“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)           

Imam Elturk Speaks At An Interfaith Open House In Ann Arbor

On Sunday December 20, the Muslim Community Association of Ann Arbor hosted an open house interfaith gathering with many neighbors and residents from the area attending. In front of a packed prayer hall with hundreds of guests, three interfaith leaders and the mayor of Ann Arbor spoke. Rabbi Robert Dobrusin of Beth Israel Congregation began the program opening with words of support. Referencing the past persecution of minorities like the Jewish community, he pledged the support of his congregation to stand with the Muslim community not just in Ann Arbor but across the country. “We must stand together for peace. We know the pain of being looked at as the other.” Words of hatred, suspicion and exclusion are painful for everyone he said. His community rejects words of bigotry and division.

Reverend George Lambrides, the executive director of the Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County, spoke after Rabbi Dobrusin. He shared what he termed the sacred interfaith principles. “Respect for and understanding other communities is crucial. Diversity has always been a bedrock principle of our country. Hospitality must overcome hostility.” He ended with the advice to reach out and be proactive, be in ourselves what we want to see in others.

Ameer Mustapha Elturk followed the Reverend. He began by talking about unity and referencing the Holy Qur’an 49:13. He commented, “One thing that makes America great is that all of its people with the exception of the Native Americans are or have come from different places from around the world. The experience of the United States of America is very unique in the world because it contains almost literally everybody from the entire world and they’ve all come here in this great land, and if they share anything it is that we are all Americans! We all belong to this country. We must defend the inherent worth, honor and dignity of every person regardless of their skin color, ethnicity, or religion. We come together as a community to demonstrate how united we are.” The Ameer ended his talk by reading messages of support from religious heads of other church and faith organizations and denominations.

Ann Arbor mayor Chris Taylor gave the last talk of the afternoon. He had a great message of support. He said, “The gathering that we have here today is a real testament to what we stand for as a community. It’s a testament to our fundamental devotion to pluralism. It is my hope and expectation that we here in Ann Arbor will continue to choose success over failure,

that we will continue to choose strength over fear and that we will continue to choose unity over division.” Great words to end with. The communities continued the afternoon with food and socializing at the masjid.

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

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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.

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