November 19, 2001

Muslim Chaplain Opens Session for U.S. House of Representatives
(Imam Yahya Hendi Marks Ramadan with Prayer in Congress)

Standing before the American flag and the Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert, in the House chamber, Imam Hendi first read verses from the Koran, and then offered a prayer.  The occasion marked the beginning of Ramadan,  and also underlined that Islam is part of the mainstream religious landscape of the U.S.  This was not the first time Muslim prayers have been offered in Congress. 

Imam Hendi is the Muslim Chaplain at Georgetown University, and the Imam of the Islamic Society of Frederick, Maryland.  He serves a member and spokesman of the Islamic Jurisprudence Council of North America, and also directs the Public Education and Assistance Conference (PEACE) office of the Muslim American Society.

During this session of the House of Representatives, several Representatives made statements noting the importance of Islam in American life. 

The transcript of Imam Hendi's readings and prayer are given below. 

(Begin transcript)

Chaplain Yahya Hendi:  Reading from the Holy Koran: 

In the name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful

“And remember the favor of God unto you and his covenant which he ratified with you when you said, "We hear and we obey."  Fear God, for God knows well the secrets of your hearts.  All you of faith stand up firmly for God as witnesses to fair dealings.  Let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice.  Be just.  That is next to righteousness.  Fear God, for God is well acquainted with all that you do.

“And now let's bow our heads before God and pray.

“Loving God, source of justice, goodness and generosity, we ask you to guide our men and women of Congress with your divine light, to empower them with your wisdom, to enable them to be agents of peace in this nation and around the world.  Help them lead us to act as brothers and sisters.  Empower them to help us work out our differences.  Help them help us confront hatred wherever it exists that we all may live as one nation united under God.  God, receive our thanks and hear our prayers.”
Amen.