Shaikh Fadel Soliman, born in 1966 in Cairo, Egypt, grew up in an educated family and developed a strong balance of academics and athletics, excelling in swimming and water polo with the Heliopolis Sporting Club. He studied at St. George Language Schools in Cairo before earning a degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Ain Shams University, a diploma in Islamic Studies from the Higher Institute of Islamic Studies in Cairo, and a Master’s degree in Sharia from the American Open University in Washington, D.C. He also received an ijazah in Qur’anic recitation (Warsh an-Nafiʿ). Founder and director of the Bridges Foundation, he has become internationally known as a lecturer, educator, and public speaker, presenting at universities, churches, and interfaith conferences worldwide. His acclaimed documentary series The Fog Is Lifting—including Islam in Brief, Jihad on Terrorism, and Islam and Women—has clarified misconceptions about Islam for global audiences. Deeply influenced by the aftermath of September 11, he expanded his focus on dawah and dialogue, particularly in explaining contested concepts such as jihad. Guided by the Qur’anic principle that “there is no compulsion in religion,” he encourages Muslims to be confident in their faith while engaging positively with wider society. Today, through Bridges Foundation’s training programs, media productions, and youth outreach, he continues to counter extremism and present Islam authentically across cultures.