Omar Suleiman

Omar Suleiman

Dr. Omar Suleiman (born June 3, 1986) is an American Islamic scholar and civil rights activist. He is the founding president of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and an adjunct professor of Islamic studies and member of the Ethics Center Advisory Board at Southern Methodist University.

Suleiman is also the Resident Scholar of the Valley Ranch Islamic Center and the Co-Chair Emeritus of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square.

Early life and education
Omar Suleiman was born in 1986 in New Orleans to a family of Palestinian Muslims. He holds bachelor's degrees in accounting and Islamic law and Master's degrees in Islamic finance and political history. He completed doctoral studies in Islamic thought and civilization at the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Omar Suleiman?

Shaykh Omar Suleiman is a contemporary Islamic scholar, teacher, and community leader from the United States. He’s the founder and president of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and a professor of Islamic Studies. He’s widely recognized for his motivational lectures, especially during Ramadan (like his series on “Prayers of the Pious” and “Meeting Muhammad”). Omar Suleiman often speaks on social justice issues, spirituality, and how to apply Islamic principles in daily life.

2. What kind of books or works has Omar Suleiman produced?

Omar Suleiman has authored and co-authored several accessible Islamic books. Some notable ones include: - “Prayers of the Pious” – reflections on beautiful du’as of past generations. - “Allah Loves” – a book detailing the traits that Allah loves for us to embody. - “Meeting Muhammad” – a book (accompanied by a video series) that helps readers imagine and learn from what it would be like to be in the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He’s also involved in research publications through Yaqeen Institute, which are more article-length but high-quality resources on faith and society. On ilmStore, you’ll find especially his spiritually uplifting titles (like the ones above).

3. Is Omar Suleiman’s work suitable for teens and young adults?

Absolutely. In fact, one reason Shaykh Omar has become so popular is his ability to connect with younger audiences. He addresses modern challenges – like dealing with anxiety, maintaining faith in college/work, community issues – through an Islamic lens. His language is very approachable (sprinkled with everyday examples, and even humor at times). So, teens, college students, and young professionals often find his lectures and writings relatable and inspiring. The clarity and relevance of his content make it great for someone growing up in today’s world.

4. What topics does Omar Suleiman often address in his lectures/books?

Shaykh Omar covers a wide range: - Spirituality: For instance, improving one’s prayers, developing sincerity (ikhlas), and trusting Allah. - Character and Ethics: Such as forgiveness, generosity, dealing with others kindly – often via stories of the Prophet and companions. - Social Issues: He talks about racial justice, helping the oppressed, and being active in community service, tying it back to Islamic duties. - Contemporary Challenges: He’ll address issues like despair, environmental responsibility, or maintaining hope in difficult times with Islamic guidance. So whether it’s personal development or societal engagement, he provides Islamic insights on it.

5. How can I benefit from the Omar Suleiman collection on ilmStore?

You can start with his books: - Read “Prayers of the Pious” as a daily reflection to enhance your du’a life. - Use “Allah Loves” as a guide to cultivate beloved traits in yourself, maybe even as a group study with friends or family. - “Meeting Muhammad” can be a great Ramadan read, helping you feel closer to the Prophet. Also, if you prefer listening, many of his lectures corresponding to these books are available online (like on YouTube), so you could read a chapter then find the related talk for more depth. The key benefit is gaining motivation and practical tips – Omar Suleiman’s style is very much about encouraging action and positive change. By engaging with his work, you’re likely to feel a boost in faith and clarity in understanding how to live your faith in the modern world.