Dalia Mogahed Biography: A Trailblazer in Research and Advocacy

Dalia Mogahed Biography- Dalia Mogahed is an Egyptian-American researcher, author, and advisor, widely recognized for her work on Muslim communities and interfaith relations. Currently, she serves as the Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) in Washington, D.C., where she leads studies on the social and political dynamics affecting Muslims in America. Formerly, Mogahed was the Executive Director at Gallup’s Center for Muslim Studies, where she conducted pioneering research on the views of Muslims globally. Appointed by President Barack Obama to the White House Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, she has become a respected voice for cultural understanding and policy reform.

Dalia Mogahed Biography | Early Life and Education

Dalia Mogahed was born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1975 and moved to the United States with her family at the age of four. She grew up in an environment where cultural diversity shaped her perspective, and she pursued higher education with a commitment to both science and cultural understanding. Mogahed completed her undergraduate studies in chemical engineering with a minor in Arabic at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She later earned an MBA from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh, preparing her for a career where analytical and cultural insights would intertwine.

Short BIO of Dalia Mogahed

Full Name: Dalia Mogahed

Profession: Researcher, Pollster, Author, Advisor, Consultant

Born: 1975, Cairo, Egypt

Nationality: American

Hometown: Cairo, Egypt

Founder of: Mogahed Consulting

Awards: President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (2009) Religion: Islam

Published Books: Who Speaks for Islam?: What a Billion Muslims Really Think (with John L. Esposito)

Marital Status: Married

Professional Journey and Influence

Mogahed is recognized as a prominent voice in Muslim-American research and social policy. She currently leads as the Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), a respected think tank focused on providing data-driven insights into the experiences of American Muslims. Previously, she was the Executive Director at Gallup’s Center for Muslim Studies, where she led pioneering surveys that captured the views of over one billion Muslims globally.

During her tenure at Gallup, Mogahed co-founded the Muslim-West Facts Initiative, in collaboration with The Coexist Foundation, with the goal of sharing data that could bridge cultural divides. Her contributions to Muslim-West relations include frequent appearances in major publications like The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Policy Magazine, and The Economist, where she sheds light on the nuanced perspectives of Muslims worldwide.

Advisory Roles and Public Service

In 2009, Mogahed’s commitment to promoting understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim communities caught the attention of then-President Barack Obama. She was appointed to the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, making her the first Muslim woman in a senior advisory role in the White House. Additionally, she has testified before the U.S. Senate on topics related to U.S. engagement with Muslim communities and has collaborated with thought leaders like Madeleine Albright and Dennis Ross to produce influential policy recommendations.

Contributions to Research and Literature

Dalia Mogahed co-authored the book Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think with renowned scholar John Esposito. This work, based on years of research and tens of thousands of interviews, challenges misconceptions about Muslim views on a range of social, cultural, and political topics. The book provided a foundation for the PBS documentary Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think, where Mogahed appeared as a commentator.

Recognition and Influence

Mogahed has consistently been recognized as one of the most influential Muslim voices in the world. She was listed as one of the “Most Influential Arab Women” by Arabian Business magazine from 2010 to 2013, and The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre included her in their annual list of the “500 Most Influential Muslims” for two consecutive years. She also received the “Forward Under 40” award from the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association and was named the Arab World’s Social Innovator of the Year by Ashoka.

Perspectives on Global Issues and Controversies

Throughout her career, Mogahed has been open about her views on sensitive topics. In a 2009 interview, she highlighted the complex understanding of sharia among Muslim women, noting that in her research, many women saw sharia as a source of justice rather than oppression. More recently, Mogahed has argued against stereotyping Muslims by rejecting calls for Muslims to condemn terrorism, drawing parallels to the expectations placed on other groups. In 2020, she commented on the global debate around freedom of expression, particularly in France, expressing her concerns about how caricatures of Islamic figures impact Muslim communities.

Personal Life

Dalia Mogahed lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Mohamed, and their two sons, Tariq and Jibreel. Her work and life reflect her dedication to fostering understanding, bridging cultural gaps, and providing a voice to Muslim communities worldwide.

Is Dalia Mogahed married?

Yes, Dalia Mogahed is married. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Mohamed, and their two sons, Tariq and Jibreel.

Dalia Mogahed husband

Dalia Mogahed is married to Mohamed Mogahed. However, there is limited public information available about him, as Dalia tends to keep her personal life relatively private. They have two sons, Tariq and Jibreel.

Dalia Mogahed sister

Dalia Mogahed’s sister is Yasmin Mogahed, a well-known author, speaker, and educator focusing on Islamic spirituality, personal development, and mental health. Yasmin is recognized for her impactful writings and lectures, particularly on themes like resilience, faith, and emotional well-being. Both sisters have made significant contributions to their respective fields, promoting cultural understanding and spiritual growth.

Reference

• “Gallup Center for Muslim Studies.” Archived from the original on February 16, 2011. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
• “Dalia Mogahed – Profile of Dalia Mogahed.” about.com. Archived from the original on November 18, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
• “Dalia Mogahed, M.B.A.” Gallup. Archived from the original on May 30, 2010. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
• “Dalia Mogahed.” World Economic Forum. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
• “Power 100 – Dalia Mogahed.” ArabianBusiness.com. March 21, 2010. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
• “Power 100 Women – 6.Dalia Mogahed.” ArabianBusiness.com. March 1, 2011. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
• “32.Dalia Mogahed.” ArabianBusiness.com. March 4, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
• “86.Dalia Mogahed.” ArabianBusiness.com. February 28, 2013. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
• Esposito, John L.; Mogahed, Dalia. Who Speaks For Islam?: What a Billion Muslims Really Think. Simon and Schuster, 2007. ISBN 9781595620170.

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