Join us for a deeply personal interview with Brother Ali, a renowned hip hop artist and activist. In this episode, we explore Brother Ali's incredible journey: from growing up with albinism and being embraced by the black community, to converting to Islam at 15, and his outspoken stance on critical issues like Palestine that led to his marginalisation by influential powers. - Early Life & Albinism: Brother Ali shares his experiences growing up with albinism and finding acceptance within the ...
Jun 14, 2024•2 hr 8 min•Ep. 61
Isam Bachiri is a singer, songwriter and artist who was one of the founders of the award-winning Danish hip-hop group Outlandish. They had a global hit, including a number 1 in Germany, with their cover of the song Aicha and one of their songs even featured on the video game FIFA 07. We explore his Moroccan roots and his relationship with his father, who moved to Denmark in 1967 as an undocumented migrant We speak about Isam’s evolution from a shy introvert into a global superstar, and how he co...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 60
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...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 59
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 t...
Feb 17, 2024•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 58
*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 th...
Jan 06, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 57
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 hi...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 56
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 r...
Oct 20, 2023•2 hr 16 min•Ep. 55
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 a...
Aug 06, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 54
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 your b...
May 05, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 53
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 life i...
Apr 17, 2023•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 52
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 with Malcolm...
Aug 07, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 51
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 Soul Importance of Breathin...
Apr 22, 2022•17 min•Ep. 50
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 such an import...
Apr 18, 2022•32 min•Ep. 49
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 - Desert Islan...
Mar 11, 2022•39 min•Ep. 48
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 reflected a...
Feb 06, 2022•2 hr 35 min•Ep. 47
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 topics s...
Jan 07, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 46
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 of the ja...
Jan 02, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 45
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 palliative care and hos...
Dec 11, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 44
*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 has been b...
Aug 29, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 43
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 parents W...
Aug 21, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 42
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 series discussing ho...
Aug 08, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 41
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 leave this earth. The t...
Jul 30, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 40
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 experiences play and how can...
May 28, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 39
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 Islam. What role ...
May 21, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 38
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 Ramadhan 201...
May 14, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 37
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 citi...
May 04, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 36
In this 3rd episode we look at the emotional and mental health of boys and men, particularly in the context of the challenges they face in adolescence; the role of the father figure; how mothers are taking up the slack and suggestions of what may help. 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 cities ov...
Apr 23, 2021•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 35
In this episode (Part 2 of 4) we look at the concept of masculinity, chivalry in Islam, and what makes a man. It includes a discussion on toxic masculinity, a topic which had been discussed over the last few years, particularly in the context of the #MeToo movement. Our guests include a Scottish-born Scholar Shaykh Amer Jamil and Brother Yasir from Inayat Health and Wellbeing in Burnley. GUESTS AND HOSTS Hosted by Dr Aman and Abdul Wadood. Shaykh Amer Jamil ( https://www.amerjamil.com/ ) is a Sc...
Apr 17, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 34
A 4 part series discussing the unique challenges of raising young Muslim boys and men in our society. We examine the expectations placed on them by society; differences in how boys and girls are raised; ‘toxic masculinity’, chivalry and manhood. Episode 1 looks at the early and formative years and we have a great panel of guests including Shaykh Amer Jamil (Islamic scholar), an Educational Psychologist, General Practitioner and parent. Hosted by Dr Aman and Abdul Wadood. Shaykh Amer Jamil ( http...
Apr 09, 2021•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 33
Imam Ajmal Masroor is a well-known UK Imam, broadcaster, author and relationship counsellor. In this interview, he discusses growing up with racism; how he learnt public speaking from a young age; coping with death threats; marriage and relationships; and the role of mosques and institutions. *RELATED LINKS Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajmal_Masroor Twitter: https://twitter.com/AjmalMasroor Website: http://www.ajmalmasroor.com/ Youtube interviews Anyone Who Doesn't Like Britain Should Lea...
Jul 10, 2020•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 31
