04/28/13: Islamic House of Wisdom Successfully Celebrates Fundraising Dinner
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