“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)           

Michigan Coalition for Human Rights (MCHR) Holds 43rd Annual Award Gala Celebrating Human Dignity and Justice

[Warren, MI] – The Michigan Coalition for Human Rights (MCHR) convened its prestigious 43rd Annual Award Gala last night at Marygrove College, marking a momentous occasion in advocating for human dignity, justice, and equity. The event commenced with an inspiring invocation delivered by Imam Mustapha Elturk, Ameer of IONA, and an esteemed advisory board member.

During his invocation, Imam Elturk offered heartfelt prayers for the Palestinians enduring hardships in Gaza and the West Bank, urging an end to dehumanization and conflict. Drawing inspiration from the story of Moses leading the Israelites to freedom, he invoked the spirit of liberation, hoping for freedom and peace for the Palestinian people in the Holy Land.

Keynote Speaker, Erin Keith, Managing Policy Council for the Detroit Justice Center, delivered a powerful keynote address, underscoring the Center’s commitment to partnering with communities to foster economic opportunities, transform the justice system, and advocate for fair and equitable cities.

The Michigan Coalition for Human Rights remains steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness, fostering advocacy, and promoting education on human rights and environmental issues. MCHR stands resolutely against any forces that suppress human dignity, freedom, and justice, both locally and on a global scale.

Established as a beacon of hope and advocacy, MCHR actively champions the rights of all individuals and the Earth itself, embodying the spirit of equity and justice.

“The event was very well attended, and it was a privilege to offer the invocation prayer,” said Imam Elturk. “The audience is well tuned to the human rights abuses here, in the United States, and abroad particularly in Palestine,” he added.

As a social justice activist, Imam Elturk, a founding member of the American Human Rights Council, is determined to stand in solidarity with organizations and people of conscience to free people from human rights abuses, restoring dignity to the people and support all causes for freedom, democracy, and justice.

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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