The Michigan Muslim delegation included Dr. Yahya Basha; Dr. Muzammil Ahmed; Professor Saeed Khan; Dawud Walid, the executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations of Michigan; Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court Judge Charlene Elder; Attorney Azzam Elder; ADC Michigan Director Fatina Abdrabboh; Imam Elahi of the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights and Dr. Ribhi Hazin. 

During the meeting, Rouhani urged members of the delegation to strive for unity among members of their community and spread awareness on the peaceful core values Islam promotes. 

According to Elahi, Rouhani described Muslims as compassionate and said they should not permit others to falsely represent them. 

Elahi said Rouhani talked about how people will begin to slowly understand that the terrorist group “Islamic State” doesn’t represent Islam; and that those who were deceived and joined such groups are gradually waking up. 

According to Elahi, Rouhani also said that the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intentions of interfering with the fate of any country. 

“The Islamic Republic of Iran does not plan to interfere in Iraq and Syria either, but will help them, based on their demands,” Rouhani said.  “If any country asks us for [help] combating terrorism, we will help them against violence and terrorism within our might.” 

He stressed that Iran was the first country to help the people of Iraq against “Islamic State” terrorists.

Following Rouhani’s remarks, the floor was opened for conversation, questions and answers. Topics included the situations in Iraq, Syria and Gaza and different strategies that could be used to end terrorism in the Arab World. 

Elahi shared with the audience the history of his friendship with President Rouhani in the last 37 years; and noted that he admired the Iranian President for his dedication and determination in working for peace and unity.  

Elahi invited Rouhani to visit the Michigan Muslim community if possible. 

He also asked the Iranian president to do his best to improve the situation regarding American Muslims experiencing difficulty with their visas when visiting Iran. 

Elahi shared a letter with Rouhani from the family of Amir Hekmati who lives in Flint, but has been imprisoned in Iran after being accused of being a spy for the United States. According to Elahi, Amir’s father suffers from cancer and he is looking forward to seeing his son.