May 24, 2007
Source: The Birmingham News
Wire Service: AP
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A Muslim minister gave the opening prayer Thursday in the Alabama House.
Kareem Abdullah, imam of the Birmingham Islamic Center, prayed for Alabama to prosper as the House was coming into session. Ministers from across the state, mostly from Christian churches, come to the microphone to pray at the start of each day's session, just before House members say the Pledge of Allegiance.
Abdullah was invited by Rep. Yusuf Salaam, D-Selma, the only Muslim member of the Legislature.