DEARBORN — The Islamic Institute of Knowledge (IIK) celebrated its 33rd semi-annual dinner in Dearborn on Sunday, April 6. About 800 people, including community leaders and elected officials, attended the event, which was titled “Strengthening the role of the Muslim woman and breaking stereotypes about her.” 

IIK public relations director Khalida Beydoun expressed her pride at being the first woman on the institute’s board. She said IIK has been calling for equality between women and men and portraying the “correct” picture of Muslim women to their American surroundings.

IIK spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Abdul Latif Berry also stressed the “necessity” for gender equality. He said society should encourage women to pursue higher education, leadership positions and public office “to show the real side of our strong Muslim and Arab women.” 

“Woman is half of society,” he said.

Berry urged the attendees to vote against gay marriage if a proposal on the issue makes it to the ballot in November. “This law is rejected by Judaism, rejected by Christianity, rejected in Islam and goes against human nature,” he said. 

He added that he worries the concept of family will disappear in America over the next 50 years.

Activist Rashid Baydoun, who is running for the 11th District in the Michigan House of Representatives, urged the audience to vote in this year’s elections to replicate the community’s previous electoral “victories.”  

There was a moment of silence for the memory of Dr. Ali Fadel, who passed away in Lebanon last year. Fadel was one of IIK’s cofounders. A video was played about the late doctor’s career and legacy of giving and good deeds.