07/23/16: Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Conference!

Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Conference!

via Imam Elahi- "I just came back from this conference which was held at Detroit Airport Marriot Hotel. We had a great panel discussion about race and religious persecution at home and abroad. First I asked all for a moment of silence for the victims of today terrorist crime in Kobold in which more than 80 innocent poor Afghanis lost their lives. I appreciated the initiative of 7-Day Adventist Church for leading this conference and including this panel discussion. I spoke about religious liberty as one of the most central and fundamental features of America’s Constitution, Declaration of Independence and also Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Comparing the Syrian refugees who are fleeing from the religious persecution practiced by Isis and their sponsors with those Europeans who took America as their refuge from religious persecution in Europe almost 400 years ago , I called for a welcoming and helping attitude to the new comers, so they can settle with dignity and peace!. I wish our community show stronger presence in outreach and engagement! It should be a priority in our community! It is not just nice but necessary. The world is getting even messier than what it is now! I am asking every community member to please be part of Ambassadors of Peace and dialogue that we are establishing at Islamic House of Wisdom!"

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07/22/16: IHW Ambassadors of Dialogue & Peace Visit Birmingham First United Methodist Church

IHW Ambassadors of Dialogue and Peace Were Welcomed at Birmingham First United Methodist Church!

It was the first step in a long journey of outreach, bridge building, participation and partnership! Bishop Laurie Haller, the church senior pastor, Faith Ministry chair, Mixie Hockman, Society Ministry Frank Driscoll and more than 100 members of the Methodist congregation welcomed Imam Elahi and a distinguished delegation of IHW, the Ambassadors of Dialogue and Peace! Following imam Elahi presentation on Islamic faith, challenges and opportunities, the groups directed discussion on certain topics started. At the end, the representatives of each group shared the summary of their conversations with the entire audience! Both Muslims and Christians were extremely happy of this heartfelt interaction and demonstrated enthusiasm to continue this journey and meet at Islamic House of Wisdom next time. At the end all attendees enjoyed the hosts refreshment and appreciated the book of “Children of Abraham” presented to them by its author Dr. Talal Turfe. Those interested to join the Ambassadors’ of Dialogue and Peace, please provide us with your basic information through Facebook, or IHW email info@islamichouseofwisdom.com Imam Elahi’s presentation covered so many areas of interest. From basic belief system, history, Oneness of God, the principle of prophethood and revelation, moral and spiritual obligations in Islam, the concept of resurrection and the fact The Quran honors Jesus and his mom Marry over 70 times! Here are just a few points from imam’s speech- Living in such a messy and chaotic world, we need so much prayer, patience, educational exchanges, interfaith engagement, leadership and collective worship and work to win our daily struggles against ignorance, hatred and injustice. The path to make America great is not the path of racism, marginalizing and threatening the minorities, violating their civil rights and insulting them in the media. The greatness comes through good leadership, unity and cooperation between the government and all communities! Muslim Americans are targeted by both extremism and Islomophoba. The forces of Islamophobia and extremism are supporting each other with their evil expressions and actions but innocent people at home and abroad are paying a painful price with their lives, properties, integrity and faith! Islam is a religion of reason, knowledge, peace, justice, diversity and pluralism. There is no room in Islam for radicalism, terrorism and violence. The first step to stop terrorism is to stop corrupt kingdom of Saudi Arabia from training, advocating, financing and supporting the takfiris terrorist cults through money and fitna making fatwas of the Saudi paid preachers. Another step is for our government to become part of the solution and stop training and funding and arming so called rebels in Syria. The criminals who beheaded a boy of 10 year old in Syria are not better than isis. Imam Elahi admired president Obama statement in his last week Eid al-Fitr celebration in the White House and prayed that those ideas and expression put in actions.

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07/14/16: Imam Elahi Condemns Saudi Support for Extremism & Terrorism infront of Saudi Embassy & White House in DC

 Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi Condemning Saudi Support for Extremism & Terrorism in front of Saudi Embassy & White House in Washington D.C.!


Wednesday, July 14, 2016- The prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and Imam Ali (as) told us that the best jihad is to express the truth in front of an oppressive authority.

A huge number of faithful and lovers of peace and justice gathered in front of the embassy to show absolute opposition to extremism and terrorism financed by the Saudi Royal Family. The history of this family is history of isis, from demolishing the Holy Site of Al-Baqi 90 years ago up to destruction of mosques and other holy places in Mecca, Medina and now in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Even more painful than places, is massacre of people by Saudi warmongers and their paid poppet.

After doing our noon prayer, expressing words and delivering a letter to the embassy, we marched toward the White House to send our message to the president and thousands of visitors around the White House. 

WATCH Imam Elahi's Speech- HERE

Imam Elahi's speech in front of Saudi Embassy in Washington DC

  July 13, 2016
"As our nation is mourning the death of some Members of the African American community and also the death of 5 police officers in Dallas, let's have a moment of silence and prayer for them and all victims of brutality, violence and hatred!

Today we are here to condemn the desecration and destruction of the shrines of 4 holy imams in the holy city of Medina by the extremist Wahhabi's almost 90 years ago!

That disease of extremism has turned to the cancer of terrorism in the last two decades and has created many human tragedies in the Middle East and the world.

The influence of religious hatred and extremist ideologies have been advancing in the last few decades, financed by more than $75 billion of the Saudi Royal Family!

Taking advantage of poverty, ignorance and division in many areas, especially in the Muslim world, the oil dollars of Riyadh regime have played a big role in teaching hatred not only against Christians and Jews but also any Muslim group who disagreed with their extremist ideas!

The terrorist groups may carry different titles like al-Qaeda, al-nusra, Boko haram or Isis but all of them share the same mentality and ideology promoted, propagated, and practiced by the Saudi paid preachers and supported by rials of repressive regime in Riyadh!

They justify genocide in the name of Jihad, rape and sex slavery in the name of religion, they continue to commit unspeakable crimes started from beheading soldiers and biting hearts to crimes of cutting hands and tongues, burning people alive, to suicide bombings in mosques, market places, weddings, funerals!

It used to be in Baghdad, Beirut, Bahrain, Kabul, Cairo, Sanaa, Syria, Libya and Algeria but then it moved to Paris, Brussels and Bernardino and recently even to the territories of the main supporters of extremism in Istanbul and holy Medina in Arabia!

The Saudi princes and their Gulf State partners are using any tools of torture, terror to silence the nations tired of their tyranny and oppression and asking for freedom and justice!

While the kings and their princes live in their luxurious palaces with all pleasures and privileges, their people live in prisons and the hell of pain and poverty!

As I was driving from Detroit to DC with my family, we stopped by in a few plaza rest areas on our way, the cleanliness, security and services were what God desires for every nation on this earth! I compared this with my experience traveling between two holy cities of Mecca and Medina in my last pilgrimage couple of years ago!

Despite of trillions of dollars and income and charging the pilgrims for billions of dollars in the last few decades, still you cannot find one decent rest area in the most important road to Mecca, as late as last year thousands of pilgrims lost their lives in one Mena Area and even inside the holy mosque, this is a big shame for those warmongers in the House of Saud who are not capable of running a worship season with dignity and discipline!

The rulers of Riyadh who are imposing their dictatorship on their desperate people with iron and fire with zero respect for democracy, human rights or freedom of expression are now are talking about providing democracy to Iraq, Syria and Yemen? This is the biggest joke of 21st century! 

I want my fellow American citizens to know that those so called jihadists, extremists, terrorists and their trainers and sponsors in Riyadh don't represent the religion of Islam, they have hijacked our faith as groups like KKK have hijacked Christianity!

Based on the true teaching of prophet Mohammad terrorism is a serious sin in Islam

.المومن لا یفتک

  "A faithful can't terrorize anyone!"

Mohammad was a messenger of mercy for mankind. Islam is a religion of reason and responsibility, a universal message of peace, tolerance and understanding! 

We the main stream Muslims are the main victims of extremism and terrorism!

Mr. Trump- please stop rewarding the terrorists by considering them as representatives of the entire Muslim community and Muslim umma!

Please stop abusing Islam for election advancements!

How can you call those who break the sacredness of the holy month of Ramadan and kill the fasting and praying faithful inside the Mosques in Baghdad, Yemen and Syria as Muslims?

They are the worse enemies of our faith and American people should get a chance to realize and recognize that!

They are not speaking for Islam, they speak for Shatan, they use their money, media and military to bring more corruption, more crises, confusion and conflict on this earth as the Quran describes it perfectly in chapter number 2 verse 205

إِذَا تَوَلَّى سَعَى فِي الأَرْضِ لِيُفْسِدَ فِيِهَا وَيُهْلِكَ الْحَرْثَ وَالنَّسْلَ وَاللّهُ لاَ يُحِبُّ الفَسَادَ (205


Another serious sin in Islam is to kill civilians and those who are not involved in battle, the terrorists and their supporters have been massacring non combatants day and night!

The Quran calls this a deceleration of war against God but they don't mind to do it, sadly they fight God in the name of God, they destroy Islam in the name of Islam!

They recruit brainwashed people and turn them into terrorists from everywhere they can! It was just last week in Paris that a high security Saidi official joined a terrorist organization called mojahedeen Khalq in Paris to express the solidarity of his government with an organization responsible for killing of thousands of scholars, students and innocent people in Iran and Iraq!   

It's time for our nation to wake up and understand the roots of both islamophobia and terrorism!

It's time to declassify those 28 pages and recognize the connection between the Saudi regime Takfiri propaganda and the terrorist tragedy of 9/11!

It's time for families of those 3000 people who died in 9/11 to be served with truth and justice!

America must stop the Dirty money of Saudi to buy people including some Congressmen and people in arm-industry!

The Saudi money already forced Dr. Ban Ki Moon to drop the Saudi government from a blacklist over the massacre of children of Yemen!

Now they are threatening to sell their US Treasury bounds if they were held responsible for their involvement in 9/11.

Interestingly the Saudi's Ambassador lies loudly, saying his government never uses language of threat and intimidation... liar, liar -pants on fire!

Mr. President you are known for your wisdom and leadership but also some big mistakes!

You mentioned that the biggest mistake of your presidency was the collapse of Libya.

I would say another big mistake was to authorize up to $60 billion arms to Saudi family!

Those weapons destroyed Yemen and were usedby so-called rebels who became Isis in Syria and Iraq to destroy the destiny of so many generations of today and tomorrow in the Middle East and Africa and changing life in the West and America!
 

How can our governments in the US talk about democracy and human rights while at the same time support oppressive regimes like the one in Riyadh?

Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that it's women have no right even to drive!

How can our governments continue to support a country that not only people of book like Christians have no right to build a church but even other Islamic schools of thought like the Shia Muslims suffer from all kinds of harassment , hate, and murder!

What was the reaction of the White House about the beheading of Shaikh Nimr Baker alNimr and other innocents?

Is the punishment of peaceful religious or political expression, beheading?

When you met with the Saudi King , did you talk about the tragedy of human rights there at all or you left them with the impression that as long as they buy arms and make business out of blood everything is fine?

What has been the reaction to the removal of citizenship of Shaikh Isa Qasem by the brutal Allhalifa in Bahrain?

Shaikh Qasem was born in Bahrain and called for peace and unity all the times, he deserve to enjoy his life in his country more than an oppressive minority Allhalifa who didn't contribute any thing Bahrain but brutality, torture, killing and crime.

I am afraid that as long as American policy in the Middle East is based on oil and Israel only, there is no hope that America can contribute to democracy, election and respect for human rights at all!

Saudis and their Gulf state partners can't continue their kingdom with all this corruption, mess and misery in the Middle East without US protection, support or at least silence!

The Saudis feel that they have the back of Netanyahu and the Israeli Lobby in Washington DC and this is why they keep their influences and atrocities all over!

We as the Muslim community are ready to fight extremism, terrorism and their Takfiri books, and schools everywhere but we can't succeed if our governments keep supporting them directly and indirectly.

But we warn you that with allies like House of Saud, you don't need enemies!

We need to be open and honest with American people!

You can't win the war against Isis in Iraq while supporting al-Qaeda in Syria.

Playing the game of the enemies of my enemies are my friends has already cost so many American lives!

This destructive double standard must stop!

The message of President Obama in the beginning of his presidency was very promising, we hope in a short time left of his presidency we will witness more delivery, action and fulfillment!

We understand the president's limitations yet we expect more action than just ideas!

May God save our country from the evil of terrorism, extremism, islamophobia, hatred,violence nd division!

May God save Islam from the hand of its hijackers, from the house of Saud and their cancerous and poisonous influences and actions in the Middle East and World!

رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَالَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَاسِرِينَ } [الأعراف: 23]

ربنا لا تؤاخذنا إن نسينا أو أخطأنا ربنا ولا تحمل علينا إصرا كما حملته على الذين من قبلنا ربنا ولا تحملنا ما لا طاقة لنا به واعف ...

 

 

IHW Admin
07/10/16: 400 Guests- Mainly Syrian Refugees & Families Share Iftar together

More than 400 guests' mainly Syrian refugees and their families enjoyed an Iftar Dinner at IHW

We prayed together, broke our fast together, and listened to one another!

We prayed for Syrians to win this war and terrorism and become a great and prosperous country again.

The most innocent and passionate part of the gathering was the time we called all kids to get their humble Eid gifts! It was humble but from heart! Thank you sister Aziza Askari and "Who Is Hussein" organization for helping to put the entire initiative and action together! Allah bless your effort! 

       View Photo Highlights: HERE

2016IHW Admin
07/08/16: Interfaith Guests attend Friday Services

7/8/16: Some interfaith stopped by to attend the Friday Prayer & Meet with some attendees of the Friday Service

IHW Admin
07/04/16: Candlelight Vigil held at IHW for Victims of Terrorist Attacks in Iraq & World
2016IHW Admin
04/05/16: Archbishop Vigneron Visits the IHW!

April 5, 2016

An Interfaith Visitation Turned to An Important Peace Conference!

The religious leader of Southeastern Michigan of 1.3 million Catholics visited the Islamic House of Wisdom.

The church delegation and almost 100 interfaith and community leaders and activists were welcomed by Imam Elahi and the chairman of IHW board of Directors, Dr. Hassan Saab.

Archbishop Allen Vigneron, the spiritual leader of Christian Catholic community of Southeastern Michigan thanked imam Elahi for this unity lunch and his courageous outreach against extremism and terrorism.

The Archbishop expressed his happiness of these good relations and emphasized on how the power of faith can strengthen our cooperation in making peace and justice.

Rabbi Dorit Edut spoke about working together to end hatred in this world, especially Islamophobia by following the example of Pope Francis.

Dr. Robert Bruttell the chairman of Interfaith Leadership Council spoke about the Council outreach to the media and the beauty of cooperation in this area. He concluded that Southeastern Michigan excellent interaction can be an example for the world.

Other speakers included Daniel Paletko-the Mayor of Dearborn Heights, Dan Haddad- the Chief police of Dearborn, Hajja Nawal Hamadah- the founder of Star International Academy, Dr. Tallal Turfe- the author of many books on Islam, Hajja Rehab Amer, Dr. Michael Ross, Brian A. Stone, and many more.

Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi who hosted the Unity Lunch and communication addressed the guests and gave them an orientation on the position of main stream Islam over the religious and political extremism, the disease of Islamophobia, the crimes of isis, Al-Qaeda and other terror groups against Islam, Muslims, Christians and many other people in the Middle East and the World.

Imam Elahi admired the Archbishop’s leadership and also his appreciation for the global leadership of Pope Francis. He said he was extremely impressed with the Pope conversation with president Obama in the White House and president Rouhani in Vatican. The Pope's passion and humility in washing the feet of Muslim refugees added to his admiration for the Pope's personality.

Imam Elahi spoke about the faith in Jesus not only in the Quran and sayings of prophet Mohammad but also the Islamic mystical literatures, metaphor and analogy, specially the Persian poetry of Hafez, Rumy, and the Arabic poetry of Ibn Fares.

Imam Elahi explained the miraculous birth of Jesus based on the Quranic verses. In particular the imam talked about the terms like “Word of God” and “Spirit of God” used for Jesus in the Quran.

Imam stated that Mary, the mother of Jesus is the only female admired by her name in the Quran, not once but 34 times, much more even than the Bible itself.

By pointing to some Quranic verses related to miraculous of Jesus including cases of giving vision to the blind, healing to the sick, life to the dead, imam condemned those Christians who claim Jesus but prefer a life of blindness, hatred, harassment, warmongering, anger and arrogance.

Imam emphasized that the best way to make peace is to join dialogue, engagement and cooperation.

We must stand united against not only the evil of terrorism, but other social and global problems that may also contribute to the cancer of terrorism and violence such as ignorance, injustice, racism, poverty, prejudice, defending the dictators, intolerance and exclusion.

Imam Elahi mentioned a letter of death threat that he received from the KKK and said since we don’t have a Muslim shrine in America he is more than glad to get that honor and be remembered as martyr for justice, education and compassion.

Each and every participant showed joy and appreciation for the opportunity and thanked Islamic House of Wisdom for this initiative.

 

Watch: Fox 2 Detroit ---------

"Unity within Our Communities: Archbishop Visits the IHW" 


 
 -----------  Also Read
"Catholic Archbishop Vigneron pays visit to Dearborn Heights mosque"  by Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press

IHW Admin
04/27/15: Interfaith Gathering Honoring Legacy of Vatican II.

Monday 4/27/15: Important Interfaith Gathering at Temple Beth El Honoring the Legacy of Vatican II. Under the title of Repentance, Revitalization of Faith, Renewal of Covenant!

The dialogue started with the statements and prayers of Rabbi Mark Miller, along with Archbishop Vigneron and some other religious leaders. Then the participants started an interfaith conversation in the form of workshops and shared the summery of their discussions with the entire audience at the end.  
Imam Elahi on behalf of the attending imams and his workshop addressed the gathering.
Imam Elahi admired this courageous interfaith initiative and welcomed the clergy communities from other religious traditions to hold similar meetings at the mosques and Islamic centers as well.
Reflecting on the moral crises and confusion, he emphasized on the principles of justice, mercy and truth to be applied on each and every domestic or international circumstance. Imam stated that standing for justice is a sign of purity and sincerity of heart and it must be practiced even if it hurts you or helps your enemies. Imam concluded that a wrong interpretation of religion can turn religion to the most dangerous weapon of mass destruction and concluded that the Muslim community suffers from both Islamophobia locally, and the violence and deadly attacks of criminals such as isis, and similar barbarian groups internationally. This requires more education and awareness; this is our challenge and obligation.


04/22/15: Interfaith Meeting at the IHW

 Interfaith Network Meeting at IHW- The representatives of the Dearborn area Interfaith Network met at Islamic House of Wisdom to discuss the service of the National Day of Prayer. The group decided to hold the service at Dearborn Administrative Center (Dearborn City Hall).Imam Elahi welcomed the guests and shared some words about the challenges of Muslim community in the face of Islamophobia. The imam said that the forces of war, violence and hatred don't represent Islam or any other religion. The essence of Islam and any other heavenly religion is peace, mercy and justice. Imam concluded that the terrorist wars in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Afghanistan are about human greed and politics and has nothing to do with the real message of faith.
Rev. Fran emphasized on more education and understanding and Rev. Colleen stated that those who jump to judge about other religions, better to learn about their own religions first.

IHW Admin2015
04/18/15: Pastor James Wenger and a group of students from St. John Lutheran & other Ohio churches visited the IHW

Pastor James Wenger and a group of students from St. John Lutheran and other Ohio churches visited the Islamic House of Wisdom.
Sheikh Hassan Habhab spoke with the group about the foundations of the Islamic faith. Imam Elahi also joined the guests and answered their questions related to Muslims-Christian relations both in America and the Middle East.
Imam Elahi said that he believed the current destructive war and violence in the Middle East is not a war between Islam and Christianity but a war to destroy both Islam and Christianity.

IHW Admin2015
04/14/15: Wayne County Executive Joined Imams Council Meeting

Wayne County Executive Joined Imams Council Meeting

Mr. Warren Evans and his Spiritual Adviser Rev. Roberts met with the members of Imams Council at the Muslim Center in Detroit. They were welcomed by both Co-Chairs of the Council, Imam Mustafa El-Turk and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi.

The Executive briefed the imams on the region's social and economic challenges . He spoke about the policies influencing issues like healthcare, retirement, and asked for building stronger  relationships and partnership with the Muslim and Arab communities in the area.

The Council also discussed "the Muslim Capital Day" on May 12th, in Lansing asking the Muslim community to attend. Fight against hunger was another issue which was mentioned in the meeting.

Imam Elahi invited the imams and their board members to attend the IHW dinner on May 3rd at 2pm. That is the birthday of Imam Ali(as) and day of support for IHW's services and outreach.
Imam Elahi criticized the media, government and also Muslim organizations for their silence on the  blind and barbaric bombardment of Yemen and massacre of men, women and children. The Saudi regime that never helped the oppressed in Gaza, Burma or any other places, now practicing genocide in Yemen and the world is watching this human tragedy with no reaction! It's a shame!

IHW Admin2015
12/18/14: Harriet Tubman Representatives Meet with Imam Elahi

This Week- Bill O'Brien, executive Director and co-founder of the Harriet Tubman Center and Pete DaSilva, a Regional Organizer in the Greater Lansing area with Harriet Tubman Center met with Imam Elahi to discuss promotion of the common good and strengthening relations amongst the communities of different faiths and cultural backgrounds.
Imam Elahi welcomed the idea and invited the guests to join the MLK interfaith observance which will be held at Islamic House of Wisdom on January 18, 2015 at 3:00pm! Director O'Brien marked his calender for that day!

IHW Admin2015, 2014
12/13/14: Shia-Sunni Imams Retreat Session

December 13, 2014
Last Saturday- The Council of Shia-Sunni Imams of Michigan held a 6 hour meeting session last Saturday to discuss the challenges of the Michigan Muslim community including youth, family, and other social issues.

Imam Elahi asked the council to include in the 2015 agenda a serious discussion about the Takfiri theology and the tragedy of terrorism and barbarian beheading of innocents in the Middle East and Africa. The Council approved a scholarly and civic dialogue on Shia-Sunni and the cancer of sectarianism.

IHW Admin2014
11/26/14: Mr. Pete DaSilva of Harriet Tubman Center met with Imam Elahi

November 26, 2014- Mr. Pete DaSilva, the representative of Harriet Tubman center met with imam Elahi.
In this meeting, Pete briefed the imam of Tubman center's services including issues related to Detroit's public transportation and call for social justice.
The imam admired Pete and his organization for their social services and welcomed the idea of cooperation between the two organizations (Tubman and IHW) in any areas that might help the people of both communities.

IHW Admin
11/26/14: Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

November 26, 2014- Last night, Wednesday- An interfaith Thanksgiving service was held at the People's Community Center located in Hamtramck, Michigan.  The service was organized by brother Arif Huskic, the chairman of Common Word Alliance!
Hamtramck Mayor Karen Majewski, Judge Paul Paruk and Superintendent Thomas Niczay were the main speakers. Imam Elahi and some other Muslim and Christian leaders were asked to share some thoughts and reflections with the audience.
Imam Elahi admired the mayor, the judge and the superintendent for their words focused on the importance of community services and spoke about the hadith from prophet of Islam who said that humanity is like a divine family and the closest members of this family union to God are the ones who are more useful for society. The essence of faith is action, contribution and sacrifice for the sake of others, the imam said.
Imam Elahi admired the policy of Judge Paruk who prefers community service over jail for certain individuals with minor crimes. Imam mentioned that generally speaking, most of the crimes are done out of poverty and ignorance. If people with a good education and job wont get involved with stealing and similar crimes, the only exception would be people with greed or a criminal mentality.
At the end, Imam Elahi spoke on the concept of Thanksgiving and culture of appreciation in our relationship with God, People and the Planet!

IHW Admin2014
11/18/14: Planning Meeting for Proposed Mosque in Plymouth

Nov. 18, 2014-  Hundreds of members of the Muslim and interfaith communities attended a planning meeting with the commission of Plymouth Township to discuss a proposed mosque to be built on 5 mile road. 

Channel 2 - Detroit - HERE

The room was packed of many supporters in favor of building of the new mosque, including Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi of the Islamic House of Wisdom who participated in solidarity.

Not everyone present in the meeting was pleased with the mosque proposal as heard by some of the opposing views of the meeting. Some opponents of the mosque construction raised concerns about the possibility of higher traffic.

Imam Elahi was one of the first on the side of support who approached the podium in favor of diversity in the area. Although he is from the Islamic House of Wisdom located in Dearborn Heights, he came to support the establishment of a mosque for the Muslim residents of Plymouth Township and neighboring cities.

"The mosque is about and for the community, it's about creating a peaceful and respectful community. To see the traffic of people going to a place of worship whether it's a mosque or a church makes me happy, not worried",  the imam said.

After listening to the opinions both for and against, finally the planning commission unanimously approved the construction of the new mosque.

Imam Elahi thanked Dennis Cebulski and all members of the planning commission for showing understanding and support towards the congregation interested in building the new place of worship. The Chairman, Cebulski also thanked imam Elahi for his interfaith efforts and Islamic House of Wisdom's position against ISIS and other terrorist organizations.

IHW Admin
11/02/14: 28th MMCC Unity Dinner at Burton Manor

Last Weekend- The 28th MMCC Unity Dinner at Burton Manor in Livonia, Michigan. Imam Elahi, Imam El-Turk, Sr. Catherine and Br. Dawood co-presented the Victor and Shahina Begg Interfaith Partner Award to interfaith and community activists, Rev. Dan and Sharon Buttry.
Photo below, Dr. Alhadidi welcomes guests of the dinner.

IHW Admin
10/05/14: Meeting between some IHW Council Advisers and some young representatives of the community!

Meeting between some IHW Council Advisers and some young representatives of the community!

During this inspiring meeting which was chaired by Dr. Hoda Amine, Imam  Elahi expressed his deep concerns for the "lost generational values" and the growing gap between the youth, their families and the mosques! Imam emphasized on the importance of both education and ethics in saving the new generation from dangerous social threats. He said the universities are for scientific education and the mosques for ethical education and the families must support both!

New youth members expressed the importance of getting youth involved including feeling of belonging and identity through mosques. Some other Advisers suggested energizing the youth by providing resources, financial assistance and a listening ear! Provide and facilitate a place, environment and network to help them get started.

They expressed concerns for the youth. They feel some of the parents are from the "old school philosophy" in regards to culture, principles and values.At this time other Advisers and young participants expressed their views on how to bridge the gaps!

In the next Council meeting more details on better connecting between the youth and the places of worship will be discussed.

IHW Admin
10/08/14: University Students Visit the Islamic House of Wisdom

University Students Visit the Islamic House of Wisdom

Yesterday, October 8, 2014: More than 30 students from various US universities stopped by in Michigan today to visit a mosque, a church and a synagogue. We welcomed them at the IHW. Two hours of friendly and heartfelt conversation. Questions and answers from Islam and Christianity, the Bible and the Quran, the role of the mosque in this country, the position of Islam towards violence and terrorism, the cancer of ISIS and other Takfiri and terrorist groups, the rights of non-Muslims in Muslim countries, the evil of Islamophobia, the question of hijab and modesty, youth challenges, Islam's approach to women's rights and tens of other questions. There was an endless thirst and desire in the students to continue the conversation. We said goodbye to the satisfied souls. It was a great pleasure to experience their eagerness to continue the vision of bridge building and strengthening the covenant of human dignity through calling for peace and justice in the world.
Shortly after they left, we received a text message from Dr. Diane- the coordinator of the visit saying in part " Imam Elahi: Thank you for the excellent program today. the students were thrilled and i am very pleased!"
 Wishing Diane and her wonderful students a pleasant and safe trip. May God be with them, where ever they are!

IHW Admin