He said he feels a great responsibility to "convey the true messages of Islam to the public" — the importance of a total submission to God and the establishment of peace on the earth.

"If someone doesn't carry these two qualities, no matter how much they claim to be Muslim, they are not considered to be in the eyes of God. An imam must make sure everyone understands that if they claim they are Muslim, they must carry these qualities."

In addition to leading daily prayers, Farooqi's duties will include overseeing religious education at the Islamic center, performing funeral prayers and marriage services, counseling families and working directly with young people, he said.

He was trained in religious education and has the entire Quran memorized. He is considered an expert in recitation, Quranic interpretation and tradition, he said.

Farooqi immigrated to the United States from Pakistan nearly 10 years ago. He and his wife have three children, ages 8, 5 and 3. "I have only one wife. I have to make that clear because I'm in Utah now," he said, smiling.

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