Dutchman Amiri Baraka, born Everett LeRoi Jones, evolved as a writer and activist through name changes and influential movements. In the Black Arts Movement, he established the Black Arts Repertory Theatre/School and wrote groundbreaking plays like “Dutchman.” His embrace of Black Nationalism drove his fight for liberation, expressed through writings and activism. Baraka believed in…

Yahya ben Yosef, a key figure in the early Islamic period, was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. He is known for his role in the Battle of Yamama, where he led the Muslim forces against the rebellions known as the Ridda Wars. Ben Yosef’s unwavering loyalty and military prowess earned him a prominent position…

Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy, an influential scholar in Orientalist studies, drew inspiration from key figures like René Guénon and organizations like the Theosophical Society and Asiatic Society of Bengal. His philosophy encompassed Orientalism, Traditionalism, and Perennialism, as seen in his landmark works such as “The Dance of Shiva.” Coomaraswamy’s journey was shaped by places like London,…

Ibn al Qayyim, a renowned Muslim scholar, shared a profound connection with Ibn Taymiyyah, fostering a collaborative relationship that championed religious reforms. Al-Dhahabi and Ibn Kathir, eminent historians and biographers, maintained mutual respect and contributed significantly to preserving Islamic history. Zad al-Ma’ad, a pivotal hadith collection, epitomized Ibn al Qayyim’s devotion to tawhid (God’s oneness)….

Leonin and Perotin are notable because they were pioneers of polyphony, a musical style that involves the simultaneous sounding of two or more independent melodic lines. They were leading composers of the Notre Dame School in the 13th century and their innovative techniques and harmonic progressions had a profound influence on the development of polyphony….

Harakat Ahrar al-Sham al-Islamiyya, a Syrian rebel group with a closeness score of 10, played a significant role in the Syrian Civil War. Its close ties with other opposition groups, including the Free Syrian Army and Jaysh al-Fatah, contributed to its influence in the conflict. Harakat Ahrar al-Sham al-Islamiyya received external support from Turkey, Qatar,…

Abu Faraj al Libbi, a senior Al-Qaeda operative, played a crucial role in the planning and execution of the 9/11 attacks. As Al-Qaeda’s operations chief, he coordinated training, communications, and finances for the organization. Al Libbi’s connections with other key individuals, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and Mohammed Atta, facilitated the formation of the 9/11 terrorist…

Kiffe Kiffe Demain, a poignant film, delves into the profound experiences of undocumented Algerian immigrants in France. Through its rich narrative, it explores themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of a better life. Set against the backdrop of the banlieues, the film’s vivid portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters illuminates their unwavering…

Key Individuals Mohammad Reza Pahlavi: The last Shah of Iran, who ruled during the Iranian Revolution. Ruhollah Khomeini: The leader of the Iranian Revolution and the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Amir Abbas Hoveyda: Prime Minister of Iran from 1965 to 1977, a key figure in Iran’s oil diplomacy. Key Individuals Mohammad Reza…

Sadhu Sundar Singh, a profound spiritual luminary, embarked on an extraordinary journey from Sikhism to Christianity. His transformative experience ignited a missionary zeal, leading him to spread the divine message across the globe. Through his writings and speeches, Singh emphasized the unity of all religions, bridging the gap between spirituality and faith. He became an…

Abdolhossein Amanat, born Abbas Amanat (1934–2023), was a prominent Iranian-American historian specializing in Iranian studies. His expertise centered on the Qajar period, and his groundbreaking research significantly advanced the field. Amanat authored influential books, including “Pivot of the Universe: Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar and the Iranian Monarchy, 1848–1896” and “Resurrection and Renewal: The Making of…

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is the world’s largest Muslim organization, with approximately 90 million members in Indonesia. Founded in 1926, NU is a traditionalist Islamic organization that promotes moderate Islam, tolerance, and inclusivity. It is known for its community-based approach to religious and social issues, with a focus on education, social welfare, and interfaith dialogue. NU…