“Seeing is believing.” As the trial of Derek Chauvin proceeds, the prosecution and defense — despite their fundamental differences — both outlined strategies that are inherently premised on this theme. By the end of opening statements, prosecutor Jerry Blackwell coaxed jurors to “believe your eyes, that it’s homicide — it’s murder,” whereas Chauvin’s attorney Eric…
When you think of a mystery novel, who are the first authors that come to mind? For starters, there’s Agatha Christie, the world’s best-selling author with her infamous “Whodunit” mystery The Mousetrap. In fact, Christie’s 66 detective novels were such successes that only Shakespeare and the Bible are in greater circulation. Not to be outdone,…
On January 20, 2021, newly inaugurated President Joe Biden took decisive action for the Islamic community. In a landmark executive order, Biden reversed former president Donald Trump’s infamous “Muslim ban,” which inhibited entry from several Muslim-majority countries. Over time, the Trump administration modified the ban to encompass several African nations, including Nigeria, Tanzania, and Eritrea.…
Jane Austen. Robert Louis Stevenson. Jack London. Charles Dickens. In the grand scheme of literature, countless novels considered “classics” by modern standards are typically of European, American, or both heritages. While not inherently bad per se, this development has consequently shrouded the beauty and diversity that has become pervasive in international literature. Indeed, Muslims are…
In Islamic culture, mosques, mosaics, and folios have served as quintessential exhibitions of artistic expression throughout the Dar-al-Islam. In recent years, however, art historians have uncovered unorthodox artworks that not only transcend traditional archetypes but also shed light on Islamic society from previous centuries. In 2007, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston unveiled a historic…