Featured Posts
The New Crusades Book review
In his book, ‘The New Crusades: Islamophobia and the Global War on Muslims’, Khaled Beydoun argues this very point that Islamophobia is not new, and has roots in the past. Beydoun argues that the ‘Islamophobia’ which has always existed, was batted across the world in a coordinated campaign due to the so-called ‘War on Terror,’ post the tragic events of 9/11.
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.
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.
Aurangzeb: Islamophobic hate figure
Despite Aurangzeb’s leadership qualities and military prowess (he was first Indian ruler to bring the whole of the subcontinent under centralised control), he is vilified for being a Muslim ‘fundamentalist’, anti-Hindu and an all-round unlikable person. In ‘The Anarchy’, William Dalrymple describes Aurangzeb as being an “unusually cold, ruthless and unpleasant character.” Renowned historian, Audrey Truschke in her book, ‘Aurangzeb: The Life and Legacy of India’s Most Controversial King’ turns this narrative on its head and writes about a man of moral character, piety and justice; despite his many flaws.
Lost Islamic Histories: Book review
Lost Islamic Histories by Firas Alkhateeb gives a simple holistic overview of the history of Islamic empires from the Prophet Muhammad’s time until the twentieth century.
The Trojan Horse Affair
A new viral podcast exposes institutional Islamophobia, and witch hunt on Muslims after a hoax letter led claims jihadist plot in Birmingham schools. A letter claiming that Muslim extremists were infiltrating schools in Birmingham and brainwashing children led to a massive operation by the government in 2014 to shut down the so-called jihadist plot.
Historical British Mosques
The oldest mosque in Britain is recorded to be in Liverpool from 1889. The Muslim Institute was set up by a group of British Muslim converts, led by Sheikh Abdullah William Henry Quilliam (1856-1932). He was a solicitor who had converted to Islam during his travels in Morocco.
Minarets in the Mountains: A journey into Muslim Europe
The footsteps of 17th century Ottoman explorer, Evliya Celebi, have been retraced by travel writer and author, Tharik Hussain in his ground-breaking new book, Minarets in the Mountains. The book brings to life this rarely told story of Muslim Europe, and unearths a living history of Balkan people and their 600-year-old Ottoman Muslim heritage and culture.
‘Hidden Heritage’: Britain’s historic links with the Muslim world
In her latest book, ‘Hidden Heritage’, Channel 4 News Presenter, Fatima Manji explores Britain’s longstanding connection with the Muslim world. Fatima’s book was a very timely read, especially as we reflect on the devastating impact of hate crimes and abuse against Muslims this Islamophobia Awareness Month.
A female-led whirling dervish group based in Afghanistan, is reclaiming the country’s deep-rooted Sufi heritage.