September 26

Ibn Taymiya was a prominent Sunni Islamic scholar, theologian, and philosopher from Harran. He challenged prevalent Sufi practices and philosophical interpretations, advocating a return to Qur'anic literalism. His fatwas and writings on theology, jurisprudence, and ethics influenced later Islamic reform movements. Despite facing imprisonment for his views, his intellectual legacy persisted across diverse Muslim societies. Regarded as a reformer, Ibn Taymiya's works continue to inspire contemporary debates in Islamic thought.

Born in Madrid in 1863 and raised in Boston, George Santayana became a prominent philosopher and cultural critic. He taught at Harvard University, influencing early American pragmatism. Santayana's major works include The Life of Reason and Skepticism and Animal Faith. He penned poetry, essays, and novels exploring the interplay of belief, reason, and aesthetics. His famous aphorisms include "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." After retiring in 1912, Santayana lived in Italy, continuing his literary pursuits. He died in 1952, remembered for his elegant prose and enduring philosophical insights.