Browse Tag
caliph
13 posts
A Caliph (خليفة) is the chief Muslim civil and religious ruler, regarded as the successor to Prophet Muhammad.
The Human Blockchain: How al-Isnād (الْإِسْنَاد) Verified History Before the Internet
Long before fact-checkers, Islamic scholars built a "human blockchain" called al-Isnād (الْإِسْنَاد) to save the truth from gossip. From the "Golden Chain" of Malik and Nafi to the rigorous "Science of Men," discover how this ancient system of source criticism verified history—and what it can teach us about digital accountability today.
How The Exorcist Possessed My Arabic Lesson
"We thought our Arabic instructor had gone crazy!" But showing the opening scenes of The Exorcist (1973) turned out to be the perfect lesson. Discover how the film's "real" Arabic numerals, the call to prayer in Iraq, and William Peter Blatty's Lebanese roots provided an unexpected and engaging entry point for beginner Arabic students.
Al-Suli: The Chess Master in the Islamic Golden Age
Al-Suli, a key chess master from the 10th century, played an important role in developing modern chess and is seen as one of its first champions. Who was Al-Suli, and how are chess terms expressed in Arabic?
Egypt’s Police, Syria’s Captagon, and a Diplomatic Thaw: A Media Arabic Analysis | Media Arabic Booster 07/24
This issue decodes the complex diplomacy between Turkey, Syria, and Qatar, and examines the shaping of Egypt's "new republic" and its modern police force. Learn the Arabic vocabulary used to discuss normalization, refugees, and state power.
The 70 Most Important Arabic Words for Camels (And What They Reveal About Culture)
Older Arabic dictionaries list hundreds of words for "camel." This article explores 70 important terms reflecting the camel's significance in Arab culture, covering generic names, age-based terms, characteristics, sounds, and group names by number.
The Legend of Tariq ibn Ziyad and the Burning of Ships
Tariq ibn Ziyad, a pivotal figure in Islamic history, famously led the conquest of Spain (al-Andalus). This article details the bold legend of him burning his fleet, analyzes his motivational speech, and explains the origin of "Gibraltar," providing insights into this significant historical event.
The Islamic Basmala: Its Meaning, Use in the Qur’an, and a Surprising Link to Immanuel Kant
The Islamic Basmala, "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful," found its way onto Immanuel Kant's doctoral invitation. This article delves into the Basmala's meaning, its presence in the Quran, and its unexpected appearance in popular culture.
The History of the Minaret: From Prayer Call to Islamic Icon
The minaret is a key symbol of Islam, but early mosques likely lacked them. This article traces the history of the Islamic prayer call (Adhan) and the development of minarets, discussing their origins and meaning in Islamic architecture.
The 9th-Century Arab Scholar Who First Solved the Knight’s Tour
The Knight's Tour, a famous chess puzzle, was first solved by al-Adly al-Rumi (العدلي الرومي) in 9th-century Baghdad. This article delves into his solution, the puzzle's connection to graph theory, and other pioneering Arab chess players.
How to Learn Iraqi Arabic: A Diplomat’s Tips on Grammar & Resources
Canadian Ambassador Ulric Shannon, a fluent Arabic speaker, offers insights into Iraqi Arabic in this interview. He discusses its distinct features, compares it to Egyptian and Levantine dialects, and shares resources for learning its grammar and vocabulary.
