Congressman Carson Becomes First Muslim Member of Congress to Speak at National Prayer Breakfast

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman André Carson (D-IN-07) became the first Muslim Member of Congress to deliver a prayer at the National Prayer Breakfast.

“Amidst rising Islamophobia, antisemitism, and other-ism, I’m grateful for the opportunity to inspire our nation to lead with compassion and tolerance,” said Congressman Carson. “Muslims have always been active contributors to our democracy since before our nation’s founding, and we will continue to be. In these challenging times of fierce division, we combat hate by ensuring Americans see and learn from a variety of different faiths and cultures. Visibility and respect matters. I am grateful for Senators Roger Marshall and Maggie Hassan for reaching across the aisle to invite me to speak at this annual gathering.” 

Video of Congressman Carson’s prayer can be found here. The full text of his prayer is below:

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim. In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 

Good morning my brothers and sisters: Yes, we all are brothers and sisters, despite differences in race, gender, language, politics, or religion itself. Where others see only differences, today let’s rely on what unites us- the almighty God. I invite you all to bow your heads and join me in a short prayer:

O God, today we stand together – diverse in our beliefs, yet bound by the sacred call to serve with compassion, justice, and humility.

 You remind us in the Holy Qur’an in Surah Al-Hujurat:

“O mankind, We have created you from male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”

O God, help us to embody this sacred truth—to see beyond our differences and recognize the worth you have bestowed upon every human being. Instill in us the qualities of mercy, justice, and humility. Make us servants of peace and advocates for the oppressed.

Inspire leaders - our president, our Congress, our Supreme Court, and all our elected officials -- nationally and locally – to act with sincerity and wisdom, to lead with hearts anchored in compassion, and to remember that power lies not in authority but in service to humanity.

Ameen.

As elected officials, we have been given a sacred duty to lead. I pray that we are always guided by mercy, justice, humility, and what unites us: we are all God’s creation. 

God bless you all, God bless the people of the book, and God bless the United States of America.

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