(CLEVELAND, OH, 9/19/05) – A prominent Cleveland Muslim, Imam Abbas Ahmad of First Cleveland Mosque, was recently sworn in by Police Chief Michael McGrath as an official Muslim chaplain for the City of Cleveland.

As an official chaplain for the city of Cleveland Imam Abbas’ duties will include crisis intervention for police officers and the community. Also sworn in was Bishop John Hilton of Faith Temple Church of God. A number of family members, friends and members of the Muslim community joined Imam Abbas at police headquarters for the ceremony.

On Sunday, September 18, a gathering was held at First Cleveland Mosque to honor Imam Abbas for his appointment. At that time, he was presented with a certificate from CAIR recognizing the contributions he has made to the Cleveland Muslim community. Imam Abbas frequently participates in official religious services for the City. He recently represented the Muslim community at the memorial service for slain US Marines and at an interfaith service for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. He is the Amir of the Council of Mosques and has played an important role in helping to unify the Muslim community.

Imam Abbas retired this year from the Cleveland Public School system after 29 years of service, the last three years in the position of Dean of Students at Carl Louis Stokes Academy. Imam Abbas is the grandson of First Cleveland Mosque founder, Imam Wali Akram.

CONTACT: Julia A. Shearson, 216.830.2247 or 216.440.2247, E-Mail: jshearson@cair.com