[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 178 (Thursday, November 17, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MASJID MUHAMMMAD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2022

  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Masjid Muhammad, 
the Nation's Mosque, as they celebrate their 85th year of 
establishment.
  Representing one of the oldest established Muslim communities in the 
country and the first mosque built in the District of Columbia, Masjid 
Muhammad has long been a beacon for community service, religious 
freedom, and human rights.
  With their motto of ``Our Community, Our Responsibility,'' Masjid 
Muhammad has been a central force in their service to the people of DC. 
They frequently distribute hundreds of pounds of food each month to 
those in need. They work to build affordable housing and develop 
programs to address violence, substance abuse, recidivism and countless 
other social justice issues. They also sponsor several programs 
including senior citizen support, after school youth activities, 
vocational training, job placement and more.
  Masjid Muhammad has been a pioneer in breaking down barriers for the 
Muslim community across this country. They established the nation's 
first Muslim American Veterans Association (MAVA) over 25 years ago 
with several chapters growing around the nation. They produced the 
first Islamic Chaplains in the U.S. Military and Department of Justice, 
the first Muslim Judge for the State of Maryland, the first Muslim 
Woman to work on a White House Staff, and the first Muslim Boys and 
Girls Scouts programs in DC.
  In addition to their work domestically, Masjid Muhammad has 
facilitated and participated in numerous conferences and forums on 
human rights, interfaith peacebuilding, and international religious 
freedom in over a dozen countries--cementing them as an international 
voice for peace and justice for all.
  Please join me in recognition of Masjid Muhammad's 85 years of 
service and their contributions to this city, this country, and the 
world.

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