11/26/14: Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
November 26, 2014- Last night, Wednesday- An interfaith Thanksgiving service was held at the People's Community Center located in Hamtramck, Michigan. The service was organized by brother Arif Huskic, the chairman of Common Word Alliance!
Hamtramck Mayor Karen Majewski, Judge Paul Paruk and Superintendent Thomas Niczay were the main speakers. Imam Elahi and some other Muslim and Christian leaders were asked to share some thoughts and reflections with the audience.
Imam Elahi admired the mayor, the judge and the superintendent for their words focused on the importance of community services and spoke about the hadith from prophet of Islam who said that humanity is like a divine family and the closest members of this family union to God are the ones who are more useful for society. The essence of faith is action, contribution and sacrifice for the sake of others, the imam said.
Imam Elahi admired the policy of Judge Paruk who prefers community service over jail for certain individuals with minor crimes. Imam mentioned that generally speaking, most of the crimes are done out of poverty and ignorance. If people with a good education and job wont get involved with stealing and similar crimes, the only exception would be people with greed or a criminal mentality.
At the end, Imam Elahi spoke on the concept of Thanksgiving and culture of appreciation in our relationship with God, People and the Planet!