In Islam and the Making of the Modern World, acclaimed author Mustafa Briggs embarks on a profound journey to uncover the transformative role of Islam in shaping global history. With a keen eye and a storyteller's flair, Briggs presents a collection of essays that challenge dominant Eurocentric narratives. He illuminates pivotal moments in history where Muslim civilisations significantly influenced the realms of science, culture, trade, and politics, while also examining how Western responses to Islam have shaped the modern world. From the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire and its relationship with the Muslim Caliphate to the oral traditions of West Africa and the scholarly exchanges of Al-Andalus, Briggs explores the intellectual brilliance of the Islamic Golden Age alongside the geopolitical legacies of the Crusades and the Ottoman Empire. Briggs masterfully examines how crucial events, such as the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, were informed by both Islamic and anti-Islamic dynamics. He highlights key moments when the Muslim and Western worlds collided and collaborated, reshaping global history, offering a fresh perspective on the history of the modern era. Filled with fascinating anecdotes, thought-provoking essays, and a call to rediscover forgotten legacies, Islam and the Making of the Modern World is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of our shared global heritage. This book is not just about reclaiming the past; it's about understanding how history has shaped the present and envisioning a reimagined future. It is a must... See more
In Islam and the Making of the Modern World, acclaimed author Mustafa Briggs embarks on a profound journey to uncover the transformative role of Islam in shaping global history. With a keen eye and a storyteller's flair, Briggs presents a collection of essays that challenge dominant Eurocentric narratives. He illuminates pivotal moments in history where Muslim civilisations significantly influenced the realms of science, culture, trade, and politics, while also examining how Western responses to Islam have shaped the modern world. From the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire and its relationship with the Muslim Caliphate to the oral traditions of West Africa and the scholarly exchanges of Al-Andalus, Briggs explores the intellectual brilliance of the Islamic Golden Age alongside the geopolitical legacies of the Crusades and the Ottoman Empire. Briggs masterfully examines how crucial events, such as the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, were informed by both Islamic and anti-Islamic dynamics. He highlights key moments when the Muslim and Western worlds collided and collaborated, reshaping global history, offering a fresh perspective on the history of the modern era. Filled with fascinating anecdotes, thought-provoking essays, and a call to rediscover forgotten legacies, Islam and the Making of the Modern World is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of our shared global heritage. This book is not just about reclaiming the past; it's about understanding how history has shaped the present and envisioning a reimagined future. It is a must-read for history enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone looking for a deeper understanding of our world's complexities. About the Author Mustafa Briggs is a renowned historian, lecturer, author, and Islamic scholar specializing in the intersection of Islam, history, and global cultures. A graduate in Arabic and International Relations from the University of Westminster, Mustafa furthered his studies at SOAS, University of London, and Al-Azhar University in Cairo. His acclaimed Beyond Bilal lecture series, which explores Black history in Islam, has been presented at over 50 universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Yale, followed by his book Beyond Bilal which became an Amazon #1 bestseller, celebrated for its groundbreaking insights and accessibility. With a passion for uncovering overlooked narratives, Mustafa's work sheds light on the contributions of Muslim civilizations to the modern world.His thought-provoking lectures and bestselling books serve as a bridge between the past and present, providing fresh perspectives on history, identity, and spirituality.