Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Chancellor of the Islamic Online University
Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, born Dennis Bradley Philips on July 17, 1947, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a renowned Islamic scholar, educator, and author. He is the founder and chancellor of the International Open University, based in Qatar, and has made significant contributions to Islamic education worldwide. Philips is well-known for his lectures, books, and appearances on various Islamic television channels, including Saudi TV, Huda TV, and Peace TV.
Early Life and Education
Philips spent his early years in Jamaica, where he was raised in a Christian household. His mother was Anglican, and his father was Presbyterian. In his teenage years, Philips moved to Canada, where he attended high school in Toronto. His pursuit of higher education led him to study biochemistry at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. However, his path took a pivotal turn when he converted to Islam in 1972 after being inspired by the book Islam, The Misunderstood Religion by Muhammad Qutb.
Philips then pursued Islamic studies, earning a B.A. from the Islamic University of Madinah and an M.A. in Islamic Theology (ʿAqīdah) from King Saud University in Riyadh. He later completed a Ph.D. in Islamic exorcism from the University of Wales, St. David’s College (now the University of Wales Trinity Saint David).
Teaching and Career
Throughout his career, Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips has been dedicated to teaching and spreading Islamic knowledge. He taught Islamic studies for over a decade at the Manarat al-Riyadh School in Saudi Arabia and later at the American University of Dubai. Philips also founded the Islamic Studies department at Preston University in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, and the Islamic Studies Academy in Qatar.
One of his most significant accomplishments is the founding of the Islamic Online University (IOU) in 2001. IOU offers affordable, accessible Islamic education to students worldwide, furthering Philips’ goal of making Islamic knowledge available to all.
Controversies and Bans
Philips has faced numerous controversies throughout his career. His outspoken views on Islam and the West, as well as his comments on sensitive issues such as suicide bombings, have resulted in him being banned from several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and Kenya. He has also been deported from the Philippines and prevented from re-entering Germany.
Despite these controversies, Philips has consistently maintained that he does not support terrorism or extremism. In fact, he has publicly denounced groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, stating that such organizations do not represent Islam.
Contributions and Legacy
Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips has authored, translated, and commented on over 50 books on Islamic topics. His works cover a wide range of subjects, from Islamic theology to practical aspects of living a Muslim life in the modern world. One of his most well-known books, The Fundamentals of Tawheed, has been widely read and studied in Islamic communities worldwide.
Through his writings, lectures, and educational initiatives, Philips has left a lasting impact on Islamic scholarship and education. Despite the controversies surrounding him, he remains a prominent figure in the global Islamic community, particularly in the field of online Islamic education.
Conclusion
Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips’ transformative journey from Christianity to Islam reflects a profound intellectual and spiritual evolution. His path led him from political ideologies such as Communism to a deep commitment to Islamic scholarship. After embracing Islam in the early 1970s, Dr. Philips pursued Islamic knowledge with dedication, studying at renowned institutions in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. His academic achievements, including a BA and MA in Islamic Studies and Theology, and later a PhD from the University of Wales, highlight his lifelong devotion to understanding and teaching Islam. His work continues to influence contemporary Islamic thought and education globally.
Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilal_Philips
https://web.facebook.com/DrBilalPhilips/?_rdc=1&_rdr
