[Flat Rock, MI] – The Islamic Organization of North America (IONA) joined faith leaders from across southeast Michigan for the annual National Day of Prayer held Thursday, May 1, at the Flat Rock Recreation Center. Hosted by the Flat Rock Community Foundation and supported by Mayor Steven
Beller, the gathering brought together representatives from diverse faith traditions to offer prayers for the nation, its leaders, and the global community.
Imam Mustapha Elturk, President of IONA and Co-Chair of the Imams Council of Michigan, was invited to represent the Muslim community and offer the Islamic prayer during the event. In his deeply moving prayer, Imam Elturk called on God, the Source of Peace, to bring unity to the human family.
“We come before You humbled, hopeful, and united—not as strangers divided by faith or culture, but as one family created by Your hands.”
Under the theme “One People Under One God,” Imam Elturk prayed for guidance for leaders at all levels, relief for the poor and displaced, and for victims of war and injustice—particularly in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and beyond. He urged that houses of worship be centers of mercy and that people of all backgrounds become agents of compassion and justice.
“Let love be stronger than fear. Let truth be louder than lies. Let us be light in times of darkness.”
This year’s National Day of Prayer featured over 30 presenters, with prayers offered for national and local officials, veterans, first responders, schools, and the vulnerable.
Imam Elturk emphasized that interfaith engagement is central to IONA’s mission, “At IONA, we believe in building bridges of understanding and cooperation across faiths. Events like this show that despite our differences, we all seek the same values: peace, justice, and dignity for all.”
IONA is honored to participate in this important civic and spiritual occasion and thanks the City of Flat Rock and Mayor Steven Beller for including the Muslim community in this interfaith celebration.
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National Day of Prayer Speech and Prayer
In the name Of Allah, The Most Compassionate, Ever Merciful
One People, Under One God
Honorable Mayor of Flat Rock, esteemed clergy of all faith traditions, respected community leaders, and dear friends, I greet you the Islamic greeting, a greeting a peace, Assalamu alaikum, peace be upon you all.
We gather today in a moment that calls for deep reflection and renewed commitment to the values that bind us as a people. We are living through times of unprecedented inflation, rising division, and instability across the globe—when wars rage in place of peace, and suspicion replaces solidarity. And yet, on this National Day of Prayer, we are reminded that even in such difficult times, we are not alone. We are one people, under
One God.
In Chapter 49 of the Holy Qur’an, God Almighty speaks not only to Muslims but to all of humanity, “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily, the most honored of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you. Indeed, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Qur’an 49:13)
This verse teaches two foundational truths:
First, we are all created equal—children of Adam and Eve—brothers and sisters in humanity. No race, nationality, or status elevates one above another in the eyes of our Creator. True honor lies not in wealth or power, but in righteousness, humility, and compassion—qualities only God can truly measure.
Second, our differences—of language, ethnicity, and culture—are not barriers to be feared or broken, but signs to be appreciated and celebrated. Diversity is not a flaw in God’s creation; it is a manifestation of His divine will. We were made different so that we may know one another, learn from one another, and help one another—not so we may despise or fear each other.
God calls us to stand together—not in spite of our differences, but because of them.
Prayer
Let us now turn our hearts together in prayer:
O God Almighty, the Source of Peace and the Sustainer of All, On this National Day of Prayer, we come before You humbled, hopeful, and united—not as strangers divided by faith or culture, but as one family created by Your hands.
We ask You, O God, to unite our hearts. Remove from us all hatred, arrogance, and suspicion. Replace division with understanding, injustice with justice, and war with peace.
We pray for our leaders—from the President of the United States to our local mayors and council members. Grant them wisdom and courage to lead with justice and mercy. Let them be guided not by power or politics, but by a sincere desire to serve all people with equity and compassion.
We pray for the poor, the displaced, the victims of war and injustice—especially our brothers and sisters in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and every corner of the earth where peace has been shattered. Comfort them. Protect them. Deliver them.
O God, make us agents of healing. Let our houses of worship be sanctuaries of safety, not symbols of division. Let our hands carry food to the hungry, our voices speak for the voiceless, and our actions reflect Your mercy.
Let love be stronger than fear. Let truth be louder than lies. Let us be light in times of darkness.
O God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad—God of us all—
Make us instruments of Your peace.
Amen. Ameen.
