“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)           

Police To Patrol Warren Churches After Vandalism

Warren police plan to increase patrols near houses of worship after a church on the city’s north side was spray painted with ethnic slurs on Monday.

St. Mary’s Church, 4320 Fourteen Mile, was vandalized sometime Monday. The church is not scheduled to open until May. City spokesman Joe Munem said the vandalism was derisive toward Arabs and non-Christians.

What the vandals didn’t realize is that the church is expected to serve predominantly Christian of Assyrian descent. The church sits along the northern border of the city.

Chief Jere Green said neighboring police departments, including Sterling Heights, are helping with the investigation.

Monday was not the first time that a house of worship intended for people of Middle Eastern descent has dealt with vandalism. Steve Elturk, whose Islamic Organization of North America is opening the city’s first mosque, was confronted in January by a Warren man shouting racial epithets. The man, 37-year-old Terry E. Brown, was charged with disorderly conduct.

Warren Mayor Mark Steenbergh was outraged at the incident.

“This kind of vandalism sickens me,” he said.

Anyone who has information about the vandalism at St. Mary’s should contact Warren Police Detective John Barnes at 586-574-4776.

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

www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070403/NEWS04/70403016/1053/SPORTS

JOIN IONA