In the centre of Cairo lies a city within a city. With its thousand year old walls, Islamic or Medieval Cairo, once the seat of power in the region, consists of the oldest parts of the city established under the Fatimids. Among these historic streets, beginning at Bab al-Futuh in the north stretching down to Bab Zuweila in the south, is a 10th century road that boasts the highest concentration of medieval architecture in the Islamic world.
Mustafa Briggs speaks to Professor Rudolph Ware, author of the 'Walking Quran', about models of liberation in West Africa. They talk about the West African approach towards power and religion, and consider the diverse response of the ulama to the challenges presented by the transatlantic slave trade and European colonialism. They also discuss how racist colonial policies had the unintended effect of preserving sufism and traditional Islam in the region.
“When we speak of ‘shooting’ with a camera, we are acknowledging the kinship of photography and violence.” Teju Cole This visual essay...
As soon as I stepped out of the taxi I knew I had chosen the wrong time of day. Without...
Heraa Hashmi on road-tripping through Morocco It began as a casual notion, amidst busy schedules and the occasional glance at...
Each year in Rabi al-Awwal, the small island of Lamu plays host to a three day Maulid festival. Participants arrive...
Muazzam Mir speaks to fellow Kenyans, activist and founder of Halal Safaris, Samia Bwana and conservationist and Mandela Washington Fellow, Raabia Hawa, about the conservation of wildlife and the environment, specifically from a Muslim perspective. They discuss the responsibility of travellers to ensure their travel practices are ethical and not harmful.
When talking about the history and legacy of Islam in West Africa, many people are now discovering the vast scholarly...
Yaseen Kippie talks to Zara about the history of Islam in South Africa. He tells us about the early community, made up of influential people exiled to the Cape by the Dutch. A story of survival and resistance, Yaseen tells us about 'the revivers', individuals who ensure that religion was preserved for future generations.
Muhammad Ayaz Ramjaun visits the sufi saints of Mauritius White sand beaches and clear-blue sea; underwater waterfall illusions, tropical weather;...
After a hugely successful 20 city Europe tour, followed by a quick stop in Nigeria, Mustafa Briggs is heading to the US to deliver his 'Beyond Bilal: Black History in Islam' lecture series for Black History Month.
In episode six, Zara talks to Muazzam Mir about the history of Islam in East Africa. They talk about the history of Muslims in the region, which goes back to the time of the Prophet (saw) himself. Muazzam explains how Islam spread, beginning with the Swahili coast, and the role of traders, travellers, and sufi tariqahs in the process.












