Imam Amir Durić '19 and His Journey to Interfaith Innovation Fellow

Inspired by his grandfather, who encouraged him to lead prayers and calls to prayer during Ramadan, Chaplain Imam Amir Durić ‘19 felt a calling to religious leadership from a young age. He now serves as the Muslim chaplain and Chaplains Council coordinator at Syracuse University’s Hendricks Chapel.

Amir was first exposed to religious diversity during his undergraduate studies in Sarajevo, Bosnia – a city often called the “European Jerusalem” for its centuries-old multifaith heritage. He witnessed firsthand how communities of different faiths could coexist and thrive. “In Sarajevo, you can walk down the street and see a mosque, a cathedral, a synagogue, and an Orthodox church all within a few minutes,” he said. “It really was something that I was interested in.” 

His journey to Hartford International began in 2010 when he moved to the United States to serve as an imam for a predominantly Bosnian community in New Jersey. While there, he felt called to continue his education and deepen his understanding of religious leadership in a pluralistic society. 

In 2014, Amir began his studies at HIU, where he found a platform to put his interfaith ideals into practice. The university’s emphasis on contextual religious studies and its diverse campus community allowed him to engage with individuals from various faith traditions. He earned an MA with a focus on Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations. 

“What drew me to Hartford International University was its robust programs and its focus on preparing religious leaders to better engage and serve diverse communities,” Amir said. “It was an eye-opening experience that gave me the courage and confidence to work with people from different backgrounds.” 

As an imam, Amir primarily served in his mosque. When he learned about chaplaincy, he was immediately drawn to it, seeing it as an opportunity to expand his religious leadership beyond the mosque. Given the significant overlap between the duties of an imam and a chaplain — particularly in their roles as spiritual caregivers, educators, and community leaders — Amir felt well-prepared to take on this new path.

“As a chaplain, I realized I could connect with students, inmates, and hospital patients in a more intentional way,” Amir said. “Chaplaincy is about presence, listening, and accompanying people on their life journeys. It’s a calling to be there for others during their most vulnerable moments.” A chaplain often works in multifaith or secular environments, serving people of various beliefs and adapting to a broader range of spiritual needs.

In 2017, Amir started working as a chaplain at Syracuse University’s Hendricks Chapel. In 2022, Rabbi Ethan Bair, an accomplished Jewish community leader, also joined the staff. They developed a fruitful friendship, co-founding the Jewish-Muslim Dialogue Fellowship, fostering religious diversity and unity on campus. 

In September 2024, their impactful work earned them national recognition as Interfaith Innovation Fellows by Interfaith America, selected from over 200 applicants. They joined other Fellows in networking, professional development, and advancing visionary interfaith projects.

Reflecting on his journey, Amir emphasizes the importance of building relationships and fostering empathy. “In a world often marked by division, it’s essential to create spaces where people can come together, share their stories, and find common humanity,” he said.