Syeikh Hamza Yusuf is an American Islamic scholar and co-founder of the Zaytuna College, the first accredited Muslim liberal arts college in the United States. He is known for his efforts in promoting traditional Islamic teachings and bridging the gap between Islamic and Western thought. Born in 1960, he has studied under various scholars in the Middle East and has authored several books on Islamic philosophy and spirituality. Syeikh Hamza is also a prominent speaker, often addressing issues related to faith, ethics, and social justice in contemporary society.