The algorithm, a term now so commonplace it risks losing its profound weight, is not merely a technical construct; it is a historical artifact, a testament to the enduring power of human intellect. It is a word that echoes from the sun-drenched courtyards of 9th-century Baghdad, a legacy bequeathed by a Persian scholar whose intellectual breadth shaped the very foundations of modern computation.

Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, a name that deserves to be etched into the annals of human achievement, was not confined to the narrow discipline of mathematics. He was a polymath, a master of diverse fields, a product of a civilization that valued knowledge above all else. His position as a director in the House of Wisdom, a vibrant hub of intellectual exchange, allowed him to synthesize and expand upon the knowledge of his time.

To truly grasp the significance of al-Khwarizmi’s contributions, we must contextualize his era. The Abbasid Caliphate, under which he flourished, was a beacon of intellectual enlightenment. It was a time when scholars from diverse backgrounds—Persian, Arab, Indian, Greek—converged, sharing and building upon each other’s knowledge. Al-Khwarizmi was not merely a recipient of this intellectual bounty; he was a key architect of its expansion.

His “Concerning the Hindu Art of Reckoning” was not just a textbook; it was a revolution. It introduced the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, a system that, with its elegant simplicity and the crucial inclusion of the decimal point, transformed the very landscape of mathematics. Imagine the laborious calculations required by the cumbersome Roman numerals, and then consider the sheer efficiency and clarity offered by the system al-Khwarizmi championed. This was not a mere improvement; it was a paradigm shift.

The linguistic transformation of his name, “Algoritmi,” into “algorithm” in Latin translations is not a mere etymological curiosity. It is a testament to the profound impact of his work on Western thought. And let us not overlook “algebra,” a word derived from his other influential works, which underscores the breadth of his intellectual contributions. He didn’t just calculate; he formulated, he systematized, he provided the foundational language for abstract mathematical reasoning.

Al-Khwarizmi’s genius lay in his ability to distill complex problems into a series of logical, sequential steps. This is the essence of an algorithm, a concept that evolved from its initial association with the decimal system to its modern definition as a set of step-by-step instructions. This evolution is not a mere semantic shift; it reflects the growing complexity of human understanding and the increasing reliance on systematic problem-solving.

Alan Turing, the British mathematician and computer scientist, built upon this foundation. Turing’s theoretical work on machines capable of executing algorithmic instructions laid the groundwork for the computer age. His wartime efforts in cracking the Enigma code, utilizing algorithmic principles in the Bombe machine, demonstrate the practical, world-altering power of these step-by-step instructions.

Today, algorithms have become the invisible architects of our digital reality. They shape our news feeds, curate our entertainment, and even influence our social interactions. They are not merely tools; they are forces that shape our perceptions and our understanding of the world. They are the inheritors of al-Khwarizmi’s intellectual legacy, operating on a scale he could scarcely have imagined.

The question of whether the Muslim Ummah can produce another al-Khwarizmi is not merely a matter of historical curiosity; it is a question of profound contemporary relevance. The conditions that nurtured al-Khwarizmi’s genius were unique, a confluence of intellectual freedom, patronage, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Yet, the potential for such genius remains.

What is required is a renewed commitment to education, to critical thinking, to the relentless pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. It requires a rejection of intellectual stagnation and a willingness to embrace the complexities of the modern world. It demands a return to the open and inquisitive spirit that characterized the Islamic Golden Age.

The algorithm, a word born from the genius of a Persian scholar, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of human intellect. It is a testament to the fact that even the most abstract concepts can have a profound and lasting impact on the world. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, we must remember the man behind the algorithm and strive to emulate his intellectual curiosity and his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge. We must ask ourselves, what new intellectual golden ages can we create? And what new al-Khwarizmis are waiting to be nurtured?

Courtesy: the Halal Times

In a world where media shapes perceptions, drives narratives, and influences policies, the absence of diverse voices isn’t just a gap—it’s a crisis. Among the most underrepresented groups in global journalism are Muslims, who make up nearly a quarter of the world’s population yet remain largely invisible in newsrooms. This isn’t just about fairness or representation; it’s about the quality and integrity of the stories we tell. The global media landscape desperately needs more Muslim journalists, and here’s why.

The Power of Representation

Imagine a world where the only stories told about your community are written by outsiders. This is the reality for many Muslims. From the hijab to halal food, from Ramadan to geopolitical conflicts, Muslim experiences are often narrated through a lens that is not their own. The result? Misunderstandings, stereotypes, and a distorted view of an entire faith and culture.

Muslim journalists bring an insider’s perspective. They understand the nuances of their communities—the joys, the struggles, the traditions. When a Muslim journalist writes about Eid celebrations, it’s not just a cultural event; it’s a personal story. When they cover Islamophobia, it’s not just a headline; it’s a lived reality. This authenticity resonates with readers and builds trust.

Breaking Stereotypes

Let’s face it: the media hasn’t always been kind to Muslims. From the “war on terror” narrative to the conflation of Islam with extremism, Muslims are often portrayed as the “other”—a monolithic group defined by violence and oppression. This narrative isn’t just harmful; it’s inaccurate.

Muslim journalists have the power to challenge these stereotypes. They can highlight the diversity within the Muslim world—the artists, the scientists, the activists, the everyday people who defy the one-dimensional portrayals. They can humanize stories that are often dehumanized. For example, instead of reducing a Muslim-majority country to a conflict zone, they can showcase its rich history, culture, and contributions to the world.

Covering Underreported Stories

There are countless stories within Muslim communities that go untold. Take, for instance, the rise of Muslim entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, the impact of climate change on Muslim-majority countries, or the grassroots movements led by Muslim women. These stories matter, but they rarely make it to the mainstream media.

Muslim journalists are uniquely positioned to uncover these narratives. They have the cultural competence to navigate these spaces and the credibility to gain access. Their work can shed light on issues that are often ignored, enriching the global discourse and fostering a more inclusive understanding of the world.

Holding Power to Account

Journalism is often called the fourth estate, a watchdog that holds power to account. But how effective can it be if it excludes the voices of 1.9 billion people? Muslim journalists bring a critical perspective to issues that directly affect their communities, from discriminatory policies to international conflicts.

For example, when Western media covers the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the narrative is often skewed. A Muslim journalist, with their deep understanding of the region’s history and politics, can provide a more balanced and nuanced account. Similarly, they can challenge Islamophobic rhetoric in political discourse, ensuring that misinformation is countered with facts.

Building Bridges in a Divided World

We live in an era of polarization, where misinformation spreads faster than the truth. Muslim journalists can play a vital role in bridging divides. By telling stories that humanize Muslims, they can combat prejudice and foster empathy. By providing accurate and fair coverage of Muslim issues, they can counter the rise of hate speech and fake news.

Moreover, Muslim journalists can serve as cultural ambassadors, helping non-Muslim audiences understand the complexities of Islam. Whether it’s explaining the significance of the Hajj pilgrimage or debunking myths about Sharia law, their work can promote mutual understanding and respect.

The Challenges Muslim Journalists Face

Despite the clear need for more Muslim journalists, the path is fraught with challenges. Many face discrimination in newsrooms, where they are often pigeonholed into covering “Muslim issues” rather than being seen as versatile reporters. Others grapple with Islamophobia, both within and outside their workplaces.

There’s also the issue of safety. In some parts of the world, Muslim journalists risk their lives to report the truth. From the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi to the persecution of reporters in authoritarian regimes, the stakes are incredibly high.

What Can Be Done?

The responsibility to diversify newsrooms lies with media organizations. They must actively recruit and support Muslim journalists, providing them with the resources and opportunities to thrive. Mentorship programs, scholarships, and internships can help nurture the next generation of Muslim storytellers.

Educational institutions also have a role to play. By offering courses on Islamic history, culture, and media representation, they can equip aspiring journalists with the knowledge and skills to tell their stories effectively.

Finally, audiences must demand better. By supporting media outlets that prioritize diversity and by calling out biased reporting, we can create a culture that values inclusion.

The impact of having more Muslim journalists extends far beyond the newsroom. It shapes how societies perceive Muslims, influences public policy, and fosters global solidarity. It ensures that the stories of 1.9 billion people are not just heard but understood.

In a world that often feels divided, Muslim journalists can be the storytellers we need—voices that bridge gaps, challenge stereotypes, and remind us of our shared humanity. Their stories are not just Muslim stories; they are human stories. And in telling them, they make the world a little more whole.

The call for more Muslim journalists is not just about filling quotas or ticking boxes. It’s about enriching the global narrative, ensuring that it reflects the diversity and complexity of our world. It’s about giving a voice to the voiceless and holding a mirror to society. And ultimately, it’s about creating a media landscape that is fair, accurate, and inclusive.

So, the next time you read a story about Muslims, ask yourself: Who wrote it? Whose perspective is missing? And what can we do to change that? The answers to these questions will shape not just the future of journalism, but the future of our world.

A remarkable collection of, many of which are being showcased for the first time, is now on display at the Cambridge University Library. This exhibition is a historic event, bringing together centuries-old texts from Asia and North Africa that highlight the diverse cultures, faiths, and languages of the Islamic world. These rare manuscripts, which span over 700 years, not only provide a unique glimpse into Islamic history ut also illustrate the deep intellectual and artistic heritage of Muslim communities across regions. Aamer Yaqub Reports

Islamic Manuscripts That Span Cultures

The exhibition features several exceptional works, including a 730-year-old Persian commentary on the Quran, shedding light on early Islamic scholarship and Quranic interpretation. Another prominent piece is the oldest known Malay Quranic Commentaries from Aceh, Indonesia, a region historically influenced by the spread of Islam through Southeast Asia. The presence of these diverse works within the collection showcases the extensive geographical reach of Islamic culture and its varied traditions of learning, writing, and spirituality.

Dr. Chris Burgess, head of public programs at Cambridge University Library, describes the significance of these ancient texts, stating, “Ancient manuscripts are like time machines—they take us back to other worlds.” The exhibition aims to connect visitors with the rich history of the Islamic world, enabling them to explore the remarkable depth of Islamic scholarship and the role it played in shaping global history.

The manuscripts were part of a collection amassed by Thomas van Erpe, also known as Erpenius, a Dutch scholar and printer with a profound interest in studying Islamic and Asian cultures. His widow later donated these works to the library in 1632, and they have since become an integral part of Cambridge University Library’s holdings.

A Pioneer in Collecting Islamic Manuscripts

Thomas van Erpe, better known as Erpenius, was a 17th-century scholar who was instrumental in building one of the most diverse and significant collections of Islamic manuscripts of his time. Living during an era when European academia primarily focused on Latin, Greek, Syriac, and Hebrew, Erpenius saw the importance of studying Islamic and Asian languages. His work set the stage for a broader, more inclusive understanding of religious texts and world languages, aiming to show that the study of Islamic manuscripts was as valuable as the classical Western traditions.

Curator Dr. Majid Daneshgar, one of the driving forces behind the exhibition, emphasizes Erpenius’ progressive approach to scholarship. “In an era focused on the Bible and the Classical World, with an emphasis on Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, Erpenius believed that true global understanding could only be achieved through the study of world languages,” explains Dr. Daneshgar. “His passion led him to build one of the great pioneering collections of manuscripts in Arabic, Malay, Persian, Turkish, Syriac, Hebrew, and other languages.”

The exhibition highlights more than 15 languages and scripts, including Arabic, Aramaic, Classical Chinese, Hebrew, Javanese, Malay, Persian, Syriac, Telugu, Turkish, and Yiddish. This linguistic diversity reflects the global connections of Islamic scholarship and demonstrates how Islamic teachings and literature transcended cultural and geographical boundaries. The collection represents centuries of religious study, literary development, and cross-cultural exchanges within the Islamic world and beyond.

Islamic World’s Rich History

The oldest manuscript in the exhibition dates back over 700 years, making it a priceless piece of Islamic heritage. Meanwhile, the “youngest” work on display is still around 400 years old. Among these manuscripts is a 15th-century Hebrew commentary on the Bible, possibly originating from Greece. Such works exemplify the interfaith and intercultural connections that were commonplace in the Islamic world, where scholars of different faiths engaged in dialogue and exchanged ideas.

One standout piece is a 700-year-old Arabic version of the Gospels, offering insights into how Christian communities in Alexandria, Egypt, practiced their faith within the context of Islamic rule. Another notable manuscript is a royal copy of an Arabic book on language, dated 1274, which provides an understanding of the kind of scholarly materials prized by the rulers of ancient Shiraz (in present-day Iran). These manuscripts not only highlight the literary and intellectual pursuits of various Islamic societies but also illustrate the shared heritage and coexistence of religious communities throughout history.

The manuscripts in the exhibition span a wide range of themes, from religious texts to linguistic works, each shedding light on the scholarly, artistic, and cultural practices of their respective eras. Through these works, visitors can explore how Islamic manuscripts played a critical role in preserving and transmitting knowledge across generations and regions.

Cambridge’s Treasure Trove

Erpenius’ journey to collect these Islamic manuscripts is a story of passion, scholarship, and vision. His dedication to understanding Islamic culture and language motivated him to gather a collection that would contribute to the study of world languages and faiths. Tragically, Erpenius died of the plague at the young age of 40. After his passing, his widow sold the manuscripts to George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, a key figure in the courts of King James I and Charles I of England. Following Villiers’ assassination in 1628, his widow, Katherine, became the first woman to donate manuscripts to the Cambridge University Library. Her act of generosity not only preserved these rare manuscripts but also made them accessible to scholars and the public for centuries to come.

One of the exhibition’s most remarkable elements is its inclusion of rare Christian texts written in Arabic. For example, the 700-year-old Arabic Gospels provide a rare perspective on how Christians in Alexandria interacted with their faith under Islamic rule. This text reflects the complex religious dynamics of the time and underscores the diverse cultural influences present in Islamic societies.

Equally impressive is the royal copy of the Arabic book on language, dated 1274. This manuscript reveals the intellectual interests of ancient Persian rulers and the importance they placed on preserving and promoting linguistic studies. Such works reflect the prominence of scholars and scribes in the Islamic world and highlight the deep respect for knowledge and education among Muslim rulers.

Dr. Chris Burgess, the exhibition’s head of public programs, underscores the exhibition’s goal of fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of Islamic and world history. By showcasing these manuscripts, the exhibition allows visitors to connect with the Islamic world’s rich traditions of scholarship, art, and culture.

The Legacy of Islamic Manuscripts

The Cambridge University Library exhibition of Islamic manuscripts provides a unique opportunity to engage with centuries-old works of art, literature, and religious thought. These manuscripts offer an unparalleled view into the global exchange of ideas, faiths, and languages, demonstrating the importance of Islamic contributions to world culture. Whether it’s a Quranic commentary from Persia, a Malay translation of Quranic teachings, or an Arabic version of the Gospels, each manuscript in the collection tells a story of cultural diversity, intellectual pursuit, and shared human heritage.

The Significance of Islamic Manuscripts

In today’s rapidly changing world, the exhibition of these Islamic manuscripts serves as a reminder of the historical connections and shared traditions that bind cultures together. The texts on display not only illuminate the rich history of Islamic scholarship but also encourage dialogue and understanding between different faith communities. By exploring these works, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of the diverse intellectual traditions that have shaped global history and the role of Islamic culture in fostering learning, tolerance, and artistic expression.

This collection of Islamic manuscripts stands as a testament to the importance of cross-cultural study and the preservation of global heritage. The exhibition fosters greater awareness of the significance of these texts, offering visitors a chance to witness firsthand the beauty and influence of one of the world’s great civilizations. From ancient Persia to Southeast Asia, from the Arabic Gospels to the royal manuscripts of Shiraz, the exhibition is a celebration of the timeless legacy of Islamic scholarship and its impact on world history.

By offering a closer look at these rare manuscripts, the Cambridge University Library exhibition invites visitors to embark on a journey through time, exploring the rich tapestry of Islamic culture, thought, and artistry that continues to inspire and educate scholars, historians, and the general public alike.