09/23/08: Region's interfaith efforts seek to counter cancer of extremism
Detroit News
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 by: Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi
Region's interfaith efforts seek to counter cancer of extremism
A week from today, the Muslim community will celebrate the end of the month-long Ramadan fast on Eid-ul-Fitr, our biggest religious festival of the year.
Many religious communities have observed fasting. The Ramadan fast frees us from some daily distractions and allows for increased internal reflection, spiritual purification and social action.
One of my greatest memories of this month was the night when more than 300 Christians, Jews and Muslims met to worship God and break bread together. We approached our common concerns through dialogue and cooperation.
The three faiths share many similarities. The Quran, truly an interfaith book, has honored Abraham on 69 occasions, mentioned Moses and his struggle against the injustice of Pharaoh 136 times and honored Jesus and Mary 70 times. God's love, mercy, forgiveness, peace and patience are mentioned in the Quran 1,000 times.
Yet the world is not short of people who, in God's name, submit to Satan and commit terrorism to provoke unjust wars. The attack on the Marriott hotel in Pakistan, the bombing of the American Embassy in Yemen, the destruction of the religious Web site of Ayatollah Sistani and many other Shia Muslim Web sites during the last few days were not based on God's desire. They showed that evil continues even in the month of peace and prayer when the gates of heaven are open.
The interfaith delegation discussed the cancer of extremism as a serious threat to the central essence of our faiths, which is love. Religious extremism pits Muslims against Muslims, Christians against Christians, Jews against Jews, and all against each other. Last year CNN "God's Warriors," a documentary by Christiane Amanpour, opened many eyes on this grave danger.
We need to develop correct responses to terrorism. Our own government supports corrupt dictatorships and political games, which are the main sources of fanatic violence.
We are far from the front lines; yet we hear the noises of explosions through the collapse of Wall Street, home foreclosures, gas prices and other economic and social symptoms.
Through our blossoming friendships within the interfaith community, we should build a new spiritual civilization based on the culture of cooperation, peace and justice, forgiveness and reconciliation, respect for human rights, helping the poor and ending war and oppression.
America is really the best place to start this journey. Our beautiful Constitution guarantees religious freedom and a nation whose citizens prefer to think for themselves.
The upcoming election will be a great test for interfaith efforts. The world is watching to see whether Americans uphold our democratic principles or vote on race, class and group interests.
Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi heads the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights. Next interfaith gathering is this Friday, 8:45 p.m. at the House of Wisdom. E-mail comments to letters@detnews.com.