Episode 127 - Decolonizing Islamic History: From Constantinople to the Mughals (feat. Mustafa Briggs)

Boys In The Cave

In this deep and enlightening conversation, Mustafa Briggs joins us to discuss the rich and often overlooked history of Islam and its profound impact on the modern world.

From the contributions of Muslim civilizations to the legacy of figures like Muhammad Iqbal and the Ottomans, we explore how reclaiming these narratives can empower Muslims today.

Mustafa also shares insights from his upcoming book, Islam and the Making of the Modern World, and why understanding our past is crucial for shaping our future.

✅ How Muslim scholars gave Europe "Arabic numerals" (including zero) — and why it led to binary code (0s and 1s).

✅ The Ottomans’ secret claim to the Roman Empire — and why Constantinople’s fall was a spiritual victory.

✅ Why Muslims today don’t know their own history — and how colonialism erased Islamic intellectual traditions.

✅ Muhammad Iqbal’s surprising solution — why politics won’t revive the Ummah, but spirituality will.

✅ The truth about the "Moors" — were they Black? Why Europeans feared (and demonized) them.

Purchase Mustafa Briggs New Book 'Islam & The Making of The Modern World':

https://www.amazon.com/Islam-Making-Modern-Mustafa-Briggs/dp/B0DVQSS18M/

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Timestamp:

00:10 Mustafa's trip to Pakistan & Islamic history

01:29 Connections between Uzbekistan & Mughal Empire

04:34 Influence of Arabic/Persian on Indian languages

05:29 Mustafa's new book: Islam and the Making of the Modern World

08:06 Chapters on Roman Empire, Western science, colonization

09:31 The Moors & their legacy

10:52 Muhammad Iqbal's spiritual & political influence

16:49 Iqbal's mastery of Eastern & Western philosophy

23:19 Fibonacci & Arabic numerals' impact on modern tech

27:31 Liberal arts vs modern education systems

36:03 Concept of Ihsan (excellence) in Islamic tradition

42:24 Roman Empire's connection to Islamic history

47:57 Ottomans as successors of Rome

52:52 Hagia Sophia's qibla alignment & divine destiny

58:02 Ottomans & Europe's complex relationship

01:02:24 Legacy of Zayd ibn Harithah (RA)

01:13:47 Moors: Misconceptions & racialization

01:23:52 Colonial narratives vs African scholarship

01:29:01 Hidden Muslim history in Australia

01:34:20 Closing thoughts on reclaiming Islamic legacy