Scholar Spotlight: Hamza Yusuf

In the first of this series of profiles on the world’s most influential Muslim scholars, Omar Shahid digs beneath the surface to discover the man beneath the title of sheikh. All images from Hamza Yusuf and Zaytuna College Facebook page. Sheikh Hamza Yusuf is what you might call a celebrity scholar. After giving a talk, he is often besieged by eager … Read more

Scholar spotlight: Dr Zainab Alwani, reclaiming gender equality in Islamic scholarship

This prominent American scholar, academic and activist often finds herself to be the only Muslim female scholar on stage at conferences. She spoke to Omar Shahid. The idea that Islam oppresses women has been allowed to flourish right across the world. Islamophobes, right-wing commentators and neo-conservatives will use it as a platform to launch scathing attacks … Read more

Soulmates For Life?

Najwa Abdullah asks: Is it time for a rethink on our long-held views on the search for a soulmate? Few weeks ago, on a glorious afternoon, I met a good friend of mine. As we chatted over a cup of coffee in the hectic city of Jakarta, our conversation took an unexpectedly profound turn. Some of … Read more

Photography Contest: The Spirit of Ramadan

Your Ramadhan photographs are just waiting for you to enter this competition. This is an invitation to all professional and amateur photographers: show the world your talent while you showcase the beauty of Islam. The 2012 International Ramadan Photography Competition (IRPC), Capture the Spirit of Ramadan is now open. The aim of this project is to share … Read more

Nigeria’s film industry gains economic recognition

LAGOS, April 7, 2014 (AFP) – Nollywood directors and investors yesterday hailed the industry’s inclusion in Nigeria’s economic data for the first time, calling it a recognition of the sector’s growing power and influence. Africa’s most populous nation and leading oil producer became the continent’s largest economy on Sunday when the government announced the long-overdue … Read more