Omar Suleiman

The Imam Dr. Omar Suleiman is a world renowned scholar and theologically driven activist for human rights. He is the Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and an adjunct professor of Islamic Studies in the Graduate Liberal Studies program at Southern Methodist University. He's also the resident scholar of the Valley Ranch Islamic Center and Co-Chair Emeritus of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square, a multi-faith coalition of clergy for peace and justice. In addition to being recognized by CNN as one of 25 Muslim American changemakers, Suleiman is included in The Muslim 500 - an annual ranking of the world's most influential Muslims compiled by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. In 2019, the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University and Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives recognized Suleiman among 200 honorees who embody the legacy of the abolitionist’s commitment to social change. He is a native of New Orleans, and currently resides in Dallas with his wife and 3 children.

All Stories by Omar Suleiman

Fortitude through faith: The Muslim pandemic experience

By Omar Suleiman, Rania Awaad, and Taimur Kouser — March 31, 2022
(RNS) — Mental health increasingly — and erroneously — operates under the umbrella of secularism.

The world united to pray to save the boy in the well. Why not children who die in war?

By Omar Suleiman — February 7, 2022
(RNS) — It’s hard for us to face that we throw the children in war zones into the well.

11 hours of prayer and solidarity at the Colleyville synagogue standoff

By Omar Suleiman — January 18, 2022
(RNS) — At the request of his editors, our columnist writes about waiting with hostages’ families.

Even Congress can agree that we need to stop Uyghur genocide. Why can’t Elon Musk?

By Omar Suleiman — January 3, 2022
(RNS) — Planning a Tesla factory for Xinjiang is a new low, even for Tesla's CEO.

Still brothers: Making sense of the Malcolm and Ali split

By Omar Suleiman — October 21, 2021
(RNS) — We are as fascinated with these two friends’ legacies as we were captivated by them in life.

The last casualty of 9/11: Speaking up for Muslim political prisoners

By Omar Suleiman — October 11, 2021
(RNS) — For two decades, Muslims' will to seek justice for political prisoners has been muted.

Why is Islamophobia wrong at home and acceptable against Palestinians?

By Omar Suleiman — June 24, 2021
(RNS) — So many who condemn bigotry against Muslims have a blind spot when it comes to Palestinians.

Malcolm X’s moral courage and the challenge of Palestine

By Omar Suleiman — May 19, 2021
(RNS) — His example of speaking up for the Palestinians shows how moral courage works.

Ramadan fasting isn’t about hunger. It’s about living mindfully.

By Omar Suleiman — April 13, 2021
(RNS) — As you fast from what is ordinarily permissible, you learn to fast from what is prohibited at all times.

NBA star Stephen Jackson on converting to Islam: ‘I needed to listen to my heart’

By Omar Suleiman — February 4, 2021
(RNS) — ‘Allah has blessed me with so much already, and now he has blessed me with Islam,’ said Jackson.

What Jesus means to me as a Muslim

By Omar Suleiman — December 24, 2020
(RNS) — As the Christmas season ushers forth the memory of Jesus, it’s worth asking: How much do Muslims think about the person the Quran recognizes as a prophet and the Messiah?

Moving past inshallah: What Muslims want to see in a Biden presidency

By Omar Suleiman — November 12, 2020
(RNS) — For the last 20 years, American Muslims have been on a cruel roller coaster ride with presidential candidates and the two major political parties in general.

On Ashura, Muslims recall how faith in God overcomes tyrants

By Omar Suleiman — August 28, 2020
(RNS) — On Ashura, the promise of Paradise is divine assurance even when the world shows its vilest cruelty. No pharaoh, tyrant or terrorist can take any of those things away.

In the Fatiha, Jacob Blake’s father cried for justice and healing for his son

By Omar Suleiman — August 26, 2020
(RNS) — As he recited the Fatiha, a prayer that opens the Quran, Jacob Blake’s father cried for mercy, healing, justice and an end to violence — like countless Black parents before him.

As an isolated hajj begins, Abraham’s trust in God is ours

By Omar Suleiman — July 29, 2020
(RNS) — This year’s disappointments may mean that Muslims will connect in a unique way this year to Abraham’s story as we celebrate Eid al-Adha.
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