Shah Qamruddin Hussain was a revered Sufi saint and scholar who lived in Sindh, in present-day Pakistan, during the 18th century. Known for his piety and spiritual teachings, he played a significant role in spreading Sufi ideals of love, compassion, and devotion to God in the Indian subcontinent. Although historical records about him are limited,…
Bessie Smith, often hailed as the “Empress of the Blues,” was a pioneering African American singer who left an indelible mark on the world of music during the 1920s and 1930s. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1894, Smith’s powerful voice and emotional delivery made her one of the most successful and influential blues singers of…
Tim Ferriss is an American author, entrepreneur, and podcaster known for his bestselling books and successful investments. Born in 1977, he attended Princeton University and founded BrainQUICKEN, a nutritional supplements company. His 2007 book “The 4-Hour Workweek” became a #1 New York Times bestseller and was translated into over 35 languages. Ferriss has written several…
Shaikh Abu-Said Abil-Kheir was one of the earlier Sufi poets. He lived more than two centuries before Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi yet, like Rumi, much of his mysticism follows a similar path of annihilation in divine Love. Abu-Said’s poetry ranges from the ecstatic and celestial, to struggles with abandonment. His poetry has an immediacy and even…
May was born in 1909 in Ada, Ohio. His sister developed schizophrenia and his parents divorced, making for a challenging upbringing. His academic journey began with a major in English at Michigan State College, followed by a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, a stint as a Greek teacher, a BD from Union Theological Seminary in…
Ahmad Raza Khan, known as Ala Hazrat, was a prominent Islamic scholar, theologian, and jurist in 19th and early 20th century British India. Born in Bareilly, India, in 1856, he vigorously defended traditional Sunni beliefs and practices, particularly within the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, against modernist and reformist challenges. Ala Hazrat authored numerous works on…
A. A. Allen (1911–1970) was a prominent American evangelist and faith healer known for his large healing revivals and tent meetings during the mid-20th century. After leaving the Assemblies of God over disagreements about healing practices, he founded Miracle Valley in Arizona in 1958, expanding his ministry through radio, television, and print. Though popular, Allen…
Abd Allah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As (c. 610-683 CE) was a distinguished companion of Prophet Muhammad and a key figure in early Islamic history. Born in Mecca, he was the son of ‘Amr ibn al-‘As, a prominent Qurayshite who converted to Islam early. Abd Allah ibn ‘Amr is renowned for his deep involvement in the…
Woody Allen, born Allen Stewart Konigsberg, is a prolific American filmmaker, writer, actor, and comedian, known for his witty humor and neurotic characters. Emerging in the 1960s as a stand-up comedian, he transitioned into filmmaking, directing over 50 movies. Allen’s work often explores themes of love, relationships, philosophy, and the human condition. His iconic films…
Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777–1855) was a German mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, celebrated for his foundational contributions across various disciplines. Revered as the “Prince of Mathematicians,” Gauss made significant advancements in number theory, notably in prime distribution and modular arithmetic, as detailed in his influential work Disquisitiones Arithmeticae. His formulation of Gauss’s law in physics established…
