Muslim Life at Georgetown
Muslim Life provides worship services and religious support for Georgetown’s Muslim population as well as educational programs about Islam. Georgetown University encourages and fosters a strong and growing Muslim community. It is part and parcel of the Jesuit tradition that imbues the university to learn and live in an environment committed to intellectual freedom, religious pluralism and cultural diversity.
As one of the nation’s oldest and most renowned Catholic universities, Georgetown University was the first to appoint a full-time Muslim chaplain to support the Muslim community on campus. Imam Yahya Hendi is dedicated to supporting and encouraging Muslim students and others on campus through counseling and programming to benefit the community at large. We foster a welcoming environment for all those who call themselves Muslim without distinction. Our Muslim Life team is a valuable asset to our community.
How to Get Involved
Muslim Life activities at Georgetown University consist of Jum’ah prayers, bi-annual retreats, Tafseer of the Qur’an, Islamic lecture series, weekly study circles, intra-faith dialogue events, community service, women and faith events, and interfaith programs. Muslim Life also offers overnight retreat programs that reinforce the bond of the Muslim community and facilitate religious reflection.
We also work with the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and other student groups to put on programs and events beneficial to the Georgetown community as well as the surrounding DC community.
Muslim Life Retreat
The undergraduate community is invited to join Muslim Life on this spiritual and enlightening retreat as we venture off the hilltop to the Calcagnini Contemplative Center situated in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to create new friends, gain religious knowledge, and eat halal s’mores!
Explore Muslim Life RetreatServices Schedule
Unless otherwise noted all prayers and services take place in Yarrow Mamout Masjid, Village C (Level 2, enter from the central outdoor staircase).
- Jum’ah Salah Friday, 1 PM
- Fajr Prayers (Daily)
- ‘Isha Salat Prayers (Daily)
To see a full schedule of all Campus Ministry gatherings and services, please visit our Campus Ministry Religious Services Calendar.
Meet Our Team
Imam Yahya Hendi, Director for Muslim Life
Imam Yahya Hendi is the Director for Muslim Life. He has been at Georgetown for 22 years and was the first Muslim chaplain to be hired full-time by an American university. Imam Hendi is a Public Policy Conflict Resolution Fellow at the Center for Dispute Resolution at the University of Maryland School of Law and the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office. Imam Hendi is the founder and the president of Clergy Beyond Borders. He also serves as a member of the Islamic Jurisprudence Council of North America. Imam has served as an adjunct faculty member for Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Science and Osher’s Lifelong Learning Institute of John Hopkins University, Fordham University, and Hartford Seminary. Imam Hendi also taught the course Inter-religious Encounters at Georgetown University. He is passionate about environmental responsibility, racial justice, eliminating poverty, fighting against the growing sense of militarism, and empowering Muslims to reform the way they practice and understand Islam. When Imam Hendi is not talking about these topics with students, you’ll find him in the kitchen cooking Maqloobah or his other favorite dishes, grilled chicken, rice, and hummus.
Courtney Henderson-Adams, Interreligious Coordinator
Courtney Henderson-Adams is the Interreligious Coordinator, assisting in Jewish, Muslim, and Dharmic life, and other interreligious programs and initiatives. Before joining Georgetown, Courtney worked at the Virginia Theological Seminary’s Center for Anglican Communion Studies where she coordinated the department’s events and international guests across the Anglican communion. Courtney has a BA in Communications from Pace University (2019), and an MA in Religious Studies from Athens State University (2022). Her thesis research focused on the sociological definition of religion and new religious movements. She also enjoys researching the history of major, minor, and new religions, and the relationship between mass media and religion. Courtney is a loyal Dunkin’ customer and enjoys her quality time with her pug, Barbra.
Questions? Please email muslimlife@georgetown.edu.