“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)           

IONA Hosts Successful Religious Diversity Journeys, Educating Seventh Graders on Islam

Warren, MI] – IONA proudly hosted the 2023 Fall Religious Diversity Journey, an initiative organized by the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit (IFLC) in partnership with local schools.

Nearly 100 seventh-grade students from diverse school districts immersed themselves in a day of
learning about Islam and the Muslim community.

Divided into groups, the students rotated between three engaging speakers. Sr. Mahreen Abid covered Islamic Articles of Faith, Br. Sayeduzzaman Khan delved into Islamic modes of worship such as salah, sawm, zakah, and Hajj, and Imam Mustapha Elturk provided insights into the Islamic worldview and how Muslims perceive the world.

The event fostered attentive discussions, encouraging students to explore, question, and understand Islam openly. Female students respectfully adorned head coverings (hijab) as a gesture of honor toward the house of worship.

A Q&A session over a delightful halal meal became a highlight, bringing joy to many participants. Students actively engaged in a service project, emphasizing the importance of communal service across faiths.

Witnessing Muslim prayers, some students joined in, while mothers accompanying the students appreciated the program, acknowledging their own learning through the presentations.

The Religious Diversity Journey aims to equip students with critical thinking skills, fostering a desire to build bridges of understanding in their schools and communities. It seeks to instill confidence in their knowledge and comfort in engaging with diverse experiences.

Acknowledgments were extended to Raman Singh and Jean Fluary for their tireless efforts in organizing an enriching event that exposed young minds to diverse faiths and cultures.

“We are thrilled to continue hosting such programs,” stated Imam Elturk. “Initiatives like the Religious Diversity Journeys are pivotal in shaping a unified community free of prejudice, including racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism.”

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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