[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF IMAM KHATTAB

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 1998

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of the 
clergy in my district, the Imam Khattab of the Islamic Center of 
Greater Toledo. The Imam is retiring as the congregation's director, 
having served the Muslim community of Northwest Ohio for sixteen years.
  Born in Egypt, Abdelmoneim Mahmoud Khattab completed his 
undergraduate degree at Al-Azhar University, where he received his 
Bachelor's Degree in Theology. He later received Masters Degrees in 
Social Services and Theology, and completed three years in the College 
of Law at Cairo University. After immigrating to Canada, he obtained a 
Masters Degree in Sociology and went on to complete his PhD coursework. 
A true scholar and learned man, Imam Khattab has directed his expertise 
to the fields of education, health, and foreign affairs, as well as 
directing Islamic Centers in Edmonton, Alberta and London, Ontario 
prior to his tenure in Northwest Ohio.
  Imam Khattab has profoundly affected each congregation to which he 
devoted himself. With his guidance, the Islamic Center of Greater 
Toledo has fostered an interfaith understanding with the community, and 
it has become a centerpiece of Muslim faith and culture in our region. 
Those who visit the mosque, whether members of the Muslim community or 
not, cannot help but be swept up in the reverence, humility, faith, and 
sense of the world which reverberates within its walls.
  Imam Khattab has been a leader in every sense of that word, directing 
the members of the mosque in his quiet, humble manner and with the 
greatest dignity. He takes his leave to pursue other important 
ventures, but leaves all of those who knew him during his stay here 
richer for the experience. We wish him well in his journey. Assalamu 
Alaikum, a friend to each of us who strive for a world of greater 
understanding, peace, and fellowship.

                          ____________________