World renowned Author & Speaker
Mustafa Briggs
Born and raised in London, United Kingdom, Shaykh Mustafa Briggs is a graduate of Arabic and International Relations from the University of Westminster, where his dissertation focused on Arabic Literature and Literacy in West Africa. He began an MA in Translation at SOAS, University of London, specializing in Arabic and Islamic Texts, before pursuing another degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic at al-Azhar in Cairo, Egypt.In Cairo, Shaykh Mustafa engaged in in-depth learning across various Islamic disciplines. He focused on Arabic Language, Grammar, and Morphology, Maliki Jurisprudence, Usul al-Fiqh, and the works of prominent Islamic scholars.Additionally, he spent many years studying Hadith and other sciences, receiving valuable instruction and numerous ijazat (licenses) in key Islamic texts and sciences.Shaykh Mustafa gained international acclaim for his 'Beyond Bilal: Black History in Islam' lecture series, which explored the deep-rooted relationship between Islam and Black History, the legacy of contemporary African Islamic Scholarship, its role in the International Relations of the Muslim World, and the vital role of Female Scholarship in the West African Islamic Tradition. He presented this lecture series at over 30 universities across three continents, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Yale.The success of 'Beyond Bilal' led to its adaptation into a book, which became an Amazon bestseller within the first month of its release. This success prompted an American and European book tour, during which Mustafa was hosted and interviewed by various scholars at academic and Islamic institutions, such as Imam Omar Sulaiman of Yaqeen Institute, Shaykh Suhaib Webb of the Islamic Center of New York University, and Professor Shadaab Rahemtulla of Edinburgh University, where the book is currently part of the educational curriculum.In conclusion, Shaykh Mustafa Briggs 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.