Who is Omar Sulieman
Omar Suleiman who was born in 1986, is an American Muslim scholar, advocate for civil rights, prolific writer, and influential public speaker. Omar assumes the pivotal role of Founder and President at the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, in addition to serving as an adjunct professor in Islamic Studies and holding a position on the Ethics Center Advisory Board at Southern Methodist University.
Moreover, Suleiman actively engages as the Resident Scholar at the Valley Ranch Islamic Center and holds the esteemed position of Co-Chair Emeritus at Faith Forward Dallas which is situated at Thanks-Giving Square. This coalition unites diverse clergy, fostering peace and advocating for justice across multiple faiths.
Omar’s life and education
Omar Sulieman, born in 1986 in New Orleans to a Palestinian family, earned bachelor’s degrees in both accounting and Islamic law. His academic pursuits extended to Master’s degrees which was in Islamic finance and political history. Subsequently, he concluded his doctoral studies which was in Islamic thought and civilization at the International Islamic University Malaysia.
omar’s Career
Upon his return to New Orleans,Omar Suleiman assumed the role of Imam at the Jefferson Muslim Association which was for a tenure of six years. Additionally, in late 2005, he took charge as the director of the “Muslims for Humanity” initiative, aiding Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Co-founding the East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association, his civic dedication was acknowledged with an award for outstanding civic achievement from the mayor and city council of New Orleans in 2010.
In 2016, Omar Suleiman established the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research which serves as its founder. He also initiated MUHSEN
(Muslims Understanding and Helping Special Education Needs), a nonprofit organization aimed at fostering inclusive Muslim
communities supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.
Formerly, until May 2019, he held the position of Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies at Southern Methodist University and was
a contributing member of the Maguire Ethics Center Advisory Board.
Currently, as of September 2022,Omar Suleiman serves as the Resident Scholar of the Valley Ranch Islamic Center and holds the position
of co-chair at Faith Forward Dallas, operating from Thanks-Giving Square.Omar
Omar’s activism
Omar Sulieman has been deeply involved in social justice movements and progressive causes. He expressed his view on Donald Trump‘s presidency, noting its exhaustive impact on American citizens. Identifying himself as a student of Malcolm X, he emphasizes the significance of preserving black consciousness
as a vital element impacted by the subjugation of African Americans. He advocates for a constantly evolving America, urging that true patriotism lies in demanding the country fulfills its promises.
In July 2016, Suleiman participated in demonstrations in Dallas against the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Tragically, these protests culminated in a shooting incident where five police officers lost their lives. Following this tragic event, he led the invocation at a memorial service attended by several notable political figures.
Since 2015, Suleiman has been actively engaged in providing aid to Syrian refugee camps alongside the Muslim humanitarian relief group, Helping Hand for Relief and Development.
He notably led airport demonstrations in Dallas in response to the Trump administration’s travel ban affecting predominantly Muslim nations. Additionally, he was arrested on Capitol Hill in 2017 during a protest advocating comprehensive immigration reform and later visited the U.S.–Mexico border to protest against the family separation policy.
Suleiman has consistently supported victims’ families affected by police brutality, endorsed the Black Lives Matter movement, and stressed the importance of anti-racism work. He has also advocated for individuals he views as political prisoners, including Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin and members of the Holy Land Foundation (HLF 5).
In December 2021, Suleiman delivered the keynote address at the Russell Tribunal on War Crimes on Kashmir held in Sarajevo, Bosnia- Herzegov
Threat from ISIS
ISIS, also known as the Islamic State, is designated as a terrorist organization by numerous countries and international bodies due to its acts of violence, extremism, and its pursuit of a radical ideology.
Recognition
Suleiman’s commitment to community service, interfaith dialogue, and social justice earned him recognition for outstanding civic achievement from the mayor and city council of New Orleans in 2010.
He was featured in Ozy Magazine as a “rising star” and hailed as “The Religious Leader Dallas Needs” by D Magazine.
Furthermore, Suleiman became the focus of a BBC documentary in 2016, shedding light on the experiences of Muslims in Texas amidst increasing Islamophobia. Additionally, a 2017 PBS documentary highlighted his efforts with Syrian refugees.
On May 9, 2019, Suleiman was invited by the U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson to serve as the congressional guest chaplain, delivering the opening invocation.
His impact has been recognized by CNN among 25 Muslim American change-makers and by inclusion in The Muslim 500,
an annual ranking of the world’s most influential Muslims compiled by The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Amman, Jordan.
In honor of Frederick Douglass‘s bicentennial, Suleiman was acknowledged among 200 honorees by the Antiracist Research
and Policy Center at American University and Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives for embodying Douglass‘s commitment to social change.
Additionally, the Texas House of Representatives paid tribute to Suleiman in March 2022 for his involvement during the Colleyville
synagogue hostage crisis. Amidst the crisis, he voluntarily engaged in hostage negotiations after a lone gunman held
congregants during a Sabbath service at Congregation Beth Israel synagogue.
Suleiman’s Book
Suleiman has authored several impactful books:
“Prayers of the Pious,”
“Allah Loves…
“Repentance: Breaking Habits of Sin,” The Prophetic Voice on Social Reform,”
“Angels in Your Presence,”
“Meeting Muhammad,”
The Eaalim
Eaalim shows us characters and Muslims celebrities like Yasir Qadhi –Eaalim aim to provide young junior and
kid Muslims with good role models to follow.
