California appoints first Muslim chaplain to legislature

Imam Mohammad Yasir Khan made history earlier this month after becoming the first Muslim chaplain appointed to the California Legislature.

Khan was appointed by California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D) on Dec. 7 to serve as the assembly’s chaplain for the 2021-2022 session. 

“Imam Yasir Khan represents California’s growing diversity in all the best ways,” Rendon said in a statement, CNN reported. 

“I’ve seen the growth of the Islamic community in my own district and have become close to both religious and civic leaders. Like them, Khan shows a strong desire to contribute to the spiritual and civic vitality of California. He has already done so in many ways,” he continued. 

The State Assembly chaplain says a prayer at the beginning of legislative sessions. 

Khan is the founder of the nonprofit organization Al-Misbaah based in Sacramento, Calif., which provides food assistance, hygiene materials, cars and other services for area families. He has also served as a chaplain at area jails, hospitals and more.

“God allowed me to be here and I am humbled and grateful to have been chosen for this role,” Khan told CNN. “I hope this is a step for other imams and other Islamic leaders in the country to take on positions so we are able to connect with our local communities on the county, city, state and federal level.”

The imam also shared that “One of the objectives of my life is to develop an understanding that members of the American Muslim community are Americans, we are contributors to society, we care about hunger, we care about poverty.”

“I sincerely want to do whatever I can do to show our fellow Americans that we want to celebrate diversity and make this world a better place for everybody,” he said. 

The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also lauded Khan’s appointment as “historic.” 

“We thank Speaker Rendon for this historic appointment and for demonstrating your dedication to an inclusive California for all,” Basim Elkarra, executive director of CAIR-Sacramento Valley, said in a statement last week. “Thousands of Californians have benefitted from Imam Yasir Khan’s chaplaincy and social service efforts over the years, and to see him at the Capitol will inspire so many.”

The Hill has reached out to Rendon’s office for comment.