09/21/13: Interfaith gathering in Mother of Savoir church in Dearborn!!

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.

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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