10/26/13: Islamic House of Wisdom Dinner: An Opportunity to Honor Community’s Achievements!

Islamic House of Wisdom Dinner: An Opportunity to Honor Community’s Achievements!

October 26, 2013- Islamic House of Wisdom held its Semi-Annual Fundraising Dinner last Saturday.

The program began with recitation of the Holy Quran by students of the IHW Arabic School. Hajj Dave Abdallah, the chairman of IHW's board of Directors welcomed the guests and briefed them about IHW's programs and projects.

Hajj Marwan Houry, the MC of the program called on the spiritual leader of the IHW, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi to deliver his dinner message.

Imam Elahi welcomed the religious, political and organizational leaders and members of the community with the Quranic salutation of Salaam (peace) and congratulated the audience on the occasion of Eid al-Ghadir.

Imam Elahi considered the event of Ghadir as a turning point in the history of Islam. A day of leadership and day of divine declaration of Imam Ali (as) as the successor of the prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

Imam Ali was not only a political leader, but a representative of Islam in its revelation, reason, truth, justice, love and morality.

Imam Elahi spoke about the miserable state of the Muslim ummah and stated that the biggest tragedy of our world is the moral tragedy and crises in leadership and that is why the message of Al-Ghadir is an international need.

Imam Elahi explained the services of IHW through education, ethics, outreach, interfaith and community awareness and asked for more support of the center to continue its quality services.

In his conclusion, Imam Elahi encouraged community members to participate in the November 5th election through exercising their right to vote. 

During the IHW dinner, five dignitaries from the Muslim and Christian communities were recognized and awarded for their outstanding achievements in leadership, love for Justice, social outreach, interfaith contributions and services to the community!

Mr. Osama Siblani, the Editor in Chief of the Arab American News invited the award recipients to the stage and admired them for their proud personal and public achievements.      

Osama started from Judge Salem (Sam) Salamey.

Honorable Salamey of Dearborn District Court Judge is a man of many life experiences in professional progress and community’s engagements.

Judge Salamey is committed to contribute to the greatness of Dearborn and its residents whether through the most successful law firms, community services and especially the court of justice.

As a community activist he has served in numerous civic, charitable, business and social organizations. Sam has been a recipient of many civic awards and admiration! Family and moral values are the last but not the least in Judge Salamey's list of great achievements.

Honorable Judge Turfe of DEARBORN HEIGHTS was another dignitary who was invited to the stage.

Judge Turfe was appointed a Chief Judge by the Michigan Supreme Court last November. Judge David Turfe is known for his hard work, humbleness, passion for fairness, and respect for the community.

Judge Turfe earned the confidence and support of residents of Dearborn Heights through his integrity, creative campaign and practical promises.

Energy, successful management of the court, fair and objective approach to every case regardless of race, religion and ethnicity are just parts of what have made Judge Turfe a popular Judge to be re-elected. He is a true man of family, morality and community.

Osama then invited Mrs. Charlene M. Elder to the stage.

Honorable Judge Charlene M. Elder is the first female Muslim judge from the Arab American community in the country. She is recognized for her commitment to justice and civil rights within her courtrooms.

Judge Elder’s membership, leadership and volunteerism in many community organizations have earned her special public respect.

Hajja Charlene is a great role model in modesty, family values, courage, commitment and enthusiasm to serve the public.

Judge Elder actions, inspiration and accomplishments should be inspiring for all those community girls who dream accomplishments in their life!

Dr. Basha was called to the stage.

Dr. Basha is the Founder and President of Basha Diagnostics, Dr. Yahya Basha combines the care and compassion, has been serving three of the largest counties in Michigan through locations in Dearborn, Royal Oak, and Sterling Heights over 30 years!

Graduated from the University Of Damascus, Syria, Dr Basha is Man of great achievements in the medical, educational, civil rights, service in the United States Department of Education and leadership in many national and international institutions.

As a man of faith, integrity, and generosity Dr. Basha has been contributing sincerely to so many humanitarian causes locally and globally.

Dr. Basha former accolades include: State of Michigan Civil Rights Commission  • “Civilian Ambassador” of the U.S. State Department • Chairman of the American Muslim Council in Washington (AMC) • Advisor to the American Muslim Taskforce (AMT) • Chair of American Muslim Political Coordinating Council (AMPCC) • Board Member of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID) • President of the Islamic Medical Association- Midwest Region (IMA) • Board of the National American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC).

Last but not the least Awarded dignitary at the IHW dinner was Mr. Jack Seman.

Jack is a member of Michigan Christian community known for his many decades of sincere interfaith activities. He has dedicated his life working for peace and justice in metropolitan Detroit.

Since the establishment of Islamic House of Wisdom in 1995, Jack has been coming to its interfaith gatherings and generously contributed to the success and progress of each and every event. No obstacle ever stopped Jack from working for diversity, unity and brotherhood.

Jack's famous mottos include, "we must practice what we preach” and “Jack is my name, quality is my game, and justice and truth are my aims!"

At the end a short video of IHW's educational, spiritual and interfaith services was played and the guests moved to the reception hall, where a delicious dinner sponsored by Dearborn Fresh was served, followed with a group prayer lead by imam Elahi.