“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 Opens Headquarter Office In Warren, Mi

With the help of Allah (SWT), the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA) opened its headquarter office in Warren, MI. In addition to serving as the administrative center for IONA, the facility will serve as a full-time masjid and learning center for the local Muslim community. Establishing a vibrant center for IONA has been one of the top priorities of Ameer Mustapha Elturk since assuming leadership of IONA in 2003. This achievement marks an important milestone in furthering the objectives of the Islamic Organization in North America.

Additionally, the center will play an important role in educating non-Muslim neighbors about Islam, helping to foster greater awareness and appreciation for Islamic values. The critical need to educate the local community about Islam was made evident by the extraordinary difficulties IONA encountered from some members of the local Planning Commission and a few prejudiced residents – who in some cases resorted to ethnic bigotry, violent threats, and vandalism to express their opposition.

Despite this opposition, a coalition of concerned citizenry and local, state and federal government offices banded together to protect the civil and legal rights of the organization. Ultimately, the U.S. Department of Justice closely monitored the situation, and considered opening a federal lawsuit against the Planning Commission if they continued with their illegal rejection of the petition to open an Islamic center in Warren. Those who were supportive of the efforts to establish this center were present for the opening ceremonies, held on Friday, May 25th. US Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan sent a representative from her office to the opening ceremonies and presented IONA with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition “for the grand opening of the Mosque and Learning Center in Warren, Michigan”.

Many local residents also came to witness and welcome the first Islamic center in Warren. Mustapha Elturk expressed deep gratitude to all those who supported his organization’s efforts to establish the center, including the Interfaith Partners of Southeast Michigan represented by local religious leaders from a number of Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Hindu communities.

Many local residents also came to witness and welcome the first Islamic center in Warren. Mustapha Elturk expressed deep gratitude to all those who supported his organization’s efforts to establish the center, including the Interfaith Partners of Southeast Michigan represented by local religious leaders from a number of Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Hindu communities.

Additionally, Ameer Mustapha Elturk presented specific awards of recognition to Edwin Bayer, Planning Department Director for the City of Warren for his professionalism and exemplary public service; Ed Bruley, Macomb County Commissioner for his dedication to serving people of all faiths in Macomb County; and Dan Cortez, Free Press Staff Writer, for outstanding journalism and objective news reporting.

Founded in 2003, the Islamic Organization of North America is a revivalist Islamic movement calling Muslims to repentance, revitalization of faith, and renewal of covenant. The primary objective of IONA is to help its members and the wider Muslim community achieve salvation on the Day of Judgment through loving, whole-hearted and complete obedience to the Will of Allah (SWT).

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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