He asked about the expectations of president Obama's new strategy on ISIS and other terrorist organizations in the Middle East. The time was very short but listening to both provided a balance about the political direction of the US and the painful plight of the people in the region!
Press Conference held to stand against Violence in the Middle East
Yesterday, August 13, 2014- An emergency press conference was held by the Imams Council of Michigan to stand against the murder of innocent civilians in Gaza and Iraq.
Also in attendance, members of the Michigan Muslim Community Council, the director of the ADC, Fatina Abdrabboh, the American Middle East Christian Congress and several community activists.
Interfaith Dinner & Program at St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church
Tuesday, August 12, 2014- The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit under the leadership of President Dr. Robert Bruttell held an interfaith dinner and program located at St Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church.
Imam Elahi participated in the dinner and appreciated the hard work of the organizers, in particular Dr Bruttell. The Imam addressed the panelists and the guests reflecting on some of the life struggles and challenges facing the communities of faith in other parts of the world. The panel responded with solutions such as prayer, creating public awareness, speaking up and putting pressure on the government for real action.
Following the interfaith dinner, Imam Elahi and imam Mustafa Elturk, the two co-chairs of the Imams Council in Michigan visited the Sanctuary of the Orthodox church and spoke with Rev. Shalhoub, the founding pastor of this magnificent church.
During this visitation imam Elahi conveyed sympathy of the Muslim community to Father Shalhoub for the criminal practices of so-called ISIS against the Christian minorities both in Syria and Iraq. Fr. Shalhoub appreciated the visitation and stated that both Muslims and Christians are on the same boat on this human crises. He condemned the inhuman acts of the warmongers in the Muddle East and prayed for peace, justice and end of war and violence in the birthplaces of three Abrahamic traditions!
Interfaith Conference at World Deliverance Temple
Tuesday, August 5, 2014: World Deliverance Temple held its Annual Interfaith Conference. Bishop Roy Ferguson invited Imam Elahi to the podium.
Imam Elahi thanked the bishop for the warm invitation to participate in the conference and for providing an opportunity to share some words. Imam said that since both Muslims and Christians love Jesus, then he is a link of unity and understanding between us.
Pointing out the human tragedy in areas such as Gaza, Syria and Iraq, the imam condemned the forces of injustice and oppression regardless of their false representation of Judaism or Islam.
Condemning what so-called ISIS is doing against Muslims, Christians,and other communities in Iraq, the imam quoted a verse from the Quran that protection of places of worship, being mosque, church, synagogue or temple is a duty of every Muslim. He concluded that the so-called ISIS doesn't represent Islam or the Muslim world, they are real enemies of Islam and humanity.
This Sunday, August 17th from 4:00pm-7:00pm there will be a Seminar and Workshop on Building and Developing Marriages & Family. Imam Elahi will be participating in a workshop on the Islamic Perspective on Marriages and family Development with a focus on the Youth.
All are encouraged to participate, the event is hosted by Common Word Alliance and will be located at People's Community Services Center: 8625 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212. Read more about the event: HERE.
Islamic House of Wisdom Annual Ramadan Interfaith Iftar
Thursday, July 10, 2014 --See Photo Highlights HERE!
Islamic House of Wisdom held its Annual Ramadan Unity Interfaith Iftar that attracted more than 400 people throughout the evening.
Message from Imam Elahi on the occasion of the interfaith Iftar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCzoTaEpYxE&index=4&list=PLeSQfqYmn-lYcWNE_lIyVTCmHzWOkZRhV
Participants of the iftar included local imams, pastors and leaders of religious organizations, judges, Mayor of Dearborn Heights, representatives from civic and nonprofit organizations, community leaders, youth groups and a host of local elected officials and distinguished guests.
The Ramadan and interfaith message was delivered by the spiritual leaders of IHW, imam Mohammad Ali Elahi. The imam called Ramadan a month of revelation and reflection, prayer and piety, resistance and spiritual liberation. He spoke about the Quran as a powerful communication between the Heaven and the Earth with a universal message based on peace and justice in human family.
He also pointed out to the bloody conflict in Iraq and Syria and condemned ISIS and other terrorist organizations who have hijacked the Islamic faith and contributed to Islamophobia in the world. The imam called the current so-called sectarian conflict a political and military conspiracy whose main agenda include more power, money and domination in those rich areas. He questioned the crocodile tears of the Saudies for the Sunnis in Iraq, and said- are not the men, women and children of Gaza also Sunni? How come no Saudi tears, strong talk or any action in Gaza?
The floor was opened to community activists and leaders who shared their thoughts on interfaith and good wishes to the Muslim community. Some of the participants in the iftar conversation included: Mayor Dan Paletko, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, State Representative David Knezek, Imam El-Amin, Imam Salie, Hajj Nasib Fawaz, Judge David Turfeh, Hajj Mohammad Turfeh, Dr. Michael Ross, Brenda Rosenberg, Zeinab Hussein and a few others
Hajj Riyad Bazzi was the MC of the evening and hajj Dave Abdallah the Chairman of IHW board, welcomed the guests in the beginning of the program.
Following the program, everyone moved to the reception hall where they enjoyed in a delicious dinner and discussion together. Interfaith friends were delighted to have had the opportunity to join us and expressed their anticipation towards having future occasions together.
Br. Jalal Moughania & Sayed Abathar Tajaldeen delivered their energizing program at the start of the evening and will continue throughout the month of Ramadan nightly in English. All, especially families and youth are encouraged to join us every night as we continue to build upon the theme of the month: "In Pursuit of a Better me!"
Islamic House of Wisdom has been a leader in interfaith dialogue and in bringing representatives of various faiths to celebrate the commonality of religions. If you would like to stay up to date on the interfaith activities of the community or would like to get involved in interfaith outreach, please send us a message at Info@islamichouseofwisdom.com.
UMAA Conference - Memorial Day Weekend in Dearborn, Michigan
See Photo Highlights: HERE
Saturday, May 24, 2014: Dr Hassan Abbas, imam Qazwini and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi spoke about the best direction and role for the mosques in the US. They also answered questions from the attendees during the session hosted by the UMAA conference at the Adoba hotel in Dearborn, Michigan.
Imam Elahi emphasized on three fundamental roles of the mosque: spiritual, educational and social! Referring to the Quranic verses, the mosque is house of God and the people who attend the worship are the guests of God who receive rewards, spiritual enrichment for their meditation, reflection and devotion.
imam Elahi also emphasized on the educational role of the mosque, especially the power of Friday sermons in bringing community awareness and removing the ignorance of Islamophobia.
Finally he explained the social role of the mosque as a center to build brotherhood, unity and cooperation in the community.
Sunday, May 25, 2014: In an interactive panel discussion on marriage and family life, Hajja Najah Bazzi, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi and Shaikh Mohammad Hilli spoke and answered questions!
The youth who attended the conference from different parts of the US engaged in the two hour long informative panel and asked for guidance for their future journey.
Imam Elahi emphasized on the role of faith in the stability of family life and the first priority in choosing a life long partner. The imam spoke about other Quranic characteristics of a happy and healthy family such as taqwa, fairness, humility, mutual understanding, forgiveness, patience, love, peace, hardworking, sense of responsibility and respect.
Imam recommended establishment of a marriage foundation in the community to promote marriage and to help the singles find a right match for their life.
Also on the panel, Hajjah Najah Bazzy. Noting a sixty percent divorce rate amongst married couples within our society, Hajjah Najah highlighted ways to strengthen and preserve the relationship between husband and wife. She emphasized that when in the midst of disagreement, it is best for both parties to delay the discussion until both are calm, even if it's the next day! Saying that women need to talk out an issue and men like to retreat until they are ready to talk, she said that it's important to be clear in naming your feeling, not to wait for your spouse to guess how you feel. It is important to bring your entire being into marriage, that there is no such thing that half of me and half of her make a whole rather a whole and a whole make a union like rings.
More quotes to be posted as we receive them from the other panelists.
Dr. Mahmoud Ayyoub Visits the Islamic House of Wisdom
May 23, 2014: The internationally renown scholar, Dr. Mahmoud Ayyoub visited the Islamic House of Wisdom and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi. Dr. Ayyoub received his Ph.D in the History of Religion from Harvard University in 1975 and currently teaches at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut.
Dr Ayyoub invited the imam to be part of promoting the establishment of the Islamic studies chair under the name of Imam Ali (as) in the Hartford Seminary. Imam Elahi admired the idea of having a chair at Hatrford Seminary and promised to do all that he can to support this good cause.
Strengthening Marriages & Families- Conference & Discussion
Last Monday, May 19, 2014: Following the interfaith Family Conference that took place at Islamic House of Wisdom last month, the organizers of the restoring families and marriage initiative held a half-day conference and discussion at the Hampton Inn hotel located in Canton, Michigan.
In the meeting, seven objectives for the next seven years were discussed.
The goal of the interfaith activists is to strengthen marriages while decreasing the divorce rates.
The conference is planning to set up some training sessions for the clergy community in order to prepare them with methods of conflict resolution so they can better help the needs of families in their congregations.
Present in the meeting from the Muslim Community and the Islamic House of Wisdom, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi and wife, Hajja Jennifer Elahi.
Photo Highlights: HERE
Some members of the IHW participating in the ICOFA fundraising dinner last Sunday!
Imam Elahi Delivers Opening Prayer for Annual Boy Scout Leadership Banquet- Interfaith friend of IHW, Dr. Faith Strickland Honored!
Last Thursday, 5th Annual Recognition Banquet for Boy Scout Leadership of America- Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi delivered the opening prayer for the program and dinner. Pictured, some of the boy and girl scout leaders who have participated in many of IHW's interfaith events.
On the right, Dr. faith Strickland, Ph.D. who received the Silver Beaver Award, one of the highest awards for scout leadership.
5-10-14- ISNA Masjid Forum in Dearborn: In continuity of working to establish a better network among the mosques in America, ISNA held its 2nd Forum in Duble tree Hotel in Dearborn. The speakers and participants shared ideas and experiences.
May 9, 2014: Professor Martyn Smith, a religious studies professor of Lawrence University in Wisconsin with a group of mainly Christian students attended the Friday prayers and listened to the Friday sermons of imam Elahi.
Following the prayer, Hajja Jennifer Elahi gave a tour of the mosque to the guests. The professor and his delegation then met with the imam in his office where they had a long conversation with questions and answers.
At the end of this friendly and serious dialogue, the students expressed their pleasure of their first ever mosque experience in Michigan. The active movements of the nature of prayer in Islam, sense of unity and connection in the prayer, and the link between the imam's weekly message with the current events nationally and internationally, were only part of what had impressed the professor and the students of Lawrence university.
The guests, imam, his wife and some members of IHW shared a light lunch together!
Scholarship Celebration at Bint Jebail Cultural Center
Recently: Ostad Yahya Shami, the famous Lebanese writer and poet, with imam Elahi and some community members who participated in Bint Jebail Cultural Center's Scholarship Celebration.
Dearborn Area Interfaith Network observes National Day of Prayer in front of Dearborn City Hall
Today, May 1, 2014: The Mayor of Dearborn, John O'Reily along with Mayor of Dearborn Heights, Dan Paletko opened the ceremony with their welcoming remarks.
Other speakers and organizers included Rev. Fran Hayes, Kevin Dewey, Joseph Murray, Kelly Meister, Dearborn Police Chief- Ronald Haddad, Patti Burns, Kathleen McBroom, Fatmeh Faraj, Hajja Lila Amin, Hajj Kassem Allie, Rev. Deborah Sattewhite, Rev. Beltramo Beverly, Rev. Tracy Haffman, Rev. John Cramer, Bishop Ferguson, and Rev. Mike Ewert!
“ Thank You God for the inspiration of the National Day of Prayer!
Calling for Unity of people, unity of prayer under One God!
Please make every day of this nation, a day of prayer, day of patience, day of peace, day of generosity and justice. O Glorious, Compassionate and Merciful Lord!
Bless our hearts with love and humility, our minds with vision and wisdom, and our wills with power and determination to serve You and Your creation!
You are the God of Hope, Help and Healing!
Please guide us and help us to represent and reflect Your mercy, justice and reconciliation in a world suffers from the forces of injustice, corruption, poverty, ignorance, brutality and bloodshed.
Please bless our local and national authorities with the devotion, courage and leadership and bless America to be a shining light of sincere support for freedom, democracy and protection of human dignity and rights.
Again- thank you, O Lord for having us together as one neighborhood, one community and one family, please forgive our mistakes and shortcomings and help this interfaith network and this family to work together happily with love, loyalty and respect, Ameen ”
6th Annual Muslim Mental Health Conference: This Weekend in Dearborn, Michigan!
Some of the key subjects to be addressed this weekend: Promoting Access to Mental Health Care, Challenging Stigma in the Muslim Community, Eliminating Barriers to Seeking Services, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training for Imams & Community Leaders, State of Muslim Mental Health Panel!
Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi who participated in the morning session was welcomed by the organizers, Dr. Jean Wright (on the left) and Dr. Halim Naeem (on the right).
Representative John Dingell (pictured on the left of Imam Elahi) addressed the morning session of the conference. For Details of the Conference- See HERE
Metro Detroit Interfaith Conference: Restoring Marriage & Family Life in 2014!
Photo Highlights of the Event: HERE
Tuesday, April 7, 2014- More than 150 religious, social and business leaders, in addition to community members gathered for a day long conference at Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights.
Some National public speakers who spoke during the conference and answered questions during the panel discussions included: Dr. Barney Field, Dr. Nick Phillip, Dr. Michael Ross, Rev. David Kasbow, Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Ms Kathy LeLonde and the Master of Ceremonies for the conference was Mr. Vic Faust of Channel 7- Detroit!
The powerful presentations of the guest speakers inspired all participants. More details will be sent as soon as received.
Imam Elahi, the spiritual leader of the Islamic House of Wisdom where the conference was hosted opened the morning sessions with prayer and a welcoming statement!
Imam Elahi admired the diversity of the audience who came from different places and faith traditions. He called the marriage contract a serious heavenly covenant, stating those who say "I do", must be aware of the meaning of that promise. Imam Elahi hoped this conference will be a turning point towards community awareness and commitment to save families from the fire of failure and destruction.
He emphasized on the revitalization of family values and reflected on the principles of love, respect, responsibility, integrity, trust, patience, forgiveness and passion for truth and justice. The imam concluded that the true teachings of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammad (pbut) are the only way out of the current crises in the oldest human institution, the family institution!
Protect traditional marriage, say religious leaders at Dearborn Heights conference
By Niraj Warikoo- Detroit Free Press
Metro Detroit Interfaith Conference for Clergy & Community Leaders Hosted at Islamic House of Wisdom
By Vic Faust- WXYZ Detroit- Channel 7 News
Last Friday, April 4, 2014:
Professor Mark Coppenger, director of the Southern Baptist theological Seminary, and a delegation of teachers and students from Nashville, Tennessee visited the Islamic House of Wisdom.
The group listened to Imam Elahi's Friday sermon and observed the congregational prayers.
After the prayer, the seminary visitors received a tour of the IHW mosque from Imam Elahi and hajja Jennifer Elahi. Together they had lunch, followed with friendly conversation and Q&A. The delegation appreciated the hospitality of the IHW and opportunity to build bridges of understanding between the Baptist Seminary and the Muslim community.
For More Photo Highlights: Click HERE
Tuesday, April 1, 2014: A press conference and final planning meeting for Monday's upcoming Family and Marriage conference was held at the IHW. Following the press release- organizers met in the conference room to finalize last minute details and logistics of the event.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014: Professor Mark Coppenger- director of southern Baptist theological Seminary, Pastor Matthew Vroman- of East side Community Church, Pilot Steve Runer and hajj Dawood Zwink- Director of the Michigan Muslim Community Council met with Imam Elahi.
Professor Mark shared some information about the Nashville Seminary. Imam Elahi appreciated the openness and outreach of the Seminary Director and emphasized on the importance of dialogue between the Muslim and Christian communities in USA and other parts of the world.
Professor Coppenger and a delegation of teachers and students will participate and observe the Friday prayer at the Islamic House of Wisdom tomorrow at 1:30pm! Everyone is welcome!
Dr. Faith Pratt Hopp and Anne Darwish-Talab the Director of Social Services in ACCESS met with Imam Elahi to discuss an idea for the establishment of a Daycare for senior Citizens of the community.
Imam Elahi shared his experiences and spiritual support that the IHW has offered for the Senior citizens since the formation of the IHW in 1995, and pledged his support for any service to those in need especially the elderly.
