The two essays by Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj in the book "Implicate & Explicate" provide an in-depth analysis of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and its impact on the discourse of architecture, particularly in the Muslim world.

In "On Advocacy," Mr. Hallaj discusses the role of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in setting trends and addressing key issues in Muslim communities. He highlights the Award's contribution to architectural discourse, focusing on societal definitions, economic, and social evolution. The essay addresses the Award's influence in generating technical knowledge and appreciating community needs. Mr. Hallaj critiques the lack of transparency in the jury's ethical decision-making process and advocates for more open debate on ethics in architecture, emphasizing the importance of discussing the intrinsic value and ethical implications of winning projects.

In the second essay "The Shortlist", Mr. Hallaj explores the Aga Khan Award for Architecture's process of shortlisting projects. The essay highlights the diversity and breadth of the Muslim presence in the architectural field, illustrated by the 19 diverse projects shortlisted in the award cycle. These projects represent a wide geographic and cultural spectrum, encompassing both traditional Muslim regions and areas where Muslims are a minority. Mr. Hallaj emphasizes the importance of this diversity in defining a broader Muslim Ummah and contributing to a richer understanding of Muslim cultural and architectural practices. The essay underscores the value of the shortlist in showcasing a wide range of innovative solutions and approaches in architecture, going beyond the winning entries to provide a more comprehensive view of the field's current trends and challenges.

In summary, Mr. Hallaj's essays present a critical examination of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, advocating for a more pronounced role in ethical discussions and community engagement. By doing so, he highlights the need for architecture to be a vehicle for societal reflection and progress, especially in the context of Muslim societies facing unique challenges and opportunities.