Who Is Hamza Yusuf? Age, Biography and Wiki
Hamza Yusuf, born in 1958, is a prominent American Islamic scholar known for his contributions to Islamic education and interfaith dialogue. As of 2025, he is 67 years old. He gained fame through his profound speeches and teachings, focusing on classical Islamic scholarship and contemporary issues facing Muslims today. Yusuf is the co-founder of Zaytuna College, the first accredited Muslim liberal arts college in the U.S., which aims to educate the next generation of American Muslim scholars.
| Occupation | Writers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1958 (age 67) |
| Age | 65 Years |
| Birth Place | Walla Walla, Washington, U.S. |
| Horoscope | |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Hamza Yusuf's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details regarding Hamza Yusuf's physical measurements aren't widely publicized, but he is generally described as having an average build. While specific details about his height and weight are not readily available, he maintains a professional appearance befitting his esteemed role in the community.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Hamza Yusuf is a private individual when it comes to his personal life. He is known to be married, although the details regarding his wife's identity and their relationship status are largely kept out of the public eye. There have been no credible reports linking him to any other romantic relationships outside of his marriage.
In 1984, Yusuf formally disassociated himself from as-Sufi's teachings and moved in a different intellectual direction, having been influenced by a number of Mauritanian scholars residing in the Emirates. He moved to North Africa in 1984 and studied in Algeria and Morocco, as well as Spain and Mauritania.
In Mauritania he developed his most lasting and powerful relationship with Islamic scholar Sidi Muhammad Ould Fahfu al-Massumi, known as Murabit al-Hajj.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Hamza Yusuf's estimated net worth is around $3 million. His wealth primarily comes from his career as an educator, author, and speaker, in addition to various philanthropic activities and projects related to Islamic education. Yusuf's involvement in the establishment and administration of Zaytuna College further enhances his financial standing.
Career, Business and Investments
Hamza Yusuf's career spans decades, marked by his commitment to Islamic scholarship and education. He initially gained recognition through his effective teachings and motivational speaking engagements, which have drawn audiences worldwide. Besides founding Zaytuna College, he has authored several books and is a sought-after speaker at global conferences. Some of his notable works include "The Purification of the Heart" and "In the Footsteps of the Prophet."
In addition to his academic roles, Yusuf is involved in various charitable organizations and educational initiatives, reflecting his dedication to social justice and community empowerment.
Hamza Yusuf (born Mark Hanson; 1958) is an American Islamic scholar, neo-traditionalist, and co-founder of Zaytuna College. He is a proponent of classical learning in Islam and has promoted Islamic sciences and classical teaching methodologies throughout the world.
Social Network
Hamza Yusuf maintains a moderate presence on social media platforms. While he is not overly active on all major networks, he uses channels such as Twitter and Facebook to share insights on Islamic teachings, upcoming events, and community initiatives. His social media presence is primarily focused on promoting awareness of Islam and encouraging dialogue between different faiths.
In December 2016, Yusuf made comments that were perceived as critical of the tactics employed by the Black Lives Matter movement. He argued that, "The United States is probably, in terms of its laws, one of the least racist societies in the world." He also stated that, “We have between 15,000 and 18,000 homicides per year.
Fifty percent are black-on-black crime, literally." He added, "There are twice as many whites that have been shot by police, but nobody ever shows those videos.” Yusuf was criticized for these comments, including on social media.
Zaid Shakir, co-founder of Zaytuna College, defended Yusuf, writing that "I can say with absolute confidence that there is not a racist bone in Shaykh Hamza’s body. A racist is someone who believes in the superiority of one race over another. Shaykh Hamza, like any serious Muslim, totally rejects that idea."
Education
Yusuf's educational journey is impressive. He studied under prominent scholars in the Middle East and holds degrees in various disciplines, including Islamic studies and Arabic language. He has continually pursued knowledge in both traditional and contemporary contexts, allowing him to address the needs and concerns of modern Muslim communities effectively. His commitment to education is reflected in his role at Zaytuna College, where he translates classical Islamic scholarship into modern curriculum formats.
He is an advisor to both the Center for Islamic Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley and the Islamic Studies programme at Stanford University. In addition, he serves as vice-president for the Global Center for Guidance and Renewal, which was founded and is currently presided over by Abdallah bin Bayyah.
He also serves as vice-president of the United Arab Emirates-based Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, where bin Bayyah also serves as president.
The Forum has attracted huge controversy for its close ties to the UAE government, Yusuf's personal support for authoritarian leaders since the Arab Spring, and Yusuf's support for the Abraham Accords between Israel and the UAE.
