U.S. Muslim scholar spreads hope in Paktya

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Islamic scholars, leaders and youth received a message of peace from an American Imam in Paktya Province, July 18-19.

Imam Yahya Hendi, an Islam scholar and Georgetown University Chaplain from Washington, D.C., visited Gardez, Afghanistan, to speak about justice, Islam in America and gender equality.

Hendi spoke to an audience of Paktya judicial officials attending a provincial justice training program. During his speech, he tied Islamic faith with the Afghan rule of law, with an emphasis on due process and swift action in compliance with the Afghan Constitution.  

“It is important judicial officials prosecute with justice, mercy and proof,” Hendi said.

He implored the leaders to become advocates for the people of Afghanistan.

“Let us be a voice of peace for all; for the poor, the needy and for the equality of women in the government,” Hendi said.

During his second day, the imam met with Paktya social and youth organizations.

Hendi expressed an appreciation for the audience, who he described as responsible for a prosperous future for Afghanistan and advised them to attain a higher education.

“Don’t waste your time in a coffee shop, but be active, study science and evoke change,” Hendi said. “With education comes peace.”

Hendi also denounced the Taliban, who he said violates the tenants of Islam.
The Taliban predominately targets innocent civilians in acts of terror and fear, Hendi said. The Taliban are terrorists, not jihadists, he added.

“’Jihad’ means striving to do good... to include teaching, learning, nursing and community service,” the imam said.

Throughout his stay, Imam Hendi held candid discussions with prominent Paktya religious leaders about American perceptions of Muslims in Afghanistan.

Maulawi Khaliqdad, chair of the Paktya Ulema Shura, a group of religious scholars, said with the help of Imam Hendi and imams worldwide, there can be an end to the violence in Afghanistan.

“With your help, we can end the bloodshed in the country,” Khaliqdad added.

Hendi asked the citizens of Paktya to have hope, continue to stand for peace while rejecting violence, and said in time, things will change.

“The light of tomorrow is about to come out,” he said.

In addition to being the Georgetown Chaplain, Hendi is the Muslim Chaplain at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and the founder and president of the “Clergy Beyond Borders” organization.

According to their website, the organization educates clergy through conferences and training forums toward a greater understanding of other traditions, through dialogue and exploration of differences and commonalities among the Abrahamic faiths.

The visit was the imam’s first time in Afghanistan, with Gardez as the first stop of the imam’s journey through the country. His visit was facilitated through the U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Section with help from Michael O’Bryon, Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team Department of State representative.

“Imam Hendi’s stature as an internationally recognized Islamic scholar, and his ability to frame discussions citing verses from the Quran facilitated a strong connection with audiences and accelerated Team Paktya’s efforts to connect with Paktya’s cultural, political and religious communities,” O’Bryon said.