History Archives

The Sankoré University of Timbuktu

600 years ago, the Sankoré University of Timbuktu, Mali was teaching a level of maths equivalent to Sorbonne University’s second-year degree programme today. More

The Secret Muslim Plot to Overthrow the British in India

Maulana Ubaidullah had been caught with letters revealing a plot to overthrow the British Empire. More

Who was Osman Gazi?

He built the foundations of an Islamic empire that would expand over 3 continents and rule for more than 600 years. More

Why Did Britain Organise Hajj Packages in 1886?

Inseparable from Britain’s regulation of the Hajj was its desire to exert authority and surveillance over its Muslim subjects. More

Who was Omar al-Mukhtar? – The Lion of the Desert

On this day, Omar al-Mukhtar was martyred. He heroically led the resistance against Italian colonisation in Libya and is one of the greatest freedom fighters of the last century. More

Arrested for Hijab: Who was Şule Yüksel Şenler?

Şule Yüksel Şenler was a leading figure in the revival of the Hijab in Turkey who was imprisoned for defending Islam.

She was sued, charged and jailed for 9 months… but it didn’t stop her. More

Did This Mushaf Belong to Uthman Ibn Affan?

The Mushaf which is kept in a mosque in Uzbekistan is said to have belonged to the Prophet’s (saw) companion and the third caliph Uthman ibn Affan (ra). More

Ibn Battuta’s Journey to Hajj

He set out for Hajj in 1325. He then explored the world for 29 years, covering more than 75,000 miles and visiting around 44 modern-day countries. His name was Ibn Battuta. More

The First Female British Muslim Convert to Perform Hajj

Lady Evelyn Cobbold, a Scottish noblewoman, from the Victorian Era, performed Hajj in 1933 and had to seek special permission from Saudi Arabia’s minister in London. More