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

Have Muslim scholars supported anti-blackness? What challenges do black Muslims face? In this podcast, African American scholar, Shaykh Dr Abdullah bin Hamid Ali discusses his compelling book, “The Negro in Arab-Muslim Consciousness” with podcast host Remona Aly. Shaykh Abdullah addresses the term ‘negro’, shares his personal connection to the Nation of Islam, and considers the Prophet’s approach to slavery. The podcast also features an eye-opening conversation with two young British black Muslims, poet Mohamed Mohamed, and student and author, Hafsah Dabiri, who discuss identity, belonging and the importance of celebrating black Muslim heritage. Presenter: Remona Aly Producer: Thomas Glasser Additional recording: Simona Rata

In this eye-opening podcast episode, former MTV presenter Kristiane Backer speaks to podcast host Remona Aly, about her best-selling memoir “From MTV to Mecca”. As one of the first presenters for MTV Europe in the 1990s, Kristiane discusses how, at the height of her success she began to feel that something was missing. After questioning a fast-paced career that saw endless parties, celebrities and fame, a chance encounter led Kristiane to embark on a path filled with upheaval, surprises, and transformation. Hear the former MTV star’s fascinating story that saw her embrace a radically new life.

In the first of an exciting new podcast series hosted by journalist Remona Aly, we launch with “Journey Through the Quran” by author, scholar and entrepreneur, Shaykh Sharif H. Banna. After developing a profound connection with the Quran as a child, Shaykh Sharif has spent his entire life studying the sacred word, and devoted twenty years to teaching it. He recounts how his textbook style Quran companion came about, discusses its special ‘mind-map’ features and takes us on an overview of the historic compilation of the Quran itself. As well as hearing the Shaykh’s key insights, lessons and advice, we hear from three of his students who convey how they were impacted by the book, and take us on their own personal journey through the Quran. Presenter: Remona Aly Producer: Thomas Glasser