Debbie Dingell: “I would like to extend the greetings of the House of Representatives to my constituent and friend, the Imam Hassan…”

“I would like to extend the greetings of the House of Representatives to my constituent and friend, the Imam Hassan Al-Qazwini of the Islamic Center of America of Dearborn, Michigan, as our guest chaplain. Imam Qazwini's life is a testament to the greatness of our Nation and its devotion to freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and universal liberty. His life story is remarkable and moving, and his dedication to his adoptive homeland should make us all proud. Imam Qazwini was born to a prominent religious family in Karbala, Iraq, and became a student at the Islamic Seminary in Qum, Iran. His family in Iraq were Shiites, and actively opposed the tyranny of Saddam Hussein. For their courage they were persecuted. Fourteen of his relatives were either executed or imprisoned by the Ba'athists. Imam Qazwini has become a leading voice for Muslims in America. He has spoken movingly of the need for reconciliation, for tolerance, and for the recognition of our shared humanity. He has worked with leaders in both the Christian and the Jewish communities to help bridge the differences between us and to dispel prejudice. His work has touched Muslim and non-Muslim alike, and his devotion to our State and our community of Dearborn has been recognized by the mayor, the governor, and by President Bush. Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, Imam Qazwini's life is a statement on the greatness of our Nation.”