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 University in Cairo, Egypt.Aside from his formal studies, Shaykh Mustafa engaged in in-depth learning across various Islamic disciplines, receiving valuable instruction and numerous ʾIjāzāt (traditional scholarly licenses) in key Islamic texts and sciences from scholars in Senegal, Nigeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.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 Mikaeel Ahmed Smith of Qalam 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.Expanding on his research and scholarship, Shaykh Mustafa authored Islam and the Making of the Modern World, a thought-provoking exploration of Islam’s impact on global history. In this book, he challenges dominant Eurocentric narratives and highlights how Muslim civilizations have shaped science, culture, trade, and politics. From the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire and its relationship with the Muslim Caliphate to the oral traditions of West Africa and the scholarly exchanges of Al-Andalus, the book delves into the intellectual brilliance of the Islamic Golden Age alongside the geopolitical legacies of the Crusades and the Ottoman Empire. It also examines how crucial events, such as the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, were informed by both Islamic and anti-Islamic dynamics. Through these historical insights, the book offered a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of global civilizations and the enduring impact of Islam on the modern world. Within 48 hours of its release, Islam and the Making of the Modern World became the #1 Amazon bestseller in the History of Islam category, further cementing its significance in contemporary historical discourse.
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.