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Your place of worship and learning

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Imam Mustapha Elturk Honored with the Samantha Woll Faith in Action Award

  • IONA
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[Warren, MI] – Imam Mustapha Elturk, Ameer of the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA)
and President of the IONA Masjid and Learning Center, was honored with the Samantha Woll Faith in
Action Award at the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy’s annual event, recognizing their commitment to
justice, unity, and community reconciliation. This award, named after the late Samantha Woll, a beloved leader and founder of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, celebrates individuals who exemplify the power of faith in service to the greater good.

In his acceptance speech, Imam Elturk reflected on the struggles their mosque faced with the city’s
refusal to grant building permissions. Rather than pursuing litigation, he chose the path of reconciliation, guided by faith and inspired by the Quranic verse, “Evil and good are not equal. Repel evil with what is better, and you may find that the one who was your enemy becomes your close and intimate friend.”
[41:34]

“This verse has been my guide, faith in action works.” Imam Elturk said. “This recognition is not just
for me, but for everyone working to create a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world. I share this with my colleagues, mentors, and community partners who remind me daily that faith in action is more than words—it is the work we do, the lives we touch, and the hope we refuse to let go of.” He
concluded.

The award was presented by the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy, an organization dedicated to
empowering communities through accessible programming, advocacy, and justice initiatives. Senator
Stephanie Chang and the Board of Directors were also recognized for their leadership, along with a
special tribute to Samantha Woll’s enduring legacy of interfaith solidarity.
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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.

About IONA

IONA's objective is to help the Muslims of North America understand and fulfill their divinely ordained obligations, in order to please Allah (SWT) and thereby achieve success and salvation in the Hereafter.

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