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.
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In Episode #2, our respected Imam Omar Suleiman introduces the two angels, Raqib and Atid. Whatever we do or say is recorded by either of the angels on our right and left. When a sin is committed the angel on the left is to record it. However, did you know that the angel does not record it the instant it is committed? No. Rather the angel is instructed by Allah s.w.t. to hold back, hold off the recording for a certain time. How long is that time? And why is the time prescribed? What is the effec...
Juz' 2 with Tesneem Alkiek - Ramadan series Sh. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Abdullah Oduro, joined by special guest Tesneem Alkiek, explore gems from the second Juz' of the Holy Quran.
Juz' 1 with Justin Parrot - Ramadan Series In the opening episode of the series, Sh. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Abdullah Oduro, joined by special guest Justin Parrott, explore gems from the first Juz' of the Holy Quran. In the month leading into Ramadan, our team worked around the clock to be there for you, bringing you relevant, uplifting, and educational content to help cope with lockdowns, quarantines, and the fear around COVID-19.
From Adam to Abraham- 'When My Servants Ask of Me, I Am Near' - Virtual Khutbah In surah tul Bakarah, there is a verse that states "and when my servants ask you about Me, then tell them I am near. I answer the call of every believer when they call upon me so let them also answer my call and believe in me so they may find rightful guidance" (2:186). Sh. Omar Suleiman discusses the very powerful connection of this ayah to two prophets, Adam and Abraham, and their call to Allah.
Angels in your presence #1 - They've Got Your Back. Do we have such a thing as guardian angels? What do they do, and how do we experience them? This Ramadhan 2020 Imam Omar Suleiman guides us through the realm of the Angels, the Mala'ikah. Episode #1 is an introduction into the role and presence of the angels in the life of every man and woman. Can you recall a moment when you are on your war somewhere and suddenly a car or bike that was definitely not going to miss you swerves and misses you by...
The Prophet ﷺ bled more in Uhud, but he hurt more in Taif. Sh. Omar Suleiman reflects on becoming aware of our own invisible wounds, the wounds we cause, the ones we ignore in the people around us.
How do we manage our spirituality and mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak? The outbreak of COVID-19 is stressful for people and communities. In addition to fear of the risk of the disease itself, voluntary social isolation, mosque and school closures, and shifts in working situations can take a toll on our spirituality and mental well-being. Join Yaqeen Founder & President Sh. Omar Suleiman and authors of the Trauma series Sarah Sultan LPC, LMHC and Najwa Awad, LCSWC as they provid...
In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Sh. Omar Suleiman delivers a special lecture on the Amwas plague, the first plague to claim the lives of hundreds of Sahaba and thousands of people in the 7th century. He highlights lessons we can learn from that time period and offers some spiritual gems that are relevant to us today.
Abu Bakr - Part 3 There Will Never Be Another One Prophet Muhammad ï·º was keen to remember and honor âthe firstsâ for their support, suffering, and sincerity. Abu Bakrâs (ra) honor surpassed everyoneâs, including that of Umar ibn al Khattab (ra). He surpassed everyone by a distance that no one could ever catch up to. His status is sanctified as the first after the prophets. Prophet Muhammad ï·º said the sun has never risen or set on anyone, after the prophets, that is better than Abu Ba...
Abu Bakr_ Setting His Own Standards Abu Bakr's (ra) character is best described by the words of Ali (ra), 'he is the first to every good'. Abu Bakr (ra) was the ultimate trendsetter, the fastest to do the good deed. In episode 10 of The Firsts, Sh. Omar Suleiman continues to talk about Abu Bakr (ra) and his elevation in the pursuit of good. The standards that he set and the inspiration that he had to achieve the good deed and how we can learn from him in setting our own goals and placing a highe...
Abu Bakr_ Second to None in the Pursuit of God Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (ra) was the ultimate "first": quick to believe, quick to do good, never hesitant to follow the Prophet ï·º, and had a natural instinct toward good. In Episode 9 of The Firsts, Sh. Omar Suleiman describes the noble character of Abu Bakr (ra), his friendship with the Prophet ï·º, and his unmatched legacy.
Ali and Fatima_ From Love to the Pain of Death Many came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, asking whom he loved the most, including Ali (ra) and Fatima (ra). He had the most eloquent answer, while maintaining his character of honesty. Even though Fatima was very dear to him and his heart was very attached to her, he didn’t want to answer in a way that would hurt Ali, whom he loved as his own son. He looked at Ali and said, 'She is more beloved to me than you, but you are more precious to me than her', ...
