May God save the burning Middle East and African nations from the hell of war and aggression and punish the forces of greed, insanity and oppression including the the famous deaf, dumb, and blind family called the terrorism of the House of the Saud and their partners!
Nurses from Eastern Michigan University Visit the IHW
Posted by Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi on Facebook: HERE
" The Gravity of Love, the Most Powerful Force in the Universe!
Today a group of nurses from Eastern Michigan University visited Islamic House of Wisdom. They will graduate this December after 4 years of hard work and studies.
All except one were Christian yet they wanted to hear some words of wisdom from an Islamic perspective.
I was happy to spend almost two hours of conversation, also giving them a tour around the mosque.
I told them that both mosques and hospitals provide service to the same human beings. One deals with physical and the other with spiritual diseases. More people go to the hospitals than mosques, because when their body hurts, they feel the pain but if their spirit hurts, they may not feel any pain, even worse- Sometimes they enjoy it!!
One thing we both share is our common love for our patients! We can't hate or refuse to help someone who is suffering! If we believe that all humanity is one family, then we should treat every patient like a family member.
I told the nurses that love and service are two central purposes of our creation and life. There is no way to see any beauty in this world if we have no love in our heart. The people who carry hate in their hearts towards other human beings, they are carrying an internal hell whose flames would burn them before burning others.
I explained how important it is to include their faith in their duties and services so they never get tired of what they do and never think what they are doing is enough. So instead of looking at the measure of your deeds, look at the measure of your love for your Lord and see how that is bigger than your actions.
I talked about sensitivity toward the religious and cultural characteristics of their patients and showing respect for a Muslim lady who likes to observe her hijab or prayer in the hospital.
We continued this conversation to the point that those who claim Islam but act with hatred have no place in a religion whose God's name is Mercy and its messenger was a mercy for mankind.
Isis, Al-Qaeda and other terrorists are there not to help Islam but to destroy Islam.
The nurses were deeply impressed with visiting Islamic House of Wisdom and expressed their pleasure with their words of kindness and courtesy.
An English translation of the holy Quran was given to our guests as IHW gift. "
Follow Imam Elahi's Posts on Facebook: HERE
Imams Council Meeting, discussing Crucial Community Challenges!
Earlier today, we finished the meeting of the Michigan Imams Council, hosting two honorable guests from ISNA at the Pelham Community Center.
The ISNA delegation presented an interesting orientation about the challenges facing the mosques in America. While many of the community members come to the mosques asking for help during their life struggles, yet a low percentage of Muslims get involved in the administration and activities of the mosques.
The absence of a strong community involvement might be the biggest challenge in many mosques in the US. Unfortunately, very few Shia imams attend the Council meetings.
Addressing both guests and the imams, Imam Elahi asked for some dialogue about the Shia-Sunni perspectives on certain issues for the sake of more understanding and unity among the Muslim communities in the US.
Of course we signed the Code of Honor at the IHW in 2007, yet a continuous respectful dialogue is needed to bring more closeness and cooperation.
Imam Elahi gave an example about Ashura! Imam Hussein was the son of the prophet we all (Shia & Sunni) love and follow. Yet, no mention of the sacrifice of the family of the Prophet (pbut) and their heartbreaking, merciless massacre in most of the mosques on the day of Ashura!!
Even worse, some of the mosques talk about Ashura like it's a day of joy and celebration, based on some questionable hadith! So we need to be aware of certain sensitivities among ourselves and our traditions.
A big part of today's conversation was dedicated to youth issues from the danger of drugs, alcohol, depression and suicide to marriage, family and staying faithful as more moral tsunamis are targeting this generation!
We also talked about the importance of Muslim participation in the upcoming elections, though none of the presidential candidates is perfect; however let's go ahead with the best of our knowledge and conscience!
Please send your comments about more involvement in the mosque and cooperation in dealing with the youth or other social issues!
Dearborn Interfaith Network Met at IHW - Discussed Observation of Martin Luther King Anniversary
Honoring Martin Luther King is to honor a call for justice and respect for human rights.
Pastor Fran Hayes of Littlefield Church, Pastor Colleen Kamke of St. Paul Lutheran Church and some other members of the Muslim and Christian community including Lila Amen, Robert Stead and Martha Hnatiuk met at the conference room of Islamic House of Wisdom to discuss the details of the upcoming Martin Luther King observance occasion.
Please mark your calendar for Sunday, Jan. 15th to attend the MLK Program at the World Deliverance Temple in Dearborn Heights, MI.
Meeting with Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani in New York City!
9-20-16
"It was a great pleasure to meet with President Rouhani, his foreign minister Dr. Zarif and their accompanying delegation including Dr. Nahavandian and Mr. Feraidoun in New York. " - More from Imam Elahi, Continued below!
It's interesting that out of hundreds of Presidents, Prime Ministers and diplomatic delegations attending the UN General Assembly, only President Rouhani spent some time out of his extremely busy schedule speaking and listening to some Muslim American leaders in NYC!
The President inspired us with his wise words on unity, standing against extremism and saving the Islamic civilization from the danger of those who are hijacking the faith!
He made a moving and meaningful statement about Shia-Sunni relationship and emphasized on so many common points among all Islamic schools of thoughts.
Br. Nehad Awad of CAIR asked the president about Iran's Syrian policy and President Bashar Al-Assad!
The President gave a detailed answer to this comment saying that Iranian approach to Syria is not about Bashar Asad but about helping a suffering nation whose land is under Isis occupation and its children are beheaded by those criminal cults.
Let's be practical the President said, if you are not working with the government and army of Syria who are fighting the terrorists then who else? Let's help save Syria first and then let the people vote and choose their government. If Iran and other parties didn't fight terrorism in Syria much more Syrian people would have been slaughtered by now!
The President concluded by saying that now even Europeans and Americans who were insisting on the departure of Bashar Assad are saying that time being he needed to stay in power till terrorism is over in Syria!
After the meeting Imam Elahi had a conversation with both brother Nehad and Dr. Basha and I noticed their agreement with what president Rouhani said about Syria!
During the meeting with President Rouhani, Imam Elahi admired him for his wisdom, courage, hard work and patience and spoke about two tsunamis that American Muslims are facing, one is the culture of extremist secularity which threats our children, youth and the foundations of our family values and another one is Islamophobia which threats our identity and security!
Imam Elahi mentioned how we have been trying to save our Muslim community from the sickness of sectarianism but unfortunately sometimes some parties' conversation is influenced with the Takfiri training!
Imam Elahi admired foreign minister Dr. Zarif for his article in New York Times about the fact that Wahhabi ideology is totally against both Shia and Sunni traditions in the world and we all need to be united against Takfirism!
Imam Elahi asked the government of Iran to let better relationship between Iran and America in both academia and the media! Thank you Iranian mission at the UN and Daftar of D.C. for coordinating this historic meeting!
Imam Elahi's Prayer for Peace at Littlefield Church. Thank you, Rev. Fran Hayes for Your initiative and Generous reception on the Anniversary of International Day of Peace!
This is the text of Imam Elahi's Prayer at the church! You may say Ameen if read it-
" O Merciful God, Allah, Almighty, Yahweh, Jehovah, Lord, Father, Maker and Creator!
35 years after UN passed the Peace Resolution (1981), our world is still full of war, hatred, tyranny, terrorism, pain and fear!
We have lost our hope in UN and other politicians' willingness and passion to provide peace for the populations of this Planet!
We have come to this interfaith prayer this morning to call upon You O God for help, healing, grace, guidance and direction!
You are the Lord of this world, the Absolute light of wisdom, life and love!
You are the Origin of peace, from peace and for the peace. Please lead us to the path of peace. Let the Ark of peace and salvation navigate through our hearts, houses, communities, countries and continents and turn this war-zone world to a place of humanity, humbleness and hospitality!
O Creator of Heaven and Earth, to You we cry today while reflecting on the sufferings of Syrians and other refugees of war and terrorism, their pain of hunger, homelessness and hopelessness.
O Lord You meant humans to represent Your Character, Kindness, Authority and Vision, please save this world from this insanity, ignorance, injustice, oppression, darkness, division, and destruction.
O God, You taught us that poverty is an enemy of peace, enemy of human intellect and integrity, please clean our country and our world from the shameful stain of poverty, racism, crime and corruption.
Bless us with the day when the night of war, terrorism, bloodshed and barbarian behaviors is over and the morning of peace begins to bring love, understanding, reconciliation, unity and brotherhood!
Bless us O Allah with the message, modesty, morality and true teachings of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammad (pbut) So we can continue this life journey to its final destination which is Your peace and pleasure. Ameen!
JIHAD IN AMERICA
The Satanic forces in Syria and other parts of the Middle East continue their criminal GENOCIDE in the name of JIHAD against the oppressed people!
At the same time the Devilish Islamophobic forces and their friends keep training the terrorists and mobilizing them with money, military and media while attacking and blaming Islam and Muslims for the mess they created.
Last week, Imam Elahi stopped by in St. John's Episcopal Church in Plymouth, MI to participate in a blood donation to help the American hospitals. Last time we had it at Islamic House of Wisdom and we will do it again in Ashura season.
Imam's intention was to walk his talk! The true teachings of Islam tell us: Instead of taking the blood of the innocent, we should help hospitals and wherever is needed with our blood and any other means.
Another word give blood instead of taking it!!
The nurse told him that currently there was a big demand for blood in the hospitals; his reply was to take as much that he could offer. She ended up taking one more extra unit of my red blood cells.
Imam didn't think even for one moment that his blood may be given also to someone with Islamophobic mentality.
As we are approach Ashura, we remember that our Imam Hussein (as) sacrificed his blood to bring life to the dead body of humanity of his time and times to come!
Finally, the blessing blood of forces of love and humanity will win the sword of Takfirism, Terrorism, Ignorance and Injustice!
Yes this is our JIHAD in America! Connection, Contribution, and Building the Bridges of Comfort and Confidence!
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!"
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.
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 ...
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!
07/10/16: Interfaith Visit the IHW
7/8/16: Some interfaith stopped by to attend the Friday Prayer & Meet with some attendees of the Friday Service
July 4, 2016: A candlelight vigil was held at the Islamic House of Wisdom in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Iraq and the World.
An hour of prayer, silence, sympathy and reflections were shared by all. Our prayers for the families of the innocent victims and for the recovery of the wounded.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!