(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) welcomed Imam Hamad Ahmad Chebli, religious leader of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey (ISCJ) in Monmouth Junction, to give today’s opening prayer in the House of Representatives.

Video of the prayer can be found here.

Video of Rep. Holt introducing Iman Chebli can be found here.

“Imam Chebli has been both a friend and an ambassador of Islam to me and many others in New Jersey, and I am honored that his prayer has opened this session of Congress.” Rep. Holt said.  “The depth of his faith and scholarship, his commanding dignity, and the warmth of his personality make him the most prominent and attractive figure of Islam in our region.  In a period when the public understanding of Islam has grown greatly, we are fortunate to have Imam Chebli in our community.”

“I was honored by Congressman Rush Holt's invitation to open today's House of Representatives session with a prayer,” said Iman Chebli.  “Each day, this institution provides men and women of all religions and ethnicities an equal representation and an equal voice, and it is a privilege for me to contribute a small remembrance on behalf of my community. For nearly 30 years, the Islamic Society of Central Jersey has provided me a home which embodies the very best that America and Islam have to offer. We have been lucky to count Congressman Holt as a friend, and he has passionately represented our district with dignity and honor.”

Imam Chebli is a native of Lebanon, and attended one of the most prestigious Islamic institutions in the world, Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he received his Masters in Islamic Canonical Law. He has been the religious leader at ISCJ since 1986, when he was appointed as the Imam. During his tenure, he has served on numerous committees, serving as a member of the North and South Brunswick Diversity Committee and the South Brunswick Clergy Association. Most recently, in recognition of his contribution to interfaith dialogue, New Jersey’s Governor appointed Imam Chebli to the Governor’s Leadership Summit on Diversity.  

"ISCJ is Imam Chebli and Imam Chebli is ISCJ, they are incomplete without each other,"said Arif Patel, President of ISCJ.  "Imam Chebli is the primary reason as to why ISCJ is an excellent 'House of God' -- one in which both Muslims and non- Muslims feel welcome, one where our youth and seniors are excited to attend, and one that other mosques consider a role model for the faith."

The Chaplain of the House coordinates a guest chaplain program to host clergy, who are nominated personally by House Members, to lead the opening prayer at the commencement of the sitting of the House. The prayers, offered in the House Chamber, are broadcast live on HouseLive.gov and C-SPAN and are archived in the Congressional Record as well as on the Office of the Chaplain website, chaplain.house.gov.

TEXT OF OPENING PRAYER

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Imam Hamad Chebli

“Praise be to God, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Guide us to the straight path. Oh God, bless us as we begin this new day, Bless this assembly, and bless the people and nation it represents.”

“The God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad says in the holy Quran, that He does not place a burden on you greater than you can bear. Oh God, at this time in our history, the challenges for our nation and the world are many.”

“God, Grant these men and women the wisdom, guidance and strength to pursue compassion, justice, and sound judgment. In your wisdom, you have placed upon them a great responsibility and honor. Please help them with your guidance and light. Grant them the will and means to improve the well-being of all inhabitants of this great nation and beyond.”

“Amen.”

###