misc/Briggs

“Fight For Your Happiness or The World Will Crush You” - Mustafa Briggs 150 (4K)

This source presents an interview with Mustafa Briggs, a speaker and author focusing on Islamic history and culture. Briggs discusses the importance of prioritizing personal happiness despite life's difficulties and the reality of the evil eye in Islam. He explains his motivation for his work as a response to the need for historical understanding and a personal obligation to share knowledge. The conversation also explores the significant, yet often overlooked, presence of Islam and Muslim contributions in West Africa throughout history and into the modern era, as well as the growing influence of Islam in Western culture, particularly in cities like London. Briggs emphasizes the power of technology and social media in connecting people with shared interests and promoting a better understanding of Islam.

Quiz Questions (Short Answer - 2-3 sentences)	Quiz Answer Key
Mustafa Briggs states that if he could ask the Prophet Muhammad one question, what would it be?	Mustafa Briggs states that if he could ask the Prophet Muhammad one question, it would be for the Prophet to make dua (prayer) for him to be with the Prophet in the next life and to have love for him.
Why does Mustafa Briggs emphasize the importance of fighting for happiness?	He emphasizes fighting for happiness because the world can put you in a position where it will crush you if you don't actively work to maintain your happiness.
According to Mustafa Briggs, what two main reasons explain why he does the work he does?	The two main reasons are because there is a need for his work, and because it has been made a responsibility for him to share the knowledge he has acquired.
What region of Africa does Mustafa Briggs primarily discuss in relation to the prevalence of Islam?	He primarily discusses the Sahel region, stretching from Djibouti to Nigeria and all the way to Senegal.
What statistic does Mustafa Briggs use to highlight the significant Muslim population in Nigeria?	He states that Nigeria has 100 million Muslims, which is more Muslims in one country than all the countries in the Arabian Peninsula combined.
What specific cultural phenomenon in London does Mustafa Briggs mention as an example of Islam permeating Western culture?	He mentions the introduction of Ramadan lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street alongside traditional Christmas lights.
What is the primary intention behind Mustafa Briggs' book, "Islam and the Making of the Modern World"?	The primary intention is to address the gap in Western Muslims' understanding of their history, which contributes to inferiority complexes and identity crises, and to contextualize the modern world through the lens of history and Islam's role in it.
How does Mustafa Briggs believe social media has impacted the ability to find one's "tribe"?	He believes social media has made it easier to find one's tribe because it removes the limitations of location and allows people with similar interests to connect online.
According to Mustafa Briggs, what is the difference between fear and grief, and how does living in the moment relate to them?	Fear is something that comes with thinking about the future, while grief comes with thinking about the past. Living in the moment, in God's presence, allows one to avoid both fear and grief.
What is the one human behavior that Mustafa Briggs states he cannot tolerate?	He states that rudeness is the one human behavior he cannot tolerate because there is no need for impolite or rude behavior.