Umrah, also known as the "lesser pilgrimage," is an Islamic ritual that holds significant religious importance in the lives of Muslims worldwide. Unlike Hajj, which is compulsory for those who are physically and financially able, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of the year. This journey, while not an obligatory act of worship, encapsulates profound...

The Destruction of Timbaktu Contributed by Prof. Dr. Nazeer Ahmed, PhD The ransom received by Ahmed al Mansur al Sa’adi from the Portuguese at the Battle of al Qasr al Kabir (1578) provided him only temporary financial relief. The traditional sources of income for the emir, namely trade and agriculture, were increasingly out of his reach. In the north, the Mediterranean trade was...