Omar Suleiman
Muslim Central
Imam Omar Suleiman is the Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and a professor of Islamic Studies at Southern Methodist University. He’s also the resident scholar of the Valley Ranch Islamic Center, and Co-Chair of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square, a multi-faith alliance for peace and justice.
Originally from New Orleans, LA, he began his journey of traditional Islamic learning in the year 2000 and has spent years studying in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Malaysia, etc. Upon becoming certified in various traditional sciences, he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic law, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, a Master’s degree in Islamic Finance, a Master’s Degree in Political History, and is in the process of completing his PhD from the International Islamic University of Malaysia in Islamic Thought and Civilization.
His career started in his hometown of New Orleans where he served as the Imam of the Jefferson Muslim Association in New Orleans for 6 years and directed the ICNA Relief “Muslims for Humanity” Hurricane Katrina Relief effort. It was in this time that he was noted on a national level as being a strong advocate of community service, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. He co-founded the East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association and was awarded for his outstanding civic achievement by the Mayor and City Council of New Orleans in 2010.
He then moved to Dallas and became the Resident Scholar of the Valley Ranch Islamic Center in 2013 and more recently, Co-Chair of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square. In Dallas, he has been a noted leader and voice for peace, and has partaken as a representative of the Muslim Community in many city functions. He has since been a guest at various national functions to share his experiences in community building.
Shaykh Omar most recently founded the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research which is a think tank that focuses on instilling conviction based on Islamic texts, and producing contribution. He also founded M.U.H.S.E.N (Muslims Understanding and Helping Special Education Needs), a nonprofit umbrella organization serving the community to establish a more inclusive “Special Friendly” environment for our Brothers & Sisters of all Disabilities.
Originally from New Orleans, LA, he began his journey of traditional Islamic learning in the year 2000 and has spent years studying in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Malaysia, etc. Upon becoming certified in various traditional sciences, he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic law, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, a Master’s degree in Islamic Finance, a Master’s Degree in Political History, and is in the process of completing his PhD from the International Islamic University of Malaysia in Islamic Thought and Civilization.
His career started in his hometown of New Orleans where he served as the Imam of the Jefferson Muslim Association in New Orleans for 6 years and directed the ICNA Relief “Muslims for Humanity” Hurricane Katrina Relief effort. It was in this time that he was noted on a national level as being a strong advocate of community service, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. He co-founded the East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association and was awarded for his outstanding civic achievement by the Mayor and City Council of New Orleans in 2010.
He then moved to Dallas and became the Resident Scholar of the Valley Ranch Islamic Center in 2013 and more recently, Co-Chair of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square. In Dallas, he has been a noted leader and voice for peace, and has partaken as a representative of the Muslim Community in many city functions. He has since been a guest at various national functions to share his experiences in community building.
Shaykh Omar most recently founded the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research which is a think tank that focuses on instilling conviction based on Islamic texts, and producing contribution. He also founded M.U.H.S.E.N (Muslims Understanding and Helping Special Education Needs), a nonprofit umbrella organization serving the community to establish a more inclusive “Special Friendly” environment for our Brothers & Sisters of all Disabilities.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 17, 2016 • 5min
Out Of Context - Part 12
What Is Martyrdom In Islam? - Omar Suleiman
In Part 12 of the interview, Shaykh Omar takes questions from the audience. According to Sheikh Omar Suleiman, there are various categories of martyrdom in islam, which isnât just achieved through fighting - Sheikh Omar explains further...
Oct 17, 2016 • 15min
Out Of Context - Part 11
Is Jesus Christ Divine? - Omar Suleiman
In Part 11 of the interview, Shaykh Omar takes questions from the audience. The best way to alter the public perception of Muslim women in the West, says Sheikh Omar Suleiman, is for them to continue to be out there and for thriving, successful Muslim women to engage fully in their communities. Regarding the debate over the divinity of Jesus, a study of early Christianity will reveal that it was far from monolithic.
Oct 10, 2016 • 11min
Out Of Context - Part 10
Is there Persecution of Arab Christians? - Omar Suleiman
In Part 10 of the interview, Shaykh Omar takes questions from the audience. Throughout history there has been a lot of friction between Muslims and Christians, says Sheikh Omar Suleiman, with Muslims also on the receiving end during the Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition.
Oct 10, 2016 • 6min
Out Of Context - Part 9
Does Racism Drive Islamophobia - Omar Suleiman
In Part 9 of the interview, Shaykh Omar takes questions from the audience. There is certainly an element of bigotry and racism, says Sheikh Omar Suleiman, because you'll find that the same people who are Islamophobic are also anti-Semitic.
Oct 8, 2016 • 11min
Out Of Context - Part 8
Women's Rights In The Quran - Omar Suleima
In Part 8 of the interview, Shaykh Omar takes questions from the audience. The Quran is very progressive with regards to women, says Sheikh Omar Suleiman.
Oct 8, 2016 • 5min
Out Of Context - Part 7
What Kind Of Training Is Available For Imams? - Omar Suleiman
In Part 7 of the interview, Shaykh Omar takes questions from the audience. Imam training is not as defined in Islam as it is in other faith traditions, says Sheikh Omar Suleiman.
Oct 8, 2016 • 31min
Why The Muslim Vote Matters
Sheikh Omar discusses the importance of participation and why Muslims across the nation should vote both locally and internationally.
Oct 8, 2016 • 26min
Out Of Context - Part 6
The "All-Terrorists-are-Muslim" Myth - Omar Suleiman
In Part 6 of the interview with Dallas-based Pastor Mike Baughman, Imam Omar Suleiman dispels the myth that all terrorists are Muslim, noting the huge disparity between the amount of media coverage given to the rare cases where perpetrators were actually Muslim and when they were not.
Oct 2, 2016 • 10min
Out Of Context - Part 5
Sharia Law vs. Penal Code - Omar Suleiman
In Part 5 of the interview with Dallas-based Pastor Mike Baughman, Imam Omar Suleiman gives the definitive word on the meaning of Sharia law and how it must be distinguished from Islamic penal code.
Oct 2, 2016 • 5min
Out Of Context - Part 4
Love Thy Neighbor - Omar Suleiman
In Part 4 of the with Dallas-based Pastor Mike Baughman, Imam Omar Suleiman answers a question in the mind of many people in the West who have become conflicted about their Muslim minorities: Can you be a Muslim and a patriot? Can the allegiances of a Muslim in a non-Muslim country sit side by side? Can you be a practicing Muslim and an American, British or French citizen?
