Habeeb Akande joins BITC to talk misyar, secret wives, polygamy, passport wives, sex negative culture, and the nafs.

We unpack how some men cherry pick fiqh to justify secrecy, how praiseworthy aims differ from loophole hunting, and what real justice and consent look like in practice.

We also ask the question, have Muslims adopted a Christian style suspicion of pleasure and projected it onto Islam.

Habeeb speaks from classical learning and lived research, Maliki fiqh, usul, erotology, African and Muslim cultures.

We cover consent, maintenance, time rotation, publicity, and the harm rule, then end with a practical justice audit couples can use today.

Key topics

• Misyar, valid form versus wise practice, rights that are commonly waived, housing, maintenance, scheduled nights, publicity

• Secret nikah and ghosted maintenance, predictable harm patterns, how to prevent them

• Polygamy, justice in time and spending, financial readiness, disclosure, consent, children and custody

• Sex negative culture, what Islam actually says about pleasure, reciprocity, privacy

• The harm rule and maqasid, when legal form must give way to justice

• Online masculinity scripts, cherry picked texts, how to read responsibly

https://www.humanappeal.org.au/

Timestamps

0:00 Intro and sponsor, Human Appeal Australia

6:20 Sham marriages and travel examples, Morocco and Indonesia

22:12 Secrecy and first wife, why that is wild

33:30 Utopia myth, gender tension is not new

47:40 Legal versus ethical, muhallil and misuse

1:07:26 Misyar defined, two types in practice

1:08:39 Rights waived, Sauda example and scholar logic

1:26:25 Legalism versus spirituality, closing reflections

1:28:39 Polygamy basics and justice

1:36:39 Misyar and secret marriage

1:46:39 Rights versus responsibilities

1:56:39 Secrecy and predictable harm

2:06:39 Ethics over loopholes

2:16:39 Practical safeguards and consent

2:24:39 Closing counsel and outro

Professor Joel Hayward unpacks how Medina actually worked, the Sahifat al Madinah, parallel pacts by clan, covenant enforcement, and the Prophet's statecraft in moments like the Sawiq raid, the Qaynuqa crisis, the Nadir siege, and the Trench.

We dig into source criticism, what the early texts really say, and why the dominant narrative needs a rethink.

What we cover:

• Sahifat al Madinah, what the charter says and how it functioned inside a web of bilateral pacts

• The Prophet's statecraft, treaties, arbitration, measured enforcement, generosity in terms

• Banu Qaynuqa, cause of the confrontation, order to depart, who stayed under protection and why

• Banu al Nadir, the meeting about blood money, the alleged assassination plot, the short siege, relocation to Khaybar

• Banu Qurayza, covenant breach during the Trench, arbitration by Sad ibn Muadh

• Sawiq raid at al Uraiyd, why it mattered, possible local complicity, stress test for the covenant

• Kaab ibn al Ashraf, incitement, poetry as power, targeted security response

• Al Mukhayriq at Uhud, a reminder that alliances cut in unexpected ways

• Abdullah ibn Ubayy, promises to the Nadir, hypocrisy in belief versus action

• How historians weigh isnad, matn, and hindsight bias when reading seerah reports

Professor Joel Hayward, dean at Sycamore Leadership Academy in Istanbul, award winning author of The Leadership of Muhammad and The Warrior Prophet, listed in The Muslim 500, scholar of sirah, strategy, and leadership.

https://www.humanappeal.org.au/

Timestamps

00:00:00 Introduction 00:06:16 Sahifat al Madinah focus 00:15:17 Bilateral pacts and who was named 00:24:30 Ibn Ubayy politics and leadership 00:33:03 Separate pacts versus one charter 00:38:06 Renew your pact, Banu Nadir example 00:48:52 Numbers on arrival, wealth balance, Ibn Ubayy still the premier leader 00:52:02 Minority status and oasis power map 00:56:24 Upper and lower Medina, early pact geography 01:03:03 Kinship politics, Khazraj links and acceptance 01:07:51 Qaynuqa reappraised, cause and corporate penalty 01:13:47 Expulsion accounts versus later returns and traces 01:25:46 How the sources work, scarcity and overlap 01:33:37 Method and edits, reading Ibn Hisham critically 01:43:51 Nadir stone plot, revelation or prudence 01:48:15 Weighing possibilities, cautionary analogies 01:52:58 Kaab and Abu Sufyan, hospitality and timeline 01:57:09 Response as realpolitik, proportion and restraint 02:04:26 Historiography wrap, assembling the mosaic

Shaykh Dr Asim Yusuf joins Boys in the Cave for a deep dive into Imam al Ghazali's Ihya Ulum al Din, how to read it in our time, and how its spiritual psychology maps onto modern clinical insights.

We cover decontextualizing and recontextualizing sacred texts, the metaphysics of eating, marriage and companionship, contentment in a consumer world, and why spirituality is the ruh of the religion.

What you will learn

• Why an Ihya commentary speaks to today's seekers, and how to apply it, context first, then decontextualize, then recontextualize

• Metaphysics of eating, turning sunlight into worship, tasbih into ibadah

• Reading Book of Marriage through Book of Companionship for modern couples

• A common good economy, contentment as a cure for hyper capitalism

• Where Islamic and secular psychologies meet, origin, nature, purpose of the human

• Why spirituality is not a niche, it is the breath of the deen

If this episode benefits you, like, comment, and share. Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of scholarship, spirituality, and performance psychology.

https://www.humanappeal.org.au/ https://education.nuralhabib.org/

Timestamps

00:00:00 Sponsor message, Human Appeal Australia, Gaza relief projects

00:01:12 Welcome back, Shaykh Asim Yusuf returns to BITC

00:01:40 Why write an Ihya commentary, teaching since 2014, page by page method

00:02:18 How to make the Ihya speak now, lessons gathered from 400 to 500 hours of classes

00:09:47 Metaphysics of eating, upgrading tasbih to ibadah, light into light

00:11:17 Book 12, marriage, reading Ghazali's context, sociology of relationships

00:12:14 Why some passages sound paternal, audience, education, and age gaps in the 5th century

00:16:29 From eternal principles to our moment, the Ihya's usul for reapplication, heart focused frame

00:31:03 Translating terms, jihad as striving, how a word can flip a verse's meaning

00:36:13 Hunger, restraint, eating with others, a common good economy, contentment versus consumerism

00:52:13 Theistic and secular psychologies, the X model, where experiences overlap

01:50:46 Closing reflections, every moment reveals a new facet, keep the tradition alive

01:53:02 Spirituality is the ruh of the religion, do not let your deen be a ghost, let it live in you

01:54:15 Final counsel, bring ruh and jasad together, closing duas and sign off

Dr Yasir Qadhi joins us to unpack Salafism, sectarianism, and how Muslims in the West can move from labels to leadership.

We talk about what healthy disagreement looks like, why unity does not mean uniformity, and how communities can build real capacity, from mosques and schools to media, philanthropy, and liberal arts education.

We get specific about funding ethics, local service to the poor, and civilizational projects that shape hearts and minds. The goal is practical, principled institution building that serves faith and society together.

What you will hear:

• Salafism in context, strengths, blind spots, and the illusion of correctness

• Agreeing to disagree, red lines, and ending the habit of turning rivals into enemies

• From masjid to media, why we need journalists, artists, scholars, and leaders

• Philanthropy with purpose, feeding the hungry locally, museums and public education, funding without strings

• Liberal arts and classical sciences, why breadth of knowledge matters for the next generation

• Living in the West with confidence, learning from Abyssinia

If this conversation benefits you, share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway.

Thanks to our sponsor Human Appeal Australia for supporting community focused conversations.

https://www.humanappeal.org.au/appeal/gaza-emergency-appeal-2023-2/ 🕳️

Boys In The Cave is an independent platform exploring faith, politics, culture, and the pressing issues confronting the modern Muslim mind. Subscribe to join the conversation!

🔔 Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe to stay connected.

Subscribe to Boys in the Cave Podcast for more insightful discussions on politics, culture, and community.

Don't forget to like, share, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!

Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: [email protected], and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes!

Timestamps

00:00 Intro and book context

06:58 Criticism and following trusted scholars

17:47 Unity, red lines, civility

21:05 Mawlid and taraweeh, nuance

33:12 Diverse strengths in the seerah

40:33 Seminary reform and the modern imam

49:40 Training leaders, contextualizing in the West

56:38 Knowledge exchange, Israiliyyat and kalam

01:12:07 Read real history, what to build next

01:26:44 Philanthropy, public projects, local politics, funding ethics

01:39:21 Identity pressure, Abyssinia question

01:42:35 Politics is a dirty game, ethics of engagement

In this episode, Dr. Shadee Elmasry joins us for a powerful conversation about the challenges and responsibilities facing Muslims in the West today.

We reflect on whether Muslims are in an "Abyssinia phase" or if the time has come to invest fully in building lasting institutions that can preserve faith and serve future generations.

The discussion explores how to nurture resilient belief in young Muslims while navigating secular societies, and why institutions rooted in the deen are essential for long-term survival.

Dr. Shadee reflects on the role of Sufism, noting that historically many of the fiercest resistors to colonial powers were Sufi leaders who combined spirituality with action.

He cautions, however, that in more recent times some who call themselves Sufis have become tied to political power, leading to compromise and inaction.

Dr. Shadee highlights what resistance means, both politically in the face of oppression and spiritually in holding firmly to faith under pressure.

Together, we examine what it takes to raise a generation that is grounded in Islam, ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities, and prepared to carry the message of the deen with strength and clarity.

Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: [email protected], and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes!

Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership

Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave

Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction and guest welcome

1:16 Trip to Australia, Sydney and Brisbane

3:12 Pressing challenges for Muslims in the West, Gaza and moral weight

19:22 Tasawwuf within Islam, tea analogy, integrating aqidah, sharia, tazkiyah

20:45 Do not fixate on a Sufi identity, sincerity and community duty

21:11 Sufi resistance to colonizers, Omar Mukhtar, Amir Abdul Qadir, al-Sanusi, Imam Shamil

22:02 Recent co-optation, the real issue is closeness to power and fitna

23:23 Building your own Medina, zawiyas, Tijani examples, Uthman dan Fodio

26:01 Sharia as the standard, avoid defending tariqas, maintain husn al-dhann

27:02 Community builders move cautiously, usually not revolutionaries

33:13 Aligning with other Muslim groups on action, question setup

34:00 Measure alliances by birr and taqwa, not labels

34:38 Principle over person, support good deeds, correct wrong with husn al-dhann

49:58 Fatima Payman, political literacy, Palestine recognition debate in Australia

50:36 Recognition announcement context, why it is symbolic, not a victory

1:10:04 Abyssinia phase versus building here, raising youth and curriculum prompt

1:11:42 Curriculum for present needs, identity first, balancing ummah and locality

1:18:04 Action dispels fear, hope for Palestine and political trends

1:20:45 Zakah to locality and a note on nationalism

1:22:00 Outro and closing thanks

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Samir Mahmoud joins us for a deep dive into the intersections of Islamic spirituality and Jungian psychology.

We explore how classical Islamic thinkers like Ibn Arabi, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn Sina understood the soul, and how their insights resonate - and diverge - from the work of Carl Jung.

We discuss the concepts of individuation, shadow work, and archetypes alongside Islamic notions of tazkiyat al-nafs, fana', and qalb. Dr. Samir sheds light on the imaginal realm (ʿalam al-mithāl) as articulated by Ibn Arabi, and how it challenges modern materialist worldviews.

Drawing on Jung's Red Book, Ibn Arabi's Wahdat al-Wujud, and Henry Corbin's comparisons, this conversation uncovers the symbolic dimension of dreams, the structure of the soul, and the journey to wholeness from both Islamic and psychological perspectives.

Whether you're a seeker, student, or simply curious about the inner life, this episode opens a rare portal into the metaphysical heart of being.

Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: [email protected], and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes!

Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership

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We're joined by political analyst Ibrahim Moiz to dissect the unfolding chaos in the Middle East.

From Israel's escalating war rhetoric against Iran to Pakistan's cynical geopolitical manoeuvres — we explore how narratives are weaponised, enemies are manufactured, and resistance is co-opted.

We unpack:

• Whether Israel's war with Iran is about survival or hegemony
• The truth behind "Sunni vs Shia" framing in modern geopolitics
• Leftist solidarity with Palestine: genuine resistance or ideological trap?
• What this all means for the future of Muslim unity and resistance

Is this the beginning of World War III, or just another empire-fuelled illusion?

🎧 Subscribe and listen to the full episode to hear a raw, unfiltered breakdown that challenges mainstream narratives.

What makes someone a Muslim? Is it personal faith, government ID cards, or the community's judgment?

In this profound discussion, Dr. Jonathan A.C. Brown explores the tensions between Islamic identity, state power, and social expectations—from Malaysia's laws defining "who counts" as Muslim, to the Tablighi Jama'at's role in enforcing prayer, to Gaza's impact on global Muslim solidarity.

Key Topics:

Faith vs. Formality: Can governments enforce Islamic practice without killing sincerity?

Malaysia's Paradox: Why some laws define Muslims by "what others think" of them.

Prayer Police: Should communities pressure individuals to pray—or is that hypocrisy?

The Gaza Effect: How tragedy is reviving the Ummah's political conscience.

Colonial Legacies: Why British-era laws still shape Muslim identity in Asia.

Dr. Brown weaves fiqh, history, and dark humor (see: "storage room khutbahs" and "6 AM podcast sacrifices") into a critique of modern Muslim fragmentation—and a vision for collective revival

Dr. Jonathan Brown is the Alwaleed bin Talal Chair of Islamic Civilization in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

He received his BA in History from Georgetown University in 2000 and his doctorate in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago in 2006.

His book publications include "The Canonization of al-Bukhari and Muslim: The Formation and Function of the Sunni Hadith Canon", "Hadith: Muhammad's Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World".

"Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction" and "Misquoting Muhammad: The Challenges and Choices of Interpreting the Prophet's Legacy", and "Slavery and Islam".

In this deep and enlightening conversation, Mustafa Briggs joins us to discuss the rich and often overlooked history of Islam and its profound impact on the modern world.

From the contributions of Muslim civilizations to the legacy of figures like Muhammad Iqbal and the Ottomans, we explore how reclaiming these narratives can empower Muslims today.

Mustafa also shares insights from his upcoming book, Islam and the Making of the Modern World, and why understanding our past is crucial for shaping our future.

✅ How Muslim scholars gave Europe "Arabic numerals" (including zero) — and why it led to binary code (0s and 1s).

✅ The Ottomans' secret claim to the Roman Empire — and why Constantinople's fall was a spiritual victory.

✅ Why Muslims today don't know their own history — and how colonialism erased Islamic intellectual traditions.

✅ Muhammad Iqbal's surprising solution — why politics won't revive the Ummah, but spirituality will.

✅ The truth about the "Moors" — were they Black? Why Europeans feared (and demonized) them.

Purchase Mustafa Briggs New Book 'Islam & The Making of The Modern World':

https://www.amazon.com/Islam-Making-Modern-Mustafa-Briggs/dp/B0DVQSS18M/

🕳️ About the Podcast Boys In The Cave is an independent platform exploring faith, politics, culture, and the pressing issues confronting the modern Muslim mind. Subscribe to join the conversation!

🔔 Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe to stay connected.

Subscribe to Boys in the Cave Podcast for more insightful discussions on politics, culture, and community. Don't forget to like, share, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!

Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: [email protected], and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes!

Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership

Check out our website – boysinthecave.com

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Instagram – @boysinthecave

Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave

Timestamp:

00:10 Mustafa's trip to Pakistan & Islamic history

01:29 Connections between Uzbekistan & Mughal Empire

04:34 Influence of Arabic/Persian on Indian languages

05:29 Mustafa's new book: Islam and the Making of the Modern World

08:06 Chapters on Roman Empire, Western science, colonization

09:31 The Moors & their legacy

10:52 Muhammad Iqbal's spiritual & political influence

16:49 Iqbal's mastery of Eastern & Western philosophy

23:19 Fibonacci & Arabic numerals' impact on modern tech

27:31 Liberal arts vs modern education systems

36:03 Concept of Ihsan (excellence) in Islamic tradition

42:24 Roman Empire's connection to Islamic history

47:57 Ottomans as successors of Rome

52:52 Hagia Sophia's qibla alignment & divine destiny

58:02 Ottomans & Europe's complex relationship

01:02:24 Legacy of Zayd ibn Harithah (RA)

01:13:47 Moors: Misconceptions & racialization

01:23:52 Colonial narratives vs African scholarship

01:29:01 Hidden Muslim history in Australia

01:34:20 Closing thoughts on reclaiming Islamic legacy

Is Muslim political mobilisation in Australia empowering the community — or playing into a system that was never built for us?

In this powerful and timely episode of Boys in the Cave, we host a critical dialogue with Ghaith Krayem (national spokesperson of Muslim Votes Matter) and Dr. Yassir Morsi (lecturer, political theorist, and author of Radical Skin, Moderate Masks).

Together, we unpack the tension between grassroots activism, electoral politics, and the deeper philosophical questions around identity, power, and belonging in a settler colonial state.

One of the most urgent questions facing Muslims in Australia today is:

👉🏽 Are we truly building political power — or just legitimising a broken system?

Following the devastating events in Gaza and the growing disillusionment with traditional Muslim institutions, Muslim Votes Matter emerged as a bold new grassroots campaign.

Ghaith outlines its origins, strategies, and goals — including the mobilization of Muslim voters across 11 key electorates in a way Australia has never seen before.

But with political slogans now echoing those of the mainstream — "cost of living," "housing crisis," etc. — many wonder: Has the focus on Gaza been diluted?

That's where Dr. Yassir Morsi steps in. Known for his critical approach to liberal democracy and his deep engagement with Muslim political subjectivity, Yassir offers his critique.

Through his framework of Green, Amber, Red, he challenges not just tactics, but the very assumptions beneath Muslim participation in electoral politics.

🟢 Green: Even if we get MPs elected, then what?

🟡 Amber: Let's slow down and question the language we're using — are we naturalising liberal democracy?

🔴 Red: Have we diluted righteous anger over Gaza into civic slogans and softened resistance into vote-counting?

Key Themes Explored:

• The real motivations behind launching Muslim Votes Matter post-Gaza
• What it means to be a political lobby group — beyond peak bodies and backroom meetings
• Whether voting creates leverage or limits for Muslims - How the Muslim "bloc vote" operated, and whether it even exists
• Dr. Yassir's critique of political imagination, civic language, and electoral pragmatism
• Whether the rage and moral clarity sparked by Gaza has been rechanneled into a system that neutralizes resistance
• The dangers of "pragmatism" without deeper community discourse

Ghaith Krayem is the national spokesperson for Muslim Votes Matter, and is a former head of the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), and former CEO of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, and current operator of Hikmah Consulting.

Dr. Yassir Morsi is a provisional Psychologist at Australian international Academy and lecturer in Aboriginal Studies at La Trobe University. With a PhD in Political Science and Islamic Studies, he is the author of "Radical Skin, Moderate Masks".

🎧 Whether you're an organiser, skeptic, or student of political theology, this conversation is a must-watch. It's not just about votes — it's about vision.

🔔 Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe to stay connected. Subscribe to Boys in the Cave Podcast for more insightful discussions on politics, culture, and community.

Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: [email protected], and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes!

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Follow us on: Facebook – / boysinthecave

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