Bilal Philips facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bilal Philips |
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Philips in August 2010
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| Religion | Islam |
| Denomination | Sunni |
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Born | Dennis Bradley Philips July 17, 1947 Kingston, Jamaica |
| Honors | The 500 Most Influential Muslims (2009–2022) |
Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips (born Dennis Bradley Philips; July 17, 1947) is a Canadian Islamic teacher, speaker, and author. He was born in Jamaica and now lives in Qatar. He is also the founder and leader of the International Open University.
He has written, translated, and commented on over 50 books about Islam. He has also appeared on many TV channels, sharing his knowledge. These include channels like Saudi TV, Islam Channel, and Peace TV.
Throughout his career, Philips has faced some travel restrictions. He has been unable to enter certain countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and Kenya. He was also asked to leave Bangladesh and was deported from the Philippines.
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About Bilal Philips
Early Life and Family
Bilal Philips was born in Kingston, Jamaica. His parents, Bradley Philips and Joyce McDermott, were both high school teachers. He grew up with one brother and one sister, and also an adopted brother. His family raised him as a Christian. His mother was Anglican, and his father was Presbyterian.
He lived in Jamaica for his first 11 years. Then, his family moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He attended high school there from 1962 to 1965. In 1964, his family moved again to Sabah, East Malaysia. This move was part of a program called the Colombo Plan.
His Education Journey
From 1967 to 1970, Philips studied biochemistry at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. During his travels, he learned about Islam several times. A book called Islam, The Misunderstood Religion by Muhammad Qutb especially influenced him. In February 1972, he became a Muslim. He said his Shahada (declaration of faith) with Abdullah Hakim Quick.
He earned his first degree (B.A.) from the Islamic University of Madinah. Later, he received his master's degree (M.A.) in ʿAqīdah (Islamic Theology) from King Saud University in Riyadh. He then went to the University of Wales, St. David's University College. At the Lampeter Campus, he completed his PhD in 1993. His PhD topic was Exorcism in Islam.
Teaching and Career
Bilal Philips taught Islamic studies for ten years at Manarat al-Riyadh School in Riyadh. He also taught Arabic and Islamic studies at the American University of Dubai for ten years. He gives lectures at the Ajman University (AU) in the United Arab Emirates.
In 2002, Philips started an Islamic Studies department at Preston University in Ajman. He also set up the Islamic Studies Academy in Qatar in 2007.
During the First Gulf War, Philips organized religious meetings for U.S. troops. These meetings took place in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. He says that over three thousand soldiers became Muslim during these programs. Philips also founded and taught at the Islamic Information Center in Dubai. In Qatar, he worked as an Islamic consultant and lecturer for the Islamic Information wing of Sheikh Eid Charity.
Founding Islamic Online University
In 2001, Bilal Philips founded the Islamic Online University in Qatar. This university offers online courses in Islamic studies to students around the world. It makes Islamic education accessible to many people.
His Views
Bilal Philips has discussed his views on different cultures. He once said that a statement about Western culture being an "enemy of Islam" was taken out of context. He explained that he was quoting another scholar, Samuel P. Huntington, who wrote about the "clash of civilizations."
In an interview, Philips explained his view on the "clash of civilizations." He said he opposes the idea of "globalized western civilization" trying to force "secular democracy" on other parts of the world.
Philips describes himself as a "moderate" Muslim. He believes that claims calling him an extremist are not true. He has also stated that he is against groups like Al-Qaeda and any acts of terrorism done in the name of Islam.
See also
- List of Da'ees
- List of Islamic studies scholars
- Dawah
- Islam in Canada
- Zakir Naik
- Muhammad bin Jamil Zeno
- Yusuf Estes
