Georgetown Imam Hendi on His Life and Faith

Pasquini profiles Yahya Hendi, the first full-time chaplain of Georgetown University. Hendi, who had previously served as an imam in Jordan and the US, was responsible for creating the Yarrow Mamout Mosque on campus, a project that took 12 years to complete. Georgetown's initiative inspired other universities and colleges across the country to establish Muslim chaplain positions. Imam Hendi, who had no role model for creating a chaplaincy, sought guidance from Christian and Jewish counterparts. Today, he is sought after for advice and guidance by Muslim and Arab countries looking to establish similar positions. Imam Hendi's journey began in a small Palestinian village, where he was encouraged to seek education. His studies led him to question different interpretations of Islam, particularly regarding women's roles. He pursued Islamic Studies in Jordan and became an imam before moving to the US and eventually becoming a citizen.