Osman Latiff

Osman Latiff Dr. Osman Latiff is a prominent UK-based academic, author, and Islamic speaker, widely recognized for his work in history, international relations, and Islamic da’wah (inviting to Islam). He currently serves as a Senior Researcher and Instructor at Sapience Institute, an organization focused on addressing contemporary challenges to faith through intellectual engagement and public education. Academic Background: Dr. Latiff holds a BA in History, an MA in Crusader Studies, and a PhD from Royal Holloway, University of London. His doctoral thesis, titled “The Place of Faḍā’il al-Quds (Merits of Jerusalem) and Religious Poetry in the Muslim Effort to Recapture Jerusalem in the Crusades,” explored the use of devotional literature in shaping Muslim responses during the Crusading period. Postdoctoral Research: Following his PhD, he undertook postdoctoral studies in Politics and International Relations, focusing on “The effect of war media iconography on US identity: disruptive images, counter hegemony and political syncretism.” This research delves into how visual and symbolic media impact Western perceptions of conflict, identity, and the “Other,” particularly within the context of Arab–U.S. relations. Author and Researcher: Dr. Latiff is the author of several influential works, including: – *The Cutting Edge of the Poet’s Sword: Muslim Poetic Responses to the Crusades* (Brill, 2018) — a detailed study of Muslim poetic literature as a tool of resistance and theological reflection. – *On Being Human: How Islam Addresses Othering, Dehumanisation and Empathy* (Sapience Institute, 2020) — a timely examination of Islamic teachings on empathy and human dignity. – *Navigating War, Dissent and Empathy in Arab/U.S. Relations: Seeing Our Others in Darkened Spaces* (Springer, 2021) — a critical reflection on media and political discourse. – *Divine Perfection: Christianity and Islam on Sin and Salvation* (Sapience Institute, 2022) — a comparative theological study exploring how both traditions conceptualize salvation and divine justice. Public Speaking and Da’wah: An active public speaker, Dr. Latiff delivers lectures at mosques, universities, and conferences both in the UK and internationally. His talks often bridge academic scholarship with accessible insights, focusing on dehumanization, historical memory, interfaith ethics, and the importance of Muslim intellectual engagement in contemporary discourse. Through his work with Sapience Institute, he helps equip Muslim audiences with the tools needed to understand and articulate their faith with confidence, compassion, and intellectual rigor. Areas of Focus: Dr. Latiff’s expertise includes Crusader history, medieval Islamic poetry, Islamic theology, media studies, identity politics, “othering,” empathy, interfaith dialogue (especially between Islam and Christianity), and contemporary global conflicts. He consistently addresses these subjects through a historical, analytical, and faith-based lens. Dr. Osman Latiff continues to be an influential voice, bridging traditional Islamic scholarship with modern academic and sociopolitical themes. His work promotes a deeper understanding of faith, humanity, and the shared challenges facing societies today.