mile Road in Beverly Hills.
Islamic House of Wisdom honors Sandy Elementary victims
The Islamic House of Wisdom (IHW) in Dearborn Heights held an event to commemorate the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy on Sunday during a family breakfast service.
Imam Elahi the spiritual leader of IHW dedicated his Sunday message addressing the connecticut tragedy and the lessons our community and nation can learn to prevent such future occurrences.
"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," Imam Elahi stated.
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 background. Imam Elahi cited multiple negative influences which could lead someone to commit such horrid acts.
"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," Imam Elahi stated.
Imam Elahi advised the community to keep their children close to God, in order for them to avoid evil influences.
"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 added.
For Immediate Release: Friday, Dec. 14, 2012
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 and Remembrance Service to begin at 11:45am
We invite all including our interfaith friends to join us.
Address:
22575 Ann Arbor Trail
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
Telephone: (313) 359-1221
For more information, please contact IHW at 313-359-1221 or reply to this message!
Celebrating Life & Honoring the Memory of the Connecticut Catastrophe
20 children 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.
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).
" By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except those who have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy." Holy Quran: Al-Asr 103:1-3
Last Sunday, December 2, 2012
In the presence of 600 dignitaries including Congressman Jon Conyers, civil rights activists, judges, unions members, clergy and members of the Muslim, Christian and Jewish community, Peace and Justice awards were presented and guest speakers including Jack Lessenberry, Rev. Angelo and Dr. Michelle Alexander the Author of, "The New Jim Crow" addressed the diverse audience. Rev. Edwin Rowe, the leader of Central United Methodist Church invited Imam Elahi to deliver the closing benediction prayer.
He thanked God for the beautiful banquet, that was blessed by having two great names of God: Peace and Justice.
He continued his prayer, "Please guide us to the path of peace and justice with your Divine light of wisdom and help us fulfill these heavenly commandments.
O Lord, make justice the motto of our intentions, expressions and actions.
Please help us apply the principles of justice within our homes, neighborhoods, communities and our world.
O Lord, this is a country of immigrants, who escaped intolerance and discrimination, and came to America to enjoy justice and freedom.
Please enlighten the political leaders in the White House, the Congress, the United Nations and other political head quarters to practice what they preach and base their policies on justice and truth.
O Lord, please inspire us with this interfaith engagement and bless us with the sincerity of Abraham, the courage of Moses, the love of Jesus, and the wisdom of Mohammad, so we can continue the journey of justice as a purpose of our social life.
O Lord, you told us in the Quran that justice is the path of all your prophets.
Help us be just to everyone: our family and friends, our foes and enemies.
Let the standards of justice balance our lives, so we will not fall a prey to extremism, ignorance, exaggeration generalization or presumption.
Make us instruments of serving your servants and protecting human lives, intellect and integrity, and stand against oppression, discrimination, dictatorship, racism and division.
Help us worship you and not our own ego, greed, self-interests and selfishness.
Help us make this earth a place where all people can enjoy opportunity, protection, prosperity, freedom and liberty.
O Lord: Forgive us for our shortcomings, do not punish us for our mistakes and make us more understanding and humble.
Finally imam Elahi honored Reverend Rowe, his wife, members of his congregation for their passion for peace and their commitment and confidence in the journey of justice.
Vigil Tonight: 5:30pm infront of Dearborn City Hall!
In his last nights Ashura Service, Imam Elahi called on the
community to participate in the vigil ceremony to be held tonight at
5:30pm in front of Dearborn's City hall in solidarity with the victims
of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
Imam condemned this brutal and barbaric aggression as he condemns the criminal mentality of people like Gilad Sharon, the son of Ariel Sharon! Gilad wrote in a recent issue of the Jerusalem Post, "We need to flatten entire neighborhoods in Gaza. Flatten all of Gaza."
Imam
Elahi concluded that people with this evil mentality have lost their
sense of humanity, heart, conscience, and are blinded with hate and
animosity against anyone who may disagree with their injustice and
oppression.
Imam asked the people to attend the vigil ceremony before coming to the Islamic House of Wisdom at 7:30pm to commemorate the 8th night of the Ashura services.
Imams Picnic Held at Ford Field
Last Saturday, Sept. 29- Imam Elahi participated in the First Annual Imams Picnic held at Ford field in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. From various Shia and Sunni mosques, Imams and their congregation members enjoyed in activities, BBQ and congregational prayer together. At the end of the prayer, each Imam in attendance spoke and Imam Elahi shared his thoughts on Unity within the Muslim community.
