9 Ways to Expand the Role of Imams in America

Interfaith Activism & Dialogue

Imams should develop the ability to engage in interfaith dialogue and activism with local interfaith partners from various religious backgrounds, including Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, Baha’i, Buddhist and other religious and non-religious or secular groups. Having an imam spearheading this effort is critical to setting an example for the Muslim community how to engage with the community at large and be open to learning about other religions’ beliefs, values, morals and ethics.

However, the effort shouldn’t stop at dialogue. Imams should work closely with interfaith partners to strategize how to work on common social justice issues facing the community at large including poverty, domestic violence, drug dealing, gang violence, sex trafficking, religious discrimination, police brutality and more.

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