Siraj Wahhaj is Imam of the Al-Taqwa Mosque in Brooklyn, a prolific lecturer, community activist, the leader of the Muslim Alliance in North America, and former Vice President of ISNA. He first became famous for his successful efforts in fighting drugs and crime in his neighbourhood. In 1991, he became the first Muslim to recite the Opening Prayer of the Qur’an (Al-Fatihah) at the US House of Representatives. Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, proclaimed 15 August, Siraj Wahhaj Day in honour of his “lifetime of outstanding and meaningful achievement”.