Claritas Books Claritas Books

In this special author podcast, we tap into the richly diverse life and work of Professor Joel Hayward, a man whose wide-reaching expertise stretches across his roles as an academic, a poet, a fiction writer, a shaykh and a strategy adviser.

The professor of Strategic Thought at the National Defense College of the UAE and former Dean of the Royal Air Force College in the UK openly discusses his unexpected route to Islam, the human relatiionship with war, and his creative response to grief and loss. We also dive into his groundbreaking book, ‘The Leadership of Muhammad : An historical reconstruction’, as well as lifting the page on his social and historial fiction, and deeply personal poetry published with Claritas.

Presenter: Remona Aly
Producer: Thomas Glasser

In this astonishing and revelatory podcast, we delve into the controversial eyewitness account of Britain’s first mosque community, as observed by Ottoman intellectual, Yusuf Samih Asmay.

‘Islam in Victorian Liverpool’ has been brought back to modern readers by editors, Yahya Birt, Riordan Macnamara and Münire Zeyneb Maksudoǧlu, who join us for a frank and lively discussion about its author and the chief protagonist, English convert Abdullah Quilliam, the founder of the Liverpool Muslim Institute. Uncover the intrigues, the comical moments and an inside view on England’s “Church of Islam”.

Presenter: Remona Aly
Producer: Thomas Glasser

Revisit some golden advice from Islam's most influential medieval thinker, Imam al-Ghazali, as we explore his "Dear Beloved Son" - a compilation valuable pieces of counsel given to one of his distinguished students. Al-Ghazali covers complex subjects such as time, rationale and self-evaluation with masterful succinctness. Unpacking the philosopher's words is world-leading expert, Professor Dr Mustafa Abu Sway, Integral Chair for the Study of Imam Al-Ghazali's Work at the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Quds University. Professor Sway sheds light on the philosopher's life and shares eleventh century wisdoms that ring true to this day.

“It is our effort, not our perfection, that is our saving grace”, writes Shaykh Muhammad Abdullah Draz, one of the most important Muslim scholars of the 20th century in his seminal book, Morality in the Quran. In this fascinating podcast, Dr Basma Abdelgafar, who translated, edited and revised this neglected masterpiece, tells us why it’s essential to pay proper attention to Shaykh Draz and his forgotten work. She expertly guides us through questions such as: what actually constitutes morality, do we need religion to be moral, and, what does it really mean to live a divine life? Bringing clarity to a deeply complex yet crucial area, Dr Basma offers a gateway to the mind of a scholar considered to be in a ‘league of his own’.

Unlock the key to your productivity via the much-awaited podcast with international speaker, author and coach, Mohammed Faris, who talks us through his bestselling book: "The Productive Muslim: Where Faith Meets Productivity". Harnessing his extensive experience as founder of ProductiveMuslim.com – an online social enterprise that has attracted over a million online followers, Mohammed deftly guides us through his three pillars of productivity and advises us on how to manage our time in an age of distraction. Ultimately, Mohammed aims to help urban global Muslims live the best versions of themselves – spiritually, physically and socially.

This procrastination-free podcast also features a special interview with Instagram expert, business coach and entrepreneur, Hafsa Taher, who tells us how she has benefited from the Productive Muslim philosophy, while offering listeners some life-changing advice.

Presenter: Remona Aly
Producer: Thomas Glasser

What makes a great leader? How do we define spiritual intelligence? In this podcast episode, we look at the universal book, “Muhammad: 11 Prophetic Leadership Qualities That Changed the World”, by the late Nabeel Al-Azami, an award-winning leadership specialist. Podcast host Remona Aly meets with Nabeel’s mentors and colleagues who offer an intimate take on Nabeel’s ideas, vision and legacy. Along with an exclusive interview with Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, who speaks about emulating the prophetic quality of justice, this podcast explores one of the greatest challenges of our time.

Presenter: Remona Aly
Producer: Thomas Glasser
Additional recording: Simona Rata