Programs & Events
Visiting Imam shares experiences of Islam in America
At the invitation of U.S. Embassy Niamey, Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat of Baltimore, Maryland visited Niger from November 18-22, where he offered presentations on the topic of Islam in America in the Nigerien cities of Niamey, Tillaberi, and Dosso. He was also invited to Kiota, an influential center of Tidjani Islam in West Africa, to address the congregation during their Friday religious services.
Imam Arafat’s presentations educated the target audience about the freedoms guaranteed to practitioners of Islam in America and dispelled myths and misconceptions about the treatment of Muslims in the U.S., and the effects and intentions of U.S. policies toward the Muslim world. His presentations also touched on the relevant issues of human rights and social justice in a religious and political context, and the attempts of extremist elements to hijack and distort the true message of Islam. The imam’s presentations on inter-faith outreach initiatives in the Muslim context were particularly important and welcomed by the target audience as an effective mechanism to promote religious tolerance in the Muslim world and to educate the West about Islam and its practitioners.
The Niamey program was offered on November 19 at the Amir Sultan Center, where Imam Arafat co-presented with respected Islamic cleric and scholar Cheikh Boreima Daouda. Programs in Tillaberi (November 20) and Dosso (November 21) were held in partnership with regional and local officials, and were co-presented by Cheikh Harouna Fodi, a recent participant in the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP).
In addition to his presentations, Imam Arafat also met with representatives of the Nigerien Ministry of Religious Affairs, key regional and local government officials, religious leaders, traditional chiefs, community activists, journalists and news executives, in an effort to foster exchange and provide information to combat misperceptions about the freedoms which Muslim Americans enjoy in the practice of their faith.
Imam Arafat’s visit was sponsored under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Information Program’s International Speakers program.
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| Imam Arafat, DCM Eric Whitaker, Regional Governor, and IVLP alumus Harouna Fodi (left to right) at presentation in Tillaberi. |
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Imam Arafat (right) and Cheikh Boreima Daouda visit classroom at Amir Sultan Center. |