Faroque Ahmad Khan M.B., M.A.C.P. EMAIL: faroquekhan@outlook.com
A distinguished physician, philanthropist, and interfaith leader, Dr. Faroque Ahmad Khan is a first-generation American Muslim, originally from Kashmir. He is widely recognized as a prominent voice for American Muslims and is frequently featured in national media for his interfaith work. Honored as one of the “50 Most Influential People of Long Island” by the Long Island Press in 2013, Dr. Khan has also been profiled by The New York Times and New York Magazine.
A prolific speaker and author of over 150 medical articles and three books, Dr. Khan’s expertise has been sought by the White House on issues facing American Muslims.
Dr. Khan’s medical career includes serving as Chairman of Medicine at Nassau University Medical Center, where he trained over 350 physicians. He is a professor of medicine at Stony Brook University and the first Muslim to achieve mastership in the American College of Physicians (ACP). Dr. Khan significantly expanded the American College of Physicians’ (ACP) reach by establishing its Saudi Arabian chapter. As president of the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) and through his role with the Federation of Islamic Medical Associations (FIMA), he facilitated the sharing of medical research and training with the Saudi medical community. He also founded the Islamic Center of Long Island (ICLI), a major Muslim community center, and pioneered a Muslim-sponsored interfaith alliance.
A Journey of Faith, Leadership, and Understanding
Imagine leaving your homeland, a place of deep cultural roots and familiar landscapes, under the shadow of conflict. That was the choice my wife, Dr. Arfa, and I faced as young medical graduates from Kashmir. We came to the United States seeking advanced medical training, but the turmoil back home ultimately led us to build our lives here – a decision that, in hindsight, was a profound blessing.
In the United States, we found fertile ground for professional growth. My dedication to medicine led to my appointment as Chairman of Medicine at Nassau County Medical Center, a position I held with pride and responsibility from 1987 to 1999. During this time, I focused on improving patient care standards and mentoring the next generation of physicians, striving to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we served.
As a visible Muslim leader in a post-9/11 world, I recognized the urgent need to bridge divides and dispel harmful stereotypes. When Rabbi Jerome Davidson extended an invitation in 1992 to initiate dialogue between our communities, I saw it as a critical opportunity. Despite initial skepticism from some within my own community, I embraced the challenge. I immersed myself in studying the Quran, discovering powerful verses that champion interfaith understanding (Q7:159, Q29:46, Q16:125). This led to the creation of AMJID—American Muslims and Jews in Dialogue, a groundbreaking initiative that would transform perceptions and build lasting bridges.
The journey was not without its challenges. As a physician with limited formal theological training, I had to learn quickly. I discovered that for any success in this unique dialogue, we had to: a) show unwavering respect and hospitality; b) define positions clearly; c) compare similar items; d) maintain a balance in participants; and e) establish clear ground rules, agenda, and parameters. Word about AMJID spread quickly, leading to numerous positive news stories. We gained trust and confidence, enabling us to address even sensitive topics like Jerusalem. After a few years, we shared sacred moments: Muslims were invited to the Temple to break the Ramadan fast, and Jews visited the Islamic Center of Long Island to celebrate Sukkot. This experience, documented in my book “Story of a Mosque in America,” underscored the transformative power of dialogue.
This profound experience led us to formally establish the Interfaith Institute of Long Island in October 2015 (www.interfaithny.com), a testament to the enduring impact of fostering mutual understanding.
My journey has taught me a profound lesson: building bridges of understanding is not just a responsibility, it’s a necessity. We, as Muslims, must actively engage with the broader community, sharing the true message of Islam through our words and actions. We cannot afford to be passive observers; we must be active participants in shaping a more inclusive and harmonious society. Let us embrace the opportunity to educate, to connect, and to inspire, for in doing so, we not only dispel misconceptions but also enrich the fabric of our shared humanity.
The urgency of interfaith understanding was further underscored after 9/11. For instance, I was informed that Msgn Tom Hartman, a leading Catholic preacher and head of the Catholic TV channel Telecare, had announced a program about a “Muslim Neighbor Telicare TV Program.” This initiative, born from a desire to foster understanding in a time of heightened tension, exemplified the power of individuals to bridge divides through media.
In summary, it’s been an enriching experience for me to have engaged with the larger community. I’ve learned a lot, and I believe we did make a positive contribution. I’ve followed the time-honored examples of 10 keys to a successful mission, irrespective of the profession you follow. They require ZERO talent: 1) Be on time, 2) Make an effort, 3) Bring high energy, 4) Have a positive attitude, 5) Be passionate, 6) Use good body language, 7) Be coachable, 8) Do a little extra, 9) Be prepared, and 10) last but not least, have a strong work ethic. These principles, combined with a commitment to understanding and dialogue, have guided my journey and, I hope, will inspire others to build bridges in their own communities.