Omar Suleiman is a Palestinian American born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, an imam, scholar, social justice activist, public speaker, and author. He completed his Ph.D. in Islamic Thought and Civilization at the International Islamic University Malaysia. He is an adjunct professor of Islamic Studies and member of the Ethics Center Advisory Board at Southern Methodist University in University Park, Texas.
He was director of the Muslims for Humanity relief effort for Hurricane Katrina. He co-founded the East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association. He is the founding director of Muslims Understanding and Helping Special Education Needs to foster inclusivity and improved services for person with disabilities and their families. He is also co-chair of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square, a multifaith coalition of clergy for peace and justice. He founded the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research in 2016.
Suleiman has engaged in interfaith dialogue, community service, and social justice organizing and activism for human rights causes such as anti-racism, police brutality, Black Lives Matter, Syrian refugees, ending the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and a cease-fire in Gaza.
Suleiman received an award for outstanding civic achievement from the mayor and city of New Orleans in 2010, served as a U.S. congressional guest chaplain, was recognized as one of CNN’s 25 Muslim American change-makers, and honored by the Texas House of Representatives for his assistance during a hostage crisis at Colleyville synagogue. He is included in the Muslim 500, the world’s most influential Muslims as compiled by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. He is also an honoree of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University and Federick Douglass Family Initiatives. On April 20, 2024, Suleiman was called “the religious leader Dallas needs” by D Magazine.
Read and Listen for:
- Sermons and teaching on activism, faith, history, politics, practical theology, and divine law
- Ways to practice everyday spirituality while pursuing Allah's love
- Motivation for applying the prophetic example to today's social justice issues
