Islamic House of Wisdom Successfully Celebrates Fundraising Dinner
Dearborn Heights, MI, April 28, 2013 --
Islamic House of Wisdom celebrated its semi-annual fundraising dinner
successfully Sunday, attracting more than 400 officials, dignitaries,
supporters, volunteers, members and friends from different faiths and
nationalities.
The
event, which began with recitation of the Holy Quran, included
presentations, awards and celebration of the wonderful programs and
services Islamic House of Wisdom has been providing to the community.
Islamic House of Wisdom Board of Directors Chairman, Dave Abdullah
welcomed participants and thanked IHW's spiritual leader Imam Mohammad
Ali Elahi, the IHW Board of Directors, volunteers, staff and the
community for their unwavering support of Islamic House of Wisdom.
Abdullah
said, imam Elahi and a group of dedicated members of the community
established Islamic House of Wisdom as an answer to a great community
aspiration, and today, it is one of the largest Muslim institutions in
the State of Michigan, a leader in intra-inter faith dialogue, a force
in fighting Islamophobia and a champion for peace, justice and freedom.
During the event, the IHW board recognized five people for their achievement and service to the community.
Dearborn High student, Ollie Ajami was recognized for his athletic, educational and high grades achievements.
Dr. Tallal Turfe
was recognized for his national and international achievements. His
dedication to the unity of the community and his work for peace and
justice through his books, lectures and outreach.
Attorney Abed Hammoud
was recognized for his achievements and services in a variety of high
level jobs in the area. His courage, leadership and his role in
establishment of several community civil and political organizations.
Mr. Harold Samhat
was recognized for his personal achievements and his dedication to the
community. He has been a successful businessman, with numerous awards
and has been a strong supporter of the community.
Hajji Mariam Osman
was recognized for unwavering support of IHW. She has served IHW with
utmost dedication, sincerity and devotion, participating in every way
possible while promoting the mission of IHW.
Imam Elahi
thanked participants for their attendance and reflected on the
constructive role of a mosque in the community and the role of the
Islamic House of Wisdom as a spiritual organization. "The main function
of this House is the remembrance of Allah," he said. "That is to be
aware of His presence in our lives, to make our life the life of zakerin
(those who are awake) not the life of ghafelin, (those negligent and
asleep)."
Also,
he said indeed dhikr is not consisting of only saying a few words as
lip service, but to establish the attributes of Allah in our souls. To
remember Allah means to remember that He is of peace, justice, love and
forgiveness. He is of generosity, unity, and is caring for His creation.
The goal is to apply Allah's attributes in our life.
World
problems of today from chaos, confusion, crime, corruption, war,
terrorism, poverty, racism, hate and hostility are out absence of
spiritual awareness! All of these problems caused by people without
faith or by those who turn their faith into fanaticism.
The Quran says:
وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّن مَّنَعَ مَسَاجِدَ اللّهِ أَن يُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ وَسَعَى فِي خَرَابِهَا
"And
who are more unjust than those who prevent the name of Allah from being
mentioned in His mosques and strive toward their destruction". 2:114
The
faithful support the Mosque because the mosque serves the community and
any service to the community is a service to Allah, which is the
purpose of our life, he said.
"Islamic
House of Wisdom is open seven days a week ready to serve the community:
to defend the truth; to stand for justice and for human dignity; to go
to any meeting at any time and any place; and to take any measures to
clarify the position of our faith and our community on any misconception
and any politicized misunderstanding that may occur", Imam Elahi said.
"We
give our services with complete care and humility. As the Imam, I focus
on my faith and mission, not my personal comfort and such. In fact its
an honor to sacrifice our comfort, respect and prestige to serve our
faith and community " he said.
Imam
Elahi called the faithful community members to use part of their Khums
money to support the services of the area mosques and get credit both
from God and the government tax obligation. He mentioned that more than
10 of the greatest Islamic marjas have authorized IHW to receive khums
for its educational, social and family services.
Daniel
Paletko, the mayor of Dearborn Heights, some community members who are
running for election and local activists made remarks about the
importance of participating in the coming elections including, Mike
Sareini, Mo Berro, Susan Dabaja, Zeinab Hussein and Jane Badlow. Hajj
Marwan Houry was the Master of Ceremonies throughout the dinner event.
Mayor
Paletko said, "As Mayor, I am so grateful and believe the community is
blessed to have the Islamic House of Wisdom located within the City of
Dearborn Heights. The mosque and Imam Mohammad Elahi have been in the
forefront of inter-faith cooperation and has lead the Metropolitan
Detroit area in fostering inter-religious discussion.
I am
so glad and feel blessed to have the friendship of Imam Elahi and the
membership of the Islamic House of Wisdom. May God bless all of you! "
Fr. Jeffry
Day representing the Catholic church made some important remarks,
reflecting on the emphases of the new Pope on necessity of dialogue
between Muslims and Christians!
Islamic
House of Wisdom is one of the successful spiritual institutions in
North America, and it is a leader in interfaith dialogue. It is located
at 22575 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights, MI 48126. For more
information, call 313-359-1221.
More Pictures: IHW's Facebook Gallery- April 28, 2013 Fundraising Dinner
Photo's by Bill Chapman Photography: Facebook Gallery