[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[House]
[Page 23805]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  Imam Hassan Qazwini, Leader, The Islamic Center of America, Detroit, 
Michigan, offered the following prayer:
  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.

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