Birthday of Imam Mahdi (aj) Celebrated at the Islamic House of Wisdom
Program included recitation of the Quran, Poetry, Presentation by Imam Elahi, Congregational Prayer, Dua Kumayl & dinner together!
Recently: A large number of Iranian-American's participated in the recent Iranian presidential election.
Dr. Hasan Rouhani, who is known for his eduction, experience and moderation won the election.
Some of the voters made a group photo with Imam Elahi, who has known Dr. Rouhani for more than 35 years!
2-Day Event at the IHW!
June 13 & 14th- The Islamic House of Wisdom Celebrated the Birthday of Imam Hussein (as).
In both evenings Imam Elahi spoke about the significance of Imam Hussein's (as) life and legacy while Hajj Ahmad Hamdan added energizing Islamic songs (nasheed) to the programs.
Participants enjoyed in a dinner together and gifts of candy were handed out to the children!
Stay tuned- IHW is preparing to Celebrate the Birthday of Imam Mahdi (aj) next week.
"New Leaders: Empower the Community" - Event by Students for Islamic Awareness held at the IHW
Last Monday, May 27th- Students for Islamic Awareness from UofM Dearborn, held their dinner at the IHW titled, "New Times, New Leade
rs: Empower the Community". Featuring a panel discussion, Q&A and poetry consisting of Brothers: Ali Fadhil, Nouri Sardar, former SIA President, Brother Ali Najaf and Mohammad AlSaadi. Click HERE to view the photo's on Facebook.
May Allah (swt) bless the effort of the organizers and volunteers of the event.
Last Saturday, May 25th- The last day of Saturday Arabic and Quranic school for the students was celebrated at IHW. Organized by the Principal, Ostad Adel Qadi, Sister Maha, a member of the IHW board and education committee and a group of the school's teachers.
Imam
Elahi addressed the students and their parents, encouraging them to keep
promoting and striving towards education, faith and family values.
If you would like to participate in the summer Arabic school program, please contact the office at (313) 359-1221 or reply to this message for more info!
Celebration of Imam Ali's (as) Birthday at the Islamic House of Wisdom -
Great Success!
Last
Friday, May 24th- Islamic songs & recitation by Hajj Ahmad Hamdan,
presentation by Imam Elahi and dinner with members of IHW and the
community. See photo highlights below....
Imams of Michigan's Muslim Community Council Met at IHW
Wednesday: May 22, 2013- Following the Boston bombing, increase of Islamophobia and negative backlash on the Muslim community in the US, the Imam's council asked Mr. Robert Foley, the MI director of FBI and his assistants to address some of the Imams questions about the new developments.
The three hour meeting dealt with a variety of concerns coming from Shia and Sunni Imams about anti-Islamic prejudice in the public media.
In this meeting American Red Cross representative, Mr. James Bayson gave a presentation on Blood donation and Emergency Response.
A special guest of the council was Dr. Talal Turfe who emphasized on the importance of unity in the Muslim community. Dr. Talal distributed his book on Unity to the participants and reflected on how to end the conspiracy of division between Shia and Sunni.
At the end, both Co-Chairs of the Council, Imam Mustafa Al-Turk and Imam Elahi suggested a one day conference on dealing with the fitna of Shia-Sunni division in the Middle East and how to prevent its effects on the Muslim community in the US.
Some council members pointed out the daily death and destruction in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other parts of the Middle East and asked the imams of Friday prayers to observe the Code of Honor signed by imams at IHW in 2007.
The date of the conference was set up for Saturday, June 29th from 10:00am till 4:00 pm. More details will be sent out soon.
Last Tuesday, May 21st- 3 members of DAMA, Pastor Amy, Pastor Fran Hayes and Hajja Lila Amin met with Imam Elahi at IHW to discuss ways to revive inter-religious dialogue within the area.
Imam Elahi said that interfaith dialogue is a Divine desire mentioned in the Quran. The church leaders agreed with Imam Elahi that interfaith outreach doesn't have to be just about the theological aspects but also issues related to people's lives and daily struggles of the community.
Last Saturday, Islamic House of Wisdom's Arabic School held an ice cream social for all of the students. Sister Maha, a member of IHW's board of Directors helped facilitate a day of fun and friendship.
Honoring Mother's Day during the Sunday Service at IHW
Sunday, May
12, 2013- Mothers, daughters, all women and young ladies received roses
from Imam Elahi in Sunday's special Service Honoring Mother's Day.
During
his presentation imam Elahi stated, Mother's Day may be known for
eating out, cards, gifts, hugs and kisses, but the real message of today
should be building a better spiritual connection between mothers and
children.
Highlighting some of family's current crises, imam spoke about the need for more love, appreciation, patience, forgiveness, wisdom, respect, humility, responsibility, discipline and understanding in all aspects of family life and relationships.
Saturday, May 4, 2013-
Michigan State University sponsored a conference dealing with depression as a serious social problem. The conference was held in the Double Tree Hotel in Detroit.
Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi participated in the conference and was welcomed by two of the organizers, Dr. Jean Wright (on the left) and Dr. Halim Naeem (on the right).
Last Friday, May 3, 2013-
Birth of Sayeda Fatima (as) Honored at the IHW!
In
a special program for women and young ladies honoring the life of
Fatima Al-Zahra (as), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), more than
500 participants enjoyed an evening of sisterhood, education,
entertainment and dinner together.
The evening began with Quran read by sister Mariam Al-Musawi followed with a poem from the heart of sister Teeba Sadoun.
Hajja
Dr. Vicki Ashker, Vice Chair of IHW spoke about the importance in
involvement of Muslim women through leadership, decision making and
active participation in the centers and community.
In light of the
theme of leading women, Hajji Raeda Makki was invited to the stage to
receive a gift of recognition for her exemplary role within the family
and community. Through the encouragement and dedication of Hajji Raeda
and her husband, Hajj Hamza, their children have become role models for
the youth through their active participation and recitation in many of
our weekly services and local events.
Guest speaker of the program,
Hajji Laura Beydoun, empowered all in attendance with inspiring and
heartfelt lessons of Sayeda Fatima (as) in addition to practical methods
of application in the daily lives of all women.
Concluding the program, a popular local singer and musician delivered a delightful appetizer of nasheed.
In
the main hall throughout the dinner, there was a bazaar of Islamic
items and gifts and more than 30 items raffled off to participants.
Sister
Zainab Hussein, MC of the evening service and dinner concluded the
evening with brief words on the importance of engagement of women in the
political arena from voting to becoming a leading figure in office.
Special thanks: to all participants, staff, volunteers and generous business and individual sponsors!
To get involved in planning of the next sister's event: reply to this email or call the office for more info!
Islamic House of Wisdom holds fundraiser, recognizes local leaders
Thursday, 05.02.2013, 07:57pm- Arab American News
DEARBORN HEIGHTS — The Islamic House of Wisdom (IHW) celebrated its semi-annual fundraising dinner last Sunday, before an audience of hundreds of officials, dignitaries, supporters, and community members of different faiths and nationalities, who turned out to support the mosque.
Since its establishment in 1995, the IHW has created a niche for itself in the community through its focus on the spiritual needs of Muslims and reaching out to non-Muslims through awareness and dialogue. The mosque reaches out to political activists and organizations and combats Islamophobia, in an effort to eradicate hate and ignorance against Muslims.
The event program included a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, special presentations, an awards ceremony, and a highlight of the pro-active programs and services that the IHW has provided to the community over the years.
IHW Spiritual Leader Imam Mohammad Elahi thanked participants for their attendance and reflected on the effective role of the mosque in the community and as a spiritual organization. Following his speech, the IHW board recognized five individuals for their achievements and service to the community.
Dearborn High School student Ollie Ajami was recognized for his athletic and educational achievements. Ajami has accepted a full athletic scholarship to Grand Valley State University, where he will play college football.
The Islamic House of Wisdom honorees pose in the front. Honorees were (From Left to right) Hajji Mariam Ousman, Mr. Harold Samhat, Attorney Abed Hammoud, Dearborn High student Ollie Ajami, and Dr. Tallal Turfe. Dr. Tallal Turfe was recognized for his national and international achievements, including his dedication to unifying the community and his work for peace and justice through his books, numerous lectures and outreach activities.
Attorney Abed Hammoud was recognized for his achievements and contributions to a number of high-level jobs in the area, including his most recent position as an Assistant U.S. Attorney within the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. He was also recognized for his leadership and his role in establishing several community civil and political organizations, including the Arab American Political Action Committee.
Mr. Harold Samhat was also recognized for his personal achievements and his dedication to the community. He has been a successful businessman and a prominent contributor to the community, as a board member of the Arab American National Museum, for a number of years.
Hajji Mariam Ousman was recognized for her unwavering support to the IHW over the years. She has served the IHW for a number of years and has participated in every capacity to promote the mission of the organization.
Some of the attendees at the event included candidates who are running in local elections this year. Among those present, included Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko, Dearborn Heights Mayoral candidate Janet Badalow and Dearborn City Council candidates Susan Dabaja, Mike Sareini and Moe Berro.
Dabaja, Sareini, and Berro all expressed a unified message during their address to the attendees, highlighting the importance of getting involved in local elections. Mayor Paletko also encouraged community members to get involved as well and went on to recognize the IHW as a leader in the community through its continued efforts to foster interfaith cooperation and dialogue.
Another speaker at the dinner, Father Jeffrey Day, who was representing the Catholic church, made some important remarks, reflecting on the new Pope and how his appointment sparked peaceful dialouge between Muslims and Christians.
While the IHW has served as a spiritual home to many, it has also provided care to the needy on many occasions, through food assistance, child care, clothing and occasionally cash assistance to those less fortunate. The center also performs funeral and wedding ceremonies and conducts outreach programs, which include the disbursement of books, Qur'ans and gifts to Muslim prisoners.
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
April 21st- Health Event a Success!
Last Sunday, A special Health Seminar & Screening took place at the Islamic House of Wisdom.
Under the organization of Hajji Dr. Vicki Ashker, in cooperation with Oakwood Hospital, participants of Sunday's Service had an opportunity to learn about stroke prevention in addition to having their concerns and questions answered by various participating health professionals.
The presentation highlighted: Stroke- Risks, signs and symptoms. In addition methods of immediate action and rehabilitation care were noted.
Following the presentation, several medical staff of Oakwood
hospital were on the scene to do free screenings for diabetes, blood
sugar and high blood pressure.
Participants appreciated the information and outreach.
If you would like to become involved in future Health Events and planning, please reply to this message for more information!
Special Thanks to Hajji Dr. Vicki Ashker for the initiative of planning and implementing two of our most recent healthy living seminars and screenings.
Muslim Girl Scouts form strong friendships through faith
Thursday, 03.21.2013, 05:39pm: Arab American News
DEARBORN HEIGHTS — The Muslim Girl Scouts troop of southeast Michigan could be one of the largest scout groups in the region with its more than 250 members according to a report. Its members reside in different cities in the region, and meet once a week. They also take trips during the summer.
Janan Wutwut, who has been a member for years says the group has brought her closer to her faith, and she wouldn’t know as much about Islam as she does today if she hadn’t joined. Wutwut says over the years she’s met friends through the group she wouldn’t have met otherwise, and formed close friendships.
“I’ve been in the group for years, and a lot of us have watched each other grow up. It’s more than just a girl scout troop. We’re forming strong friendships and learning a lot about each other. I’ve learned so much about my faith as well,” Wutwut said.
There are about 25 volunteers who dedicate their time to leading the group, and include parents, college students among others.
Muslim Girl Scouts at the Islamic House of Wisdom where they performed a reenactment of Hajj ritual proceduresRana Alaouie, who’s a volunteer and has two daughters in the group says its members are taught to be confident and encouraged to take on leadership roles when they get older. “We want them to be strong and take on leadership roles in the future,” Alaouie said. She says the girls are taught about different issues such as bullying. “We teach them that bullying is wrong and Islam teaches us to love one another,” she said. Through the group the girls are embracing American culture and their faith.
Hawra Yassine, 21, and a volunteer was never a part of the group growing up, but wishes she was because of the opportunities and friendships its members form.
“It’s a wonderful thing to watch these girls mature and grow,” she said.
Last Friday the group delivered a powerful performance before hundreds at the Islamic House of Wisdom’s interfaith event here where they reenacted the ritual procedures of Hajj through prayers and songs.
Sayyed Najah Al-Huseini spoke about the philosophy of Hajj, from unity to purification of the soul. Imam Elahi welcomed the guests and spoke about the future role and responsibility of the Girl Scouts. Imam Elahi said that Girl Scouts is about love through action, and service and sacrifice for the sake of others. Imam Elahi wished the girl scouts a joyful journey in life, a journey beautified with two words: love and action. At the end, he thanked Hajja Amal Mazeh and other Muslim and non-Muslim leaders of the girls organization.
“It’s a great experience, when we have our own kids we want them to be in it,” Wutwut said.
If residents are interesting in participating with the group, they can contact the Religious Relationship Committee at interfaith@gssem.org.
Last Friday, March 15th-
Muslim Girl Scouts Interfaith Event at Islamic House of Wisdom
Last Friday was a day of faith, sincerity, service and love at the Islamic House of Wisdom.
In a powerful performance, the Muslim Girl Scouts of Michigan presented to participants of the occasion the ritual procedures of hajj through prayers, reenactment and nasheed songs.
Sayyed Najah Al-Huseini spoke about the philosophy of hajj, from unity to purification of the soul.
Imam Elahi welcomed the guests and spoke about the future role and responsibility of the Girl Scouts. He stated, "Wisdom is God's greatest gift to humanity, sent to us directly through the light of reason and indirectly through revelation was sent to Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammad".
Imam noted that the flower of Girl Scouts of America was product of a woman of wisdom. Beginning 101 years ago, a lady named Juliette Low invited 18 girls in the city of Savannah to teach them powerful principles of wisdom, courage, commitment, character, confidence, compassion, justice and love! Today, there are more than 3 million girls in this organization.
Continuing, Imam said that Girl Scouts is about love through action. It's about service and sacrifice for the sake of others. A perfect model of Girl scouts in Islam would be Zainab (as). She served the cause of freedom, justice and truth with maximum devotion, determination and discipline.
To understand and appreciate the position of girls in Islam, look at the Quran and the life of Prophet Mohammad and his family (pbuh). More than 1400 years ago in the time when people were ignorantly upset upon news of a baby girl, the Quran mentioned girls before mentioning boys!
He grants females to whom He wills, and grants males to whom He wills. 42:49
More than 1000 years ago Imam Sadiq (as) said: The girls are blessings, the boys are gifts, blessing brings more reward but gift brings more responsibility.
حسنات والبنون نعمة فانما يثاب علي الحسنات ويسال عن النعمة البنات
Imam Elahi wished the Girl Scouts a joyful journey in life, a journey beautified with two words: love and action.
At the end, he thanked Hajja Amal Mazeh and other Muslim and non-Muslim leaders of the girls organization.
Sheikh Ali Hassan Gholom, an imam of a Shia community in Kuwait welcomed by Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi at IHW.
During this visit, the challenges and opportunities of the Muslim communities both in Kuwait and the USA were discussed.
Sadr Foundation Delegation Visit to the Islamic House of Wisdom Revives the Memory of Imam Musa Sadr!
Last Night, Wednesday- Sayedah Rabab Sadr Charafeddine, leading a delegation from the Foundation visited the Islamic House of Wisdom.
The chairman hajj Dave Abdallah and the directors of IHW welcomed and honored the guests with a dinner participated by a group of community religious leaders, heads of organizations and some members of IHW's congregation.
Sayedah Rabab thanked Imam Elahi and the board members for their hospitality and spoke about the foundation's educational services to the youth in Lebanon and some other parts of the Middle East.
In his address, imam Elahi called Imam Musa Sadr one of the most charismatic characters and leaders of the world in the 20th century. A man of God with a mind full of wisdom and vision, a heart full of love and passion and a life full of service and achievement.
Speaking about the interfaith approaches of Imam Musa Sadr, Imam Elahi honored the openness, understanding, patience and passion of Imam Sadr for unity, cooperation and peaceful coexistence of all people regardless of their religious, race and nationality backgrounds.
Mentioning the current war and bloody violence in the Middle East, Imam Elahi concluded that the path to peace according to Imam Sadr would be dialogue and diplomatic communication and not through military and bloodshed. Those who reject dialogue and choose the path of death and destruction are responsible for the tragic pain and poverty of the people in the region.
Images by - Br. Nafeh AbuNab & Br. Mohammad Hassan Elahi - thank you!
March 3rd- Health Event a Success!
A special Health Seminar & Screening took place at the Islamic House of Wisdom.
Under the organization of Haji Dr. Vicki Ashker, members of the board, volunteers and in cooperation with Oakwood Hospital, participants of Sunday's Service had an opportunity to learn about healthy living strategies in addition to have their concerns and questions answered by various participating health professionals.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Samer Salka highlighted ways to achieving a healthy heart while touching on viable methods of heart attack and Stroke prevention. Following the presentation, several medical staff of Oakwood hospital were on the scene to do free screenings for diabetes, blood sugar and high blood pressure.
Participants appreciated the information and outreach and encouraged the IHW to organize more events like this in the future. If you would like to become involved in future Health Events and planning, please reply to this message for more information!