[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 146 (Monday, September 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1780]]
                      IN MEMORIAL OF W.D. MOHAMMED

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEITH ELLISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2008

  Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness I rise today to 
mourn the passing of Imam W.D. Mohammed--the spiritual leader for 
millions of American Muslims. Imam Mohammed was accepted by his 
followers to lead The Nation of Islam in 1975 after the passing of his 
father, Elijah Muhammad, leader and builder of The Nation of Islam. 
Imam Mohammed led Americans toward tolerance, inclusion and civic 
engagement.
  In 1992 he delivered the very first Invocation in the United States 
Senate given by a Muslim. He gave an Islamic Prayer at both of 
President Clinton's Inaugural Interfaith Prayer Services.
  His dedication to interfaith dialogue led him to address the Muslim-
Jewish Conference in 1996 with leaders of Islam and Reform Judaism. He 
met with Pope John Paul II on two occasions including in 1999 on the 
``eve of the New Millennium'' in St. Peter's Basilica with other world 
religious leaders. He served on the Advisory Panel for Religious 
Freedom Abroad, formed by then Secretary of State, Madeline Albright. 
He was at his best promoting religious freedom in America and abroad.
  Imam Mohammed's loss is immense. His life was led and lived by his 
faith--a faith that inspired him to reach across the divides of many 
religions; to knock down the walls of division and search for the 
commonalities that all faiths share: peace and understanding.
  The Imam believed he had a responsibility to speak out on the social 
issues of the day, taking it upon himself to apply scriptural 
interpretation to those issues. His leadership was recognized by all.
  The world is smaller today because of the passing of the Imam. We all 
would do well to stop and listen to the lessons left behind by Imam 
W.D. Mohammed. May his soul continue to guide leaders and legions alike 
to the world of peace and understanding.

                          ____________________