Speaker Program: Islam in the U.S

Speaker Imam Bakhach Moujahed Mouhammed on Islam in the U.S.

On May 4, 2009, Ambassador Gayleatha Brown spoke at the opening ceremony for a conference on the theme, “Islam in America,” featuring the guest speaker, Imam Moujahed Mouhammed Bakhach from Fort Worth, Texas. This event was organized in the framework of outreach speaker programming sponsored by the Public Affairs Section of the American Embassy in Cotonou. Imam Bakhach also gave subsequent lectures at the  National Library in Porto-Novo, the town hall in Parakou and at the Youth Center in Djougou.
In her speech, Ambassador Brown explained that this program highlights the U.S. Government’s policy to engage in dialogue with all people around the world. She also stressed the U.S. government’s commitment to engage in partnerships based on mutual understanding and mutual respect.
Imam Moujahed Mouhammed Bakhach holds a Master’s degree in Islamic Law and International Law. He gives lectures about the teachings of the Quran at universities, churches, health centers in the United States. He is also a member of the Interfaith Community of Ft. Worth, Texas and the Tarrant Area Community of Churches.  He is also the founder of the Islamic Arbitration Institution in North Texas, sponsored by the Islamic Service Foundation.
In his discussions in Benin, he stressed the importance of education and  the need to study to guard against ignorance, which can lead to very negative consequences for oneself and others. He presented the core principles of Islam, which are:
ü  The belief in one God, Allah and Mohamed His Prophet
ü  Prayer 5 times a day
ü  Fasting during the month of Ramadan
ü  Giving of alms (charity)
ü  Pilgrimage to Mecca
He recommended to Muslims leaders and followers that they should know their duties, rights and responsibilities as Muslims and as citizens.
Participants at the program included religious leaders, lecturers, Government officials, students and journalists. They contributed with many comments and questions. Issues raised during discussion sessions related to women covering their head and violence toward women.

Imam Bakhach during one of his presentations.