With all the commotion these days about Muslims and the widespread Islamophobia in American politics, you wouldn't really expect many Muslims at the US Capitol (besides the two Muslim Congressmen Keith Ellison & Andre Carson). So it may come as a shock that Muslims not only visit and work at the Capitol, but also have weekly prayers in the Capitol.
Muslims are required to attend congressional prayers every Friday afternoon (Jummah). Prayers are typically held at the Mosque, but with the local Mosque being several miles away and with the unpredictable traffic and Metro, visitors and staff have a makeshift prayer area in the basement of the Capitol. The tradition began in the mid 90s when a young staffer from California came to DC and had a hard time attending Friday prayers in the DC area. He worked with then Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich to set up a system for the Friday prayers, and every Friday since then, a room in the basement of the Capitol has been reserved for Friday prayers.
The prayers are open to the public, and anyone can join. The past week, I had the privilege of attending prayers at the Capitol. At 12:30, I joined about 50 to 70 other men and women make their way to the basement to listen to the sermon and pray together. The service lasted for about half an hour, and everyone dispersed back towards work or sightseeing.
I'm sure we are all aware of our freedom to practice (or not to practice) any religion in America, but we don't really know how blessed we are to have this ability. The Friday prayers showed me how far our country goes to accommodate people of different religions. It's honestly impossible to put into words how amazing it feels to be able to worship at the center of government in our country.
-Wali
Muslims are required to attend congressional prayers every Friday afternoon (Jummah). Prayers are typically held at the Mosque, but with the local Mosque being several miles away and with the unpredictable traffic and Metro, visitors and staff have a makeshift prayer area in the basement of the Capitol. The tradition began in the mid 90s when a young staffer from California came to DC and had a hard time attending Friday prayers in the DC area. He worked with then Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich to set up a system for the Friday prayers, and every Friday since then, a room in the basement of the Capitol has been reserved for Friday prayers.
The prayers are open to the public, and anyone can join. The past week, I had the privilege of attending prayers at the Capitol. At 12:30, I joined about 50 to 70 other men and women make their way to the basement to listen to the sermon and pray together. The service lasted for about half an hour, and everyone dispersed back towards work or sightseeing.
I'm sure we are all aware of our freedom to practice (or not to practice) any religion in America, but we don't really know how blessed we are to have this ability. The Friday prayers showed me how far our country goes to accommodate people of different religions. It's honestly impossible to put into words how amazing it feels to be able to worship at the center of government in our country.
-Wali
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