Interfaith Members Met to Plan Community Marriage Conference!
In continuity of discussion and planing for a conference on marriage relationships and family values, some leaders of Metro-Detroit's Inter-Intra Faith community met with Imam Elahi to discuss the date, location, speakers and They decided to hold the conference on April 7th at the IHW.
Stay tuned for more details of speakers and the subjects.
A group of interfaith met in Imam Elahi's house for dinner and discussion about strengthening families and marriage in hope of eliminating crises in families and domestic violence. Imam Elahi briefed the guests about the tragic death of Sanaz Nezami who allegedly was killed by her husband.
He pointed out to the epidemic of family problems, which is threatening every community regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.
Rev. David Kasbow and Dr. Michael Ross ran the meeting and suggested a conference on this subject to take place in April. Other members who participated in this brainstorming meeting included- Rosemarie Denton, Gary Nixon, Rabbi Waldman, Janice Daniels, Pastor Geri Simmons, Warren Palmer, Pastor Faith, Emmanuel Kouassi, Yvonne Moore, Denny Lukasik, Jim Thienel and Karen Jackson.
They concluded that for America to overcome the destruction of families and marriage in order to return to the morals of faith, it must remember God and stand against what is wrong, even if it's unpopular.
Continuing to plan the conference, the group will meet again next week with more leaders to lay the foundation of this event. The idea is to reflect on the vision of family, solutions for the current crisis and will address the role of clergy and community leaders towards providing family guidance.
IHW Honored the Memory of Peace Activist, Jack Seman: 1935-2013
Jack Seman, a member of the Chaldean Christian community who used to participate in many interfaith and weekly religious services at the Islamic House of Wisdom passed away last Saturday.
Imam Elahi participated in the late, Jack's funeral and burial services addressing the family and friends of Jack in addition to the Chaldean community. He admired Jack Seman's passion for peace, justice and truth.
Imam praised Jack's generosity, love, courage and sacrifice for the sake of unity and cooperation between the Muslim and Christian communities.
Jack's family joined the interfaith gathering at the IHW last Tuesday and expressed their deepest appreciation for Imam Elahi and other community activists for their support andsolidarity during the funeral service of Jack Seman!
Interfaith Conference in Chicago
Last Weekend- Universal Peace Federation of North America held a national conference in Chicago's Crown Plaza Hotel, December 13th and 14th.
Nation building, Interfaith, World of Peace, Vision of Youth, importance of Marriage and family values were part of the workshops in this two day discussion.
Imam Elahi participated and spoke with other interfaith partners on the importance of building bridges of understanding, sincere outreach and cooperation as a moral duty andways to establish peace and justice.
Rev. Michael Jenkins and Dr. Thomas Walsh were the final speakers of this educational conference. Both emphasized the importance of faith, family, hard work, and honesty while rising to responsibility, following the truth and practicing what we preach in order to establish a role model society.
Honoring the Memory of Nelson Mandela and local peace activists at Islamic House of Wisdom
December 10, 2013- Last Tuesday, As the world leaders gathered in Johannesburg to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela and his heroic leadership against injustice and apartheid, members of the Dearborn Area Interfaith Network met at the Islamic House of Wisdom for their monthly meeting. In addition to honoring the late Mandela, two local peace activists who recently passed away were remembered: Rev. Felix A Lorenz and Jack Samen.
Rev. David Kasbow opened the meeting with prayer.
Imam Elahi welcomed the mosque and church leaders while highlighting Rev. Felix and Jack Samen as ambassadors of peace and justice. Imam admiredFelix and Jack who passed away in the same week asMandela's departure, noting their passion for peace, outreach and unity. Imam welcomed the presence of Jack's family in the meeting.
In the gathering, Dr. Tallal Turfe spoke about the "Morality in America" and presented a copy of his recent book, "Children of Abraham" to the religious leaders.
Click here to read the text of Dr. Tallal's speech!
Rev. Fran Hayes, of Littlefield Presbyterian Church opened the floor to discuss the details of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Anniversary to be held in her church on January 19th at 3pm.
The mosque and church leaders shared their words and passion for such an important community celebration.
Imam Elahi closed the meeting with prayer for unity, building bridges of understanding, community awareness and working together for education, peace and justice.
Islamic House of Wisdom urges the interfaith community to help and participate in the upcoming MLK Anniversary! To stay updated on events related to the Dearborn Area Faith Network, Click HERE!
3rd Anniversary Celebration- Thanksgiving Program& Prayer Held in Hamtramck
Last night, November 27, 2013- Members of Metro Detroit's Interfaith and Intrafaith Communities gathered for reflection, prayer and dinner together on the evening of America's Thanksgiving holiday.
Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi of the Islamic House of Wisdom, Dr. Tallal Turfe- the author of Children of Abraham, Dr. Nakadar- the C.E.O. of Muslim Observer and Community activist, Sayed Khalil Hachem shared the Islamic perspective of Thanksgiving.
Interfaith Message of Dr. Tallal Alie Turfe delivered at the People's Community Center- Read HERE
Rev. Michel Curro- I.C.R.J. Director, Rabbi Contar Roger, Rabbi Dorit Edut from Detroit Interfaith Outreach Network shared the Christian and Jewish traditions of Thanksgiving!
The event was organized by Chairman Arif Huskif, Rev. Sharon Buttry and Sheik Saleh Algamhim.
Sunday, November 3rd- The 27th Annual Unity Banquet of MMCC ( Michigan Muslim Community Council) was held in Livonia at Burton Manor.
Dawood Zwink and Amina Iqbal presented the program, Governer of Michigan, Mr. Rick Snyder and Dr. Khurrum Wahid were the main speakers. Imam Elahi closed the Banquet with words of prayer.
Al-Ghadir Celebration in the Grand Mosque of Baitul-Ilm
Last Sunday, October 27- Following the invitation of Molana Sheikh Mokhtar Faezi, the founding imamof Streamwood, IL (Chicago)'s Grand Mosque, imam Elahi addressed a great gathering of Ahlul-Bayt lovers who gathered in the reception hall of the mosque.
Imam Elahi reflected on the Quran and the traditions of the prophet Mohammad (pbuh) as the main documents of authenticity of the Ghadir event.
Imam Elahi used numerous quotations from both Shia and Sunni sources to prove that Ghadir was about the importance of leadership of a man whose knowledge, purity, courage, hard work, wisdom, and jihad for justice and freedom, made him a great role model after the holy prophet of Islam.
Imam Elahi congratulated Imam Faezi the leader of the mosque, his assistant SayyedSuleiman, the board members and community members of the area for their great success in completion of the Baitul-Ilm grand mosque.
To view photo highlights of the occasionon Baitul-Ilm's website: click here!
Historic Girl Scouts Interfaith Service held at the Islamic House of Wisdom!
To view photo Highlights of the event: click HERE!
Last Sunday, Oct 20th was a remarkable day in the history of Interfaith for Girl Scouts in America.
More than 700 girls from diverse faith backgrounds gathered at the Islamic House of Wisdom for their 2013 Girl Scout Interfaith Service.
"Girls of Faith . . . A sister to every other Girl Scout"
Under the organization of Girl Scout leaders that include Suzanne Bante, Amal Mazeh and assistance of Hawra Yassine, Fatima Dahoui, Mary Elias, Dr. Al Tarlo, JoAnn Johnson, Carol McConnell, Fran Clancy, Dr. Faith Strickland, Christal Renaud, Deanna Goralczyk- the program was a great success due to the hard work and organization prior to the event.
The service included:
Flag Ceremony, Girl Scout Promise, Break Every Chain, A Pilgrimage to Hajj, and Living Rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother and Shalom Chaverim!
The Hajj ceremony performed by the Muslim Girl Scouts made a great impression on the audience demonstrating tawaf, the sacrifice of Abraham and story behind Zamzam which brought tears to many Muslim and Non-Muslim eyes.
Imam Mohammed Ali Elahi was the first religious leader in the ceremony who welcomed the interfaith guests and thanked the Girl Scout leaders and troops for their sense of responsibility and commitment.
Reflecting on the title of gathering "Girls of Faith", Imam Elahi stated that faith is the most needed value in this chaotic and confusing world full of crises and moral tragedies!
Imam Elahi answered the question of where is God by saying:
God is very close to us, He is in our conscience, He is everywhere in creation, anywhere there is beauty, wisdom, truth, justice, organization, perfection, grace, guidance, love and compassion.
People from different traditions may call Him with different names!
Yahweh, Jehovah, God, Lord, Father, Maker, Creator and for those who speak Arabic, Allah.
Imam emphasized on the role of faith in 4 areas of human life.
1-Worship and remembrance of God
2-Purification of soul and domination over internal desires
3-Respect, appreciation, honesty, fairness and love for other human beings
4-And finally caring for the nature and protection of the environment
Imam Elahi advised the youth to put faith as the foundation in choosing their friends, so they can trust their love and loyalty even in the most challenging times of life.
Reflecting on the life of Sayedah Zainab, Imam called her the first leader of Girl Scouts in Islam whose patience, determination, and discipline made her a great role model in history of suffering and sacrifice. Imam asked the Girl Scouts to show solidarity for Zainab, who has been a victim of injustice while still hundreds of years after death, her grave is under the daily bombardment by the forces of darkness in Syria.
Fr. Jeffrey Day, Ecumenical/Interfaith Advisor of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and the leader of St. Fabian Catholic Church also addressed the Girl Scouts with his beautiful remarks.
Fr. Day thanked the Girl Scouts and Imam Elahi for hosting such a great interfaith service.
Fr. Day invited the Scouts to reflect upon the life and example of Mother Theresa of Calcutta. Even though Mother Teresa died in 1997, her life story is still relevant to girls of today; she strived to a sister to everyone she met.
The Fr. Spoke about Mother Teresa who founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, which in 2012 consisted of over 4,500 sisters and is active in 133 countries. Continuing the work of Mother Teresa, they run hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis; soup kitchens; children's and family counseling programs; orphanages; and schools. Members of the order make the three traditional vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, but also a fourth vow, to give "Wholehearted and Free service to the poorest of the poor".
Fr. Day concluded with a few inspiring quotes from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta:
"When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed."
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. "
"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
Unfortunately at the time of this report we haven't received a copy of the beautiful remarks of the third clergy, Reverend Robyn Moore, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church but will post them as soon as they are received.
This extraordinary event of Michigan Girl Scouts ended in an atmosphere of love, discipline and cooperation. The girls were invited to the main hall where they received badges for participation and craft projects to complement the event.
Greenland Market generously provided the refreshments that helped provide a good atmosphere of healthy socialization and friendship.
Meeting With President Rouhani After the United Nations Address!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013A group of American Muslim community leaders, in addition to Congressmen Keith Ellison and André Carson were invited by Iran's mission at the United Nations in NY to have dinner and conversation with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Hassan Rouhani last Tuesday night, right after the address of President Rouhani at the General Assembly.
In the beginning of the meeting, the president addressed the Muslim religious and political leaders on the current conditions of the Muslim ummah.
Dr. Rouhani considered sectarian fighting, violence, terrorism and civil wars in parts of the Islamic World as main challenges and asked the religious leaders to emphasize on education of the youth and awareness of the communities against extremism which fuels Islamophobia.
The president answered some questions and concerns of the guests regarding the situation in Syria and other Muslim countries.
Following the president remarks, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Congressmen Ellison and some of the imams made some comments.
Imam
Elahi thanked president Rouhani for meeting with the religious leaders
despite his extremely short time and busy schedule in NY.
He appreciated the Presidents peaceful, constructive and promising approach to the world and said only those who may have disease in their hearts or warmongers may oppose the president prudent position.
Imam Elahi
briefed the president on the Code of Honor between the Shia and Sunni
scholars which was signed at Islamic House of Wisdom in 2007 and also
similar declarations signed in LA, Chicago and recently in DC and gave a
copy of the covenants to the president.
Imam asked President Rouhani to facilitate an American delegation of interfaith to visit Iran and continue the journey of dialogue with the religious and political leaders of Islamic Republic.
At
the end of this historic meeting, President Rouhani expressed his hope
that this kind of engagement will be the path of Muslims everywhere
they live. He asked the Muslims to respect the laws of the country
wherever they live and set a role model, representing the true
teachings of Islam.
Interfaith gathering in Mother of Savoir church in Dearborn!!
Saturday, September 21, 2013: In an Interfaith gathering, organized by Rev. Rani Abdol-Masih, the leader of Mother of the Savior Church in Dearborn both Imam Mohammad Mardini and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi addressed the conference participants.
Imam Mardini spoke about Wahabism. He stated that the Wahhabi sect was a political entity from the very beginning. It was a movement with the support of the Saudi Royal family with a political agenda, intention of more money and domination in the region. Imam Mardini mentioned that the Wahhabi's used religion for political purposes and their actions have nothing to do with the true teachings of Islam.
Imam Elahi confirmed Imam Mardini's points and added that unfortunately the real supporter of terrorism in the Middle East is the Saudi kingdom and its princes. Saudi money, weapons and intelligence contribute in a great extent to suicide bombers and explosions that cause both daily death and destruction in the Middle East and Africa.
Imam Elahi emphasized on the importance of internal jihad, a common moral jihad for both Muslims and Christians, a jihad against the army of ignorance, ego, arrogance, greed and selfishness.
Mentioning similarities between Islam and Christianity, in many concepts such as prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage and ethical values, he said we all must work together for the social message of our faith and that is peace and justice.
Diversity is a Divine design. It is for us to know each other, build bridges of understanding, promote peaceful coexistence and set an example of tolerance, respect and cooperation.
If God is merciful, loving and caring, we must share these qualities among our human family.
___________________________________________On Friday, September 20th, Imam Elahi also participated in an Interfaith Dinner held at Byblos Banquet Center that was organized by Rev. Rani and Mother of Savoir church in Dearborn, Michigan. The dinner was part of a 3 day interfaith event, including the service mentioned above.
To view pictures of the dinner, taken by Nafeh AbuNab: click HERE
September 12, 2013
Imam Elahi's Interfaith Prayer On the Anniversary of 9/11 at Dearborn City HallYesterday, September 11, 2013- Leaders and members of the Interfaith community gathered at Dearborn City Hall for a service of prayer and remembrance of 9/11.
To view more photo highlights: click here!
Below is an excerpt of Imam Elahi's benediction prayer:
We are here this evening to honor the memory of 3000 innocent Americans and other nationalities who lost their lives more than a decade ago, on September 11 2001.
The tragic terrorist attack on the Trade Center in New York was an unspeakable crime not only against America and humanity but against a peaceful religion, hijacked by the forces of ignorance and greed.
We should never forget that tragic time, the suffering, and the sacrifice of the victims and the painful wounds on the hearts of their families.
Prayer is the most powerful medicine to bless those souls and to heal those hearts with hope and determination!
Prayer is the best spiritual protection, purification, and the purpose of creation according to our Abrahamic traditions!
This is why 9/11 is a National Day of Prayer! A day of remembrance and reflection, a day of sadness for the lost souls and solidarity with their survivals.
A day of salutation and support for those individuals and organizations whose maximum courage and commitment in saving lives in the most desperate moments of need in 9/11, brought maximum pride and dignity for our nation.
As we mourn the lost lives, we move forward to defend the principles of freedom and justice, to work together in the path of peace and prosperity for our nation and the world.
We honor that legacy and commit ourselves to continue our cooperation as one nation in any humanitarian project that promotes peace and prosperity, comfort and harmony for our fellow citizens and the world.
We ask You, O Lord to open our hearts and minds to Your heavenly peace.
To shower Your wisdom, vision, grace and love upon us, let us be Your ambassadors of reconciliation, peace, compassion, justice, generosity and salvation!
Provide us with great victory over our internal enemies, ignorance, ego, arrogance, anger, jealousy, hypocrisy, selfishness, prejudice and hate!
Help us to stand against poverty, racism, war, violence, corruption and oppression.
O Lord, those agents of terror and tragedy who lost their sense of
humanity and caused the 9/11 catastrophe keep recruiting more suicide
bombers in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon and now in Syria.
O God, They practice all kinds of brutality and bloodshed under Your name. Please confuse their plans and save the innocents from their harm and evils.
They forgot what You said in the Old Testament and the Quran that:
"Destroying one innocent soul is equal to destruction of all mankind".
O God protect our country from another 9/11 and save those countries suffering from their daily 9/11!
Let America be the symbol of liberation, rule of law, democracy and diversity!
Let our nation be a role model of love, logic, respect, tolerance, bridge building and brotherhood. A nation of John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King!
Bless American pluralism, so we celebrate our similarities and appreciate our differences!
Let's learn from Noah's patience, from Abraham submission, from Moses courage, from Jesus love, from Mohammad wisdom and from You all of the meanings, all beauties and all the perfections! Ameen!
Interfaith Service of Prayer for Peace
September 8, 2013 - Sunday, In a special interfaith service of prayer at Littlefield Church in Dearborn, Imam Elahi of the Islamic House of Wisdom, Pastor Fran Hayes of Littlefield Church and Cantor Roger Skully presented prayers on behalf of each faith tradition.
As a part of the Islamic representation in the service, Yousef Makki presented the call to prayer (adhan) while Younas Makki recited from the Holy Quran. Members of Littlefield Church shared part of their prayer tradition through music including, "Songs of Peace" and "Let there be Peace on Earth". Rev. Bill Gepford led each of the faith leaders in lighting a candle for peace.
Pastor Fran addressed participants of the faith communities with words of prayer and encouraged cooperation amongst community members. Calling for unity, she requested, "that all of us gather together as neighbors from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities to practice a respectful presence as we share the wisdom of our various traditions and pray together. May we make new friends and leave with greater hope and resolve to meet again and work together for peace in our communities and beyond."
Also some of those who were present in the occasion: Mayor of Dearborn, John "Jack" O'Reilly, Jr., IHW Vice-Chair Hajjah Vicki Ashker, Hajjah Jennifer Elahi, Hajj Hamza Makki, Hajj Eid Alawan and son, br. Hajj Eid Alawan, Hajj Tarek Beydoun & Ronald Stockton -- Video of Imam Elahi's prayer will be posted soon! Stay tuned!
Dearborn Community Leaders Met with Congressman John Dingell- Discussed Syrian Situation!
September 6, 2013- Last Friday, Congressman John Dingell joined a group of religious and community leaders at the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, Michigan to listen to their views on President Obama's position on Syria.
Welcoming the Congressman and participants, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, thanked Mr. Dingell for making time to meet with everyone .
Imam Elahi expressed his absolute opposition to any US military engagement in Syria. "Any kind of military strike would add to the suffering of Syrian civilians and will multiply the chaos, confusion, death and destruction in the Middle East", the Imam said. "More damage to the image and long term interests of America is another consequence of a military strike on Syria."
Imam stated that if President Obama does not like to listen to Russia, China, Iran and many other countries throughout the world, he should listen to the UN, the Pope, the British parliament, the European Union and majority of Americans who oppose military attacks on Syria.
Post 9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were to fight al-Qaeda, while in Syria our government is helping al-Qaeda! The media told us that 14 out of 19 Al-Qaeda agents were from Saudi Arabia! Again today it is the money, media and manpower of Saudi Arabia behind al-Nosra and other al-Qaeda forces in Syria.
For all of these reasons it is a big mistake and absolutely wrong for our administration to intervene in this war, though its been involved indirectly through other parties from the beginning!
Imam Elahi stated that using chemical weapons is a big crime against humanity, yet we need to listen to the UN report and if necessary launch an independent investigation free of political games to figure out the most effective way of serving truth and justice. At this time the Syrian government denies any involvement in chemical attacks, while there are some interviews from extremists acknowledging use of chemical weapons with the help of Saudi prince, Bandar Ben Sultan. If these allegations prove to be true, then the administration should tell us what should be done to stop al-Qaeda from chemical attacks.
Al-Qaeda have demonstrated maximum brutality and barbarism against innocent Syrians, they have no mercy even to the graves of those people who died more than a thousand years ago. They attacked the shrines and killed the people in the mosque even in the night of power!
The government of Syria is secular but it provides freedom of religious expression for all. The Muslims and Christians can worship freely, but al-Qaeda have no respect for any other religions. They destroy both mosques and churches and they kill both imams and priests!
Imam Elahi said the fact that the Saudi government is ready to pay for the missiles doesn't justify the strikes. The Saudis are behind terrorism in Iraq and Syria, and they do everything to export their takfiry terrorists to their countries.
Imam Elahi reminded the Congressman that with a new president elected by the Iranian people, this is a perfect time to bring peace to the Middle East. It is a foolish mistake to start another war adding to the unprecedented tragedy that already exists. Imam asked the Congressman to use all of his power to stop the administration from attacking Syria.
Following the statement of Imam Elahi, the floor was opened for the comments of participating leaders of community centers and organizations. Each expressed their disagreement with US military engagement in Syria.
Sayyed Mohammad Kashmiri was the last speaker who reminded the Congressman that if the US government is interested in a democratic transition in the Middle East, the best place to start would be from the worst levels of dictatorship. Noting the dictatorship in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia where women do not even have the right to drive a car to some other tyrants in the Middle East.
After listening kindly and patiently to everyone's remarks, Congressman John Dingell thanked Imam Elahi for his invitation and hospitality, and addressed some of the serious concerns of the community.
The
Congressman showed understanding and sympathy with the audience and
said he was pleased to hear the points of the people in his
congressional district! He stated that he would decide about the nature
of his vote after hearing the Congressional discussion as well.
September, 11, 2013- Interfaith Service on the Anniversary of 9/11 at Hemlock park in Dearborn!
Yesterday, Lila Amen of Dearborn public schools, Rev. Colleen Kamake of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rev. Diana of First Baptist Church, Rev. Fran Hayes of Littlefield Church and Rev. John Cramer of Our Savior Catholic Church met at the office of Imam Elahi at the Islamic House of Wisdom.
Details of the upcoming interfaith 9/11 service were finalized. Honoring the victims of 9/11, the event will start at 7:00pm on Wednesday, September 11th at Hemlock park lasting approximately one hour.
At the end of this meeting, Imam Elahi praised Pope Francis for his powerful message of peace, reconciliation and dialogue in Syria. Imam informed the church leaders that he would ask his congregation during this Friday prayer to support the Pope and other Christian leaders and denominations by observing fast this Saturday and pray for peace in Syria.
Imam concluded that American military intervention will bring more destruction and disaster to the Middle East and more damage to the image and interests of America!
Last Weekend- Sept. 1, 2013-, In Washington D.C.- Imam Elahi with a group of Imams and mosque representatives attended the 13th Annual Conference of the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars in North America.
On Saturday, as a part of their educational tour of Washington D.C., they stopped at the Library of Congress in Capital Hill!
The director of the library briefed the mosque leaders about the history of one of the largest libraries of the world and has more than 150 million books!
Last Sunday, September 1, 2013: Dr. Syed Syeed of ISNA, Nehad Awada of CAIR and imam Yahya Hendi of Georgetown University were some of the guests of the Shia Imams gathering in Washington D.C.
They addressed the necessity of Muslim unity and stance against the sectarian tensions in the Middle East!
Shia-Sunni Council of Imams Meeting- Wednesday, August 28th
The head of Dearborn Police Department Ronald Haddad met with two co-chair of the Shia-Sunni Council of Imams of MMCC, Imam Mustafa Elturk and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi and some members of the Council.
The meeting was held at the Islamic Organization of North America, IONA in the city of Warren.
Chief Haddad invited the imams to an important national gathering that will be held in Dearborn next month to discuss all concerns related to the security of places of worship.
Dearborn is chosen as a national faith base model of diversity and understanding. This exercise will be applied in New Jersey, Utah and Texas after Michigan!
Red Cross Thanks the Islamic House of Wisdom for Encouraging Blood Donations!
Last Monday, August 26th was a day of action and assistance at the IHW.
Members of the faithful community attended the blood drive to help
the Red Cross and hospitals who have been calling for urgent blood
donations. Imam Elahi participated in the event. He stated that, "we
are part of this great nation. We should build bridges of interaction
and understanding not just through our tongue and lip service but
through our actions. Islam is about sharing, serving and saving souls.
Imam concluded, while the terrorists in the Middle East shed blood
and destroy the lives of the people, we are here to share our blood to
save the suffering souls."
Special Thanks to all who participated in the Blood drive, to all volunteers & staff at the IHW and members of the Red Cross for a successful event!
Congressman Gary C. Peters met with some Muslim and Arab leaders and organization representatives- Tuesday, August 27th-
Congressman Peters will run in the next election in hope of taking over Senator Carl Levin's seat in the US Senate! Sen. Levin will not seek reelection in 2014.
During the afternoon meeting, Congressman Peters noted appreciation to the diversity of the population in Michigan as a source Michigan's strength. He engaged the leaders in an open conversation about the domestic and international issues.
Following the Congressman's statement, Imam Elahi expressed his concern about the situation in the Middle East and in particular, Syria.
Mentioning the comments of Colin Powell in CBS's last Sunday talk show urging the Obama administration to stay away from military action in Syria, imam considered himself part of more than 60 percent of Americans who oppose war in Syria.
Imam warned that the most effective anti government in Syria is Al-Qaida and asked the Congressman if this Al-Qaida is different from the ones in 9-11 and if there are good and bad terrorists!
Imam Elahi questioned any rationality for the Syrian government to use chemical weapon against its own capital and while condemned the chemical crime, raised the possibility of the chemical scenario as a set up to destroy not only Syria but also the image and interests of America.
Imam asked the congressman to do all he can to prevent the insanity of war and use dialogue and diplomacy for a democratic transition in Syria!
Other community leaders supported imam Elahi's remarks and shared their own opinions about Michigan and Middle East issues.
Congressman Peters thanked the leaders and representatives for their input, addressing some of Imam Elahi and other participants questions and comments. He promised to do all he can to reduce the suffering of Syrian civilians through humanitarian help.
The Congressman spoke about the complicated nature of conflict in Syria and recognized the difficulty of dealing with it. He said we should wait for the report of UN team in Damascus and to be very careful about any possible military intervention.
Islamic House of Wisdom holds Ramadan iftar dinner
Thursday, 07.25.2013, 09:18pm- Arab American News
The Islamic House of Wisdom (IHW) hosted their annual Ramadan iftar dinner on Wednesday, July 24, in Dearborn Heights.
Attendees included 19th District Court Judge Sam Salamey, Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad, Third Circuit Cour Judge Chris Dingell and Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly. Imam Elahi, spiritual leader of the IHW, was honored by members of the interfaith community and the Girl Scouts of Michigan for his contributions to interfaith relations.
