[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 158 (Thursday, November 15, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             WELCOME IMAM HENDI AND COMMENCEMENT OF RAMADAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2001

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to extend a warm welcome to 
Imam Hendi.
  He is here with us today as guest chaplain and here to observe the 
commencement of Ramadan--the Islamic holy month of fasting and 
spiritual renewal.
  Imam Hendi has spent his life educating and working with youngsters 
and students to guide their spiritual development and to educate them 
on the tenets and faith of Islam.
  He was the first Muslim chaplain designated by Georgetown University 
where he currently serves.
  Back in 1991, I was the first Member of Congress to invite an imam to 
pray before the House.
  Today we share again the rich religious diversity of America by 
welcoming Imam Hendi.

       This morning, at the commencement of Ramadan we send our 
     greetings as our Muslim citizens and Muslims around the world 
     prepare for this holy month of spiritual renewal.
       Islam is one of the largest world religions, and one of 
     America's major religions.
       Muslims from all over the world are valued members of our 
     American communities.
       And this Muslim community comes together in the United 
     States from all corners of the world: the Middle East, 
     Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and Africa to celebrate their 
     faith in our country.
       In this month of introspection, faith, prayer and 
     cleansing, together we share the horror of American Muslims 
     felt when they witnessed criminals use their sacred faith as 
     an excuse for their crimes.
       While we will not excuse the criminal acts of September 11, 
     so too can we never excuse those who seek to blame Muslims as 
     a whole for those acts.
       Nor will we, as a Nation, tolerate acts of violence and 
     hatred directed towards those who practice Islam.
       This has been made clear, from the President on down.
       There can be no battle between the United States and the 
     Muslim world, because the United States is part of the Muslim 
     world.
       Today we have 6 million Muslims in the United States, and 
     that number continues to grow.
       We welcome our Muslim citizens, and we value them, and we 
     send them our best wishes.
       I would like to close by stating my support as a cosponsor 
     of Congressman John LaFalce's resolution, H.Res. 280; to 
     express solidarity and support for members of the Islamic 
     community in the United States and around the world while 
     commending them for their faith in Islam.

     

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