Salam Alaikum... Below is a brief report of last week's Fundraising Dinner at the IHW that was published in this week's Arab American News.

April 24, 2011

Islamic House of Wisdom Fundraising Dinner Demonstrates the Unity and Generosity of the Faithful Community. 

Islamic House of Wisdom celebrated its semi-annual fundraising dinner last Sunday, a successful event that included His Eminence Ayatollah Imam Berri, religious leaders, Congressman John Conyers, interfaith representatives, directors of Islamic and cultural centers and a host of elected official dignitaries.

IHW Founding Chairman, Dr. Mohammad Ajjour addressed more than 400 people, who gathered in the Mahdi Hall of the Islamic House of Wisdom. Dr. Ajjour said that the IHW has a rich history of serving the community with its religious, cultural, educational and civic programs. He praised the cooperation amongst various organizations and called for a stronger unity to build a better future for the new generations.

The Spiritual leader of Islamic House of Wisdom and founding Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi was the keynote speaker. He reflected on the recent visit to Dearborn by Terry Jones, saying that if Jones were to be the only crazy person, he wouldn't deserve any attention. But unfortunately, there is a large number of people who share Jones' ignorance about Islam and the Muslim community. 

Some have gone as far as saying the Constitution Should Not Protect Muslims, or the First Amendment is not for Muslims. "This is why we can't ignore him," Imam Elahi said. "If Jones would read even one page of the Quran he burned, he would have reconsidered his actions and words."

The Quran is spiritual medicine from the pharmacy of Heaven, which can cure all spiritual, intellectual and social problems if people are willing to submit to its message, Imam Elahi said. "The Quran promotes freedom of speech but it also emphasizes on speech to be beautiful, respectful, responsible, kind, clear, meaningful and honest".

They justified burning the Quran by saying that the book contains violent orders like stoning! As a matter of fact the Bible has 18 verses about stoning and the Quran has none, yet no Muslim ever burned the Bible!

Speaking about the concept of charity in the Quran, Imam Elahi reflected on the Quranic verses with five fundamental points:

1-    Charity should be given with the intention of God's pleasure.   الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّه

2-    Charity is not limited to money but includes knowledge, experiences and other Godly gifts.  وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ

3-    Give from what you like for yourself.  لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنْفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ

4-    Giving is not limited to prosperity but also to sacrifices during hardship.  الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاء وَالضَّرَّاء

5-    Charity can be given privately, publicly and any time, but it should be free from bragging. 

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تُبْطِلُواْ صَدَقَاتِكُم بِالْمَنِّ وَالأذَى

Imam Elahi thanked the community for its generosity to support the educational and religious centers and urged participants to observe the legacy of the Quran and the Family of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) by following their teachings with compassion, confidence and consistency.

It was announced that based on the permission of Ayatollah-Alozma Sistani and Marhoom Ayatollah Alozma Sayyed Fadlollah, and also Ayatollah Sheikh Abdolatif Berri, the faithful can support the Islamic House of Wisdom through the Sahmol-imam of the Khums.  This way the faithful observe their religious duty, while they can take advantage of tax deductible donation.

Also, it was announced for those who missed the dinner and would still like to show support, they may do so directly at IHW (22575 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127) or online at www.IslamicHouseofWisdom.com

Interfaith leaders Honor the Recent Victims of Terrorist Attack in Baghdad

Following   the criminal and terrorist attack at the Church of Lady of Salvation  that followed with more bloody and barbaric attacks on innocent  civilians in Baghdad, Muslim and Christian interfaith partners gathered at the Islamic House of Wisdom for a night of dinner, dialogue, and  prayer for the souls of  the victims of terrorism in Iraq.

Brother   Khalil Hashem welcomed members of the clergy community, organizational   leaders and members of numerous congregations.  He asked Imam Mohammad   Ali Elahi, the spiritual leader of IHW to bless the interfaith assembly  with his words of grace and wisdom.

Imam  honored the memory of Christian and Muslim martyrs from the last few  days  in Baghdad and condemned the murderers as people without faith,  dignity and  spirit. Imam Elahi reiterated the need for dialogue to fend  off the murderous and the extreme voices in every religion. The three  faiths have a lot  more in common than most people realize, and it is  imperative that their followers focus on the commonalities to spread  more peace and justice in the world, he said.

Reciting   verse 40 from the chapter of Al-hajj in the Quran, imam reflected on  the sacredness of places of worship, especially Mosques, Churches,  Synagogues and Temples. He called any threat or attack on places of prayers  and meditation a crime against faith and spirituality.

Imam   Elahi condemned terrorism in all forms and said those who practice acts  of terrorism in the name of Islam in reality are the worst enemies of  Islam that put fuel to the fire of Islamophobia.

In   another part of his message, imam Elahi pointed out the season  of hajj and stated that more than 3 million Muslims are on their way to  perform a religious duty of their life time in answering the call of  Prophet Abraham who was the spiritual father of the 3 Abrahamic  religions.

In   hajj, every pilgrim must pray in the place where Abraham prayed. They must walk between the mount of Safa and Marwa in search for spiritual  water, where the wife of Abraham searched for water for her son Ismail. In the end there is a sacrifice of meat that is distributed to the poor   and pebbles are thrown on the pillars in Mina to celebrate the sacrifice  and struggle of Abraham against the Satan.

Imam   Elahi further stated that we all are children of Abraham and the name of our father is mentioned in the Quran 69 times! We as followers of  Abraham must follow Abraham's faith, submission, sincerity, sacrifice,  patience, prayer and determination.

Let's   all be united against the cancer of extremism in Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and save our youth from any criminal hijackers of faith who are  ran directly or indirectly by the people of politics and power whose  greed for domination and materialism has no limit.

Imam   Elahi ended his words with prayer for those who lost their lives in  Churches, mosques and streets of Iraq and asked God for a speedy  recovery for the wounded and patience for the government and people of  Iraq.

Following   imam Elahi's words the interfaith leaders shared Abrahamic traditions and values and prayed for the victims of terrorism in Iraq. Some of the participants who expressed their views  included, Fr. Ventline, Bishop Haddan, Rev. Felix, Br. Dawud Walid, Dr. Talal Turfa, Imam Saleh, Jack Samaan, Dr. Afif Shokair and others. More details to be added to our online publication- stay tuned!

We are hoping to receive their comments to be used in IHW publications soon inshaallah.

Iftar used to push interfaith efforts

By Jessica Barrow- Arab American News

Tuesday, 08.31.2010, 02:17am

DEARBORN — The Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights hosted an interfaith iftar on Friday, August 20 at 8:30 p.m. with the theme of uniting against the hate speech and Islamophobia seen in America in recent weeks due in large part to the proposed mosque and community center near "Ground Zero" in New York City.

    "It is hurting not only Islam and Muslims, it is hurting America, it is hurting Christianity, it is hurting all the religions of Allah. It is hurting the integrity of this country," said Imam Elahi about the recent wave of anti-Islam sentiments. Elahi asked for help from those in the interfaith group in refuting stereotypes.

Reverend David Bullock of the Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church in Highland Park, Father Jeffrey Day of St. Sebastian's Parish in Dearborn Heights, Imam Dawud Walid, director of CAIR Michigan and Father Lawrence Ventline of Sacred Heart Church in Roseville were in attendance.

Father Day spoke to those present, reassuring them that they were working to bring peace.

"One of the tenets of Christianity is to bring peace to everyone. This is the message I try to give to parishes, priests and pastors," he said. "There is fear that  comes up when people see people who wear different clothing or speaking a language that is different, but we have to remember…we are all children of God.  This is a message I am trying to promote in the Christian Catholic Community."

Father Day, who is also the ecumenical and interfaith advisor for the Archdiocese of Detroit, is looking to put some of Imam Elahi's words about working together in action, as teachings in the Second Vatican Council specifically mention Islam, requiring Catholics to respect it.

"There is a part that talks about Islam and how we have to have respect for Islam because it is a religion that says there is one God and we must submit to him,"  said Father Day.

Imam Elahi  also spoke to the audience in regards to the month of Ramadan and how its message applies to all.

"It's a message of community, respect and working together with sincerity and honesty; of helping one another to help this country." He highlighted that fasting is not only a Muslim practice, but is practiced in Judaism and Christianity, thus Ramadan is an interfaith month.

"When we get together in the mosque during the month of Ramadan, we recite the stories of  Moses, and Jesus and Abraham, " said Imam Elahi. "In that sense it is the atmosphere of interfaith."

"The concept as fasting to preserve and protect really struck a chord with me," said Reverend Bullock.  "I was wondering how to add that to the Christian liturgical calendar. I believe we really need to integrate some symbols and traditions from the 'religions of Allah.'"

PHOTO: Reverend David Bullock of Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church in Highland Park,  Imam Ali Elahi of the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, and Father Lawrence Ventline of Sacred Heart Church in Roseville listen intently to a speech.             PHOTO: Jessica Barrow/TAAN

April 26, 2009
A brief report of the Islamic House of Wisdom Annual Fundraising Dinner
And words of wisdom by Dr. Mohamad Ajjour and Imam Elahi.
 
On April, 26, 2009, members of the Muslim Community gathered at the Islamic House of Wisdom for its Spring Annual Fundraising Dinner. Along with the supporters of IHW, officials including Mayor of Dearborn Heights, Dan Paletko, a representative from the Mayor of Dearborn, John O'Reilly, Jr., and Senator Martha Scott were in attendance. Representatives from the interfaith community, honorable Sheikhs and organizational leaders were also in attendance. 
 
Through the help of IHW Board Members, Staff and Volunteers the gathering marked another successful event at IHW. Through the dedication of the participants and their generous contributions, IHW was blessed to receive a considerate amount of donations and pledges of support while it continues its mission of serving the Muslim community. While the weighty mortgage continues, and the programs and services at IHW continue to be strengthened, IHW encouraged all to continue in contributing in whatever way that is individually possible.
 
From any range of monetary donations to a monthly commitment of membership in whatever way individuals can afford. The Legacy Tree displayed in the entrance of Masjid Al-Noor allows for anyone that contributes $5,000 and up to have a leaf or stone engraved permanently with the donor, relative's or late relative's name. Thus to be remembered when members come to pray and read fatiha on him/her and their legacy will be eternal and counted inshallah by God Almighty. Another way to contribute is to volunteer or serve as a member on one of the IHW committees. IHW prides itself upon  being a center that works hard for the people, by the people, all are welcome to be a part of its great mission! 
 
Chairman of the Executive Council Dr. Mohamad Ajjour welcomed participants to the IHW Dinner. He mentioned that in the Quran it says if you want to count the blessings of God and you actually finish you will have lack of vision or knowledge. IHW has existed for 10 years and its goal is to serve, be a part and to educate the community. Dr. Ajjour mentioned the activities at IHW while encouraging everyone to visit the website for more information about them (www.IslamicHouseofWisdom.com). 
 
He urged participants to seek what activities and types of outreach fit them the most and participate. To not only be a guest and visitor but be a participant and that is a goal of IHW. He encouraged participants to do their best in helping despite being in difficult times in the weak and struggling economy. In these times the centers in general are in need more for support, volunteers and financial support because there are people in our world who are in need. He compared it to a stage in the baseball game where the team is losing and they are in need of someone to step up to the plate and deliver. 
 
From the Quran, Dr. Ajjour asked the audience who was in reality asking for the donations. The verse says, Whoever loans to Allah (swt) a beautiful and good loan, Allah will double to his credit and multiply it many times. Allah (swt) will withhold and give plenty and to Him we shall all return. He said, we know that when we do it, that it is not because of an individual or because of the community but because it is requested by God to help and support this institution. A house of God is where we go to pray, participate, learn and to teach. 
 
Mentioning another verse he said, The mosque of Allah shall be visited and maintained by those who believe in Allah (swt) and last day. To establish prayer and regular charity and to fear no one but Allah (swt). This verse, Dr. Ajjour said, has to be in mind when we donate knowing it goes for right place and right cause. 
 
He stated one thing that God wants us to do is to not only try to get better in life but to also be healed with the spirit of faith. When you want to search for the cure, the Quran says, Oh mankind, the Quran came to you from a direction of the Lord and as a healing for your  hearts. It says it is a guide and a healing for those who believe and the healing process starts within you by participating, communicating, attending and donating. Dr. Ajjour concluded by encouraging everyone who is able to do a little more than they are already and has been doing with the intent of pleasing God in result who is the one who will reward us. 
 
Imam Elahi was the main speaker of the occasion and a brief of his comments follow.
 
He spoke about the physical and spiritual maintenance of the houses of God by the faithful community. He mentioned prayer and charity as two other duties of the faithful.
 
Imam said the prayer is the sign of submission to the Creator, while charity is the sign of sympathy with the creation.
 
Prayer is expression of our love for our Lord; charity is expression of our understanding for the world.
 
The prayer is ascension to Allah, charity is an access to Al-Nas or the people. Prayer is a bridge to Heaven while charity is a bridge to the earth.
 
With salat we show our sincerity to our Beloved, with zakat our honesty to our brothers.
 
Imam added that still there is more emphasis on charity than prayer, and stated that while the salat is mentioned in the Quran only 99 times, the concept of charity is mentioned 148 times. There is reason for this. Charity seems to be more difficult than prayer. It needs real courage, and resistance against greed and selfishness.
 
Imam reminded the audience of the Quranic verses calling for charity in both the day and the night, and of charity given both privately and publically. The best charity is the one spent in the way of God and not in the way of a personal agenda and desires. The charity of Ahlol-Bayt was not for the people's reward and recognition.
 
Obviously God doesn't need our charity, it's for our own benefit! To purify our own soul, build our own character, stabilize our own society and free it from crimes and violence.
 
Imam mentioned that from piracy in Somalia to murder, rape and robbery in Detroit we see the cause of crimes to be mainly poverty and ignorance. Justice and generous charity are the answer.
 
Imam admired the giving spirit of American people who pay up to $300 billion each year to the religious, educational, health and social institutions. On the other side he mentioned the greed of some Americans like Maddoff who betrayed the people's money while some of the media remained silent about where all the $50 billion have gone! Though based on an Israeli website, a big part of that money was transformed to Israeli banks run by a Madoff associate!
 
At the end Imam considered charity as reflection of God's rahma and compassion. He said it is God who accepts your zakat so kiss your hand when you give since you bless your hand by giving. The Prophet said there is an angel who prays to God every day saying, O God, give every giver your special gift, while depriving the greedy from your grace!
 
During his lecture Imam also mentioned some political and social issues related to the community and the world.