Tag: history
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Reading Silence: Omission, ʻIbra, and Islamic Philosophy of History
Exploring the dual meanings of history and distinguishing between past events and their historiographical accounts. It analyzes modern historiographical philosophical frameworks, particularly focusing on the pedagogy and moral imperatives in Islamic historiography. Omissions in historical narratives reflect ethical considerations rather than negligence and this shapes how we understand the past.
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The World After Gaza: Seeds of Resistance, Hope in Ashes
Pankaj Mishra’s The World After Gaza is a furious, wide-ranging meditation on the afterlives of the Shoah and the moral wreckage of selective remembrance. Moving from Holocaust history to Gaza and global protest, Mishra indicts Western media and political hypocrisy while asking what it means to live in a world that has normalized a hierarchy…
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Islamic History through a ‘Civilizational Perspective’: Reading Alexander Knysh’s ‘Islam in Historical Perspective’
Professor Alexander Knysh’s ‘Islam in Historical Perspective’ (2025) offers an extensive analysis of Islamic history, thought, and practice. Spanning 24 chapters, the book employs a civilizational approach, exploring diverse interpretations and modern challenges, while providing insights into the multifaceted nature of Islam, making it an essential resource for readers seeking deeper understanding.
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An Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy: Q&A with Ihsan Design Studio
Zahra Abdulameer, founder of Ihsan Design Studio, discusses her journey in Arabic calligraphy, as both an art and science taught from master to student. Based in Dearborn, Michigan, she strives to create meaningful art that honors tradition while embracing innovation. Her practice reflects sincerity, excellence, and a connection to the Qur’an.
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Beyond Colonialism and the Deobandi Imperative
Shaykh Amin’s address highlights the psychological impact of colonization on Muslims, linking current struggles to historical traumas. He emphasizes self-empowerment through adherence to Islamic values, urging a shift from despair to hope. By studying the Quran and the Prophet’s life, Muslims can overcome “post-colonial PTSD” and regain unity and purpose.
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Impact of Sufi Saints on Cultural Syncretism in Northeast India
Northeast India’s cultural history showcases a blend of traditions. Political shifts threaten this syncretism, but centuries of Sufi spiritual movements promoted harmony. The region’s literature, music, and festivals highlight coexistence.
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Who is an ʿĀlim?
In contemporary times, answering “Who is an ʿālim?” requires more than just a cursory definition. Presently, the term is often loosely applied to people of various levels of Islamic scholarly training, at times even to the novice student of knowledge. However, historically, the term ʿālim had a very precise definition. To be amongst the ʿulamāʾ, one was required to meet a high…
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Reflections on the Palestinian Struggle: A Comprehensive Exploration by Shaykh Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi
“Muslims and the Palestinian Cause” by Shaykh Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi provides a profound exploration of the Palestinian struggle, intertwining Quranic wisdom, historical context, and contemporary observations. This review aims to illuminate the key themes and contributions Shaykh Nadwi brings forth, shedding light on the challenges faced by the Palestinian people.
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Did India Previously Support Palestine? What Happened?
In the same manner [Hindu] Indian Americans post-9/11 sought to gain power and respectability by allying themselves with what opposed Muslims, the narrative that portrays Hindus as victims of Muslim terrorism is furthered by drawing parallels with the distress of Jewish communities over terrorism in Israel. For India, Israel – and Zionism – is the manifestation…
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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…