“Indeed, God commands justice, doing good to others, as well as courtesy to close relatives. He forbids indecency, wickedness, and aggression. He instructs you so perhaps you will be mindful.” (16:90 )            “For every day on which the sun rises, there is a (reward from God) for the one who establishes justice among people.” (al-Bukhari)            “And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that [with your lives] you may bear witness to the truth before all humankind. . .” (2:143)            “Dispensers of justice will be seated on pulpits of light beside God.” (Muslim)            “Do not spread corruption in the land after it has been set in order. And call upon Him with hope and fear. Indeed, Allah’s mercy is always close to the good-doers.” (7:56)           “Even an ant in its hole and fish (in the depth of water) invoke blessings on someone who teaches people goodness.” (al-Tirmidhi)            “O believers! Remain conscious of God, and be with those who are truthful in word and deed.” (9:119)           “God does not judge you according to your bodies and appearances, but He looks into your hearts and observes your deeds.” (Muslim)            “The parable of those who spend their possessions for the sake of God is that of a grain out of which grow seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains: for God grants manifold increase unto whom He wills; and God is infinite, all-knowing.” (2:261)           “Charity does not diminish wealth.” (Riyadh al-Salihin)            “Let there be a group among you who call ˹others˺ to goodness, encourage what is good, and forbid what is evil-it is they who will be successful.” (3:104)           “Avoid cruelty and injustice...and guard yourselves against miserliness, for this has ruined nations who lived before you.” (Riyadh al-Salihin)            “Do not forget to show kindness to each other. Surely God observes your actions.” (2:237)           “(Allah) has revealed to me that you should adopt humility so that no one oppresses another.” (Riyadh al-Salihin)            “It is We who sent down this Reminder (al-Quran) and it is We who shall preserve it.” (15:9)           “The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it (to others).” (al-Bukhari)            “So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (2:152)           “There are two blessings that many people lose -- health and free time for doing good.” (al-Bukhari)            “Say: 'O My servants who have transgressed against your own souls, do not despair of God's mercy, for God forgives all sins. It is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'“(39:53)           “Happy is the man who avoids dissension, but how fine is the man who is afflicted and shows endurance.” (Abu Dawud)            “And you love wealth with immense love.” (89:20)           “Being rich does not mean having a great amount of property, but (it) is being content (with what one has).” (al-Bukhari)            “Every soul is held in pledge for its deeds.” (74:38)           “Make things easy and convenient and don't make them harsh and difficult. Give cheer and glad tidings and do not create hatred.” (al-Bukhari & Muslim)           
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بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Islamic Organization of North America

  • Repentance
  • Revitalization of faith
  • Renewal of covenant
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Press Release

IONA Condemns Misconduct Charges Against Student Activist at Wayne State University Calls for Protection of Free Speech and Moral Courage

  • June 12, 2025
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[WARREN, MI] – Today, Imam Mustapha Elturk, Ameer of the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA), stands in solidarity with the Interfaith Action for Palestine coalition of religious and community leaders who gathered at Wayne State University’s “W” to demand the immediate dismissal of misconduct charges against a student activist involved in peaceful protests for Palestinian human rights.

The student, whose identity has not been disclosed, is reportedly facing disciplinary action that could result in suspension, expulsion, or loss of scholarships—simply for their role in organizing nonviolent demonstrations calling on the university to divest from companies profiting from the war in Gaza.

“This charge represents a troubling suppression of peaceful student activism and a betrayal of the university’s stated commitment to justice and open discourse,” said Imam Steve Mustapha Elturk, president of IONA and co-chair of the Imams Council of Michigan. “Rather than engaging in a meaningful way with students’ moral and legitimate demands to end university complicity in funding genocide, the administration has chosen intimidation, punishment, and silencing. This is unacceptable.”

IONA affirms that standing up for justice, peace, and human dignity is not misconduct—it is moral courage. The student in question has been described by religious leaders as a compassionate and principled leader, known for their integrity and commitment to justice.

The university’s actions come in the wake of nationwide concern over the crackdown on student dissent and peaceful pro-Palestinian activism, including alarming reports of surveillance and police aggression. On May 30, 2024, Wayne State’s campus witnessed the violent removal of a peaceful protest encampment by police in riot gear, during which several students were arrested, and one woman’s hijab was forcibly removed.

“Let it be clear,” Elturk added. “Standing for peace and opposing genocide is not misconduct—it is a moral courage. We urge Wayne State University to drop all charges, honor its stated values, and protect the rights of all students to peacefully advocate for justice.”

END

IONA’s mission is to transform its members and help transform the surrounding communities to righteous, God-fearing people, who collectively strive for the highest moral standard and constantly seek forgiveness from our Creator to earn His pleasure. We seek His compassion and mercy in this life and in the hereafter. We rejuvenate our soul through internal struggle and spiritual exercise in worship of our creator God. The strength of our belief in God gives us the courage to establish good and forbid evil, thus promoting a system of justice for all mankind.

About IONA

IONA’s objective is to help the Muslims of North America understand and fulfill their divinely ordained obligations, in order to please Allah (SWT) and thereby achieve success and salvation in the Hereafter.
IONA’s objective is to help the Muslims of North America understand and fulfill their divinely ordained obligations, in order to please Allah (SWT) and thereby achieve success and salvation in the Hereafter.

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