The monuments of the Islamic world are a testament to the artistic traditions that have emerged from Muslim nations. Several of these iconic buildings came out of the Ottoman Empire (c. 1299 – 1922 C.E.), which was based in the peninsula of Anatolia in modern-day Turkey. One of the centerpieces of the Ottoman Empire’s architectural…
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.…
dark not entirely obsidian behind your eyes,splendid sweat drenched in moonlight and stars,mellifluous chirping of crickets,forty-five degrees they position their wings,the vibration reaches your earsinterwoven with the resonance of drums,a divine lullabywhich pounds on your mystic heart,aching for His forgiveness sapphire clouds, aerial as youin a cocoon of flowing cloth,you turn and turn, one with all of…
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…
Many industries are beginning to see more representation and inclusivity in their fields. That is no different in the literary world, as many up-and-coming authors are Muslim-American. With over 80% of American writers being white, it is important that we have ethnic diversity in such an important field. Many of these Muslim-American authors have been…
Muslim comedy can be very specific and often difficult to explain to those who are not Muslim. Yet, increased Muslim representation in comedic TV shows, films, and standup specials has shown that this humor is relatable to a wide range of audiences. Ramy Youssef, comedian and co-creator of TV’s first Muslim American sitcom Ramy, does…
Rarely does the Western world highlight artistic traditions of the Islamic world. Often, European art is viewed as a kind of standard for high culture. However, the richly varied history of Muslim artists deserves to be examined more closely, especially contemporary artists who have both exemplified traditional forms and pushed the envelope of change. In…
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…
Winter break is upon us, the air is getting colder, and I can bet a lot of us are getting ready for the extra relaxation after finals week. What better way to relax than with some heart-warming, thought-provoking poetry, right? Though there is no perfect season for poetry, there’s something about…
Have you already forgotten about the death of innocent Aya?19 years of life ended in cold blood So our ummah donated without having to be nudged Only until her Shia identity was revealed And people’s true colors were no longer concealed Wanting their donations refunded Their minds have been utterly corrupted Believing Shia is not included in our ummah Forgetting our beloved…