“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)           

Local Muslims, Nigerian Americans Gather To Denounce Terror Attack

Detroit — A large number of Muslims, Arab Americans and Nigerian Americans are standing together today outside a federal courthouse to condemn the alleged actions of a suspect accused of trying to blow up a Detroit-bound Northwest flight on Christmas Day.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the 23-year-old Nigerian authorities say attempted to bomb Northwest Airlines Flight 253 with explosives hidden in his underwear, is to be arraigned this afternoon at the Theodore Levin United States Courthouse in downtown Detroit.

Ali Fawaz, 30, of Dearborn held a sign today that read, “Not in the name of Islam,” as he joined about 100 other demonstrators.

“I came out to show I’m against it (terrorism),” Fawaz said. “We’re tired of Islam being hijacked.”

Nigerian American Remigius Obi of Ann Arbor was also among the crowd. He held a sign that read, “Nigeria condemns terrorism. Nigerians disown Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. Nigeria says sorry to America & the world.”

“I’m here to tell the world that Nigerians don’t support terrorism,” Obi said. “Terrorism is not part of Nigerians’ culture. We love America. We love life.”

Earlier today, a group of Imams and other local Muslim leaders also condemned Islamist extremists and the Christmas Day attack.

Ten Imams held a news conference at the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion offices in Midtown to condemn extremists and terrorists.

“Muslim Americans want to make it clear that Islam stands for life, not death,” said Victor Begg, chairman of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan.

A passenger on Northwest Flight 253, Hebba Aref, 27, Bloomfield Hills, was also at today’s news conference. She expressed concern that her religion, Islam, was brought into the discussion about the failed bombing attempt.

Abdulmutallab was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury in Detroit on charges that include attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, which can bring up to life in prison, and attempted murder, a 20-year felony.

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