Omar was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is Zafar’s younger brother. In 1982, his family moved to Southeastern Michigan where they have been ever since. In 1999, Omar was accepted to the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, where he’s now studying in preparation for law school. Before moving to Ann Arbor, Omar lived in Troy, where he regularly attended the Islamic Association of Greater Detroit and was a member of the Muslim Youth of Greater Detroit. Omar was also involved in the Muslim Student Association in Troy High School, where he served as President in 1999, and later in the University of Michigan, where he headed the Yearbook, Publicity and Campus Jumuaa Prayer Committees.

One of Omar’s most meaningful experiences took place in 1997, when he was given the opportunity to travel to Makkah and Madinah for the blessed journey of Umrah with his family. “You can’t move when you behold the beauty, majesty, and history of the Haramein standing right there before you. You never want to leave. It’s the simplicity and tranquility of the masaajid even in the midst of two modernizing Saudi towns. I pray they’re always preserved that way.” Although participating in sixth grade choir, singing did not meaningfully enter Omar’s life until very late in high school. It was during that time that he discovered what he considered to be a “decent voice” while singing alongside CD tracks after a long day. Despite his discovery, Omar did not plan to utilize his talent until, upon his brother Zafar’s urging, he took part in the following shows in 2000 & 2001: Anasheed led by Gameel Zindani during the MSA Eid Celebrations and Dandia Dhamaka traditional Indian Raas Competition.

In the summer of 2001, Omar was given the opportunity to perform at a wedding where he got the chance to sing with four guys who would return to play a significant role in his life a year later. Along with Saad, Saaed, Shahaab, and of course his brother Zafar, they formed SEVEN8SIX. Despite the new role that singing now plays in Omar’s life, he reminds himself that SEVEN8SIX’s music is for the benefit of Muslims and for the sake of Allah. Omar maintains that as beautiful as some music is, there is nothing quite as beautiful as the recitation of the Holy Qur’an or hearing the adhaan. “I’d trade away all my vocal talents for the ability that most Qaris and mu’addhineen have to transcend our ears and convey the most powerful spiritual messages straight to our hearts.” Omar plans to remain involved in the Michigan Muslim community as long as he can, provided that Allah allows him to stay in Michigan. However, he hopes to assert himself and make a difference wherever he may be, regardless of whether singing is involved.