Transcript (video link below):
Madame Speaker: I call on Sherali Hussein of the Ismaili Muslim community of British Columbia to lead this House in prayer.
S. Hussein: It is a distinct honour and privilege to lead the Legislative Assembly of the province of British Columbia in prayer today, prior to the throne speech.
Today’s selection consists of recitation of a passage from the Noble Qur’an. Known as Al-Fatiha or “The Opening,” it is the first chapter of the Muslim scripture. This short chapter, consisting of seven verses, is considered the quintessence of the Holy Qur’an. It is a prerequisite feature of every formal Muslim prayer and is oft recited prior to the commencement of a journey or at the beginning of important tasks or events to invoke the Lord’s blessings.
As you embark on your trusted and solemn public service duties, it seems fitting to commence with a verse which invokes an ethos and universal themes of humility before one’s Creator. And seeking of his ever-present grace, mercy and protection, as well as assistance for wisdom and guidance by which to lead dignified and ethical lives.
We shall now recite the Sura Al-Fatiha, followed by its English translation.
Bismi’l-lāhi’r-raḥmāni’r-raḥīm
al-ḥamdu li’l-lāhi rabbi’l-ʿālamīn
ar-raḥmāni’r-raḥīm
māliki yawmi’d-dīn
iyyāka naʿbudu wa iyyāka nastaʿīn
ihdina’ṣ-ṣirāṭa’l-mustaqīm
ṣirāṭa’l-ladhīna anʿamta ʿalayhim ghayri’l-maghḍūbi ʿalayhim wa la’ḍ-ḍāllīn
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful,
Praise be to Allah, the lord of the worlds,
the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Lord of the Day of Judgment,
It is you whom we worship, and it is You from whom we seek support.
Guide us on the straight path,
the path of those whom you have graced, not those who have
earned your Anger, nor those who have strayed.
http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/40th4th/20150210pm-House-Blues.htm
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