Featured Posts
Muhammad Kaba - the most famous Muslim in Jamaica?
The most famous Muslim in Jamaica was known as Muhammad Kaba, born in 1756. He was from a wealthy family in Sengambia and was very well-educated. His name was changed to Robert Tuffit and even at 78 years-old he still said Islam had a special place in his heart.
Review of ‘Broken Threads’ by Mishal Husain: A Story of Partition
Journalist icon, Mishal Husain’s book ‘Broken Threads: My Family from Empire to Independence’ revisits the story of Partition, through the lens of both sets of grandparents, who lived through and who were affected by it in different ways.
Peanut Butter and Blueberries: A story of love, identity and choice
Peanut Butter and Blueberries is a love story featuring Muslim protagonists, Bilal and Hafsah, exploring issues of identity, belonging and choice..
The play is written by renowned author and poet, Suhaiymah Manzoor Khan who is an authoritative voice on the subjects of inequality, racism and Islamophobia in her work.
‘Track Record’ by George the Poet: A Grass Roots Review
George Mpanga, more popularly known as George the Poet, grew up on the St Raphael’s Estate in Brent, North West London. And this is where his story starts; his home is central to his narrative, development and personal growth.
‘A Farewell to Imperial Istanbul’: An Historical Review
This beautiful and emotional story narrates the last days of the Ottoman Empire - a symbol of leadership and protection of the Muslim world.
Ghalib: ‘The Greatest Urdu Poet of all Time
Beloved Urdu poet Mirza Beg Asadullah Khan - more popularly known as Ghalib was born in 1797 in Agra. He had central Asian heritage - his family hailing from Samarkand. He lived during the East India Company’s control of India and also witnessed the dissolution of the Mughal Empire and the establishment of the British Raj.
From Bhai to Akhi: The intersection of Bengali and Arabic in East London and impact on identity
I read with interest the findings from Dr Fatima Rajina’s scholarly article for the ‘Journal of Muslims in Europe’ about British Muslims identifying more with their faith than their ‘ethnic’ and cultural identities.
An Inclusive Guide to Ramadan
In order to create an inclusive and equitable workplace, an understanding of Ramadan is key to supporting our colleagues through the fasting period. It is also essential to understand how best to support and include our partners, customers and stakeholders during this fasting month.
Review of Leadership of Muhammad by Joel Hayward
Professor Joel Hayward’s dynamic book ‘The Leadership of Muhammad: A Historical Reconstruction’ gives an excellent insight into the life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a leader based on historical evidence.
Review of Superior: The Return of Race Science
Why is racism such a deep rooted and lingering issue in our society even though race is not a tangible thing but a social construct? This book by Angela Saini explains in detail about the history of scientific racism - a movement that used science to justify a person’s place in society.
Black Muslims in America before Malcolm X
The presence of Black Muslims in America is popular opinion is inextricably linked to the Nation of Islam and Malcolm X; however Michael Gomez’s book ‘Black Crescent’ corrects that presumption and details the long history of Islam in the Americas.
The Birth of Muslim Hip Hop
It was a great pleasure to interview the legends of UK Muslim Hip Hop - Mecca2Medina. Rakin Fetuga and Ishmael Lea South are founding members of this groundbreaking Hip Hop group which was formed in 1996.
Jinnah: The Sole Spokesman review
“How did a Pakistan come about which fitted the interests of most Muslims so poorly?“ This is the question posed by acclaimed historian, Ayesha Jalal. In her book the ‘Sole Spokesman’, Jalal explores the role of Muhammad Ali Jinnah - the architect of Pakistan and the country’s first Governor-General.
Roots of Black Muslims in America
In his lecture and book ‘Deeper Roots’, Abdul Hakim Quick talks about the long-standing presence of African Muslims in the Americas. He highlights sources which show a Muslim presence even before the transatlantic slave trade.
Pakistan Day 23 March: The History
Today on 23 March, we celebrate the 83rd anniversary of the historically significant Lahore Resolution or Pakistan Resolution that affirmed the concept of Pakistan for India’s Muslims.
Review: The New Age of Empire
The New Age of Empire by Kehinde Andrews is a powerful book highlighting “How racism and colonialism still rule the world.”
Hali’s Musaddas: Lamenting the fall of the Muslim world
Altaf Hussain Hali’s poetic genius, Musaddas or “the ebb and flow of Islam,” was written in 1879 and tells the story of the Muslim community’s decline in 19th century India and Hali’s premonition of an even bigger collapse to come, which he felt that Muslims were totally unaware of.
John Barnes: ‘The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism’ Book Review
In John Barnes recent book, ‘The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism’ he unapologetically gives his thoughts and beliefs about the causes, effects and solutions for racism in society. Barnes’ book is part-autobiography and part-strategy on dealing with racism at a deeper and more conscious level.
‘Turks, Moors and Englishmen in the Age of Discovery’ Book Review
Professor Nabil Matar’s enlightening book ‘Turks, Moors and Englishmen in the Age of Discovery’ challenges Islamophobic narratives of Muslims in the 16th to 19th centuries, as well as negative perceptions of native Americans.
Spanish Muslim woman with central role in Tudor history
Catalina Motril, most likely a Muslim woman from Spain was thought to be the only witness to Catherine of Aragon and Prince Arthur’s marriage consummation (15th century). Catalina was part of Queen Catherine of Aragon’s entourage - she came from from Granada Spain when it was still a Muslim emirate.
A female-led whirling dervish group based in Afghanistan, is reclaiming the country’s deep-rooted Sufi heritage.