Throughout Islamic history, there have been countless individuals whose struggles, vision, exploits, achievements, pain and concern for the wider Ummah are today remembered and praised by generations of Muslims the world over. Many of them assumed leadership positions and in the face of mammoth difficulties achieved the unthinkable. 

This course will discuss the lives of three world leaders from the annals of Islamic history who were specifically characterised by a profound love for the faith, adherence to Islamic principles, and a deep sense of spirituality, sincerity and connection to Allah Most High—characteristics that have left a lasting impression on generations of Muslims.

This course will explore the following three personalities:

  • Sultan Salahuddin Yusuf (Salahuddin Ayyubi) (1137-1193)

  • Sultan Muhammad Fatih (Fatih Sultan Mehmet) (1432-1481)

  • Sultan Aurangzeb (1618-1707)

Course Curriculum

    1. Retaking Jerusalem: Sultan Salah al-Din’s Background & Legacy

    2. Lesson 1 Quiz

    1. Virtue, Ingenuity, & Success: Sultan Salah al-Din’s Leadership

    2. Lesson 2 Quiz

    1. Conquering Constantinople: Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih’s Background & Success

    2. Lesson 3 Quiz

    1. Asceticism & Poetry: Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih’s Spiritual Life

    2. Lesson 4 Quiz

    1. Reigning Over India: Sultan Aurangzeb Alamghir’s Background & Obstacles

    2. Lesson 5 Quiz

    1. Uprightness, Justice, & Knowledge: Sultan Aurangzeb Alamghir’s Leadership

    2. Lesson 6 Quiz

About this course

  • 4.5 hours of video content
  • Elective Course
  • Rayyan Courses Subscription

This course is not just about the life, achievements and politics prevalent in the times of these giants of Islamic history, but will emphasise their spirituality (ruhaniyyah) and connection to Allah Most High.

Format of Lectures

Each of the three personalities will be discussed in lectures that will broadly cover the following aspects of their lives:

  • Family/dynasty background, birth and education

  • Political situation in their time, political challenges, vision and achievements

  • What notable individuals said about them

  • An underlying emphasis on their religiosity and concern for the faith and the Ummah, and their spirituality and connection to Allah

“Alhamdulillah, this course offered a wonderful insight into Islamic history—well explained, detailed enough to enjoy, yet concise enough to stay engaging. As someone not very well-versed in history, I found it a bit challenging at times because I kept pausing to take notes—there’s so much valuable information packed into every moment, mashaAllah! Definitely an amazing experience.”

Anonymous Student

“I have read and watched many things about all three individuals in this series but MashaAllah Ustad went ahead by miles in explaining their spiritual link to Ulama, and their devotion to upholding the Deen. This is missing from other speakers who mostly care about the material gains of a leader. Love the course and would recommend to others!”

Imran Jafri

“Alhamdulillah Rayyan has helped fill in the void after graduation, stay connected to the Islamic Sciences at every opportunity I get with the flexibility being much convenient. This course in particular filled my interest of learning more about Islamic History which I couldn't find elsewhere.”

Sister Anonymous

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Instructor

Shaykh Ismaeel Nakhuda

Course Instructor

After completing secondary school, Shaykh Ismaeel studied traditional Islamic studies as part of the six-year Dars-i-Nizami programme at Dar al-’Ulum Bury, UK, from where he graduated in 2001. With the encouragement of his teachers, he then enrolled at the University of Central Lancashire where he completed a BA in Journalism & Linguistics and an MA in Magazine Journalism. Shaykh Ismaeel has previously worked in print journalism, including at Islamica Magazine in Jordan, and the Arab News and the Saudi Gazette in Saudi Arabia. He presently works in communications and PR and has taken on roles at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, an inter-governmental organisation representing 57 member states. Shaykh Ismaeel has had a specific interest in Sufism since his early teens and takes instruction in the silsilah of Shaykh al-Hadith Mawlana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhalwi. He has a particular interest in history and Tasawwuf, and often writes and translates for a variety of platforms. He is fluent in Arabic, English, Urdu and Gujarati, and currently resides in the UK.

Learn how conviction, character, and connection to Allah changed the world.