Imam Dr. Omar Suleiman

Imam Omar Suleiman was born in 1986 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to a Palestinian-Muslim family. From early in his life he combined both traditional Islamic learning and formal higher education. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Islamic Law, master’s degrees in Islamic Finance and Political History, and is completing (or recently completed) a PhD in Islamic Thought and Civilization at the International Islamic University Malaysia.

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In his work life and public service, Dr. Suleiman is the Founder & President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, a think-tank producing research and media that address faith, identity, and issues facing Muslims today. He also founded MUHSEN (Muslims Understanding and Helping Special Education Needs), an organization devoted to making the Muslim community more inclusive for people with disabilities. He serves as Resident Scholar at the Valley Ranch Islamic Center in Dallas, co-chair (emeritus) of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square, and is an adjunct professor of Islamic Studies at Southern Methodist University. Earlier, he served as Imam of the Jefferson Muslim Association in New Orleans for six years, and was involved in humanitarian relief work such as after Hurricane Katrina through “Muslims for Humanity.”

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In his Islamic preaching and methodology, Dr. Omar Suleiman blends scholarly rigor with compassion, focusing on social justice, spiritual growth, interfaith relations, and community building. He delivers lectures, khutbahs, and produces digital content that address both inward dimensions (character, morals, spirituality) and outward responsibilities (justice, advocacy, service). His work emphasizes bridging faith and life: helping people live Islam in worthy, relevant, and transformative ways.