Shaykh Omar Suleiman (AlMaghrib Instructor)
- Hails From New Orleans, Louisiana
- Expertise Tazkiya & Dawah
- Famous Quote "If you have no Hayaa'a, you have no Hayaah. If you have no modesty, you have no life."
- Most Likely to Say “And this is my last point” - when it never really is
- Classroom Pet Peeve Disrespect for the knowledge: that includes talking/sleeping in class and returning late after a break
- Known For being a die-hard fan of the New Orleans Saints NFL team.
Shaykh Omar Suleiman is the kind-hearted, friendly giant from New Orleans, Louisiana. Born and raised in America, Shaykh Omar has a unique way of relating to a western audience though his character has gained the love of people of all ages and backgrounds. As an AlMaghrib instructor, he teaches the popular "Behind the Scenes" seminar which focuses in the strenghtening of the soul and disciplining the nafs.
His journey of seeking knowledge started in 2000 in the United Arab Emirates where he spent a few years at the feet of prestigious scholars such as Shaykh Tariq Ibn Rajah and Amr Al Sheshany. Since then he has sought knowledge and studied under Shaykh Salah As Sawy, Dr Hatem Al Haj, his father in law Shaykh Abul Abed, and Al Allamah Shaykh Omar Al Ashqar (rahimahullah).
His specialties include Tafseer, History, Islamic Finance, Minority Fiqh, Maqasid, and Tazkiyah.
Shaykh Omar has two Bachelors degrees in Islamic Studies and in accounting, a Masters degree in Islamic Finance, and is currently pursuing a Phd in Islamic History from the Islamic University of Malaysia.
He previously served as Imam for Masjid Abu Bakr As-Siddique in New Orleans for 6 years and has since dedicated himself to fulltime teaching. He has taught with Mishkah University (formerly Sharia Academy) since 2008 under Shaykh Salah As Sawy and also currently serves as the director of the Islamic Learning Foundation in Texas.
Shaykh Omar also is a strong advocate of community service, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. He served as the field coordinator of ICNA Relief in Hurricane Katrina and also co founded the east Jefferson clergy interfaith council. In 2010, the Mayor and City Council of New Orleans awarded him for “Outstanding Civic Achievement”. He is a current member of the ICNA Shariah Council.