Rethinking Military Victory
Peaceful coexistence between the polytheists of the Quraysh tribe and the Muslims was not possible in the Holy sanctuary of Makkah. The Quraysh increased their pressure and persecution on this estranged minority until they were forced to immigrate to a welcoming city now known as Al-Medina. The Quraysh armies attacked the Muslims twice and in a third attempt, gathered the other confederate tribes to lay siege to the city in the battle of the trench. After these three offensive attacks, the powerful Quraysh tribe received some astonishing news: Muhammad and 1,400 of his followers were unarmed on their doorstep at…
Reflecting on the Hajj: 2009
When you come back from Hajj, the question which you are inevitably faced with is, “How was it?” The strange thing is, you can’t really answer the question even if you try. This is because the sacred journey of Hajj is without any exaggeration, the most intensely, exhausting and difficult journey that takes you through a plethora of emotions, trials and joys. It’s a test that pushes you past your physical, mental, and spiritual capacities and leaves you devastated to go home and let it all sink in. It’s something that has no parallel to anything anyone else has experienced.…
The Crusades Through Arab Eyes (Book Review)
I know it sounds cliché, but I really had a hard time putting this book down. It is said that the best method of looking at history is to try and step into the era you wish to study looking ahead and envisage what took place. Amin Maaloof’s book is just right in that it allows the reader to truly feel part of the Muslim nation as it witnessed the crusades with all the shame and glory it brought. It has the ability to bring to the reader the actual emotions and feelings that the Muslims, from its leaders right…
