Shibli Nomani was an Islamic scholar from the Indian subcontinent. He was a poet, historian, political thinker and often deemed to be the founder of Urdu literary criticism. Nomani was fluent in Arabic, Persian, Turkish

What starts out as sound spiritual guidance is often overtaken by a cult of personality. Many so-called enlightened leaders have faltered due to a growing obsession with their own personas and tenets. Among his

Bollywood has recently been on a mission to make Qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music, trendy. This genre, however, is said to have been created over 700 years ago as a fusion between

At a time when the political correctness of labels and identities has become paramount, it would serve us well to remember the nature of our true selves. Adi Shankara, an ancient Indian philosopher and

Sikhism, one of the youngest religions in the world, originated in South Asia. Inevitably, the majority followers are of South Asian descent. It is based on the founder, Guru Nanak’s teachings, and of nine

The frenzy of election season often brings a spate of ugly revelations about politicians. The modern system of selection or election of leaders, with its focus on bribery and corruption, leaves much to be

Kabir, a 15th century North Indian mystic poet, is revered as a saint. Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs alike have claimed him and honoured him with names they understood for sainthood. He was monumental in

Literally translating into ‘Heavenly Ornaments’, Maulana Thanvi’s ‘Bahishti Zewar’ is an instructional guidebook written in Northern India in the early 1900s. It codifies Islamic beliefs and practices, and serves as a comprehensive handbook of

Many of us turn to Buddhism’s age-old wisdom for profound advice on spirituality and inner peace. But, we were surprised to find Buddhist writings also offer wisdom on mundane activities such as

Raja Ravi Varma’s creations are ubiquitous – in the images of Lakshmi and Saraswati we have grown up worshipping, in recreations of buxom women and children gracing calendars and advertising sundry products like powders,