About Dr. Suleiman
Dr. Suleiman Hani is the Dean of Academic Affairs at AlMaghrib Institute, a resident scholar in Michigan, the author of numerous renowned books, and an international lecturer on Islam, philosophy, leadership, and human rights. Suleiman holds master's degrees from Harvard University and the University of Jordan, and a doctorate in leadership from NYU. His unique background includes mastery of classical Islamic texts since a young age with traditional certifications, alongside contemporary leadership theory and practice. Over the past decade, he has delivered lectures across more than fifty countries, consulted multi-national organizations, and published numerous books and articles.
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Dr. Suleiman Hani is the Dean of Academic Affairs at AlMaghrib Institute, a resident scholar in Michigan, the author of numerous renowned books, and an international lecturer on Islam, philosophy, leadership, and human rights. Suleiman holds master's degrees from Harvard University and the University of Jordan, and a doctorate in leadership from NYU. His unique background includes mastery of classical Islamic texts since a young age with traditional certifications, alongside contemporary leadership theory and practice. Over the past decade, he has delivered lectures across more than fifty countries, consulted multi-national organizations, and published numerous books and articles.
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Long-form biography
Dr. Suleiman Hani is a Muslim academic and theologian who serves as Dean of Academic Affairs at AlMaghrib Institute, the largest English Islamic seminary, overseeing the education of over 300,000 students across six continents. As a Research Fellow at Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and a recognized authority in theology and Islamic jurisprudence, he represents a new generation of thinkers who bridge classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary academic excellence. His contributions to Islamic education, leadership development, and public scholarship have received academic and community recognition.
A theologian, philosopher, and human rights advocate, Imam Suleiman holds master's degrees from Harvard University and the University of Jordan, and a doctorate in leadership from New York University. His unique combination of traditional Islamic scholarly credentials and formal academic training has established him as an influential voice in both Islamic scholarship and multifaceted leadership settings worldwide.
Dr. Suleiman's scholarly authority is grounded in comprehensive traditional Islamic education. He has earned dozens of certifications (ijazahs) in Qur'an, hadith sciences, and jurisprudence from numerous scholars. His mastery of the Qur'anic sciences and hadith, combined with advanced training in Islamic law (fiqh & usul), establishes his credentials within the global community of students of knowledge and educators. For years, he served as an imam leading the taraweeh prayers during Ramadan across multiple American cities from Michigan to Tampa and Memphis. Additionally, he has served as a religious guide for pilgrimage groups, teaching and mentoring pilgrims during Hajj and ʿUmrah.
Academic Journey
Suleiman's formal academic journey includes intensive study at the University of Jordan's College of Islamic Law, where he earned his first master's degree with a thesis examining the epistemological foundations of Qur'anic divinity (i'jaz). This work demonstrated his passion and capacity to engage with complex theological questions using both classical Islamic methodologies and contemporary academic approaches.
At Harvard University, he earned a second master's degree in religions, with a primary focus on philosophy, political science, and psychology. His capstone and dissertation focused on the roles of theology and philosophy in justice frameworks, and how they interact with political realities today, such as with the case of Uyghurs and Palestinians.
Institutional Leadership
Over the years, Suleiman has served in advisory capacities for educational institutions, nonprofit boards, community endowments, youth leadership initiatives, and ethical leadership centers, offering guidance on governance, curriculum design, and values-based leadership.
As Dean of Academic Affairs at AlMaghrib, he oversees one of the most significant Islamic educational institutions in the world. Since joining as an instructor in 2017, he has helped transform the institution's global reach and academic rigor. When the COVID-19 pandemic challenged educational institutions worldwide, his leadership alongside the team enabled AlMaghrib to maintain continuity for its 300,000 students across six continents through innovative digital platforms and curriculum adaptations.
His leadership initiatives have included comprehensive curriculum modernization, development of new scholarly credentials, implementation of global digital accessibility, and recruitment of qualified instructors. Under his academic leadership, AlMaghrib has maintained its position as a premier destination for Islamic lifelong learning while expanding its global influence. In 2020, Imam Suleiman launched AlMaghrib's Leadership Tarbiyah Initiative, a cohort-based program that combines intellectual development, spiritual formation, and mentorship to develop Muslims in diverse fields. The program emphasizes ethical leadership and community service, with participants completing capstone projects in their local communities. Additionally, he created the well-attended Ramadan Murabbi program, a premiere 6-week Ramadan masterclass with cohorts wishing to maximize their Ramadan growth every year.
Suleiman is also the founder of Orphans in Our Communities, a public education and advocacy initiative dedicated to increasing awareness, ethical engagement, and community responsibility around orphan care and foster care within Muslim communities in the United States.
Research and Scholarly Contributions & Fiqh Councils
As a Research Fellow at Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, Suleiman contributes to cutting-edge scholarship that addresses contemporary challenges facing Muslim communities. His research focuses on Islamic theology, the miraculous nature of the Qu'ran, social justice, leadership development, and the application of Islamic principles to modern organizational and social challenges. Additionally, he is a visiting member of the FCNA (Fiqh Council of North America) and a regular attendee and researcher who presents advanced topics at AMJA (Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America), two of the largest and most influential Islamic fiqh councils in North America.
Published Works
Suleiman's commitment to making Islamic scholarship accessible is demonstrated through his published works. He is the founder of Waymark Publications, an independent Islamic publishing company through which he oversees the editorial development and global distribution of his published works, with a focus on addressing contemporary intellectual and spiritual challenges.
One of his first major publications, 114 Tips to Help You Finally Memorize the Qur'an (2016), has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide, helping thousands of students engage with the foundational text of Islam. The book's global success reflects his ability to translate traditional Islamic practices for contemporary learners.
His early 2024 publication, The Iron Healing: Lessons from Surah al-Hadid, represents accessible Qur'anic commentary that explores comprehensive Islamic teachings through detailed analysis of a single chapter. The work combines traditional exegesis (tafsir) with contemporary reflection (tadabbur) for everyday Muslims with discussion questions following every verse.
In late 2024, Imam Suleiman's team published Special Virtues of the Qur'an's Chapters & Verses, a fully authenticated compilation of prophetic traditions regarding specific Qur'anic passages. This scholarly work underwent rigorous review by multiple scholars before being published freely by Sunnah.com, the world's most comprehensive hadith database.
In 2025, Imam Suleiman published The Golden Chain Narrations: 81 Prophetic Wisdoms Through Abdullah b. Umar, a unique compilation of Golden-Chain hadith in English and Arabic with comparative fiqh across the schools of jurisprudence, spiritual reflections, and contemporary applications.
In late 2025, Suleiman published The Promises of Allah, covering powerful promises from the Quran about pain, healing, growth, purpose, and striving. The book, written as individual chapters with uplifting stories, explores promises tied to charity, sacrifice for the afterlife, patience and delayed gratification, moral courage, truth, and the reality of Paradise.
International Recognition
Over the past decade, Dr. Suleiman has established himself as an internationally recognized Islamic authority. He has delivered lectures across 50 countries, addressing diverse audiences ranging from traditional Islamic scholars to diverse multi-faith gatherings, academic conferences, and political consultations. His presentations have been featured on major Islamic television networks worldwide, reaching millions of viewers and establishing his reputation as a credible spokesperson for contemporary Islamic thought.
Dr. Suleiman has delivered lectures and educational programs to tens of thousands of non-Muslims in academic, civic, and faith-based settings, articulating Islamic theology, ethics, and moral frameworks with clarity and intellectual rigor while remaining firmly grounded in orthodox Islamic principles.
His global platform enables him to serve as a bridge between different Muslim communities worldwide while representing American Muslim perspectives in international contexts. This unique positioning allows him to address both the specific needs of Muslim minorities in Western societies and the broader challenges facing the global Muslim community.
Personal Background
Raised in Michigan where his father founded the Islamic Center of Detroit (and previously the ICC - Islamic Center of Charlotte), Suleiman grew up within an environment that emphasized youth inclusivity, spiritual development (tarbiyah), and active community service.
His Palestinian heritage provides authentic grounding for his human rights advocacy and social justice work, while his American upbringing enables him to navigate multiple cultural contexts and serve as an effective bridge between different communities. This background informs his approach to leadership, scholarship, and community engagement, while holding on to core beliefs and principles.
His work represents a unique synthesis of traditional Islamic authority, contemporary academic excellence, and practical leadership development. As he continues to expand his influence through teaching, writing, and advocacy, Suleiman remains committed to developing ethical leaders who can navigate 21st-century complexities while maintaining authentic connections to Islamic values and principles.
Dr. Suleiman Hani is a Muslim academic and theologian who serves as Dean of Academic Affairs at AlMaghrib Institute, the largest English Islamic seminary, overseeing the education of over 300,000 students across six continents. As a Research Fellow at Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and a recognized authority in theology and Islamic jurisprudence, he represents a new generation of thinkers who bridge classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary academic excellence. His contributions to Islamic education, leadership development, and public scholarship have received academic and community recognition.
A theologian, philosopher, and human rights advocate, Imam Suleiman holds master's degrees from Harvard University and the University of Jordan, and a doctorate in leadership from New York University. His unique combination of traditional Islamic scholarly credentials and formal academic training has established him as an influential voice in both Islamic scholarship and multifaceted leadership settings worldwide.
Dr. Suleiman's scholarly authority is grounded in comprehensive traditional Islamic education. He has earned dozens of certifications (ijazahs) in Qur'an, hadith sciences, and jurisprudence from numerous scholars. His mastery of the Qur'anic sciences and hadith, combined with advanced training in Islamic law (fiqh & usul), establishes his credentials within the global community of students of knowledge and educators. For years, he served as an imam leading the taraweeh prayers during Ramadan across multiple American cities from Michigan to Tampa and Memphis. Additionally, he has served as a religious guide for pilgrimage groups, teaching and mentoring pilgrims during Hajj and ʿUmrah.
Academic Journey
Suleiman's formal academic journey includes intensive study at the University of Jordan's College of Islamic Law, where he earned his first master's degree with a thesis examining the epistemological foundations of Qur'anic divinity (i'jaz). This work demonstrated his passion and capacity to engage with complex theological questions using both classical Islamic methodologies and contemporary academic approaches.
At Harvard University, he earned a second master's degree in religions, with a primary focus on philosophy, political science, and psychology. His capstone and dissertation focused on the roles of theology and philosophy in justice frameworks, and how they interact with political realities today, such as with the case of Uyghurs and Palestinians.
Institutional Leadership
Over the years, Suleiman has served in advisory capacities for educational institutions, nonprofit boards, community endowments, youth leadership initiatives, and ethical leadership centers, offering guidance on governance, curriculum design, and values-based leadership.
As Dean of Academic Affairs at AlMaghrib, he oversees one of the most significant Islamic educational institutions in the world. Since joining as an instructor in 2017, he has helped transform the institution's global reach and academic rigor. When the COVID-19 pandemic challenged educational institutions worldwide, his leadership alongside the team enabled AlMaghrib to maintain continuity for its 300,000 students across six continents through innovative digital platforms and curriculum adaptations.
His leadership initiatives have included comprehensive curriculum modernization, development of new scholarly credentials, implementation of global digital accessibility, and recruitment of qualified instructors. Under his academic leadership, AlMaghrib has maintained its position as a premier destination for Islamic lifelong learning while expanding its global influence. In 2020, Imam Suleiman launched AlMaghrib's Leadership Tarbiyah Initiative, a cohort-based program that combines intellectual development, spiritual formation, and mentorship to develop Muslims in diverse fields. The program emphasizes ethical leadership and community service, with participants completing capstone projects in their local communities. Additionally, he created the well-attended Ramadan Murabbi program, a premiere 6-week Ramadan masterclass with cohorts wishing to maximize their Ramadan growth every year.
Suleiman is also the founder of Orphans in Our Communities, a public education and advocacy initiative dedicated to increasing awareness, ethical engagement, and community responsibility around orphan care and foster care within Muslim communities in the United States.
Research and Scholarly Contributions & Fiqh Councils
As a Research Fellow at Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, Suleiman contributes to cutting-edge scholarship that addresses contemporary challenges facing Muslim communities. His research focuses on Islamic theology, the miraculous nature of the Qu'ran, social justice, leadership development, and the application of Islamic principles to modern organizational and social challenges. Additionally, he is a visiting member of the FCNA (Fiqh Council of North America) and a regular attendee and researcher who presents advanced topics at AMJA (Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America), two of the largest and most influential Islamic fiqh councils in North America.
Published Works
Suleiman's commitment to making Islamic scholarship accessible is demonstrated through his published works. He is the founder of Waymark Publications, an independent Islamic publishing company through which he oversees the editorial development and global distribution of his published works, with a focus on addressing contemporary intellectual and spiritual challenges.
One of his first major publications, 114 Tips to Help You Finally Memorize the Qur'an (2016), has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide, helping thousands of students engage with the foundational text of Islam. The book's global success reflects his ability to translate traditional Islamic practices for contemporary learners.
His early 2024 publication, The Iron Healing: Lessons from Surah al-Hadid, represents accessible Qur'anic commentary that explores comprehensive Islamic teachings through detailed analysis of a single chapter. The work combines traditional exegesis (tafsir) with contemporary reflection (tadabbur) for everyday Muslims with discussion questions following every verse.
In late 2024, Imam Suleiman's team published Special Virtues of the Qur'an's Chapters & Verses, a fully authenticated compilation of prophetic traditions regarding specific Qur'anic passages. This scholarly work underwent rigorous review by multiple scholars before being published freely by Sunnah.com, the world's most comprehensive hadith database.
In 2025, Imam Suleiman published The Golden Chain Narrations: 81 Prophetic Wisdoms Through Abdullah b. Umar, a unique compilation of Golden-Chain hadith in English and Arabic with comparative fiqh across the schools of jurisprudence, spiritual reflections, and contemporary applications.
In late 2025, Suleiman published The Promises of Allah, covering powerful promises from the Quran about pain, healing, growth, purpose, and striving. The book, written as individual chapters with uplifting stories, explores promises tied to charity, sacrifice for the afterlife, patience and delayed gratification, moral courage, truth, and the reality of Paradise.
International Recognition
Over the past decade, Dr. Suleiman has established himself as an internationally recognized Islamic authority. He has delivered lectures across 50 countries, addressing diverse audiences ranging from traditional Islamic scholars to diverse multi-faith gatherings, academic conferences, and political consultations. His presentations have been featured on major Islamic television networks worldwide, reaching millions of viewers and establishing his reputation as a credible spokesperson for contemporary Islamic thought.
Dr. Suleiman has delivered lectures and educational programs to tens of thousands of non-Muslims in academic, civic, and faith-based settings, articulating Islamic theology, ethics, and moral frameworks with clarity and intellectual rigor while remaining firmly grounded in orthodox Islamic principles.
His global platform enables him to serve as a bridge between different Muslim communities worldwide while representing American Muslim perspectives in international contexts. This unique positioning allows him to address both the specific needs of Muslim minorities in Western societies and the broader challenges facing the global Muslim community.
Personal Background
Raised in Michigan where his father founded the Islamic Center of Detroit (and previously the ICC - Islamic Center of Charlotte), Suleiman grew up within an environment that emphasized youth inclusivity, spiritual development (tarbiyah), and active community service.
His Palestinian heritage provides authentic grounding for his human rights advocacy and social justice work, while his American upbringing enables him to navigate multiple cultural contexts and serve as an effective bridge between different communities. This background informs his approach to leadership, scholarship, and community engagement, while holding on to core beliefs and principles.
His work represents a unique synthesis of traditional Islamic authority, contemporary academic excellence, and practical leadership development. As he continues to expand his influence through teaching, writing, and advocacy, Suleiman remains committed to developing ethical leaders who can navigate 21st-century complexities while maintaining authentic connections to Islamic values and principles.