Community members gather at the Islamic Center of America

DEARBORN — Amal Movement in the United States, Message of Hope USA, commemorated the 38th anniversary of the disappearance of Lebanese leader Musa al-Sadr during a trip to Libya in 1978.

Sadr founded the Amal Movement in Lebanon in 1974 and revived interfaith dialogue, calling for solidarity and resistance against Israel. He established charitable organizations to create a support structure of the poor. He is described as a philosopher and praised for his leadership and vision that transcended sects and ideologies.

Late Libyan leader Muamar Gaddafi is the prime suspect in the disappearance of Sadr, who went missing his two companions Mohamad Yaacoub and Abbass Badereddine.

In that spirit, speakers at the commemorative event, which took place at the Islamic Center of America on Sept. 2, called for unity, praising Sadr’s legacy.

Community leaders and officials attended the ceremony. 

Imam Mohamad Mardini, of the American Muslim Center, called on the Lebanese to look to Sadr’s example to face the mounting challenges facing their country.

“He fought injustice and stood with the oppressed, founding institutions that still work for the good of humanity until today,” Mardini said of Sadr. 

Other speakers emphasized the lasting presence of Sadr despite his physical absence, saying that his ideals live on in the commitment to justice and resistance.