Dr.  Omar Suleiman is an American Islamic scholar, author, and activist, known for his work in bridging faith and social justice.  He is the founder and president of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, an adjunct professor of Islamic Studies at Southern Methodist University, and a resident scholar at the Valley Ranch Islamic Center.

Early Life and Education:

• Born in New Orleans to a family of Palestinian Muslims,
• Holds a bachelor's degree in Islamic law and accounting,
• Have master’s degrees in Islamic finance and political history,

Completed doctoral studies in Islamic thought and civilization at the International Islamic University Malaysia.  Here is a comprehensive biography of Dr. Omar Suleiman, detailing his personal life, education, career, family, and more.​    

Personal Information

 

• Full Name: Imam Dr. Omar Suleiman
• Date of Birth: June 3, 1983
• Place of Birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Palestinian descent
• Religion: Islam (Sunni)
• Languages: English, Arabic​

 

Education

Bachelor's Degrees,

• Accounting,
• Islamic Law,

Master's Degrees:

• Islamic Finance
• Political History

 

Doctoral Studies:

• Islamic Thought and Civilization
• Institution: International Islamic University Malaysia ​
• Career and Leadership
• Academic Roles
• Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
• Member: Ethics Center Advisory Board at SMU ​

   

Religious Leadership

• Founder & President: Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research
• Resident Scholar: Valley Ranch Islamic Center
• Co-Chair Emeritus: Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square ​

 

Community Engagement

• Former Imam: Jefferson Muslim Association, New Orleans
• Director: "Muslims for Humanity" Hurricane Katrina relief effort (2005)
• Co-Founder: East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association
• Founder: MUHSEN (Muslims Understanding and Helping Special Education Needs) ​

 

Books and Publications

• Suleiman has authored several books focusing on Islamic teachings and social justice,
• Prayers of the Pious (2019)
• Allah Loves (2020)
• Repentance: Breaking Habits of Sin (2020)
• 40 on Justice: The Prophetic Voice on Social Reform (2021)
• Angels in Your Presence (2021)
• Meeting Muhammad (2022)
• Wings of Faith: Patience and Gratitude (2022) ​

 

Family Details

• Father: College Chemistry Professor,
• Mother: Poet,
• Heritage: Both parents are Palestinian immigrants from Nablus, who moved to the U.S. in the 1960s. ​

  Dr. Suleiman is a true believer and follower of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Ja'far ibn Abi Talib and Mufti Muneeb Hashem, ​  

Omar Suleiman Wife and Children,

• Marital Status: Married in 2007,
• Children: Three,
• Eldest daughter named May, after his mother,
• Youngest daughter named Khadijah, born in 2019,

   

Social Media Presence

• Facebook: Imam Omar Suleiman
• Instagram: @imamomarsuleiman
• TikTok: @followthehaq

 

Recognitions and Contributions

• 2010: Received an award for outstanding civic achievement from the Mayor and City Council of New Orleans
• 2016: Founded the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research
• 2019: Led the invocation at a memorial service for slain police officers attended by U.S. Presidents and First Ladies.​

  Here is a very simple version of the text about Omar Suleiman that a 5th-grade student can easily read and understand:  

Who is Omar Suleiman by Profession?

Omar Suleiman is a Muslim teacher, speaker, and leader. He was born in 1986 in New Orleans, USA. His family is from Palestine.  

What does Omar Suleiman do?

Omar teaches people about Islam. He started a group called Yaqeen Institute to help people learn more about the Muslim religion. He also works at a university in Texas called Southern Methodist University. He teaches Islamic Studies there.  

Where does Omar Suleiman work?

He teaches at mosques and schools, is a leader at Valley Ranch Islamic Center, and has worked with people from different religions to bring peace and justice to Dallas, Texas.  

Where did Omar Suleiman study?

He studied Islam in different countries like Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia. He got degrees in Islamic Law, Finance, and History.  

Helping others

After a big storm (Hurricane Katrina) hit New Orleans in 2005, Omar helped people by giving food and support. He also started a group called MUHSEN to help Muslims with disabilities and their families.  

Speaking and Writing Professions

Omar has written articles for CNN, USA Today, and other newspapers. He also made a show that teaches lessons from the life of Prophet Muhammad. The show won an award in 2016.  

Standing up for others

Omar stands up for people who are treated unfairly. He joined marches and protests when people like Alton Sterling and Philando Castile were killed. He also helped Syrian refugees and went to visit them in camps.  

Role of Omar Suleiman in Working for Justice

He protested against a travel ban that stopped many Muslims from coming to the U.S. In 2017, he was arrested while asking for better immigration laws. He also went to the U.S.–Mexico border to support families separated by new laws.   A group called ISIS once made a video saying they wanted to hurt him. This happened because he worked with a Christian pastor to bring peace between Muslims and Christians. Omar said that ISIS does not follow true Islam.  

Awards and honors

 

• The mayor of New Orleans gave him an award in 2010.
• He was called a “rising star” and “a leader Dallas needs.”
• He was in a BBC and PBS documentary.
• He prayed in the U.S. Congress in 2019.

  CNN called him one of the top 25 Muslim Americans making a difference. He was named one of the world’s most important Muslims. He was honored for his work helping people and standing up against racism.