IONA Launches The First Muslim Soup Kitchen In Macomb County
This morning IONA celebrated the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the first Muslim run soup kitchen in Macomb County. The project that began two years ago is now fully operational. City of Warren mayor, Jim Fouts, cut the ceremonial ribbon and delivered a few remarks of support for IONA’s work in providing hot food for those in need in our area. In his opening remarks, Mayor Fouts said, “I commend IONA for what is greatly needed today with the high price of gas and runaway inflation. There are many people who need additional help.”
Imam Mustapha Elturk then spoke on the Islamic obligation to help others in need. In his comments, he said, “we are grateful to be living our faith. Feeding the poor is part and parcel of our faith.” To emphasize the importance of feeding the poor and needy, Imam Elturk quoted a verse from the Qur’an, “(The servants of God) who, for the love of God, feed the needy, orphans and prisoners. We only feed you for God’s sake; we desire from you neither reward nor thanks.” (Quran, 76:8,9)
Imam Elturk praised the mayor for being a longtime supporter of the Muslim community in Warren. He also thanked the community for their encouragement and sponsorship particularly the individuals who were directly involved in the making of the Soup Kitchen out of their good will for the public good.
Muslim and non-Muslim community members were present to help celebrate this great accomplishment for IONA.
The Soup Kitchen is open every Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
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.