Featured Posts
“Without Islam there would be no Shakespeare”
William Shakespeare (1564-1616), England’s most famous playwright and symbol of Britishness, made heavy use of use of Muslim figures, objects and places in his works. On Shakespeare Day (23 April), I am remembering the close connection he had with the Islamic world in his works.
Accessible healthcare: A very Islamic concept
For centuries Muslims have been at the helm of medicinal and scientific advancements. Arabs have made significant contributions in this field, but so too did many other Muslims including those is Andalusia. Indeed, it is worth noting that the first public hospitals arose in Islamic cultures.
The human cost of Indian Partition
Indian partition “was one of the twentieth centuries darkest moments,” according to well respected historian, Yasmin Khan. In her book, The Great Partition: The Making of India and Pakistan, Yasmin shows the impact of this tragic period in history on the people of the subcontinent. She focuses on the lives that perished, the ensuing refugee crisis and the loss of a homeland for all parties.
The making of Pakistan; A homeland for India’s Muslims
Today on 23 March, we celebrate the 82nd anniversary of the historically significant Lahore Resolution or Pakistan Resolution that affirmed the concept of Pakistan for India’s Muslims.
From Indo-Pakistan to Trinidad: The story of roti
Trinidadian Roti interestingly originated in Indo-Pakistan. Roti (rotee) is the Urdu/Hindi word for bread. It comes from the northern part of the Indian subcontinent which historically had a large Muslim population and was the centre of Mughal rule.
Female Literary Heroines: Women’s History Month
Women have been fighting patriarchy using the power of the pen throughout history. Their novels, stories and poems are evidence of the suppression of women and blatant gender inequality. Unfortunately, patriarchal societies are still in existence. It is only in the past century that there has been progressive change for women, but the gender pay gap and the #metoo movement suggest there is still more to do.
The Holy Month of Ramadan
Ramadan, the Holy Month of fasting for Muslims, starts at the beginning of April this year, based on the sighting of the new moon. Muslims across the world will excitedly be starting preparations to embark on a month of spiritual renewal.
Empoweristan
Empoweristan, a celebration of 75-years of Pakistan, showcasing recent sustainable innovations led by women with key discussions about building a GREEN future is coming to Granary Square, London in March.
‘The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus’: Review
A nineteenth century Ottoman Sultan ousted from his throne after only three months by his younger brother and then imprisoned for 28 years, is the plot of this gripping novel ‘The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus’ by Ayse Osmanoglu.
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.
How Islam Shaped British Architecture
Cathedrals, parliament buildings, royal palaces, stately homes are among the many UK structures that have been inspired by Muslim architecture from Andalusia, the Mughal Empire in India, the Ottoman Empire and the Arab world. Some of these buildings even have stolen artefacts from these lands, and the owners are having to acknowledge their role in looting these objects.
My year in books: 2021
This year I have tried to be productive and focus on the positives, as well as raising awareness of those suffering across the world. I have also dived into my love of books again, interviewed several high-profile authors which has been a real blessing, written articles and blogs about shared histories of the world, and delivered a month-long series for Islamophobia Awareness Month, including a successful work event ‘Understanding the experience of Muslim staff in the workplace’.
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.
Ibn Fadlan: The real 13th warrior
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.
Unveiling Pakistan’s vibrant dance culture
Pakistan is a vibrant, colourful country but you may be surprised to learn that the land of cricket, parathas and ladoo also has a rich dance heritage. Dance styles are plentiful across all the regions of this vast country, and include a beautiful variety of folk as well as classical dance.
Review of ‘The Anarchy’: How the British took India
A commonly asked question: ‘How did the East India Company, a small London-based corporate entity become the looter, occupier and eventual ruler of India?’ ‘The Anarchy’ by renowned writer and historian, William Dalrymple, explores this historical upheaval and gives a good overview of how the Company took on the might of the Mughal Empire and succeeded in destroying it.
Iqbal: The visionary behind Pakistan
Muhammad Iqbal, the great poet and philosopher was indeed the visionary behind the Islamic republic of Pakistan; his life and works have shaped Muslim thought and living history, especially in the subcontinent.
Book Review: The Ministry of Utmost Unhappiness
The ‘Ministry of Utmost Unhappiness’ is the second novel I’ve read by Arundathi Roy. The story is set in Delhi with the backdrop of increasing Hindu extremism, and Roy’s own views are echoed a lot in the writing. Her activism on this issue is well documented.
A female-led whirling dervish group based in Afghanistan, is reclaiming the country’s deep-rooted Sufi heritage.