Mustafa Briggs

Mustafa Briggs is a British Islamic scholar and author who specializes in the intersection of Islamic history, Black identity, and Arabic scholarship. He graduated from the University of Westminster with a degree in Arabic and International Relations, where his academic work focused on Arabic literature and literacy in West Africa. His passion for exploring the legacy of Islamic scholarship in Africa led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Translation at SOAS, University of London, with a focus on Arabic and Islamic texts. Furthering his Islamic education, Mustafa Briggs enrolled at the prestigious al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he earned a degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language. In addition to his formal studies, he has traveled extensively to Mauritania, Senegal, and The Gambia, immersing himself in traditional West African Islamic scholarship. These experiences deeply inform his teaching and public engagements. Mustafa Briggs is widely recognized for his efforts to uncover and revive the often-overlooked contributions of Black Muslims in Islamic history. He has been featured on major media platforms such as Al Jazeera and Islam Channel, where he speaks on topics like Blackness and Islam, and the legacy of African scholars in the Islamic world. His popular lecture series, “Beyond Bilal,” evolved into a published book by the same name, which has gained international acclaim for its scholarly yet accessible exploration of African Islamic heritage. Currently, Mustafa is working on the translation of traditional West African Islamic texts to make them more accessible to modern audiences. Through his work as a speaker, translator, and author, he continues to highlight the rich tapestry of Islamic knowledge across continents and cultures, particularly focusing on its African roots and expressions.