“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)           

Warren Imam Honored By The Interfaith Leadership Council

Influential Islamic faith leader Imam Steve Mustafa Elturk will be honored for his efforts to connect all faith groups by the InterFaith Leadership Council in its virtual awards ceremony Feb. 22.

Elturk, the president of the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA) Warren location, will be honored along with the Rev. Father Norm Thomas of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Detroit, and the Detroit Interfaith Outreach Network. The event also serves as a fundraiser for Interfaith.

In selecting him for the award, the Interfaith Leadership Council said Elturk is a devoted leader of Warren’s faith community, where his mosque is based. A strong partnership formed between his congregation and the interfaith community when the mosque faced anger and resistance when first planned.

Imam Elturk worked to help the wider Detroit community understand what it means to be a Sunni Muslim. As co-chair of the Imams Committee of the Michigan Muslim Council, Elturk has been instrumental in actively connecting with all faith groups. He has been the voice of conscience on the issue of safe, clean affordable water for the Religious Leaders Forum, affiliated with the InterFaith Leadership Council, which took a public stand on this moral issue. Fr. Thomas is a well-known champion for justice and of the working class, serving as a bridge in Detroit, especially among the faith communities.

The guest speaker for the InterFaith Leadership Council’s virtual event will be john a. powell of Detroit (who chooses lower case letters for his name as an expression of being part of, not over the universe). Powell is executive director of the University of California-Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute, a research institute that works toward an inclusive, just and sustainable society. He is professor of Law, African American Studies and Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley. Powell is an internationally recognized expert in civil rights, civil liberties, structural racism, housing, poverty, and democracy. He previously served as national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

The virtual event begins at 7 p.m. and will feature interviews with each of the awardees, powell’s presentation, as well as a video about the InterFaith Leadership Council’s recent activities and accomplishments. Registration is available at //IFLCdetroit.givesmart.com

The InterFaith Leadership Council presents interfaith programs for adults, including “Exploring Religious Landscapes;” Religious Diversity Journeys — an immersive interfaith education program for seventh graders; an annual World Sabbath celebration for children and adults, and expresses public opinions on moral issues that impact the community and society at large.

— Macomb Daily Online Editor Don Gardner

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

news/local/warren-imam-honored-by-the-interfaith-leadership-council/article

JOIN IONA