: Washington State Lawmakers Walk Out On Muslim Prayer

“It’s an issue of patriotism,” said Republican Rep. Lois McMahan in explaining why she boycotted the opening prayer for a session of the Washington State House of Representatives, which happened to be delivered by a Muslim imam. Perhaps if she’d heard the prayer, she would have reconsidered. “At this time, we also pray that America may succeed in the war against terrorism,” said Imam Mohamad Joban of the Islamic Center of Olympia in his prayer. “We pray to God that the war may end with world peace and tranquility.” The imam wasn’t bothered by the walkout, which included at least one other legislator. “Even if half of them leave, it’s OK for me,” he said. “As a Muslim we have to respect what people believe. We have to forgive something they did because of ignorance.” They body in charge of the daily prayer is trying to rotate among clerics representing a broad range of faiths, so expect the circus to continue the next time a Muslim is tapped for the job.

Zahed Amanullah is associate editor of altmuslim.com.  He is based in London, England.