We welcome Mustafa Briggs to the festival to speak about his new highly anticipated book ‘Islam & The Making of The Modern World’, following the worldwide impact of his 2022 book ‘Beyond Bilal: Black History in Islam’. The event, chaired by Shadaab Rahemtulla, will explore the legacy of Muslim civilizations on science, culture, trade, and politics across the world, and the importance of highlighting these interconnected histories in order to resist Eurocentric accounts. Sponsored by the Centre for Theology and Public Issues at the School of Divinity, this event draws together Briggs’ knowledge on Islam and Black history, international relations, and inclusive African Islamic scholarship.
Mustafa Briggs
Sheikh Mustafa Briggs is a graduate of Arabic and International Relations from the University of Westminster and is currently pursuing another degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic at al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. He is the author of ‘Beyond Bilal: Black History in Islam’ (2022) and ‘Islam and the Making of the Modern World’ (2025), a thought-provoking exploration of Islam’s impact on global history. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of Islamic history and scholarship, particularly in relation to Black history and the role of African scholars in the Islamic tradition. His work continues to inspire and educate people worldwide, bridging cultural and historical gaps through his lectures and writings.
Chair: Shadaab Rahemtulla
Dr Shadaab Rahemtulla is Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh. A Canadian Muslim of Indian heritage, Shadaab’s research interests lie in the relationship between religion, power, and resistance, exploring how sacred texts can be (re)interpreted to challenge social injustice. He is the author of the book, ‘Qur'an of the Oppressed: Liberation Theology and Gender Justice in Islam’ (2018) and editor of the volume, ‘The Future of Islamic Liberation Theology’ (2023).
Web: ed.ac.uk/profile/dr-shadaab-rahemtulla
Venue information
In line with fire safety regulations attendees using a wheelchair must be able to self-transfer to an evac chair in order to safely evacuate the building.
This venue is fully accessible however, if you require disabled access, please email divinity.news@ed.ac.uk so that we can ensure we accommodate this.
