Interfaith Iftar Held at the Islamic House of Wisdom

Last Saturday, Aug 4th-

The IHW interfaith Iftar was attended by the Mayor of Dearborn Heights, Judge Dingle, County officials, Muslim and Christian clergy, leaders of Michigan Boy scouts and community leaders and activists.

Imam Elahi welcomed the guests mentioning that the month of Ramadan is the month of revelation and resistance. Fasting is not only a physical experience but a complete observation and purification of mind, heart and spirit.

Imam Elahi condemned the acts of war and terrorism especially in the month of peace and forgiveness and prayed for peace and reconciliation in Syria.

The imam opened the floor for the guests to share their Ramadan reflections and thoughts pertaining to key community issues- from the upcoming election, challenges of the youth and working together for unity.

On Tuesday July 3rd, IHW held a dinner honoring Sayed Shahrestani- the head of the House of Wisdom in Canada, and Sayyed Tijani of Tunis. Attended by Shia-Sunni and community members.

During the dinner Sayed Shahrestani gave an introduction about his online Hawza which is currently funded completely by a group of pious contributors and offering services to thousands of Muslims around the world. Also, Sayed Tijani gave a word on the state of Tunis and Islam today in the light of all the revolutions that are still ongoing in the Middle East.

Islamic House of Wisdom hosts successful fundraising dinner

Friday, 04.27.2012, 12:14am- Arab American News

Imams, interfaith leaders and U.S. Rep. John Conyers (third from left, bottom row). DEARBORN HEIGHTS — The Semi-Annual Fundraising dinner at IHW was held Sunday, April 22 with the presence of Ayatollah Sheikh Abdul-Latif Berry, Imams, board members of local Islamic Organizations, interfaith clergy, Congressman John Conyers, Dr. Houssam Diab, the Consul General of Lebanon to Detroit, Judge David Turfe, and hundreds of community members and leaders.

After the youth presentation by Ali Najaf and the financial report by IHW treasurer Rafiq Diab, Imam Mohammad Ali  Elahi was introduced by Khalil Hachem to address the guests of the occasion.

Imam Elahi welcomed and thanked the guests of the dinner by saying, "Life is time and time is the greatest gift of God to humanity. To spend some of your time in the house of God is already a great contribution. The prophet said, be more greedy about your days than your dollars."

The main message of Imam Elahi was about cooperation within the family, community and universal fellowship. The culture of “we” and not “me” is the spirit of the center's prayers, he said.

Zakat (charity) is another form of cooperation in the Qur'an.  An order that is repeated in the Qur'an 32 times. Cooperation with the mosques by helping them to serve the faith and the community was the conclusion of Imam Elahi’s message. Four-hundred guests enjoyed dinner together in a welcoming family atmosphere. 

Congressman John Conyers and other nominees in the coming election addressed the community with their post-election outlook and plans. An award of Islamic Art was presented to Sara Wutwut and her family for their sincere service to the IHW. Following the dinner, members of the IHW began planning summer activities and programs that correlate with the Islamic calendar which will lead into the Ramadan nightly services. 

Islamic House of Wisdom Fundraising Dinner a Success!              

The Semi-Annual Fundraising dinner at IHW was held Sunday, April 22nd with the presence of Ayatollah Sheik Abdul-Latif Berry, Imams and board members of local Islamic Organizations, Interfaith clergy, Congressman John Conyers, Dr. Hussam Diab- General Consulate of Lebanon, Judge David Turfe, Osama Siblini- editor in Chief of the Arab American News and hundreds of community leaders and members.

After the youth presentation by Br. Ali Najaf and the financial report by IHW treasurer Rafiq Diab, Imam Mohammad Ali  Elahi was introduced by Khalil Hachem to address the guests of the occasion.

Imam Elahi welcomed and thanked the guests of the dinner by saying, "Life is time and time is the greatest gift of God to humanity. To spend some of your time in the house of God is already a great contribution. The Prophet (pbuh) said, be more greedy about your days than your dollars."

The main message of Imam Elahi was about cooperation within the family, community and universal fellowship. Quranic cooperation is motivated by piety, sincerity and responsibility and not through sin, selfishness, greed, evil and injustice. Even the Islamic rituals like our daily prayer are platforms of not only getting closer to God but cooperation with humankind. The culture of "we" and not "me" is the spirit of our prayers.

Zakat is another form of cooperation in the Quran.  An order that is repeated in the Quran 32 times. Cooperation with the mosques by helping them to serve the faith and the community was the conclusion of Imam Elahi's message.

The mission of the mosque is to rid Islamophobia and ignorance. It is to save the youth from the danger of drugs, alcohol, and adultery and to teach the new generation lessons of dignity, determination, compassion, commitment, generosity, justice, love, logic, prayer, patience, responsibility, righteousness, sincerity and wisdom. 

Mosques won't be successful without the cooperation of the community both by participation and financial contribution.

For the sake of time, Imam Elahi dedicated only 5 minutes towards calling on behalf of IHW for some urgent needs related to the projects and programs of House of Wisdom. The first contributor was Ayatollah Sheik Abdul-Latif Berry who pledged $5,000 in the name of religious marjaeyya (Jurisprudence authority). By the end of 5 minutes the Fundraising goal was met and more than 400 guests enjoyed a delicious dinner in a loving faith and family atmosphere.

During the dinner Congressman John Conyers and other nominees in the coming election addressed the community with their post-election outlook and plans. An award of Islamic Art was presented to Sara Wutwut and her family for their sincere service to the IHW. Following the dinner, members of the IHW have begun planning summer activities and programs that correlate with the Islamic calendar which will lead us into the Ramadan Nightly Services.

Muslim center holds singles nights

By Nick Meyer- Arab American News

Friday, 11.14.2008, 08:19pm

Singles nights are events that many different religious institutions hold to give people a chance to meet someone special who shares their beliefs in a positive environment.

But when Kathleen Mary Kalil looked around the Muslim community, she didn't see the same opportunities for people to meet each other. That's why she decided to help create a series of Muslim Singles Meet & Greet events in the metro Detroit area. The next one will take place at 8 p.m. on November 22 at the Islamic House of Wisdom on Ann Arbor Trail in Dearborn Heights.

Kalil partnered with Jennifer Elahi, wife of Islamic House of Wisdom Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, and Tarek Hassan, an architect and professor at Lawrence Tech, to help create the series of events.

"For a long time we've been reading in the paper about Jewish and Christian communities that do this at their churches, but we don't have anything like it around here, so we thought we might as well give it a try," said Kalil.

Kalil said the goal of the series was to give Muslim singles, especially those who are divorced or widowed, a chance to meet each other in a proper, dignified manner. The response from the community has been overwhelming so far, as people ask Kalil about them all the time.

The first Meet & Greet event, held four months ago, turned out a little differently than Kalil expected, however.

"A lot more men than women showed up at the first one," she said. "But now, we're spreading news around, putting fliers at universities and mosques and businesses as well as getting in the newspaper for more widespread publicity."

The event is open to all Muslims and Kalil says that if the next one is as successful as she hopes, she and the Committee for Muslim Singles' Nights will look into different venues for the future such as other mosques or perhaps Arabic restaurants in the Dearborn area and beyond.

"We hope that it will be a very respectful, dignified way for Muslims to meet each other and then they can take it from there," said Kalil. "They will have the opportunity to talk to each other, trade e-mail addresses or phone numbers, and then see where it goes."

Kalil said it is recommended but not mandatory that women wear a scarf to the event. She plans to hold the events every couple of months depending on how the reaction goes from the public.

Attendees at the November 22 event are asked to bring a $1.00 donation to cover the cost of refreshments. For more information, call Kathy Kalil at 248.563.6740, or send an e-mail to either kkalil@peoplepc.com or Bridgette@wayne.edu.

Islamic House of Wisdom Semi-Annual Fundraising Dinner a success

Friday, 10.21.2011, 07:25am- Arab American News

Guests listen to Imam Elahi’s speech at the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights. Elahi emphasized the importance of reaching out to the youth and serving the community.

PHOTO: Naheh AbuNab

DEARBORN HEIGHTS —Imams, community leaders, members of religious, cultural, social and educational institutions and interfaith representatives were among the honored guests at the Islamic House of Wisdom's Semi-Annual Fundraising Dinner on Sunday, Oct. 16. 

Main speakers included Dr. Mohammad Ajjour, Ayatollah Sheikh Abdul-Latif Berri and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, the spiritual leader of the center. 

"I I really enjoy being part of this community, and love you all. I am asking you today to show your support for this inspirational community center," Elahi said. 

"The glory of our mosque is not a minaret and dome, beautiful pews or auditorium but the services we provide, especially to the youth.

"Many Muslim youths are suffering from depression, identity confusion, and loss of faith. If their only friends are the ones on the Facebook and most of these live on the other side of this planet; when the TV is their full time teacher that they watch almost six hours each day, there is a terrible aching loneliness. Helping our youth develop faithful character can be best achieved through socializing and learning at places of worship like IHW.

The IHW has gone through numerous phases of development and progress, focusing on the spiritual needs of Muslims, while also considering the interests of non-Muslims through dialogue, discussion and social interaction. 

It also  provides child care, food assistance, and clothing and occasionally cash assistance to the needy, but its main role is spiritual and educational outreach. It reaches out to political activists and organizations standing against Islamophobia and works hard to remove hateful ignorance from society, because the politics of Armageddon ideology hurts America’s integrity. The center also performs funeral and wedding ceremonies and conducts outreach programs including sending books, Qur'ans and gifts to Muslim prisoners. 

Elahi thanked police, firefighters, teachers, and others upstanding members of society and also quoted the Prophet Muhammad, saying  “The one who is careless of the community’s affairs, is not a Muslim.”

"When I first visited the US in 1989, I was impressed by the common phrase, “Can I help you?” he continued. "Helping people gives grace to those who serve. If you are someone that other people seek out for help and advice, be grateful for the honor...A wise man is kind to both good and bad people." 

Semi-Annual Fundraising Dinner

October 16, 2011 |   The Semi-Annual Fundraising Dinner at Islamic House of Wisdom was a great community event due to the grace of God & support of the faithful.

The presence of Imams, community leaders, members of religious, cultural, social and educational institutions and interfaith representatives added diversity yet unity to our gathering.

Dr. Mohammad Ajjour, Ayatollah Sheikh Abdul-Latif Berri and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi were the main speakers of the occasion. Hajj Khalil Hachem, Hajj Hussein Zeytoun and Hajj Ahmad Alzaroui gave a digital presentation of IHW's projects and services.

We thank all who helped make the dinner a success through participation, volunteering and generous donations!

For the faithful who missed the dinner and like to express their support for IHW, the gates of contribution are still open.

 
1- Your khoms obligation or general donations can be sent online or mailed directly to IHW.

2-  Put your family name or honor the memory of your beloved ones on the Legacy Tree located at the entrance of Masjid-al-Noor at IHW!  

3- Submit a membership form to contribute a monthly donation in support of our projects & services.

According to the Holy Quran: "The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases: And Allah cares for all and He is the Knower all things. (2:261)

Islamic House of Wisdom interfaith iftar held in spirit of cooperation 

Saturday, 08.27.2011, 01:14pm- Arab American News

DEARBORN HEIGHTS - Islamic House of Wisdom held a Unity and Interfaith iftar Saturday, August 20, that attracted more than 300 people and highlighted the spirit of cooperation between the different faiths in the community.

The iftar included local imams, pastors and leaders of religious organizations, U.S. and State House representatives, Lebanese Consular General Houssam Diab, judges, representatives from civic and nonprofit organizations, community leaders, youth groups and a host of local elected officials and distinguished guests.

Islamic House of Wisdom has been a leader in interfaith dialogue and in bringing representatives of various faiths to celebrate the commonality of religions. It also sponsors different youth programs, focusing on tolerance, peace and unity.

“It is am important part of our Islamic belief that we’re connected to the various religions (comprising) the interfaith community,” Dr. Tallal Turfe said, opening the event. 

Father Jeffery Day of the Archdiocese of Detroit congratulated the Muslim community on the holy month of Ramadan and reiterated the importance of dialogue between Christians and Muslims. He thanked Islamic House of Wisdom for facilitating the dialogue. “It’s a blessing,” he said.

Imam Muhammed Ali Elahi thanked participants for attending. 

“Fasting is admired in all Abrahamic religions,” Imam Elahi said. “Fasting is spiritual exercise and to enhance discipline and determination over dangerous human desires and temptation.”

He urged participants to unite against extremism in all faiths because hatred directed toward certain members of the community hurts the entire community. “Ramadan is a good time to reflect on that and help us fight Islamophobia because it is evil,” he said. 

Ramadan Interfaith Iftar

Islamic House of Wisdom

Dearborn Heights, August 20, 2011 -- Islamic House of Wisdom held a Unity and Interfaith iftar Saturday, August 20, that attracted more than 300 people and highlighted the spirit of cooperation between the different faiths in the community.

The iftar included local imams, pastors and leaders of religious organizations, U.S. and State House representatives, Lebanese Consular General Houssam Diab, judges, representatives from civic and nonprofit organizations, community leaders, youth groups and a host of local elected officials and distinguished guests.

Islamic House of Wisdom has been a leader in interfaith dialogue and in bringing representatives of various faiths to celebrate the commonality of religions. It also sponsors different youth programs, focusing on tolerance, peace and unity.

The event began with a brief notes from Dr. Tallal Turfe, who emphasized the importance for Muslims to come together with their interfaith neighbors. 

"It is important and part of our Islamic belief that we be connected to the various religions that comprise the interfaith community," Dr. Turfe said. "As we gather for this Ramadan Interfaith Iftar Dinner, we are celebrating the commonality of God and what God means in all of our lives."

Father Jeffery Day of the Archdiocese of Detroit congratulated the Muslim community on the holy month of Ramadan and reiterated the importance of dialogue between Christians and Muslims. He also thanked Islamic House of Wisdom for taking the initiative to facilitate this dialogue. "It's a blessing," he said.

The spiritual leader of Islamic House of Wisdom Imam Muhammed Ali Elahi thanked participants for attending the dinner  and reflected on the benefits of Ramadan and the powerful messages it brings to the community. 

"Fasting is admired in all Abrahamic religions," Imam Elahi said. "Fasting is spiritual exercise and to enhance discipline and determination over dangerous human desires and temptation."

Ramadan brings humility, purity, sincerity and dignity to human hearts, and it is a time to repair relations with society, Iman Elahi said. 

"You shall never attain righteousness unless you give from what you love. Whatsoever you give, God is fully aware of it." (Quran 3:92) 

He urged participants to unite against extremism in all faiths because hatred directed toward certain members of the community hurts the entire community. "Ramadan is a good time to reflect on that and help us fight Islamophobia because it is evil," he said.

He also discussed the various exciting projects at the Islamic House of Wisdom.

• A recent renovation of the main hall to make it more spacious and inviting with colors, new carpet, and refurbished benches.
• The completion of a new maghsel to hep shroud the dead and prepare bodies according to Muslim rules and specification.
• The purchase a 7000-square foot school on the premises and is looking for someone to open a school there.
• The calligraphy project that is currently underway, aiming at beautifying Islamic House of Wisdom with Islamic Art.
• The various educational projects, conferences and seminars to serve the community.

For more information, call Islamic House of Wisdom at 313.359.1221.

Family and youth workshop to be held at Islamic House of Wisdom

Friday, 07.08.2011, 04:52am

DEARBORN —  On July 16th, the Islamic House of Wisdom in collaboration with local mosques and organizations, will hold a one day workshop to tackle family and youth issues that impact the local Muslim community.

The workshop will run from 1:30 pm until 7:00 pm and will feature distinguished speakers and activists from the local community including Ayatollah Sheikh Abdul Latif Berry, Sheikh Muhamad Ali Elahi, Hajjah Najah Bazzi, Sheikh Baqir Berry, and others. The topics will include parents and children's rights, Islamic perspective on sexuality, family structure in Islam, and other current topics.

This workshop will be the first in a series of workshops to take place throughout the year in participating local centers including but not limited to: Islamic Center of America, Islamic Institute of Knowledge, and Bint Jbeil Cultural Center. For further information, please call 313.359.1221.

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.