Hassan Shibly, the son of Syrian immigrants, was raised in Buffalo New York. His father, an oral surgeon, and mother, an orthodontist, instilled in Hassan an immigrant’s wonder and determination. Hassan graduated Magna Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a degree in Political Science concentrating on International Relations. He subsequently graduated amongst the top of his class from the University at Buffalo Law School. During his time in Law School, Hassan served as a Public Interest Law Fellow and on the Human Rights Advisory Committee.
He interned with the New York Civil Liberties Union and has written opinions for two New York
Supreme Court Judges. In Western New York, Hassan has worked with various legal organizations including Muslim Advocates, National Lawyers Guild, Erie County Bar Association and Erie County Family Court, to help develop programs that protect the Civil Rights of all Americans, and help the American Muslim Community integrate and contribute to America.
Hassan lectures regularly on issues relating to Islam, American Muslims and Civil Rights. Hassan has taught courses on Islamic belief, law, history, spirituality and culture. He actively works with various inter-faith and social service organizations to assist those in need and promote cooperation and understanding between diverse faiths and cultures. Hassan often serves as a consultant on Islam for NGO’s, non-profit organizations, government agencies, media organizations, youth groups, and law enforcement.
He has appeared numerous times in both local and national media outlets including NPR, Voice of America, the New York Times, the Toronto Star and the Buffalo News for his work protecting civil liberties and promoting understanding of the Muslim faith. He runs a successful publishing company and is the founder of the Center for American Muslim Understanding. Hassan’s work has earned him the attention of various Islamophobic publications, which criticize Hassan for “deceiving the American People” by “promoting a peaceful and tolerant image of Islam.”
Hassan is blissfully married with two beautiful children, and enjoys hiking and jetskiing