Opening Prayer
10/01/2003
Imam Hassan Qazwini
Respected Congressmen and Women, I would like to greet you with the greeting of Islam. Peace be with you in the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Glory be to Allah, the Lord of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. As we commence our legislative day in this 108th Congress, we ask You to bestow Your blessing upon us and help our legislators enact that which pleases You and ensures the interest of our people. Lend Your infinite wisdom to this Congress and allow them to embrace what is right, not what is popular.
As our Nation faces many challenges, we beseech Your guidance. And as we pursue those who intend harm to our country, let us seek justice rather than revenge. Guide our leaders to use the influence of their power as an instrument for the betterment of all humankind and peace throughout the world.
Oh, Allah, endow the people of this great land with a growing trust in one another and an increasing faith in You. Help us all uphold our God–given rights of freedom and equality. Allow us never to evoke Your law by embracing color or creed as tools for superiority. As You say in the Holy Koran, ‘‘Oh people, We had created you from one male and one female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily, the best amongst you are those who are the most pious.''
Amen.