Dr. Tarek Al-Suwaidan: Journey from Kuwait to America

Dr. Tarek Al-Suwaidan's journey from poverty in Kuwait to becoming a top Muslim influencer inspires resilience and leadership.

### Journey of Resilience: Dr. Tarek Al-Suwaidan's Inspiring Story
* 🎙 ️ Welcome to the Safi Bros podcast, where we feature Dr. Tarek Al-Suwaidan, a renowned Islamic author and speaker, who has been recognized among the **top 500 most influential Muslims** from 2022 to 2024.
* 🌍 Dr. Tarek shares his incredible journey from a humble upbringing in Kuwait, where his family lived on just **$60 a month**, to pursuing education in the United States, despite the challenges of being an **orphan** and having **illiterate parents**.
* 📚 He excelled in his studies, earning a scholarship to the U.S. at the age of 17, where he faced **cultural shocks and isolation** but remained committed to his values, avoiding the **corrupt influences around him**.
* 💪 "Logic controls my emotions," he states, emphasizing his **ability to manage feelings through systematic thinking**, which he developed through his studies in philosophy and engineering.
* 🏫 After completing high school in Florida, he attended Pennsylvania State University, where he founded the **Arab Islamic Association** to unite Arab students and combat the challenges posed by **Arab nationalism**.
* 🏗 Dr. Tarek's commitment to community building led him to successfully establish a mosque in Oklahoma, overcoming **significant obstacles and opposition**, ultimately creating a space that serves **over a thousand people**.
* 📈 His organization has grown significantly, with **over 20,000 downloads and followers on social media**, reflecting the **impact of his leadership and vision** for the Muslim community.
* 🙏 As he concludes, Dr. Tarek invites listeners to engage with the podcast, highlighting the **importance of sharing stories that inspire and empower Muslims worldwide**.

Dr Tareq Al-Suwaidan - Is The American Dream Worth The Cost?

Safi Bros

Tarek Al-Suwaidan, a prominent Islamic author and speaker, shares his challenging upbringing in Kuwait, where his family struggled with poverty and lack of basic necessities.

Despite the difficult circumstances, he excelled in his studies and was awarded a scholarship to the United States, which changed the course of his life.

Tarek's journey from Kuwait to America is filled with resilience and determination, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for others.

A Journey of Transformation: From Home to America

The speaker left their family at 17 to pursue a scholarship in the U.

, driven by their mother's strong influence.

They experienced a cultural shock in Florida's high school system, isolating themselves to focus on studies.

The speaker's unique ability to control emotions with logic, combined with a strong academic background in philosophy and engineering, shaped their perspective on life and systems.

The speaker had a challenging transition to America, with only four Muslims in the entire city and a lack of community support.

They witnessed the growth of the Muslim community and mosques in the country over the years.

The speaker's determination to stay connected to their faith and culture led them to take on a leadership role and navigate the pressures of college life at a large university.

The speaker attended a college known as the center for public speaking in America, training alongside politicians.

They took two elective courses in public speaking for eight months, witnessing students of all ages, from six to 84, seeking to improve their skills.

The speaker also founded the Arab Islamic Association in the U.

to provide representation and support for Arabs, despite facing resistance from Arab nationalism and embassies.

The Unique Role of Kuwait in the Arab World

Kuwait has the highest level of freedom in the Arab world, with a free press and no government censorship.

The country's ruling family is part of the society, having been chosen through a consultation process among tribes.

Kuwait's emphasis on education and scholarships before the discovery of oil has contributed to its progress and success.

The Growth and Impact of the Organization

The organization started with five people and grew to host a conference for 7,000, without a clear vision initially.

The founder reflects on their fortunate position to teach strategic planning and leadership to the younger generation.

Their journey included studying petroleum engineering in Oklahoma, where they established a mosque and felt a strong commitment to make a difference.

Expanding the Mosque: A Journey of Determination

The decision to expand the mosque was met with financial challenges, leading to a search for donations.

The narrator shifted focus from rebuilding to starting anew, finding suitable land for the project.

Despite facing opposition from neighbors, a strong legal argument and determination led to the approval for the mosque's construction.

The mosque faced a parking space shortage, leading to a court-approved condition for eight more spaces.

The narrator unexpectedly bought a nearby church for $200, turning it into a parking lot and later expanding the mosque's capacity.

The university's expansion plans led to a lucrative land offer, resulting in the construction of a large mosque and the narrator's desire to reach a global audience.