A living hub for the people of Palestine — those who shaped it, and those who stood with it.

Suggest a profile
Portrait of Nihad Awad

Nihad Awad

Pioneering Muslim Rights Champion

Born
1964
Born in
In Al-Wehdat refugee camp in Amman
Read Nihad’s storyAsk about Nihad

Why Nihad is here

His leadership and active role in defending the civil liberties of Muslims in America, his efforts to promote mutual understanding between Muslims and people of other faiths, and his involvement in various campaigns and initiatives that aim to protect and advance the rights of Muslims in the United States.

Their story

Nihad Awad is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest and most prominent civil liberties and advocacy organization for Muslims in the United States. Through his work, Awad has been instrumental in addressing issues of discrimination, promoting interfaith dialogue, and advocating for the rights of Muslims nationwide.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Nihad’s path.

  1. Co-founding CAIR

    Awad co-founded the Council on American-Islamic Relations, becoming a central figure in defending the rights of Muslims in the U.S.

    Read more

  2. White House Invitation

    He was among the Muslim leaders invited by President George W. Bush to condemn the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent anti-Muslim incidents.

  3. Awards and Recognition

    Nihad Awad has been acknowledged for his impact and contributions, including being named one of the "500 Most Influential Muslims" and one of the "World's Most Influential Arabs.".

  4. National and International Media Presence

    Awad has frequently been interviewed by major media outlets, providing insights on issues affecting Muslims in America and advocating for their rights.

    Read more

  5. Public Service Leadership Award

    Received the Phillips Brooks House Association’s Robert Coles “Call of Service” Lecture and Award for his public service and leadership.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Advocacy for Muslim Civil Rights

    Through his leadership at CAIR, Awad has been a vocal advocate against Islamophobia, ensuring the protection of civil liberties for Muslims across the United States.

  2. Promotion of Interfaith Dialogue

    He has been instrumental in building bridges of understanding and cooperation between Muslim communities and other religious groups.

  3. Policy Advocacy

    Awad has testified before Congress and been actively involved in shaping policies that impact Muslims in America, promoting a more inclusive and just legislative environment.

  4. Educational Outreach

    He has led efforts to educate both the public and policymakers about Islam, working to dismantle stereotypes and counter misinformation.

  5. Crisis Management and Community Support

    In times of crisis, Awad has provided steadfast leadership, guiding the community through challenges while advocating for peace and unity.

Ask about Nihad

Curious about something? An AI guide answers from Nihad’s profile.

Nihad’s guide AI

Answers come from Nihad’s profile on this page. It isn’t Nihad, and it can make mistakes.

What would you like to know about Nihad?

Ask in your own words about Nihad’s early life, work, the moments that shaped them, or their legacy. The guide answers only from this profile, so if something isn’t covered, it will tell you.

AI-generated from this profile. Spotted something wrong? Suggest an addition.

Further reading

Spot a mistake?

We check every correction against sources before we change a profile. Tell us what’s wrong with Nihad’s story and, if you can, where you read it. How we check

Keep exploring

More faces from Guardians of Faith

All 12 in Guardians of Faith