Dr Joel Hayward's career highlights include being Dean of the Royal Air Force College and head of a King's College London academic division. He is the author or editor of many works of non-fiction. He is also active in the literary arts, and writes regular columns in emel and other Islamic magazines and has published fiction and poetry. His first poetry collection, Lifeblood, appeared in 2003.

"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