Azeem Muhammad is an American Muslim comedian celebrated for his role in the groundbreaking comedy tour, 'Allah Made Me Funny'.   Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, Azeem talks candidly about growing up in difficult circumstances as an introverted young man who loved to read. His life was shaped by the rise of hip-hop and gangster rap. His attempt to become a drug dealer was short-lived due to the strong guiding presence of his mother.   Azeem’s life was turned around in an instant when he...

A captivating and thought-provoking conversation with esteemed Muslim thought leaders. In this episode, we are honoured to host a panel featuring prominent Islamic scholar Shaykh Ruzwan Mohammed, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain Zara Mohammed, and seasoned media relations strategist Osama Saeed. Together, they engage in an enriching dialogue covering a wide spectrum of topics, offering insights and perspectives that promise to broaden your understanding and stimulate...

*NOTE -  This episode discusses suicide. If you are affected by suicide or are worried about someone, please see the links at the end of these show notes*   Muslims die by suicide too.   This may be an uncomfortable reality for many within religious communities but is an important issue for us to discuss. Research suggests that discussing suicide does not make it more likely but may actually help people get the right support.   My guest is Professor Rory O’Connor, a Professor of Health...

Preacher Moss is a distinguished American comedian, writer, and educator, best known for his pivotal role as the founder of the groundbreaking comedy tour, 'Allah Made Me Funny.' This tour played a crucial role in boosting the confidence of Muslims worldwide in the aftermath of the events of 9/11 in 2001. Collaborating with fellow comedians Azhar Usman, Mo Amer, and Azeem Muhammad, Preacher Moss embarked on a journey that not only entertained but also served as a source of...

Shaykh Ruzwan is one of the foremost Islamic scholars in the West. Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland (UK), Shaykh Ruzwan obtained a degree in Geopolitics and Arabic before leaving to study in Turkey in the 1990s. He went on to study in numerous Middle Eastern countries including Yemen and Syria. Shaykh Ruzwan graduated from the prestigious Mahad al-Fat’h Islamic Law College in Damascus with a distinction of merit, achieving overall first position in his year of graduation from the college.   On...

Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool is one of the few Muslim global politicians that has been largely successful in balancing politics and faith. His formative years growing up in the South African apartheid system led him to become involved in student politics in the 1980s. Due to his political activism, he was imprisoned by the apartheid regime. He went on to become a close friend and colleague of Nelson Mandela. He held positions of senior political office in South Africa and became the South...

Peter Sanders is a world-renowned photographer of the Muslim world. If you don’t recognise his name, you will have definitely seen his photos. Born in the 1940s in London, he became a professional photographer and took iconic pictures of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and many more bands of the 1960s. After becoming a Muslim, he took the early photos of the Hajj and has been taking photos ever since. Brother Peter Sanders has produced books which contain photos that will take...

Dr Hany El-Banna is the founder of Islamic Relief, the global Muslim charity started in the 1980s. He is a legend in the Muslim ummah – a true visionary. He eventually left the charity he founded but remains as active as ever travelling the world to inspire and train individuals.   The interview was recorded during Dr Hany’s visit to Glasgow, Scotland as part of a film festival showing a documentary about his life. It is a must watch film – see link below.   In this episode, we discuss: Early...

Ashur Shamis is a Libyan who lived in exile for decades in the UK during the reign of Gaddafi. He set up an opposition party at the risk to his own life. His student days in the UK were formative and he provides an insight into the Muslim community in the 1960s, especially within Universities.   He is well known for translating a number of works into English, including co-translating volumes of In the Shade of the Quran by Sayyid Qutb.   Topics discussed in this episode: My relationship...

PART 3 - Question & Answer session Panelists: - Shaykh Abdul Aziz Ahmed: World renowned scholar and educationalist based in Glasgow. https://www.facebook.com/abdul.azizahmed.906 - Saiqa Naz: Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) https://twitter.com/saiqa_naz - Dr Aman Durrani: Consultant Psychiatrist based in Glasgow   Questions: Is mental illness associated with punishment from God? Mind, Body and...

PART 2 - The Psychological (CBT) Perspective Speaker: Saiqa Naz is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) https://twitter.com/saiqa_naz   Topics covered by Saiqa: CBT model Problem solving technique Impact of negative thoughts Coping skills for managing stress Identifying signs of stress and anxiety Causes of stress Worked example Differentiating real and hypothetical worries   Mental health and wellbeing is...

Mental health and wellbeing is such an important and relevant issue affecting all of us, our friends and our families. This episode is a recording of an event held in Glasgow, Scotland in July 2018 called "Coping with Stress and Anxiety - a practical approach from a spiritual and psychological perspective".   PART 1 - The Spiritual Perspective Speaker: Shaykh Abdul Aziz Ahmed. A world renowned scholar and educationalist based in Glasgow. I interviewed him on this podcast episode #25 -...

This episode was recorded on the night before Eid and at the conclusion of the Cradle2Grave series. We decided to have a slightly different format with a panel of interesting guests including Islamic scholar Shaykh Amer Jamil, broadcaster and fundraiser Naeem Raza, medical doctor and GP Dr Nadeem Bhatti, Islamic finance expert Omar Shaikh, university graduate and Radio Ramadhan presenter Rameez Mahmood and my co-host Umran Amin. It was a light hearted discussion but also one where we...

As we release this episode in January 2022 from Scotland, there are only a few months to go before we welcome Ramadhan again inshallah. This episode was recorded as a conclusion to our Cradle 2 the Grave series and focused on maintaining the spiritual high of Ramadhan throughout the whole year. However the topics discussed with Shaykh Amer Jamil are relevant to our spiritual journey and struggle all year round and not necessarily just for Ramadhan. Shaykh Amer Jamil provides guidance on...

In this episode of Cradle2Grave, we discuss the topic of death and how to prepare for it and how to manage when we are in this situation. We cover a number of topics including: Why Shaykh Amer started his popular courses on preparing for death What to do when a loved one is in the last stages of their life Should you visit people in hospital at the end of their life? What is the process when someone dies ? For example, getting the death certificate and arranging the funeral The morning...

As we come towards the end of our Cradle 2 the Grave series, we discuss many issues that face us in old age and towards the end of our lives.   We discuss various topics with Shaykh Amer including Preparing for old age and retirement Are elderly people a burden on others? Can Muslim elders actively help the community with their experience and wisdom? Attitudes and responsibilities towards elderly parents Loneliness Dementia Inheritance and wills End of life care - including...

*IMPORTANT Self-care message* This episode is a sensitive one and it may be difficult to listen to for some people. Therefore please do look after yourself and make sure you reach out for help & support if it evokes some difficult emotions and feelings.   The topic is childhood abuse.  The Muslim community is not immune to being affected by physical, emotional and sexual childhood abuse and it is imperative we understand, recognise and deal with abuse when it happens. For too long it...

In this episode, we discuss what to do if you are in an unhappy or coercive marriage. Forced marriages and domestic abuse are two issues prevalent in many communities, including the Muslim community. Shaykh Amer Jamil helps us navigate culture versus religious practices, and offers practical advice. Topics addressed include Definitions, terminology and language Position statement by Imams and scholars on domestic abuse Balancing respect and obedience to parents Emotional blackmail from...

Following on from the last episode in the Cradle2Grave series on MARRIAGE, we discuss PARENTING. Shaykh Amer Jamil shares his advice on topics including: The famous quote of 7, 7, 7 Obtaining a rounded education with school and madrassah When are young people subject to Islamic obligations Teenagers Talking to children about the ‘Birds and the Bees’ Children, technology and the online world Maintaining modesty online Positive parenting tips   ABOUT THE SERIES Cradle2Grave is a...

In this episode, we discuss What to look for in a spouse? Dealing with differing family expectations of an 'ideal spouse' Should you delve into your spouse's past behaviours Personalities Prenuptials Living with the in-laws and when to move out Should dad's change nappies?! Announcing an engagement Intimacy in marriage Divorce   ABOUT THE SERIES Cradle2Grave is a series discussing how Muslims can navigate important life events from the moment we are born to the time when we...

In the final episode, we attempt to understand the issue of the woman's place in Islam. - Why do some people think Muslim women are treated as second-class citizens by their faith ? - Why is the testimony of women not considered as the same of a man? ...and many more issues are discussed.   ABOUT THE SERIES ‘Crisis of Faith with Shaykh Amer Jamil’ is a 3-part series exploring various issues which may lead Muslims to doubt their faith in God and Islam. What role do life...

In this episode, we explore the idea of human suffering. How and why would God allow this to happen? It is an argument often expressed by atheists and we reference 2 clips which are of relevance.   The 17 benefits of tribulation by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf https://youtu.be/J4E55TSTOh0 Stephen Fry on God https://youtu.be/-suvkwNYSQo   ABOUT THE SERIES ‘Crisis of Faith with Shaykh Amer Jamil’ is a 3-part series exploring various issues which may lead Muslims to doubt their faith in God and...

In this episode, we discuss the issue of homosexuality and how it can impact upon one's Muslim faith. Often this topic is misunderstood and sensationalised, leading to some Muslim's losing their faith in God.   ABOUT THE SERIES ‘Crisis of Faith with Shaykh Amer Jamil’ is a 3-part series exploring various issues which may lead Muslims to doubt their faith in God and Islam. What role do life experiences play and how can these be reconciled with Islamic teachings? Originally broadcast in...

In this final episode, we discuss the role of Muslim men in society and in the household. Why don't men talk about their mental health? How did the Prophets deal with sadness and sorrow? What are the roles and responsibilities as a son, husband and brother?   GUESTS AND HOSTS Hosted by Dr Aman and Abdul Wadood. Shaykh Amer Jamil (https://www.amerjamil.com/) is a Scottish-born Islamic Scholar and co-founder of iSyllabus UK, an educational institute that has taught 7000+ students across 15 UK...