DUSHANBE, July 13, 2010, Asia-Plus — The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe hosted Imam Yahya Hendi, of Georgetown University and Clergy Beyond Borders, July 2–9.
According t the U.S. Embassy, during his visit to Tajikistan, Imam Hendi spoke about Islam in America, religious diversity and the importance of interfaith dialogue throughout a variety of meetings and public speaking engagements.
He met with audiences in Dushanbe, Vahdat, Varzob, Isfara and Khujand, and sat for a roundtable interview with five local media outlets in Dushanbe. Northern television station SM-1 followed him for part of his day in Khujand.
His message was widely praised by the audiences with which he interacted – with student audiences he encouraged them to work hard for their dreams, saying that they certainly can be both good Muslims and successful members of the world community at the same time.
With Tajikistan”s religious leaders he said, “Religious freedom has always been at the core of American life and should continue to be a part of the way Americans engage in domestic and foreign relations.” Imam Hendi noted in numerous meetings that Muslim women in America are free to wear the hijab if they so choose. Muslim women, including those who wear the hijab and those who choose not to, are able to work in all areas of American life including law enforcement and government.
After a very productive and successful week in Tajikistan, Imam Hendi traveled onward to Uzbekistan to continue sharing his message of interfaith peace and cooperation.
