The Autobiography of Omar ibn Said, A Muslim Slave
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In 1807, Omar ibn Said, a Muslim scholar, was stolen from Senegal & sold into slavery in America. He left behind an autobiography written...


The Story of the Samosa
Although many think the samosa originated in South Asia, its roots can be traced back to Central Asia & the Middle East. In Arab...


Chess & Muslim Heritage
Chess is a significant part of Muslim history. The game originated in northern India in the 6th century AD & spread to Persia. When the...


The Art of Hausa Architecture
Hausa architecture from Northern Nigeria, is perhaps one of the least known but most beautiful aspects of Hausa culture. It has been in...


The Arabic Abjad
Did you know the Arabic language has an “abjad” system and not an alphabet? The Arabic abjad is made up of 28 letters, written from...


Contemporary Perspectives of the Holy Kaaba
Historically, many artists have been inspired by the Holy Kaaba. Their artworks are beautiful & spiritual visual representations of the...


Hajj Certificates: A Beautiful History
This beautiful 15th century scroll commemorates the Hajj – the pilgrimage to Mecca – by a woman called Maymunah. Illustrated with images...


The Art of Arabic: English Words with Arabic Origins
For 1000 years, Arabic was the primary international language of commerce, scholarship & politics, much as English is today. Over the...


Dhul Hijjah - A Blessed Month
Today is the first day of Dhul Hijjah. But what is Dhul Hijjah? In the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah marks the final month of the year....


The Father of Robotics: Al-Jazari
Ever wondered who invented robotics? Ismail al-Jazari, a Muslim inventor from the 12th century is known as the "father of robotics" due...


Layla and Majnun - A Love Story
"Layla and Majnun" is a famous tragic love story about the 7th-century Bedouin poet Qays ibn al-Mulawwah and his lover Layla bint Mahdi ...


Mariam Astrulabi - Muslim Woman Scientist Who Developed the Arstrolabe
Mariam Astrulabi was a pioneering female Muslim scientist & astronomer, born in Syria during the 10th century. She is known for...


Arabic & Islamic Crater-Names on the Moon
Did you know 24 craters of the Moon have names of Arabic and Islamic origin? These craters are named after famous scholars of Islamic...


A Manifestation of the Divine: Islamic Geometry
The beauty & complexity of Islamic geometric patterns is deeply connected to spirituality & symbolism. Believed to reflect the underlying...


Islamic Art & Architecture in Spain
In 711, the Islamic Empire ruled the Iberian peninsula after its conquest under the Berber general Tariq ibn-Ziayd. By 732, Al-Andalus...


Algorithms, Algebra & Astronomy: Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi
Ever wondered who paved the way for the age of algorithms? It was a 9th-century Muslim genius, mathematician, geographer & astronomer,...


The Enchanting Wisteria of the Grande Mosquée de Paris
The Grande Mosquée de Paris was built as a tribute to the Muslim soldiers who fought for France in World War I. Within the mosque, there...


Ibn Sina: Medicine & Modern Science
Did you know that the Persian scholar of medicine, Ibn Sina (980-1037) suspected some diseases were spread by microorganisms. To prevent...


Architectural Wonders of Uzbekistan
The architecture of Uzbekistan is considered a symbol of the history of peoples. From the majestic minarets of Samarkand to the intricate...


Ancient Mud Mosques
Ancient mud mosques in the Muslim world are spectacular & sustainable. They keep us cool in summer & warm in winter, & withstand extreme...
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