Tag: book review
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The Limits of Sin in Fantasy: A Book Review of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi
Over the past few years, there has been an increase in published Muslamic fiction: fiction written by Muslims that depicts Muslim characters and culture. But, while realistic Muslamic fiction has taken the lead, fantasy — especially historical fantasy — has fallen behind. So when S.A. Chakraborty, author of the Daevabad Trilogy, published The Adventures of…
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A Book Review of ‘The Case Against The Sexual Revolution’
Perry’s book is a powerful critique of the sexual revolution, charting its negative impact on Western society. Throughout my reading, I could not help being struck by the raw honesty and piercing insight of her words. In her analysis, Perry exposes the damage inflicted upon the traditional family structure and the values that underpin it,…
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Mustafa Briggs’ Beyond Bilal
A Book Review of Beyond Bilal by Mustafa Briggs How did the Yoruba, an ethnic group of southwestern Nigeria, become Muslim? How did Islam gain such widespread prominence throughout Black Africa? Growing up as a Muslim Nigerian-American, these were questions I had from a very young age. In masajid halaqat (spiritual gatherings in mosques to…
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Critiquing Modernity: Book Recommendations 2022
The twentieth century and the rise of nation-states and commensurate isms, have propelled societies into an era that is driven by abandonment of God, ethic, and a cohesive worldview that perpetuates meaning. The following list was prepared to give readers the tools to better understand, critique, and provide solutions for the malaise of modernity.
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Sports as Sacred and Secular Activities
The modern world is witness to how sports have transformed from merely physical (and at times mental) exercises to economic, cultural, and even political forces to be reckoned with… [however] H.R.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad argues that despite its despiritualized and industrialized form today, the popular pastime of sports turns out to have sacred origin…
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Reclaiming Islamic History
Famously recommended by former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, Darul Qasim’s Ustadh Firas Alkhateeb’s book, Lost Islamic History, is a must-add to any Muslim’s bookshelf. Those already familiar with the seerah or well-versed in history likely will not benefit beyond a light review. However, for those like me, who have trouble delineating history between…
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Muslim Influence on Dante Alighieri’s Thought: Book Review of Miguel Asin’s ‘Islam and The Divine Comedy’
A Book Review of Islam and The Divine Comedy by Miguel Asin [It is not] possible any longer to deny Islamic literature the place of honor to which it is entitled in the stately train of the forerunners of Dante’s poem. [1] One of the most significant impacts European colonization had on its subjugated people was the…
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Andy Weir’s Artemis: Muslims in Science Fiction
A number of movies in recent years like Dune, Interstellar, and The Martian thrust science fiction back into the media-consumer American consciousness. Andy Weir, the author of The Martian (which the movie was based on) has become a household name for more ardent fans, and duly so. The Martian and his recent Project Hail Mary…
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Modern Muslim Activism: Returning to the Sacred
Activism is a loaded word. It is a label that ranges from being a commodity used for profit by companies to one that elicits groans at sincere intentions but for the wrong causes. Amidst online discussion of Islamophobia, performative activism, cancel culture, and identity politics, the role of American Muslims comes to light — of…
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Traversing Tradition Book Recommendations 2021
Commuting to and from work, hours have been freed for us to use at our discretion. A common complaint by those who don’t read is not necessarily that they don’t have time, it’s that they don’t know what to read. For some, it has been so long since they last picked up a book that…