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"Splendid … The book contains many virtues, chief among them are ebullience and optimism, forthrightness and candour. … Hayward’s work infuses the senses and offers an elucidation and extension to certain perceptions that we hold. ... I thoroughly recommend this collection. " – Emdad Rahman, East London News
"a very skilful and gifted poet whose way with words is impressive. ... [He] is able to blend the personal, emotional, spiritual and existential dimensions of human experience, and do so without in any way over-playing or undermining any aspect. This is a very rare skill for a poet to possess." – Muhammad Khan, The Muslim News
"The poetry of Joel Hayward, grounded in his wide experience of the Islamic world and his deep study of Judaeo-Christian and Islamic scriptures, depicts a modern spiritual journey inspired by wonder and awe while engaging in undaunted self-questioning. This is a journey that embraces important facets of the everyday life of a Muslim: a highly personal response to the Qur'an, an exploration of religious psychology, and a reflection on problems within and surrounding the Muslim community. This volume offers a highly articulate meditation on the experience of faith in an increasingly problematic world." – Professor Rafey Habib, Rutgers University, author of Shades of Islam.
"Joel Hayward's poetry is fascinating, deep, intelligent and beautiful. These evocative poems contain verve and pathos and shed rich insights into the complexities of becoming and then living as a Muslim within a western society in which Islam is a minority religion." – Shaykh Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, Founder and Patron, Minhaj-ul-Quran
"Joel Hayward's poetic style is simple yet poignant; embodying much of the emotions that questions of faith and belonging evoke. He effectively explores the numerous intricate and complicated strands of religion and belief, through a personal, introspective voice, which keeps the reader engaged. This is a unique and refreshing collection of poetry, reflecting on Islam in the 21st Century." – Sarah Joseph, Editor, emel
Professor Joel Hayward (ZDaF, BA, MA Hons, PhD, FRSA, FRHistS) is a New Zealand-born British scholar, writer and poet. He joined the National Defense College of the United Arab Emirates as Professor of Strategic Thought in 2017. He previously held two academic leadership positions within Khalifa University, which is also in Abu Dhabi. Already a full Professor, between November 2012 and December 2016 he was both the Director of the Institute of International and Civil Security and the Chair of the multidisciplinary Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. He joined Khalifa University as a full Professor of International and Civil Security in 2012, after having enjoyed a Fellowship at the Cambridge Muslim College.
His career highlights include having been the Dean of the prestigious and historical Royal Air Force College for five years (2007–2011), Director of the Royal Air Force Centre for Air Power Studies for four years (2008–2012), Head of King's College London's Air Power Studies Division for six years (2005–2011), as well as Program Coordinator, Centre for Defense Studies, and Senior Lecturer in Defense and Strategic Studies, Massey University (both in New Zealand).
He is the author or editor of ten positively reviewed books and dozens of peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Some of his works have been translated into Portuguese, Spanish, Serbian, German and Chinese. In January 2012, the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Amman, Jordan, published his concise monograph, Warfare in the Qur'an.