The MuslimCentric Podcast MuslimCentric

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 saw Louis Farrakhan on TV, leading him to join the Nation of Islam. From that point on, a journey of self-discovery and discipline unfolded, intertwined with his pursuit of comedy.
 
Azeem shares his experiences of providing entertainment to Western Muslims in the aftermath of 9/11, shedding light on the complexities of belonging and acceptance, particularly for Black Muslims within the broader Muslim community.
 
Join us as we delve into Azeem's story of resilience, transformation, and the power of laughter in navigating life's challenges.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
Early life and childhood.
Struggling to fit in as a child. Feelings of loneliness and abandonment
Racism
Gangster rap and hip-hop
Gang culture
Becoming a drug dealer
Louis Farrakhan and conversion to Nation of Islam
Becoming a Muslim
Global comedy tour ‘Allah Made Me Funny’
Showing Western Muslims how to laugh
Sacrifices
Balancing work and home life
Legacy
#comedy #muslimcomedy #noi #nationofislam #farrakhan #AllahMadeMeFunny #islam #humour #muslim #racism #funny
 
USEFUL LINKS
- Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/muslimcentric
 
- Azeem Muhammad
https://azeemcomedy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/azeemcomedy/
https://www.facebook.com/AzeemComedy/
https://twitter.com/AzeemComedy
 
- Allah Made Me Funny
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allah_Made_Me_Funny
 
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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 critical thinking. 
Topics discussed include #gaza #palestine #islamophobia #muslims #israel #antisemitism #muslimleadership #media #piersmorgan #mainstreammedia #theoryofchange
In this episode:0:00:00 Introductions0:02:00 How has the Gaza war affected you?0:03:00 How has the Gaza war affected you? (Zara)0:05:19 How has the Gaza war affected you? (Osama)0:08:07 How has the Gaza war affected you? (Shaykh Ruzwan)0:13:10 Has there been an effective response from the UK Muslim community ?0:31:17 Zara's experience of the Muslim community after travelling to 300 organisations0:36:09 Mosques, Imams and Vision0:37:30 UK versus USA Imams and Mosques0:38:00 A solution to the Palestine conflict0:40:05 Who should Muslims vote for in the UK and USA ? Has the UK Labour party lost the Muslim vote?0:44:00 Muslims engaging in politics0:47:25 Has the push for Muslims to be involved in politics in the West been a waste of time?0:55:00 Osama's Theory of Change for peace in Palestine - the art of persuasion 0:56:55 Joe Biden and Israel1:00:55 Shaykh Ruzwan: The community inflicting this is a traumatised community1:01:33 Normalisation of Israel by Saudi Arabia, UAE and other countries1:04:00 Muslim countries and their position1:06:53 What do Non-Muslims think of the Muslims?1:10:10 What does NOT change? Example of Amazon1:11:44 What has Zara learnt about the Media Machine? 1:15:23 Zara's response to "Do you condemn Hummus?"1:17:08 Should Zara appear on the Piers Morgan show? Osama's advice from a media relations expert1:20:22 The Muslims need a Message. Tackling Islamophobia. Anti-Semitism.What needs to happen? What do Muslims have to offer?1:23:30 Politicians and Food banks. A loss of dignity1:25:25 Shaykh Ruzwan's 'controversial' views on the media, Muslim messaging, communication, Muslims in the civic space, Islamophobia and the Prophetic example1:30:30 Challenges of bringing on board Islamic Scholars to address current issues such as Islamophobia1:36:00 Solving Zara's dilemma - how to get the right Islamic Scholars involved?1:38:24 An alternative solution to Islamophobia - examples from the LGBT community. Pride, Stonewall and the Rainbow1:41:25 The reality of Muslims being victimised and attacked1:46:05 A question of courage. Come out of your echo chamber1:47:40 Are there intelligent Muslims forming a vision and long-term strategy for Muslims in the UK?1:53:57 Concluding messages
Recorded 31 January 2024
 
USEFUL LINKS
- SHAYKH RUZWAN MOHAMMEDRegarded as one of the foremost Islamic scholars in the West. 
Desert Island Gems interview: https://youtu.be/HuoEr_L_KXw
https://www.isyllabus.org/teachers/
https://www.iidr.org/people/21-ruzwan-mohammed/
 
- ZARA MOHAMMEDAward-Winning Leadership Strategist, Public Speaker & ConsultantRegarded amongst the most influential women in the UK today.
https://twitter.com/ZaraM01
https://www.instagram.com/zara_m02
https://zara-mohammed.com/
 
- OSAMA SAEEDDirector of comms, policy and campaigns at ShelterFormer Amnesty International's comms directorFormer Al Jazeera Media Network's head of comms
https://osamabhutta.scot/
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/osamasbhutta
https://instagram.com/osamasbhutta
https://twitter.com/osamasbhutta
 
===
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If you benefited from The MuslimCentric Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, comment and rating.
 
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*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 Psychology at the University of Glasgow who has been working on suicide research for over 25 years. As the head of the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory at the University of Glasgow, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and Past President of the International Academy of Suicide Research, Professor Rory brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.
 
As well as contributing to BBC documentaries on the subject, his award-winning book “When it is darkest: Why people die by suicide and what we can do to prevent it” addresses the common questions, myths and misunderstandings surrounding suicide.
 
In this interview, Professor Rory not only shares leading research on the topic but also opens up about his personal experiences of losing people to suicide. This episode aims to foster understanding, dispel myths, and encourage dialogue around a critical issue affecting communities worldwide.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
How to talk about suicide
Why Rory wrote the book
Patterns of suicide throughout our lifetime
Suicide in men
Importance of sleep
Understanding deliberate self-harm and suicide
Coping with the loss of a loved one
The unpredictability of grief
Why people die by suicide – the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) model
Advice if you have suicidal thoughts
Social media and news guidelines
Faith, religiosity and suicide
Suicide in Muslim countries and around the world
Is suicide preventable?
Helping those who are suicidal
What are the signs someone may be suicidal?
Developing a safety plan
A Muslim parent’s story of losing his child by suicide
 
USEFUL LINKS
 
- Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/muslimcentric
 
- Professor Rory O’Connor
https://twitter.com/suicideresearch
https://suicideresearch.info/
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/healthwellbeing/staff/roryoconnor/
https://www.instagram.com/oconnor_roryc
 
Trustee & Podcast Host, MQ Mental Health Research
https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/category/mq-open-mind-podcast/
 
President, International Association for Suicide Prevention
https://www.iasp.info/our_team/rory-oconnor/
 
Past President, International Academy for Suicide Research
https://suicide-research.org/
 
- Book
When it is darkest: Why people die by suicide and what we can do to prevent it
Professor Rory O’Connor
https://amzn.eu/d/deKVide
 
- Article
A Muslim parent’s story of losing his child by suicide
https://inayatscorner.wordpress.com/2021/07/15/goodbye-to-my-dear-son-adam-salih/
https://inayatscorner.wordpress.com/2022/07/06/my-son-adam-suicide-one-year-on/
 
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If you benefited from The MuslimCentric Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, comment and rating.
 
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
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**GETTING HELP IF YOU ARE SUICIDAL**
Support is available. Inshallah things will get better so do not feel you have nowhere to turn. Here are some options to consider.
 
1-Call or text a helpline
Supports in UK – Note services may vary depending on where you live
 
- Samaritans: For everyone
Call 116 123
Email jo@samaritans.org
 
- Muslim Youth Helpline: Faith and culturally sensitive support by phone, live chat, WhatsApp or email.

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 empowerment.
 
Beyond his success in the stand-up comedy realm, Preacher Moss's talents extended to writing for renowned figures such as Damon Wayans and George Lopez. Despite achieving trailblazing success as an American Muslim comedian, Moss, often referred to as the O.G. (Original Gangster), deliberately resisted the allure of mainstream comedy career opportunities, steadfast in his commitment to uphold his faith without compromise.
 
Born into a Christian family in Washington DC in the 1960s, Moss's formative years were shaped by the harsh realities of racism. His parents, both civil rights activists, embody the spirit of change—his father a Black Panther, and his mother having crossed paths with Martin Luther King Jr.
 
As a Sunni Muslim, Preacher Moss was inspired by Imam Warith Deen Muhammad but also benefited from the discipline and self-dignity espoused by the Nation of Islam.
 
Delving into his unique perspective, Preacher Moss shares his experiences of being Black within the Muslim community, shedding light on how he navigated the challenges of racism within this diverse group.
 
His story not only entertains but also serves as a platform for fostering understanding and unity. Listen in as Preacher Moss opens up about his unique journey, offering valuable insights and inspiring anecdotes that transcend the boundaries of comedy.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
Early life and childhood. Growing up in an active civil rights household.
Racism as a child
Becoming a Muslim
Origins and strategy behind ‘Allah Made Me Funny’
Muslim comedians in the mainstream
Comedy mentor Dick Gregory
Imam Warith Deen Muhammad and the Nation of Islam
Personal sacrifices
Meeting Muhammad Ali
#comedy #muslimcomedy #AllahMadeMeFunny #islam #humour #muslim #racism
 
USEFUL LINKS
 
- Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/muslimcentric
 
- Preacher Moss
https://preachermoss.com/my-story
https://www.instagram.com/preachermoss
https://twitter.com/PreacherMOSS
https://www.facebook.com/preachermoss
https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherM1
 
- Allah Made Me Funny
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allah_Made_Me_Funny
 
- Interview with Brother Ali (Travelers Podcast)
https://youtu.be/iX9__GYxkv8?si=UKO6gPcXVGxZgALr
https://youtu.be/9iRZ3XRcPPo?si=p_jNPSuxP9CKwFX3
 
SUPPORT US
If you benefited from The MuslimCentric Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, comment and rating.
 
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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 his return to the UK, he authored the iSyllabus Islamic Studies curriculum which has been taught to over 7000 students in 15 cities for more than 10 years. Since the pandemic, it has moved online and now has a global audience.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
Early life and childhood
Difficulty reading at a young age
Involvement in street violence
Studying in Glasgow, Turkey, Cairo, Yemen and Damascus
Life as a student in the Middle East
Developing a ground-breaking English Islamic studies programme for a Western audience
Personal sacrifices
Impact on physical health
Character and personality
Legacy
Relaxation, humour and leisure
 
#isyllabus #islamic #islamicstudies #islam #quran #education #muslim
 
USEFUL LINKS
- Watch this episode on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/muslimcentric
 
- Biographies of Shaykh Ruzwan
https://www.isyllabus.org/teachers/
https://www.iidr.org/people/21-ruzwan-mohammed/
 
- iSyllabus Islamic Studies programme
https://www.isyllabus.org/
https://www.facebook.com/iSyllabus/
https://www.instagram.com/isyllabus/
https://youtube.com/@iSyllabus/
 
https://isyllabusforschools.org/
 
SUPPORT US
If you benefited from The MuslimCentric Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, comment and rating.
 
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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 African ambassador to USA from 2010-2015, spearheading a response to anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia.
For those unfamiliar with the history of apartheid in South Africa, Ambassador Ebrahim describes what it was like. Key milestones include Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990 after 27 years. He went on to become the President of South Africa in 1994.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
Formative early life experiences growing up in an apartheid system
Student politics
Surviving in prison with a programme of Quran study
Anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia
Muslim leadership in the West
Muslim politicians balancing faith issues
Navigating politics, slavery, Islamophobia and LGBT
Balancing responsibilities to wife, family and home life during political office
Personal sacrifice
 
USEFUL LINKS
Watch this episode on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/muslimcentric
 
Article on Islamophobia (2010) from Arches Quarterly magazine
‘South African Muslims Over Three Centuries: From the Jaws of Islamophobia to the Joys of Equality’
Link to article
 
Social Media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ambassadorasool
 
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