American Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid Visits UIII, Encourages Stronger Ummah to Support Muslim Minorities
February 01, 2025Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photos: Atia Adjani
Depok, Indonesia — Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) warmly welcomed American Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid on January 31, 2024. The visit was facilitated through the connection provided by UIII Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Jusuf Kalla, aimed at strengthening UIII's global network by engaging with influential international figures.
Abdul Malik Mujahid is a renowned American imam, producer, and author. He has been recognized multiple times as one of the "World's 500 Most Influential Muslims." He is the founding president of ‘Sound Vision’, a non-profit organization established in 1988 in Chicago that develops Islam-related content to promote interfaith understanding.
He is also the executive producer of Chicago’s radio talk-show program, Radio Islam. As a leader in interfaith dialogue, he has participated in the Parliament of the World’s Religions and chaired its international session in 2015, which gathered thousands of attendees from various religious and cultural backgrounds.
During the visit, Imam Mujahid was warmly received by UIII Rector Prof. Jamhari Makruf, Chair of Academic Senate Rifqi Muna, PhD, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim, and UIII lecturers Prof. Farish Noor and Dr. Muhammad al-Marakeby, alongside UIII international students and other university officials.
The meeting highlighted the shared vision of UIII in promoting interfaith dialogue, countering extremist narratives, and the importance of empowering ummah (Islamic communities), especially those who find themselves as minorities amid the uncertainties of global political turmoil.
Imam Mujahid emphasized the importance of Muslims supporting one another, stressing that the Muslim community has a moral obligation to ensure the well-being and rights of marginalized groups, advocating for social justice, equal opportunities, and access to education for all. “Justice is a fundamental principle in Islam and that Muslim societies must lead by example in fostering inclusive and fair communities,” he said.
He also highlighted the increasing challenges faced by Muslim minorities worldwide, including discrimination, economic hardships, and restrictions on religious practices. He called for collective efforts to amplify the voices of those oppressed and to work towards systemic change. “Certainly education plays a pivotal role in addressing these issues, and institutions like UIII can contribute significantly by nurturing future leaders who are dedicated to justice, peace, and human dignity, to lead stronger ummah in the future,” he stated.
Prof. Jamhari, Rector of UIII, stated, “We were honored to welcome Imam Mujahid to UIII, where his visit fostered meaningful discussions on global Muslim affairs, interfaith cooperation, and the transformative role of education in addressing contemporary challenges.”
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