Michigan Imam says people should unite for the greater good post elections

Imam Mustapha Elturk is the president of the Islamic Organization of North America in Warren, Michigan.

He’s also the co-chair of the Imams Council of Michigan. He said he’s content with the election results.

“I was content with the results, not because I like the Republicans or I like the Democrats, but because it’s God’s will, literally,” he said. “I try to let our community understand that no matter who the people vote for, it is in God’s wisdom, we have to accept and be content with the results, even if they did not turn out to our favor.”

Elturk says he encouraged people to get out the vote, regardless of which candidate people chose. But he said the ultimate results are up to God.

“I would remind them that no matter who wins the race, it is God Almighty who chose the outcome,” he said.

He also expressed the need for people to come together in unity, despite political differences.

“I know our community is split into Democrats, Republicans, and many voted for third party… political differences is OK, is healthy, but that should not, you know, all these differences should not lead us to division,” he said.

Elturk said people have to work with local and national leaders, holding them accountable for their positions in power.

He also encourages people to run for office and volunteer locally.

“[An] election is one way of civic engagement, but to unite and work together for the good, greater good of our larger community by volunteering and that what’s going to bring the community together, not only politically, but also engaged, engaged socially, doing something together for the community,” he said.