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 ex