Local Muslim Leaders Condemn Attacks On Paris, Beirut (November 18, 2015)

IONA in the News Dearborn Heights — A group of Metro Detroit Muslim leaders on Wednesday condemned last week’s terrorist attacks in Beirut and Paris. “The barbarian bloodshed in Beirut and Paris and daily terrorist attacks in other parts of the Middle East and Africa are all warnings for us to take terrorism very seriously,” said…

Interfaith Center For Racial Justice To Document Muslims Challenges In Macomb County (May 22, 2015)

IONA in the News The Interfaith Center for Racial Justice will study Muslims and their increasing numbers in Macomb County, thanks to a grant received from the Michigan Humanities Council.The center, which promotes tolerance and diversity amid the ever-changing demographics of the county, received a ,000 Heritage Grant, which will be used to “document the…

Feds: Detroit Area Not More Likely To Feed Isis Ranks (March 4, 2015)

IONA in the News The FBI and federal prosecutors in Detroit say the risk of area residents joining the Islamic State militants is not amplified by the region’s large Muslim population, but they are concerned about recruitment efforts.Federal agents are actively monitoring the threat locally and have encouraged community, religious and civil rights leaders to…

Imam Elturk Speaks About Rise In Hate Crimes, ISIS Threat (February 17, 2015)

IONA in the News (WXYZ) – The number of possible hate crimes is rising, along with the spike in terror attacks worldwide. Here in metro Detroit, Muslim community leader Imam Steve Elturk leads a coalition known as the Imam Council. They preach peace, understanding and education.He also works with the interfaith community to keep young…

Metro Detroit Muslim Leaders Denounce Isis As ‘Crazy Criminals’ (August 25,2014)

IONA in the News Muslim leaders gathered Monday on the steps of Dearborn City Hall to strongly condemn ISIS, saying the militant group in Iraq and Syria doesn’t represent Islam or Muslims.ISIS members are “crazy criminals who are abusing our religion,” said Imam Mohammed Elahi of the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights. “You’re…

Muslim Scholars Denounce Islamic State, Israel At Press Conference (August 15, 2014)

IONA in the News WARREN – At a press conference held on Wednesday, Aug. 13, The Imams Council of the Michigan Muslim Community Council (MMCC) condemned the continuing atrocities committed against religious minorities across Iraq and Syria by the Islamic State.The imams also denounced the Israeli assault on Gaza during the conference, which was held…

Detroit Imams Push For Peace As Iraq Founders (June 24, 2014)

IONA in the News Imam Mustapha Elturk, right, of Warren, representing Sunni Muslims, and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, left, representing Shiite Muslims, sign the Muslim Code of Honor by Shia and Sunni Imams. Tuesday, Imams held a meeting at the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights. (Todd McInturf / The Detroit News) Dearborn Heights…

The Hajj: Pilgrimage To Mecca, A Guide By Imam Steve Elturk (October 06, 2013)

IONA in the News 3 MILLION Muslim men and women make the pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, according to Saudi crowd estimates. For a personal perspective on the Hajj, Read The Spirit invited Imam Steve Elturk—well known in interfaith circles—to describe a pilgrim’s perspective on this epic journey. His Muslim center, based in…

IONA At The Sunni-Shia Forum In Michigan (July 1, 2013)

IONA in the News Director of Interfaith & Community Alliances, joined the Michigan Muslim Community Council (MMCC) for a dialogue between Sunni and Shia leaders. Dr. Syeed spoke about recent events of the Arab spring as the basis for discussion and collaboration with the intent for reconciliation.The forum began with this objective: “There are significant…

Protesters Hope To Draw Attention To Genocide (October 01, 2012)

IONA in the News This group of protestors gathered Sept. 28 outside the Detroit News/Free Press facility on Mound Road and Metropolitan Parkway to call attention to what they claim is a lack of media coverage regarding atrocities being committed against Muslims in Burma. Calling for greater media coverage of atrocities being committed against Rohingya…