Last Sunday, March 23, 2014- A Sunday service was held at the Islamic House of Wisdom in memory of the late, Hajji Fawzieh Abdulhak. View photos of the gathering: HERE
Hajji Fawzieh Abdulhak passed away on February 20, 2014. Please Recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
Islamic House of Wisdom Honored Al-Sadr Foundation Delegation with Official Dinner & Presentation
View Photo's of the Occasion: HERE
Wednesday, March 19, 2014- Sayedah Rabab Sadr Charafeddine, the head of the Sadr Foundation in Lebanon, with Sayed Hamid Al-Sadr, the son of Imam Mosa Sadr and a delegation of the foundation were honored at the Islamic House of Wisdom.
Imam Elahi welcomed the guests and praised the services of Imam Mosa and his leadership in the 20th century in Lebanon and the Middle East. He admired Imam Mosa's wisdom, knowledge, faith, determination, moral values and actions. Imam Elahi spoke of the local community, especially the youth and their need for characteristics of Imam Mosa. Imam called for more unity and cooperation in the community for the sake of protection and prosperity of the community and their support for good causes whether local, in the Middle East or Africa.
At the end of the dinner Sayedah Rabab thanked IHW and attendees of the evening gathering. She talked about the foundation's latest communications on the destiny of Imam Mosa Al-Sadr, 35 years after his disappearance in Libya.
Hajj Marwan Houry, Hajja Nawal Hamade and Br. Hasan Bazzi also shared some welcoming words during the dinner.
IHW honored the memory of late, Hajj Khalil Alawan
View photo's of the occasion: HERE
View Imam Elahi's Message on Youtube: HERE
Last Sunday, March 16, 2014- Imam Elahi reflected on the history of his friendship with the marhoom and admired his dedication, determination, services and his sacrifices for his faith, community
and country. Imam called late hajj Chuck a man of dignity, wisdom, courage, generosity, and honesty.
He admired the educational role of the marhoom in guiding the English speaking audience- in particular the youth. Doing so for decades before social networking and online communications such as Facebook and Youtube at a time when little English material about Islam was available.
Imam Elahi also admired marhoom hajj Khalil for his great contributions in the establishment of Islamic Center and Islamic House of Wisdom.
Other speakers who made great comments about hajj Khalil included: Hajja Najah Bazzi, hajj Adnan Cherri (the son of late, Imam Cherri) Hajj Ali Faiz, Imam Abdollah Amin, Eid Alawan, Rev. Lawrence, Raad Alawan,hajj Hamza Makki, shaikh Mohammad Dabogh, Shaikh Faisal Al-Kazemi and some other members of the congregation.
Hajja Kamili Alawan, hajj Haidar, hajj Eid, hajj Chuck Bazzi and other Alawan family members thanked IHW for its invitation and the service.
Saturday, March 8th-
Weekend Islamic-Arabic School Students had an opportunity to reflect on the life and lessons of Sayeda Zainab (as). As a part of their weekend activity, they practiced and performed the afternoon prayers in groups of classes in the masjid. Details of the upcoming Summer Islamic-Arabic School program will be posted soon!
Friday, March 7th- A special program and dinner celebration was held for the ladies in commemoration of the birth of Sayedah Zainab (as).
A young sister, Ghadir Daheni of the weekend Islamic-Arabic School began the evening with recitation from the Holy Quran. Sister Teeba Sadoun continued with words in English and recitation of poetry while Hajji Um Ramzi followed with a presentation in Arabic.
Guest Reciter's Hajji Hanan and Sister Kawther were the main reciters of the evening that touched and united the hearts of everyone! Zainab Hussein was the master of ceremonies for the evening! The event was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all- details of the next sister's event will be posted soon!
Sunday Breakfast Celebration!
Last Sunday, Jan. 19th- Continuing the weekend celebration, Imam Elahi delivered a presentation on the life and legacy of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to the participants of the Sunday Service.
Every Sunday morning at the IHW,
members gather at 11:00am to enjoy in a breakfast together, followed with a themed presentation of the week.
Later in the afternoon last Sunday, members of the Iranian community held a beautiful family celebration and exciting program for the kids to honor the birth of Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh).
Family Movie Event!
Last Saturday, Jan. 18th- IHW held a special screening ofthe animated cartoon movie, "Muhammad- the Last Prophet". Children along side of their parents stayed for the almost 2 hour long film. The evening began with congregational prayer, followed with the movie where families enjoyed snacks together, children interacted as they watched the film, some had an opportunity to have their face painted and child care was available for the younger kids to socialize.
If you have any suggestions for the next movie you would like to see- please reply to this message!
To view some of the photo highlights of the event: click HERE
Arabic-Islamic School Students Celebrate!
Last Saturday, Jan. 18th- Students of the Arabic-Islamic School celebrated the birth of the Prophet (pbuh) with a special program for the families and students.
Quranic Recitation and Islamic songs were presented by the students of each class.
To view some of the photo highlights of the event: click HERE
Ladies Program- a success at the IHW!
Last Friday, Jan. 17th- A special program and dinner celebration was held for the ladies.
Sister Teeba Sadoun recited poetry in English while sister's Um Sami and Um Ramzi delivered presentations in Arabic.
Guest Reciter's Hajji Hanan and Sister Kawther were the main presenters and reciters of the evening that touched the hearts of everyone! Zainab Hussein was the master of ceremonies for the evening! The event was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all!
To view some of the photo highlights: click HERE
A group of interfaith met in Imam Elahi's house for dinner and discussion about strengthening families and marriage in hopes of eliminating crises in families and domestic violence. Imam Elahi briefed the guests about the tragic death of Sanaz Nezami who allegedly was killed by her husband.
He pointed out to the epidemic of family problems, which is threatening every community regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.
Rev. David Kasbow and Dr. Michael Ross ran the meeting and suggested a conference on this subject to take place in April. Other members who participated in this brainstorming meeting included- Rosemarie Denton, Gary Nixon, David Kasbow, Rabbi Waldman, Janice Daniels, Pastor Geri Simmons, Warren Palmer, Pastor Faith, Emmanuel Kouassi, Yvonne Moore, Denny Lukasik, Jim Thienel and Karen Jackson.
They concluded that for America to overcome the destruction of families and marriage in order to return to the morals of faith, it must remember God and stand against what is wrong, even if it's unpopular.
Continuing to plan the conference, the group will meet again in the next week with more leaders to lay the foundation of the upcoming conference. The conference will reflect on the vision of family, solutions for the current crisis and will address the role of clergy and community leaders towards providing family guidance.
IHW Commemorates The Miracle of Saving Seven Lives!
Last Sunday, January 12, 2014
Sanaz was a 27 vibrant gifted woman who traveled 6,000 miles from Iran to Michigan to further her education. She spoke Persian, English, French, Spanish, Arabic and German and already earned a master's degree in French translations and a bachelor's of science in environmental health engineering from Iran. She came to Dollar Bay, Michigan to pursue a doctorate in environmental engineering at Michigan Tech University.
Nezami had recently married Nima Nassiri, an American born Iranian, and planned to begin classes in January after she arrived in Michigan in November, according to the AP. On Dec. 8, Nassiri allegedly assaulted her, and she was taken to Marquette General Hospital, where she died later on.
Her family in Iran watched helplessly through a webcam. They gave permission to for her heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and small intestine to be donated to seven people in the United States.
"We wanted God to perform a miracle and bring Sanaz back to life," her sister, Sara Nezami, told the Associated Press. "But this is a miracle. Sanaz gave her life in order to give life."
Islamic House of Wisdom held a memorial service for Nezami Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. IHW spiritual leader, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi highlighted Sanaz's intellectual, academic and spiritual accomplishments and her legacy of saving lives through her death.
Reading a letter from her sister, Imam Elahi emphasized on Sanaz's faith and dedication to learning as Islam mandates. Sanaz had just started to translate the Quran from Arabic to English and French. She also was a true believer of interfaith through her involvement within the faith communities and through participating in community service.
Imam Elahi expressed the wishes of the Nezami family to meet with the recipients of their daughter's organs because they consider them as their new brothers and sisters.
Imam Elahi addressed domestic violence as a major social problem. He recited verses from the Quran, emphasizing the importance of family in Islam.
"The family should be the center of safety, security, love, loyalty, hope, harmony, respect, responsibility, patience, forgiveness, honesty and trust," he said. "We can't have a safe and healthy society if family lacks moral values."
Imam Elahi asked the Muslim community to help the Nezami family through this painful financially and spiritually.
Members of the Iranian and Middle Eastern community attended the memorial including local media, officials and the BBC World Service, which recorded the event as part of its series on the Nezami tragedy.
Friday at 6:30pm:
"Broken Dreams" On Stage, LIVE at the IHW!
December 23, 2013- the Islamic House of Wisdom held a special Arba'een Program for Women with guest reciter and speaker, Hajji Hanan. The service included poetry and latmiyah by several sisters of the community. The program was appreciated by all.
We would like to invite all ladies to an upcoming occasion to honor the Birth of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Please click on the flyer to the right for more information. To Reserve Your tickets- Call the IHW (313) 359-1221 or reply to this email!
In the Name of God, The Beneficent, The Merciful...
"To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return" 2:156 إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
“And soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!” 26:227
وَسَيَعْلَمُ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا أَيَّ مُنقَلَبٍ يَنقَلِبُونَ
Once again, the filthy hands of the satanic forces committed a new crime against Islam and humanity.
Approximately 200 men, women and children were killed or wounded on the streets and residential areas close to the Iranian diplomatic mission in the southern neighborhood of Janah in Beirut. Iran's cultural attaché to Beirut, Hojjatoleslam Ebrahim Ansari and some Lebanese security forces were among the martyrs.
Although already Al-Qaeda-linked groups accepted the responsibility of this cowardly crime, it’s clear that Al-Qaeda forces are nothing but evil instruments in the hands of some oil driven and revengeful regimes in the Middle East.
All Muslims of conscience, both Sunnis and Shias together should condemn this savage and disgusting deed. We must work together demanding to bring not only those ignorant so-called Al-Qaeda puppets but their uncivilized supporters to the court of justice.
How can someone justify homicide and genocide in the name of Islam, while even suicide is prohibited in this religion? This barbarism and brutality has no place in the true teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). This cancerous tumor of terrorism must be removed from the body of the religion of peace.
Let us gather Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 5:30 pm to recite from the Quran and Dua Kumayl on the souls of these and all other innocent martyr.
Also, join us this Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 11am to condemn terrorism and honor the memories of the martyrs and show sympathy to their suffering families and to pray for the fast recovery of the wounded victims of this tragic terrorist attack.
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.
Historic Girl Scouts Interfaith Service held at the Islamic House of Wisdom!
To view photo Highlights of the event: click HERE!
Last Sunday, Oct 20th was a remarkable day in the history of Interfaith for Girl Scouts in America.
More than 700 girls from diverse faith backgrounds gathered at the Islamic House of Wisdom for their 2013 Girl Scout Interfaith Service.
"Girls of Faith . . . A sister to every other Girl Scout"
Under the organization of Girl Scout leaders that include Suzanne Bante, Amal Mazeh and assistance of Hawra Yassine, Fatima Dahoui, Mary Elias, Dr. Al Tarlo, JoAnn Johnson, Carol McConnell, Fran Clancy, Dr. Faith Strickland, Christal Renaud, Deanna Goralczyk- the program was a great success due to the hard work and organization prior to the event.
The service included:
Flag Ceremony, Girl Scout Promise, Break Every Chain, A Pilgrimage to Hajj,and Living Rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother and Shalom Chaverim!
The Hajj ceremony performed by theMuslim Girl Scouts made a great impression on the audience demonstrating tawaf, the sacrifice of Abraham and story behind Zamzam which brought tears to many Muslim and Non-Muslim eyes.
Imam Mohammed Ali Elahi was the first religious leader in the ceremony who welcomed the interfaith guests and thanked the Girl Scout leaders and troops for their sense of responsibility and commitment.
Reflecting on the title of gathering "Girls of Faith", Imam Elahi stated that faith is the most needed value in this chaotic and confusing world full of crises andmoral tragedies!
Imam Elahi answered the question of where is God by saying:
God is very close to us, He is in our conscience, He is everywhere in creation, anywhere there is beauty, wisdom, truth, justice, organization, perfection, grace, guidance, love and compassion.
People from different traditions may call Him with different names!
Yahweh, Jehovah, God, Lord, Father, Maker, Creator and for those who speak Arabic, Allah.
Imam emphasized on the role of faith in 4 areas of human life.
1-Worship and remembrance of God
2-Purification of soul and domination over internal desires
3-Respect, appreciation, honesty, fairness and love for other human beings
4-And finally caring for the nature and protection of the environment
Imam Elahi advised the youth to put faith as the foundation in choosing their friends, so they can trust their love and loyalty even in the most challenging times of life.
Reflecting on the life of Sayedah Zainab, Imam called her the first leader of Girl Scouts in Islam whose patience, determination, and discipline made her a great role model in history of suffering and sacrifice. Imam asked the Girl Scouts to show solidarity for Zainab, who has been a victim of injustice while still hundreds of years after death, her grave is under the daily bombardment by the forces of darkness in Syria.
Fr. Jeffrey Day, Ecumenical/Interfaith Advisor of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and the leader of St. Fabian Catholic Church also addressed the Girl Scouts with his beautiful remarks.
Fr. Day thanked the Girl Scouts and Imam Elahi for hosting such a great interfaith service.
Fr. Day invited the Scouts to reflect upon the life and example of Mother Theresa of Calcutta. Even though Mother Teresa died in 1997, her life story is still relevant to girls of today; she strived to a sister to everyone she met.
The Fr. Spoke about Mother Teresa who founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, which in 2012 consisted of over 4,500 sisters and is active in 133 countries. Continuing the work of Mother Teresa, they run hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis; soup kitchens; children's and family counseling programs; orphanages; and schools. Members of the order make the three traditional vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, but also a fourth vow, to give "Wholehearted and Free service to the poorest of the poor".
Fr. Day concluded with a few inspiring quotes from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta:
"When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed."
"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. "
"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
Unfortunately at the time of this report we haven't received a copy of the beautiful remarks of the third clergy, Reverend Robyn Moore, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church but will post them as soon as they are received.
This extraordinary event of Michigan Girl Scouts ended in an atmosphere of love, discipline and cooperation. The girls were invited to the main hall where they received badges for participation and craft projects to complement the event.
Greenland Market generously provided the refreshments that helped provide a good atmosphere of healthy socialization and friendship.
Please recite surah al-fatiha on the soul of Hajjah Maryam Osman. Hajjah Maryam, a founding member of the Islamic House of Wisdom has dedicated many years of sincere service to the community, in particular the IHW. Always, a smile on her face yet sincere concern to help all in what ever way she could. With appreciation and love, we reflect on some of her many experiences with us.
