“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)

IONA In The News

Interfaith Council Honors 3 Community Leaders In Annual Ceremony (February 12, 2021)

February 12, 2021
By Stephanie Preweda Special to Digital First Media

For the eighth year in a row The InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit will have its awards and fundraising initiative on Monday, Feb. 22. This year’s virtual event centers on the theme “Divine Belonging in a Divided World.” Each year the council represents three awards to community members who are vocally and physically active in building a united interfaith community for the greater good.

The ceremony will feature interviews with each of the awardees followed by a guest speaker, Detroit native John Powell, and a presentation about Interfaith Council’s recent activities.

This year’s Visionary Leader & Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to The Rev. Fr. Norm Thomas of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Detroit. The Robert A. Bruttell Interfaith Leader Award will be presented to Imam Steve Mustafa Elturk, president of the Islamic Organization of North America. And the Outstanding Interfaith Group Award will be presented to Detroit Interfaith Outreach Network (DION).

Since 2005 Imam Elturk has been working with the interfaith community leaders to ensure civil rights for the Muslim community in Warren.

“I accept this award on behalf of my community and interfaith community because really that’s what this award is about — the work we collectively have done for the City of Warren and the betterment of the larger community,” he says.

In 2005, the Troy resident bought a building in Warren intending to turn it into the first mosque in the city. After receiving pushback from the local community — including threats and property violations — Elturk gained the necessary permits and documents from the city and opened Islamic Organization of North America in 2007.

“We were resisted and fought against simply because we are Muslim,” he says.

“With every challenge comes an opportunity, and this came with a few opportunities.”

Prior to opening Islamic Organization of North America, Elturk did not have connections with other interfaith communities, but knew the importance effects interfaith work had on the community.

“Life is not perfect and I thank God that I’m a religious person,” he says. “I remembered a verse from the Quran and how the Prophet Mohammad always yielded for peace. That was the key, as a religious leader I needed to work in solidarity with others.”

Over the next three years, he worked with local clergy members — The Rev. Fr. Gary Shulte of St. Sylvester Church, The Rev. Fr. Roger Facione of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Rev. Michail Curro, executive director of Interfaith Center for Racial Justice in Mount Clemens — to draft an interfaith covenant for the City of Warren.

The covenant contains three major points promoting concepts of freedom, justice and equality among all faith communities for the Cities of Warren and Center Line, that all people should be allowed to work, live and worship without discrimination. The idea was to bring this concept into the school system, particularly middle schools, and to the local city government. A resolution presented by the mayor was unanimously passed in 2010.

“That’s how we envision an interfaith leader,” says IFLC President Raman Singh.

“We are not just faithful when we go to our house of worship. I envision someone who lives their faith. Elturk fits that description perfectly for the Bob Bruttell Award.”

Elturk serves on the People’s Water Board, a Detroit-based organization that believes all people have the right to clean, affordable water and sanitation.

“With COVID-19 happening, (the City of Detroit) restored water back to those whose water was shut off,” he says. “We are currently working on a water affordability plan. We want everybody to have good, safe, clean water to drink and bathe in.”

The InterFaith Leadership Council was founded by a group of clergy and lay people after the 9/11 attack in 2001. In 2010, it became a nonprofit organization to further educate and connect communities in a peaceful manner. Its mission is to teach understanding that leads to respectful relationships among faiths.

For more information about IFLC visit detroitinterfaithcouncil.com. To register for the annual IFLC awards and fundraising ceremony, visit e.g ivesmart.com/events/jW3/.

IONA, 28630 Ryan Rd., Warren, MI 48092 | Tel: 586-558-6900 | E-mail: center@iononline.org

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