Thread: Muslim prayer at Iowa Statehouse raises concerns

Muslim opening prayer at Iowa Statehouse raises concerns

By: Erin Ballou, Pilot Tribune Staff January 24, 2008

The Iowa Legislature started just over a week ago and some people were upset before the first issue was even addressed.

When the session began, a Muslim Imam began the prayer in the Iowa Legislature. This is where the controversy begins.

The prayer asked of "Victory over those who disbelieve," and "Protection from the great Satan" among other things.

Pastor Steve Smith of the Evangelical Free Church in Albert City is among those concerned about the Muslim prayer. Rev. Smith admits that he doesn't know about all the levels of Muslim but knows that the Jihadists believe those in the U.S. are the great Satan.

Rev. Smith also wants to point out the mention of "victory over those who disbelieve." He feels "this is a request in the Iowa Legislature for God to grant the Muslims victory over every non-muslim. Not a request for salvation." Smith takes it as a gesture not of prayer but more as a political statement, especially with the wars that have been going on in the Middle East.

"I'm not concerned about a Muslim Imam opening the Legislature in prayer but it concerns me with the statements that were made. He interpreted this prayer from his understanding of Islam."

Here is the text of the opening prayer, as transcribed by Radio Iowa:
Imam Muhammad Khan of the Islamic Center of Des Moines spoke first in Arabic.

"I seek refuge in God against the accursed Satan in the name of God, most gracious, most merciful," Khan said in English. Khan made no specific mention of the war in Iraq or foreign affairs, but he called God the "master of the day of judgment" and asked for "victory over those who disbelieve."

"As we begin this new year...in a world with trials and tribulations, we ask you to open the hearts of our legislators and policy makers to make the right decisions for the people of Iowa," Khan said. "...We ask that you guide our legislators and give them the wisdom and knowledge to tackle the difficult problems that face us today in order to eliminate the senseless crimes on humanity. Help them, Lord, to solve the complicated problems in the State of Iowa so that we can be a model to the world."
Khan's prayer lasted about four minutes and he closed with a few words for legislators.

"On behalf of the Muslim community of Des Moines and Iowa, I wish you all the success in this year for making the right decisions for us," Khan said. Khan was the guest of State Representative Ako Abdul Samad of Des Moines, who is also a local Muslim leader.

Rev. Smith has urged others who may be concerned to contact their representative.

When asked about the prayer, Senator Steve Kettering replied in an e-mail that he had not heard the prayer, which did not take place in the Senate chambers.

"I cannot tell you what was said. I have received e-mail regarding this, but since it did not occur on the Senate side I do not have much information," Kettering said. " I should point out that the senate had a Catholic priest for their opening."

Representative Gary Worthan of Storm Lake said that he agrees with the concern being shown over the Muslim prayer.

He said that he has registered his concerns with the proper authorities.

As the father of two sons who have fought terrorism in the military, Worthan said the phrases mentioned earlier also jumped out at him and he said he shares concern for the same reasons as the constituents he is hearing from.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?news ... 0486&rfi=6

I read the article from Mike Savage site .

pretty depressing ,huh? Seems we can't bow down to enough fruits and nuts anymore . Some are very dangerous . They said as early as the 1920s when they first came to America that they would build a state within a state until they have the power to take it over . 1920 was when their little Otterman Empire was stopped if I remember right . They almost conquored the world for islam then . this time they don't have to conquor it, the western nations are giving it to them .

When the session began, a Muslim Imam began the prayer in the Iowa Legislature.

Imam Muhammad Khan of the Islamic Center of Des Moines spoke first in Arabic.

" and asked for "victory over those who disbelieve."

Imam Muhammad Khan spoke first in ARABIC to the IOWA LEGISLATURE--Iowa has a law declaring English the state's official language so...........
1. He spoke in Arabic
2. He asked for defeat of non muslims in front of Iowa lawmakers.

IOWA SF 165
SIGNED INTO LAW, 1 MARCH 2002
Section 1. NEW SECTION. 1.18 IOWA ENGLISH LANGUAGE REAFFIRMATION.
1. The general assembly of the state of Iowa finds and declares the following:
a. The state of Iowa is comprised of individuals from different ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. The state of Iowa encourages the assimilation of Iowans into Iowa's rich culture.
b. Throughout the history of Iowa and of the United States, the common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds together has been the English language.
c. Among the powers reserved to each state is the power to establish the English language as the official language of the state, and otherwise to promote the English language within the state, subject to the prohibitions enumerated in the Constitution of the United States and in laws of the state.
2. In order to encourage every citizen of this state to become more proficient in the English language, thereby facilitating participation in the economic, political, and cultural activities of this state and of the United States, the English language is hereby declared to be the official language of the state of Iowa.
3. Except as otherwise provided for in subsections 4 and 5, the English language shall be the language of government in Iowa. All official documents, regulations, orders, transactions, proceedings, programs, meetings, publications, or actions taken or issued, which are conducted or regulated by, or on behalf of, or representing the state and all of its political subdivisions shall be in the English language.
For the purposes of this section, "official action" means any action taken by the government in Iowa or by an authorized officer or agent of the government in Iowa that does any of the following:
a. Binds the government.
b. Is required by law.
c. Is otherwise subject to scrutiny by either the press or the public.
4. This section shall not apply to:
a. The teaching of languages.
b. Requirements under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
c. Actions, documents, or policies necessary for trade, tourism, or commerce.
d. Actions or documents that protect the public health and safety.
e. Actions or documents that facilitate activities pertaining to compiling any census of populations.
f. Actions or documents that protect the rights of victims of crimes or criminal defendants.
g. Use of proper names, terms of art, or phrases from languages other than English.
h. Any language usage required by or necessary to secure the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America or the Constitution of the State of Iowa.
5. Nothing in this section shall be construed to do any of the following:
a. Prohibit an individual member of the general assembly or officer of state government, while performing official business, from communicating through any medium with another person in a language other than English, if that member or officer deems it necessary or desirable to do so.
b. Limit the preservation or use of Native American languages, as defined in the federal Native American Languages Act of 1992.
c. Disparage any language other than English or discourage any person from learning or using a language other than English.
Sec. 2. NEW SECTION. 4.14 GENERAL RULES OF CONSTRUCTION FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LAWS.
It is presumed that English language requirements in the public sector are consistent with the laws of Iowa and any ambiguity in the English language text of the laws of Iowa shall be resolved, in accordance with the ninth and tenth amendments of the Constitution of the United States, not to deny or disparage rights retained by the people, and to reserve powers to the states or to the people.

Sec. 3. CITATION. This Act may be cited as the "Iowa English Language Reaffirmation Act of 2001".

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepage ... ord/ia.htm

Whoever seeks to set one religion against another seeks to destroy all religion.
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Islam will be the death knell of Western civilization. Free speech, freedom of religion and human rights are nothing but a pipe dream in the more than 18 Islamofacist theocracies which dot the globe.

Thanks for the info CJ.

CJ do you belong to ACT? What do you think of them?

I'm sorry but The Muslim religion should not be allowed to dominate any part of the United States. they have no concept of separation of church and state. they are intolerant. I can't believe anyone puts up with this.