“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)           
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بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Islamic Organization of North America

  • Repentance
  • Revitalization of faith
  • Renewal of covenant
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Press Release

Imam Mustapha Elturk Honored with the Samantha Woll Faith in Action Award

  • March 8, 2025
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[Warren, MI] – Imam Mustapha Elturk, Ameer of the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA)
and President of the IONA Masjid and Learning Center, was honored with the Samantha Woll Faith in
Action Award at the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy’s annual event, recognizing their commitment to
justice, unity, and community reconciliation. This award, named after the late Samantha Woll, a beloved
leader and founder of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, celebrates individuals who exemplify the
power of faith in service to the greater good.

In his acceptance speech, Imam Elturk reflected on the struggles their mosque faced with the city’s
refusal to grant building permissions. Rather than pursuing litigation, he chose the path of reconciliation,
guided by faith and inspired by the Quranic verse, “Evil and good are not equal. Repel evil with what is
better, and you may find that the one who was your enemy becomes your close and intimate friend.”
[41:34]

“This verse has been my guide, faith in action works.” Imam Elturk said. “This recognition is not just
for me, but for everyone working to create a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world. I share this
with my colleagues, mentors, and community partners who remind me daily that faith in action is more
than words—it is the work we do, the lives we touch, and the hope we refuse to let go of.” He
concluded.

The award was presented by the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy, an organization dedicated to
empowering communities through accessible programming, advocacy, and justice initiatives. Senator
Stephanie Chang and the Board of Directors were also recognized for their leadership, along with a
special tribute to Samantha Woll’s enduring legacy of interfaith solidarity.

END

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.

About IONA

IONA’s objective is to help the Muslims of North America understand and fulfill their divinely ordained obligations, in order to please Allah (SWT) and thereby achieve success and salvation in the Hereafter.
IONA’s objective is to help the Muslims of North America understand and fulfill their divinely ordained obligations, in order to please Allah (SWT) and thereby achieve success and salvation in the Hereafter.

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