Benjamin Gilman: “I am delighted to join in welcoming visiting chaplain Imam Hendi as we greet the onset of the holy month of Ramadan.…”

“I am delighted to join in welcoming visiting chaplain Imam Hendi as we greet the onset of the holy month of Ramadan. Islam is a way of life for millions of Americans, and we in the Congress want them and all Americans to know of our Nation's view that Islam should be understood as a faith that firmly upholds the values of respect for the individual human being, the value of the family, and justice for all. We join the growing American Muslim community in condemning those who try to tell us otherwise and who commit crimes against humanity in the name of Islam. Congress has expressed itself formally in condemnation of those who, in the wake of the events of September 11, took illegal actions against people solely because they were, or seemed to be, Muslims. Moreover, we support the President in his forthright expressions against all such illegal actions, his prosecution of those who commit such crimes; and we join President Bush's assurances that our efforts in Operation Enduring Freedom against terrorism are not directed against Islam or against Muslims. Mr. Speaker, to the contrary, we embrace our fellow citizens who are Muslims and all those of the Muslim faith who are temporary or permanent residents here as adherents of one of the three great religions in the monotheistic tradition. Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of this holy month, we extend our warmest greetings to the American Muslim community; and we wish them a blessed Ramadan.”