July 4, 2016: A candlelight vigil was held at the Islamic House of Wisdom in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Iraq and the World.
An hour of prayer, silence, sympathy and reflections were shared by all. Our prayers for the families of the innocent victims and for the recovery of the wounded.
April 5, 2016
An Interfaith Visitation Turned to An Important Peace Conference!
The religious leader of Southeastern Michigan of 1.3 million Catholics visited the Islamic House of Wisdom.
The church delegation and almost 100 interfaith and community leaders and activists were welcomed by Imam Elahi and the chairman of IHW board of Directors, Dr. Hassan Saab.
Archbishop Allen Vigneron, the spiritual leader of Christian Catholic community of Southeastern Michigan thanked imam Elahi for this unity lunch and his courageous outreach against extremism and terrorism.
The Archbishop expressed his happiness of these good relations and emphasized on how the power of faith can strengthen our cooperation in making peace and justice.
Rabbi Dorit Edut spoke about working together to end hatred in this world, especially Islamophobia by following the example of Pope Francis.
Dr. Robert Bruttell the chairman of Interfaith Leadership Council spoke about the Council outreach to the media and the beauty of cooperation in this area. He concluded that Southeastern Michigan excellent interaction can be an example for the world.
Other speakers included Daniel Paletko-the Mayor of Dearborn Heights, Dan Haddad- the Chief police of Dearborn, Hajja Nawal Hamadah- the founder of Star International Academy, Dr. Tallal Turfe- the author of many books on Islam, Hajja Rehab Amer, Dr. Michael Ross, Brian A. Stone, and many more.
Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi who hosted the Unity Lunch and communication addressed the guests and gave them an orientation on the position of main stream Islam over the religious and political extremism, the disease of Islamophobia, the crimes of isis, Al-Qaeda and other terror groups against Islam, Muslims, Christians and many other people in the Middle East and the World.
Imam Elahi admired the Archbishop’s leadership and also his appreciation for the global leadership of Pope Francis. He said he was extremely impressed with the Pope conversation with president Obama in the White House and president Rouhani in Vatican. The Pope's passion and humility in washing the feet of Muslim refugees added to his admiration for the Pope's personality.
Imam Elahi spoke about the faith in Jesus not only in the Quran and sayings of prophet Mohammad but also the Islamic mystical literatures, metaphor and analogy, specially the Persian poetry of Hafez, Rumy, and the Arabic poetry of Ibn Fares.
Imam Elahi explained the miraculous birth of Jesus based on the Quranic verses. In particular the imam talked about the terms like “Word of God” and “Spirit of God” used for Jesus in the Quran.
Imam stated that Mary, the mother of Jesus is the only female admired by her name in the Quran, not once but 34 times, much more even than the Bible itself.
By pointing to some Quranic verses related to miraculous of Jesus including cases of giving vision to the blind, healing to the sick, life to the dead, imam condemned those Christians who claim Jesus but prefer a life of blindness, hatred, harassment, warmongering, anger and arrogance.
Imam emphasized that the best way to make peace is to join dialogue, engagement and cooperation.
We must stand united against not only the evil of terrorism, but other social and global problems that may also contribute to the cancer of terrorism and violence such as ignorance, injustice, racism, poverty, prejudice, defending the dictators, intolerance and exclusion.
Imam Elahi mentioned a letter of death threat that he received from the KKK and said since we don’t have a Muslim shrine in America he is more than glad to get that honor and be remembered as martyr for justice, education and compassion.
Each and every participant showed joy and appreciation for the opportunity and thanked Islamic House of Wisdom for this initiative.
Watch: Fox 2 Detroit ---------
"Unity within Our Communities: Archbishop Visits the IHW"
----------- Also Read"Catholic Archbishop Vigneron pays visit to Dearborn Heights mosque" by Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press
Monday 4/27/15: Important Interfaith Gathering at Temple Beth El Honoring the Legacy of Vatican II. Under the title of Repentance, Revitalization of Faith, Renewal of Covenant!
The dialogue started with the statements and prayers of Rabbi Mark Miller, along with Archbishop Vigneron and some other religious leaders. Then the participants started an interfaith conversation in the form of workshops and shared the summery of their discussions with the entire audience at the end.
Imam Elahi on behalf of the attending imams and his workshop addressed the gathering.
Imam Elahi admired this courageous interfaith initiative and welcomed the clergy communities from other religious traditions to hold similar meetings at the mosques and Islamic centers as well.
Reflecting on the moral crises and confusion, he emphasized on the principles of justice, mercy and truth to be applied on each and every domestic or international circumstance. Imam stated that standing for justice is a sign of purity and sincerity of heart and it must be practiced even if it hurts you or helps your enemies. Imam concluded that a wrong interpretation of religion can turn religion to the most dangerous weapon of mass destruction and concluded that the Muslim community suffers from both Islamophobia locally, and the violence and deadly attacks of criminals such as isis, and similar barbarian groups internationally. This requires more education and awareness; this is our challenge and obligation.
Interfaith Network Meeting at IHW- The representatives of the Dearborn area Interfaith Network met at Islamic House of Wisdom to discuss the service of the National Day of Prayer. The group decided to hold the service at Dearborn Administrative Center (Dearborn City Hall).Imam Elahi welcomed the guests and shared some words about the challenges of Muslim community in the face of Islamophobia. The imam said that the forces of war, violence and hatred don't represent Islam or any other religion. The essence of Islam and any other heavenly religion is peace, mercy and justice. Imam concluded that the terrorist wars in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Afghanistan are about human greed and politics and has nothing to do with the real message of faith.
Rev. Fran emphasized on more education and understanding and Rev. Colleen stated that those who jump to judge about other religions, better to learn about their own religions first.
Pastor James Wenger and a group of students from St. John Lutheran and other Ohio churches visited the Islamic House of Wisdom.
Sheikh Hassan Habhab spoke with the group about the foundations of the Islamic faith. Imam Elahi also joined the guests and answered their questions related to Muslims-Christian relations both in America and the Middle East.
Imam Elahi said that he believed the current destructive war and violence in the Middle East is not a war between Islam and Christianity but a war to destroy both Islam and Christianity.
Wayne County Executive Joined Imams Council Meeting
Mr. Warren Evans and his Spiritual Adviser Rev. Roberts met with the members of Imams Council at the Muslim Center in Detroit. They were welcomed by both Co-Chairs of the Council, Imam Mustafa El-Turk and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi.
The Executive briefed the imams on the region's social and economic challenges . He spoke about the policies influencing issues like healthcare, retirement, and asked for building stronger relationships and partnership with the Muslim and Arab communities in the area.
The Council also discussed "the Muslim Capital Day" on May 12th, in Lansing asking the Muslim community to attend. Fight against hunger was another issue which was mentioned in the meeting.
Imam Elahi invited the imams and their board members to attend the IHW dinner on May 3rd at 2pm. That is the birthday of Imam Ali(as) and day of support for IHW's services and outreach.
Imam Elahi criticized the media, government and also Muslim organizations for their silence on the blind and barbaric bombardment of Yemen and massacre of men, women and children. The Saudi regime that never helped the oppressed in Gaza, Burma or any other places, now practicing genocide in Yemen and the world is watching this human tragedy with no reaction! It's a shame!
This Week- Bill O'Brien, executive Director and co-founder of the Harriet Tubman Center and Pete DaSilva, a Regional Organizer in the Greater Lansing area with Harriet Tubman Center met with Imam Elahi to discuss promotion of the common good and strengthening relations amongst the communities of different faiths and cultural backgrounds.
Imam Elahi welcomed the idea and invited the guests to join the MLK interfaith observance which will be held at Islamic House of Wisdom on January 18, 2015 at 3:00pm! Director O'Brien marked his calender for that day!
December 13, 2014
Last Saturday- The Council of Shia-Sunni Imams of Michigan held a 6 hour meeting session last Saturday to discuss the challenges of the Michigan Muslim community including youth, family, and other social issues.
Imam Elahi asked the council to include in the 2015 agenda a serious discussion about the Takfiri theology and the tragedy of terrorism and barbarian beheading of innocents in the Middle East and Africa. The Council approved a scholarly and civic dialogue on Shia-Sunni and the cancer of sectarianism.
November 26, 2014- Mr. Pete DaSilva, the representative of Harriet Tubman center met with imam Elahi.
In this meeting, Pete briefed the imam of Tubman center's services including issues related to Detroit's public transportation and call for social justice.
The imam admired Pete and his organization for their social services and welcomed the idea of cooperation between the two organizations (Tubman and IHW) in any areas that might help the people of both communities.
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!
Nov. 18, 2014- Hundreds of members of the Muslim and interfaith communities attended a planning meeting with the commission of Plymouth Township to discuss a proposed mosque to be built on 5 mile road.
The room was packed of many supporters in favor of building of the new mosque, including Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi of the Islamic House of Wisdom who participated in solidarity.
Not everyone present in the meeting was pleased with the mosque proposal as heard by some of the opposing views of the meeting. Some opponents of the mosque construction raised concerns about the possibility of higher traffic.
Imam Elahi was one of the first on the side of support who approached the podium in favor of diversity in the area. Although he is from the Islamic House of Wisdom located in Dearborn Heights, he came to support the establishment of a mosque for the Muslim residents of Plymouth Township and neighboring cities.
"The mosque is about and for the community, it's about creating a peaceful and respectful community. To see the traffic of people going to a place of worship whether it's a mosque or a church makes me happy, not worried", the imam said.
After listening to the opinions both for and against, finally the planning commission unanimously approved the construction of the new mosque.
Imam Elahi thanked Dennis Cebulski and all members of the planning commission for showing understanding and support towards the congregation interested in building the new place of worship. The Chairman, Cebulski also thanked imam Elahi for his interfaith efforts and Islamic House of Wisdom's position against ISIS and other terrorist organizations.
Last Weekend- The 28th MMCC Unity Dinner at Burton Manor in Livonia, Michigan. Imam Elahi, Imam El-Turk, Sr. Catherine and Br. Dawood co-presented the Victor and Shahina Begg Interfaith Partner Award to interfaith and community activists, Rev. Dan and Sharon Buttry.
Photo below, Dr. Alhadidi welcomes guests of the dinner.
Meeting between some IHW Council Advisers and some young representatives of the community!
During this inspiring meeting which was chaired by Dr. Hoda Amine, Imam Elahi expressed his deep concerns for the "lost generational values" and the growing gap between the youth, their families and the mosques! Imam emphasized on the importance of both education and ethics in saving the new generation from dangerous social threats. He said the universities are for scientific education and the mosques for ethical education and the families must support both!
New youth members expressed the importance of getting youth involved including feeling of belonging and identity through mosques. Some other Advisers suggested energizing the youth by providing resources, financial assistance and a listening ear! Provide and facilitate a place, environment and network to help them get started.
They expressed concerns for the youth. They feel some of the parents are from the "old school philosophy" in regards to culture, principles and values.At this time other Advisers and young participants expressed their views on how to bridge the gaps!
In the next Council meeting more details on better connecting between the youth and the places of worship will be discussed.
University Students Visit the Islamic House of Wisdom
Yesterday, October 8, 2014: More than 30 students from various US universities stopped by in Michigan today to visit a mosque, a church and a synagogue. We welcomed them at the IHW. Two hours of friendly and heartfelt conversation. Questions and answers from Islam and Christianity, the Bible and the Quran, the role of the mosque in this country, the position of Islam towards violence and terrorism, the cancer of ISIS and other Takfiri and terrorist groups, the rights of non-Muslims in Muslim countries, the evil of Islamophobia, the question of hijab and modesty, youth challenges, Islam's approach to women's rights and tens of other questions. There was an endless thirst and desire in the students to continue the conversation. We said goodbye to the satisfied souls. It was a great pleasure to experience their eagerness to continue the vision of bridge building and strengthening the covenant of human dignity through calling for peace and justice in the world.
Shortly after they left, we received a text message from Dr. Diane- the coordinator of the visit saying in part " Imam Elahi: Thank you for the excellent program today. the students were thrilled and i am very pleased!"
Wishing Diane and her wonderful students a pleasant and safe trip. May God be with them, where ever they are!
Forum on Faith and War: A Response to the Crisis of ISIS
Last Tuesday, October 7, 2014 the Forfa Auditorium at Henry Ford College in Dearborn witnessed a beautiful gathering of professors and students who listened to a panel discussion on local and global responses to ISIS crisis.
The panelists included: Professor Hashim AL-Tawil, who presented an overview of the background and current situation in Syria, Iraq with photos on brutalities of ISIS. Professor Ahmed Saleh spoke about ISIS and Islamophobia, Rev. Fran Hayes, the pastor Littlefield church spoke about extremism and injustice and possibility of peace in the Middle East.
Imam Elahi, the spiritual leader of IHW spoke about the Takfiri ideology, and methodology of ISIS and other terrorist organizations like Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Boko haram, Al-Nusra, in imposing their Jahiliyya mentality over other people through intimidation, harassment, beheading and other methods of physical and psychological terrorism.
The imam mentioned that the first victims of ISIS are Islam and Muslims. They are the worst enemies of Islam, since they use religion to destroy religion. Imam Elahi admired the recent letter signed by 126 Sunni scholars against ISIS and called for cooperation among all the Muslims and even non-Muslim to stop the advancement of this dangerous cancer which is threatening the world peace and security. Imam Elahi thanked the college president and also Dr. William Secrest, Dr Ali Awadi and other organizers from HFC for such a timely arrangement!
American Muslim Leaders, Scholars and Activists met with President Rouhani in New York city, discussing the State of the Ummah, Condemning ISIS and Extremism! Photo Highlights: HERE
Wednesday, September 24, 2014: More than 70 American Muslim imams, scholars, professors, attorneys, judges, community leaders and activists met president Rouhani of Iran and discussed the current issues of the Muslim communities both in the US and Middle East.
The Michigan Muslim delegation included, Dr. Yahya Basha, Dr. Muzzamel Ahmad, Professor Saeed Khan, Dawoud Walid of CAIR, Judge Charlene and Mr. Azzam Elder, ADC director Attorney- Fatina Abdrabboh and Mr. Ribhi Hazin and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi.
In this meeting President Hassan Rouhani urged Islamic scholars as well as community leaders to endeavor for the unity among Muslims and spread the compassionate messages of the religion of Islam.
Muslims have always been the flag bearers of compassion and illumination. We should not permit others to falsely carry the flag the president said.
"Fortunately, everybody will little by little understand that ISIS and other terrorist groups have false claims to be Muslims. Those who were deceived and joined the terrorist groups are gradually waking up."
President Rouhani cautioned that there is a long way to go through the plots and called for prudence so that no new machinations will be hatched on the way of Islam and the Islamic civilization.
The president of Iran also said that the Islamic Republic has no intentions to interfere with the fate of any country. "The Islamic Republic of Iran does not plan to interfere in Iraq and Syria either, but will help them based on their demands."
"If any country asks us for combating terrorism, we will help them against violence and terrorism within our might," he said stressing that Iran was the first country to help the people of Iraq against Daesh terrorists.
Following the president's remarks, the floor got opened for conversation, questions and answers.
The situation in Iraq, Syria, Gaza and the best ways to end the Middle East terrorist tragedy and bring peace and progress while ending bloodshed and brutality were just a few of the raised concerns.
Following the president's statement, imam Elahi the founding imam of Islamic House of Wisdom shared with the audience the history of his friendship with president Rouhani in the last 37 years and admired Dr. Rouhani for his dedication and determination in working for peace and unity.
Imam stated that the UN important international annual assembly is an opportunity for the world politicians to listen to a moral message from a moral man like Rouhani whose power is not based on money and military but principles of peace, prudence and hope.
He also thanked the hard working team of the President, especially Dr. Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister who was sitting next to the president, for his patience and wisdom in dealing with the nuclear negotiations to reduce the unnecessary tensions between Iran and the US .
Imam Elahi also briefed Dr. Rouhani on American Muslim community's rejection of isis and other terrorist organizations and condemned the murderous takfiris for fueling the fire of islamophobia.
Imam mentioned that he listened to president Obama's speech in the UN the same day. He appreciated what the US president said about Islam and the Muslim community and considered president Obama's condemnation of terrorism a testimony of the true position of president Rouhani on this issue. He hoped that the politicians perform what they promise.
At the end imam Elahi on behalf of the Michigan delegation invited Dr. Rouhani to visit the Muslim community in Michigan after the UN session in 2015 if possible. He also asked the president to do his best to improve the situation of visas for American Muslims who desire to visit Iran or visit the shrines and spiritual sites in the Islamic Republic.
He also passed a letter from the family of Amir Hekmati who live in Flint, asking the president for some communication with the Iranian Judiciary system to help release their son based on humanitarian reasons, since Amir's father suffers from cancer and looking forward to see his son.
Dr. Yahya Basha was another community leader who thanked president Rouhani for giving an opportunity to American Muslims to meet with him. Dr. Basha stated that Iran is a great country and can be of great help to the Syrians to rid their current diseases and problems!
Dr. Saeed and attorney Fatina Abdrabboh also got a chance to share few remarks. It was a wonderful night of bridge building, sharing information, friendship, love and respect!
Last Weekend's Interfaith Service- International Day of Peace!
September 21, 2014: Beautiful day of interfaith in Dearborn, Michigan. Rev. Fran of Littlefield Presbyterian Church hosted and led the prayers in a service on the International Day of Peace.
Rev. Gepford lit the interfaith candle, Rabbi Skully sang a song from Scripture, brother Younes Makki recited the Adan and verses from the Holy Quran with his wonderful voice.
Imam Elahi called both Sheikh Hassan Habhab and Sheikh Mahmoud (representing, the IIK) to the podium and made his remarks followed with an Islamic meditation! The following is a summary of points from Imam Elahi's presentation!
It was 1981 (33 years ago this day) that the UN declared September 21st as the international Day of Peace, yet almost 1400 years ago, the Quran quoted a prayer from Jesus saying: peace be upon me, the day I was born, the day I die and the day I will be raised again!
The call for peace is coming from our Creator. He ordered all faithful to enter in to peace!
The enemies of peace are enemies of God, even if they speak in the name of God! They can even call themselves Islamic State, Jewish State.
When they hurt the innocent, from Palestine or Pakistan, Iraq or Afghanistan, Syria or Sudan, they are hurting the creator! Trust us when we tell you that Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Al-Nusra, Bokoharam don't represent anything Islamic.They are evil criminals, a big conspiracy against our faith and against humanity.
They represent hate, hypocrisy, choosing tools of terrorism, brutality and barbarism to satisfy not God but their greed and selfishness. Sad that they are able to recruit so many victims of poverty, ignorance or injustice to their army of evil and aggression.
700 times in the Quran God is recognized with His mercy and love, not anger and hate! We pray to you O Lord, to guide us all to the path of peace, in such a world full of war, violence and injustice!
Help us began the journey of peace from our hearts! Cure our hearts from any hate, any disease of depression and hopelessness and fill it with health, happiness and hope.
Make every day of our life a day of international peace and justice, a day of prayer and purity, a day of truth and trust, a day of day of courage and commitment, day of determination and action. Amen!
Professor Walbridge & Students (Indiana University) Visit the IHW
Dr. John Walbridge, a professor from Indiana University with a group of his students studying Near Eastern Cultures and languages participated in the Friday prayer at the Islamic House of Wisdom.
Following the prayer, the professor and the students sat down together for almost a couple of hours asking imam Elahi questions related to the situation in the Middle East in addition to life, experiences, and struggles of Muslim community in America, cultural transitions and mission of IHW.
Imam Elahi answered the questions and clarified the position of Islam and the community regarding Islamophobia. Also discussed- the current conditions in the Middle East, the direction of Muslims in America and emphasis of IHW on outreach, interfaith, education of the public about Islam, serving the community spiritually and socially.
Professor Walbridge thanked imam Elahi and Hajji Jennifer for spending time and sharing information. We appreciate the visit from Dr. Walbridge and his students, it was a wonderful opportunity to engage in an open and serious discussion!
Yesterday, September 17, 2014: Shia-Sunni Imams Meeting
The new special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, Mr. Paul Abbate asked the MMCC (Michigan Muslim Community Council) to meet with Imams Council to hear their concerns about the FBI work. The meeting was held in the ICD.
Imam Mustafa el-Turk, Co-Chair of the council welcomed the guest and introduced the Council members and opened the meeting.
Imam Elahi, Co-Chair also welcomed the guests. He expressed deep unhappiness of the Muslim community about the recent report by NCTC, affiliating the Dearborn community with extremism and terrorism.
Mr. Abbate addressed this concern and stated that the source of that report was not FBI but NCTC and he has done all that he could do to correct that information. He mentioned that Dearborn is a safe city and although he worked through the FBI Headquirter in D.C. to provide right information, still its the duty of Dearborn officials and political leaders is to reach out to the media and do what the U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuad courageously did after that report.
During this meeting, other imams present expressed their opinions about the community issues and challenges.
The FBI director appreciated the opportunity and concluded that they are here to serve everyone in a fair, equal and unbiased way. If there is any case that you consider to be unjust and problematic, he said to send it to him directly and he will promise to follow and correct anything false and unfair.
9/11 Anniversary honored in Unity Temple in Detroit!
Following the decision of a group of Interfaith partners, the anniversary of 9/11 was held in Detroit.
Imam Elahi addressed the audience consisting attendees from different faith traditions and spoke about the tragic terrorist attack in NY and continuity of terrorist tragedy in the Middle East and Africa.
Imam questioned the seriousness of the war against terror and spoke about the many 9/11's that happened in the last 13 years.
He stated that to win the war against terrorism including ISIS there is need for more seriousness, honesty and less contradiction and double standards. That is the only way to end the cancerous disease of terrorism in the world. He concluded with prayer for the souls of the victims and patience for their families.
