By Abdul Hai Introduction The term al-Waṣiyya (الوصيّة) conveys the meaning of ‘to counsel, advise, and provide final guidance’ and is derived from the Arabic triliteral root w–ṣ–y (و–ص–ي) . In al-Qāmūs al-Muḥīṭ (القاموس المحيط) Imām al-Fīrūzābādī defines w–ṣ–y as: “وأوصاه ووصّاه صفاتها: عهد إليها‘Awsāhu and wassāhu (he gave him a tawṣiya): he entrusted or…
Reviewed By Abdul Hai Katerina Brac is a collection of short poems by Christopher John Reid, a British poet, essayist, cartoonist, and writer. Katerina Brac, as indicated in the title, is a fictional and imaginary character originating from an unspecified foreign country. Reid presents the poems as if they were written in Brac’s own language,…
Reviewed by Bulbul-e-Bangal Professor Anjum’s seminal essay “Who Wants the Caliphate?” presents a comprehensive case for reconsidering Islamic political unity in the contemporary world, meriting serious scholarly engagement despite its ambitious claims. Having had the honour of meeting Professor Anjum during my time at Cambridge when he was visiting for a day and praying Maghrib…
Edited by Zahid Pranjol and Jacob Norris. Reviewed by Abdul Hai سْمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيْمِ, Never have I been so of two minds about a book and its contents as I am about We Are Still Here: An Anthology of Resilience, Grief, and Unshattered Hope from Gaza’s University Students, edited by Zahid Pranjol and Jacob Norris….
Reviewed By Dr. Abdul Wahid There is something to be said for a book that is short and sweet. This is a book with concise yet clear advice, which uses ayaat and ahadith that whilst familiar, are presented in the context of this most contemporary of topics in a way that resonates. It is a…
By Abdul Hai There are three notable events in Islamic history that shook the Muslim Ummah to its core. The first was the series of Christian Crusades between 1096–1291, which appeared to break the very spirit of the Muslims. The second was the Mongol assault on Baghdad in 1258, during which hundreds of thousands of…
Reviewed By Abdul Basith Basheer The story of Muslims in the United States is one that spans multiple centuries and involves a diverse group of people, from enslaved populations to immigrant communities and more. Because of the 9/11 attacks and continued political intervention in the Middle East, Islam and its vibrant expression in America has…
by Bulbul-e-Bangal There is a malaise in our hearts that we dare not name. We who have borne the standard of Islam through decades, even centuries, of defeat, through a narrative of failed revolutions, broken promises, and the gradual erosion of our civilisational confidence, find ourselves today caught between rage and numbness. We may indeed…
Allama IqbalReviewed by Abdul Hai Poets have long employed provocative language that divides their audience, generating both admirers and critics. What is particularly intriguing about this skill is that poets often withhold the true meaning of their work, allowing readers or listeners to construct their own interpretations. In this duality of meaning and interpretation, both the…
Adraoui, Mohamed-Ali.Reviewed by Safaruk Chowdhury In Understanding Salafism, Mohamed-Ali Adraoui offers a timely, lucid, and analytically rich account of one of the most influential yet still misunderstood religious movements in contemporary Islam. Positioned within the Palgrave Sciences Po Series in International Relations and Political Economy, the book – spanning fifteen years of research – stands…
Dr Israr AhmadReviewed by Abdul Hai Several prominent figures in modern Islamic history have demonstrated unwavering dedication, commitment, and a persistent desire for the revival of Islam. Despite numerous challenges and opposition, such individuals remained steadfast in their efforts to seize transformative moments in history. One notable figure in this regard is Dr Israr Ahmad….
By Zaiti Athirah “What are the discourses of Muslimah activists on specific marital issues in Malaysia today? What discourses guide their understanding of a woman’s role in Islam? What religious orientations underlie their discourses and understanding of specific marital issues and women’s roles in Islam?” These are the central questions posed by Syed Imad Alatas…
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