Category: Articles

History

Book Review: Rediscovering the Islamic Classics

Ayah Aboelela Ibn Taymiyyah. Ibn Khaldun. Al-Tabari. These are some of the most famous names that come to mind when we think of classical Muslim scholars and writers. But did you know that less than two hundred years ago, their names and works were rarely mentioned in contemporary mainstream Muslim scholarship? In Rediscovering the Islamic Classics,[1]  Ahmed El Shamsy studies how the widespread use of … Continue reading Book Review: Rediscovering the Islamic Classics

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Politics

Double-Tap Strike: Muslims in the Defence Industry

Amirah Chati On the 28th of September 2015, in the remote Yemeni village of Al-Wahijah, wedding celebrations were taking place when a double-tap strike — targeting civilians and thereafter emergency responders — killed 131 people.[1] “The corpses were scattered among the trees,” recounted the father of the groom, Mohammed Busaibis. “Why did they attack us? There is nothing around here. No military camps, not even … Continue reading Double-Tap Strike: Muslims in the Defence Industry

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Politics

Qatar 2022: Football, Politics and Cultural Production

Rushda N. and Aisha Hasan As Lionel Messi walks up to the podium to claim the one major footballing award that has eluded him so far, the roar of the crowd reaches a crescendo. The moment marks the culmination of a stellar career for the world’s greatest footballer, and the crystallisation of Qatar’s cultural and sporting ambitions. Moments earlier, Shaykh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, … Continue reading Qatar 2022: Football, Politics and Cultural Production

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Spirituality

A Meditation on Death in Istanbul

Xiwen Yang This short piece has its origin in my grandmother’s passing, who lived her whole life in a small town in south-western China and left for another realm in 2019, may Allah forgive her. Throughout my childhood, she protected my spirit, stirred my imagination, and cheered for my pursuits. I miss her, night and day. Her departure weighs on my heart and forces me … Continue reading A Meditation on Death in Istanbul

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Politics

Makkah: The Commodification of a City

Aisha Hasan Home to the most sacred mosque on Earth, the city of Makkah holds a special place in the hearts of all Muslims. Throughout Islamic history it has a held a nostalgia, not only as the beloved homeland of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, but also as home to the Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail. For centuries, pilgrims have flocked to Makkah during the Hajj season, … Continue reading Makkah: The Commodification of a City

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