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Omar Suleiman (عمر سليمان)

Islamic Theology & Civil Rights

·American (Palestinian descent)·Born 1986

Dr. Omar Suleiman is the founder and president of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research — the largest Islamic research institution in the world. Born in New Orleans to a Palestinian family, he has become one of the most influential Muslim voices in America.

He holds a PhD in Islamic thought and civilization and serves as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University. His combination of deep scholarship, social activism, and emotional delivery has earned him a massive global following.

Beyond lectures, Omar Suleiman is known for his civil rights activism — he has led prayers at the US Capitol, spoken at rallies for social justice, and is a prominent voice against Islamophobia. His Ramadan series are among the most-watched Islamic content online each year.

What Omar is Known For

Yaqeen Institute

Founded the world's largest Islamic research institute — producing peer-reviewed papers, infographics, and videos on theology, history, and contemporary issues.

Ramadan Series

His annual Ramadan series ("The Firsts", "Angels in Your Presence", "Prayers of the Pious") reach millions worldwide.

Civil Rights Activism

A prominent voice for Muslim civil rights in America — he has led prayers at the US Capitol and spoken at national events.

Emotional Storytelling

Known for making audiences cry with his powerful, emotional delivery of prophetic stories and lessons from Islamic history.

Recommended Lectures

1.

The Firsts (Series)

A deep exploration of the first generation of Muslims — the Sahaba — and their sacrifices, struggles, and faith. One of the most popular Islamic series ever produced.

2.

Meeting Muhammad (ﷺ)

What would it be like to meet the Prophet? A beautiful series imagining encounters with Prophet Muhammad in this life and the next.

3.

Angels in Your Presence

A Ramadan series exploring the roles of angels in our daily lives — from recording our deeds to being present in gatherings of remembrance.

4.

Why Me? — Understanding Trials

A deeply moving lecture on why Allah tests those He loves and how to find meaning in suffering.

Notable Quotes

"You can't control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it. And that's where your reward lies."

Omar Suleiman

"The Prophet (ﷺ) didn't just preach justice — he embodied it. That's the standard."

Omar Suleiman

"Don't let the pain of this world make you forget the beauty of the next."

Omar Suleiman

Follow Omar

YouTube: @OmarSuleiman

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Omar Suleiman?
Dr. Omar Suleiman is an American Muslim scholar, founder of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and one of the most influential Muslim voices in the world. He holds a PhD in Islamic thought and is known for his Ramadan series, civil rights activism, and emotional storytelling.
What is the Yaqeen Institute?
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research is a non-profit research institute founded by Omar Suleiman. It produces peer-reviewed Islamic research, educational videos, infographics, and content addressing contemporary questions about Islam — all available for free online.
Where can I watch Omar Suleiman Ramadan series?
Omar Suleiman releases his Ramadan series on the Yaqeen Institute YouTube channel every year. Past series include "The Firsts", "Angels in Your Presence", "Prayers of the Pious", and "Meeting Muhammad (ﷺ)".
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