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

Book List: Rabīʿ al-Awwal

There is no shortage of writing devoted to the most praised, the greatest of all mankind: Rasūlallāh ﷺ. Works on sīrah alone number in the thousands. To mark this Rabīʿ al-Awwal, we have compiled a list of books focusing on Prophet Muḥammad’s ﷺ life, teachings and rights upon us. Whilst Martin Lings and The Sealed Nectar are household names, below are a few titles that … Continue reading Book List: Rabīʿ al-Awwal

Podcast Ep. 23: American Muslim Exceptionalism | Butheina Hamdah

Which comes first: nation or ummah? On Ep. 23, Butheina Hamdah joins us to discuss her research on American Muslim exceptionalism. We examine the impact of American exceptionalism on the Muslim psyche, as well as how American Muslims perceive the broader ummah. As calls for an indigenous Islam in America gain traction, questions of nationalism’s compatibility with an ummatic worldview come to the fore. Butheina … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 23: American Muslim Exceptionalism | Butheina Hamdah

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

Women and Education in the Historical Muslim World

Ayah Aboelela “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim”. This narration from the Prophet ﷺ is one of dozens of hadiths that emphasize the value of education in Islam. It is no wonder, then, that education has always been a central component of every Muslim society in history. Today, our ummah owes much to our foremothers and forefathers who used whatever means they had … Continue reading Women and Education in the Historical Muslim World