Ibn Sina would influence philosophers and scientists for centuries after his lifetime (Wikimedia)   Known as Avicenna in the West, the Persian polymath had a huge impact on the study of disease, astronomy and logic Born in 980 CE to a Persian family near the city of Bukhara in modern day Uzbekistan, Abu Ali al-Hussain ibn Abdullah al-Balkhi would go …

Hilali Noordeen has the interesting distinction of being the only living Sri Lankan President of the Oxford Union (1983); the other two, Lalith Athulathmudali and Lakshman Kadirgamar were both assassinated. Mr. Noordeen is now a reputed and highly sought after consultant spinal surgeon who lives in London. He is also a lecturer and medical consultant who publishes regularly in his field. He …

Hilali Noordeen has the interesting distinction of being the only living Sri Lankan President of the Oxford Union (1983); the other two, Lalith Athulathmudali and Lakshman Kadirgamar were both assassinated. Mr. Noordeen is now a reputed and highly sought after consultant spinal surgeon who lives in London. He is also a lecturer and medical consultant who publishes regularly in his field. He …

I’ve always thought that Islam has the ability to embed itself so seamlessly and so peacefully within Japanese culture and society, if only we let it. JESSICA AYA HARN We are notoriously known for being private in Japan. And when it comes to religion, we are extra, extra, extra private. It just wouldn’t make sense to be overtly religious in …