Leading American Muslim scholar imam Omar Suleiman will offer prayers in Congress on Thursday, May 9, Yaqeen website reported.

Suleiman, the founder, and president of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, will deliver the prayer on the House floor as the congressional guest chaplain at the invitation of Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Dallas.

Later on, Rep. Johnson will offer a few remarks on this prayer.

Imam Omar has worked with Rep. Johnson on several initiatives including the Ramadan resolution introduced in Congress on May 3, 2019.

Rep. Johnson issued the following statement regarding the resolution: “As Muslims across our nation and the world prepare to observe the holy Islamic month of Ramadan, it is important that we join them in recognizing the great significance these 30 days hold. For the entirety of the month, Muslim men and women of faith seek to be stewards of peace, brotherhood, and virtue,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

“The ideals of this month call on all to engage in contemplation and self-reflection in order to achieve self-betterment. It is an honor to join together with our nation’s 3 million American Muslims in celebrating this month of generosity, compassion, empathy, and spiritual renewal. I am delighted to wish all Muslims a joyous and fulfilling Ramadan Mubarak!”

The prayer will be live-streamed on CSPAN and posted on Yaqeen’s website and social media outlets immediately after.

A few hours ahead of the Congress visit, Suleiman has asked his followers on Facebook for prayers.

“Requesting your prayers! Grateful for the invite by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and to all of you for your support.”

In 2016, Suleiman delivered the invocation at the presidential memorial after the police shootings in Dallas alongside former President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama.

Suleiman is committed to organizing around social justice issues not only amongst Muslims but in various progressive movements.

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Hijri Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad.

During Ramadan fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations) the same phrase.

Muslims in North America started fasting on Monday, May 6, on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.