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.

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In this episode of Boys in the Cave, Tanzim is joined by Faraz, Abdulah Hamimi, and Dr. Yassir Morsi for a candid and thought-provoking discussion about Fatima Payman, Muslim political visibility, and what it really means to "represent" the ummah in the Australian political system.

We unpack the symbolism surrounding Senator Fatima Payman—Australia's first hijab-wearing MP—and whether her floor-crossing over Palestine was a transformative moment, or simply a reaction to public pressure.

We also ask:

Why did so many Muslims place hope in Fatima Payman?

Can Muslim political activism in Australia ever be truly independent?

What are the limits of representation in a system built to subdue dissent?

What does true leadership for the ummah look like in an era of crisis?

This is not about personalities. It's about power, systems, and our collective psychology as a community.

🔊 Listen in for a candid and critical discussion that goes beyond surface-level analysis to question the very foundations of Muslim activism in the West.

🕳️ This one's for the thinkers, the seekers, and those struggling to reconcile rage, hope, and reality.

👤 About Dr. Yassir Morsi

Dr. Yassir Morsi is a prominent political scholar, academic, and public intellectual known for his critical perspectives on race, Islam, and the politics of representation in Western societies.

With a PhD in Politics, Dr. Morsi has dedicated his career to examining the intersections of colonialism, Islamophobia, and the lived experiences of Muslim communities in the West.

He is a leading voice in challenging mainstream narratives around Muslim identity, democracy, and political engagement, often critiquing the limitations of liberal democratic systems in addressing systemic racism and inequality.

Dr. Morsi's work emphasizes the importance of self-determination, community power, and the need for Muslims to rethink their relationship with state structures.

As a lecturer and researcher, Dr. Morsi has contributed extensively to academic and public discourse, blending rigorous scholarship with accessible commentary.

He is also a sought-after speaker and has been featured in various media outlets, podcasts, and community forums, where he continues to advocate for a more nuanced understanding of Muslim political agency.

🕳️ 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!

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Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:16 Fatima Payman as a Symbol of Hope

06:00 Islamophobia, Critique & Community Pressure

12:08 The Nine Months Before: Disillusionment & Delay

19:00 October 7 and Our Community's Awakening

25:00 The Myth of Breaking the Duopoly

33:02 Visibility, Heroism & the Muslim Psyche

41:00 Subjugation vs Oppression: Rethinking Islamophobia

48:00 Where is Palestine in All This?

55:00 The Valorization of Fatima Payman

58:11 Palestine as Our Generation's Defining Question

1:08:00 The Problem with Nationalist Muslims

1:18:00 Final Reflections: What Are We Really Fighting For?

1:28:00 Outro

We're joined by Dr. Yassir Morsi and Faraz to unpack the controversial role of Aftab Malik, Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

What does this position truly represent? Is it a genuine step toward justice, or is it entangled in state-driven narratives of governance and social cohesion?

We explore the political architecture behind CVE (Countering Violent Extremism), the historical context of Islamophobia, and why certain forms of "anti-racism" can actually perpetuate systemic control.

From internalized Islamophobia to the policing of dissent within our own communities, this episode is a deep dive into the uncomfortable truths that need to be heard.

📌 Topics Covered:

• The political function of the Special Envoy role

• Structural vs. interpersonal Islamophobia

• CVE, social cohesion, and soft state control

• Why truth and resistance are sidelined for strategy

• The economy of representation & Muslim complicity

👤 About Dr. Yassir Morsi

Dr. Yassir Morsi is a prominent political scholar, academic, and public intellectual known for his critical perspectives on race, Islam, and the politics of representation in Western societies.

With a PhD in Politics, Dr. Morsi has dedicated his career to examining the intersections of colonialism, Islamophobia, and the lived experiences of Muslim communities in the West.

He is a leading voice in challenging mainstream narratives around Muslim identity, democracy, and political engagement, often critiquing the limitations of liberal democratic systems in addressing systemic racism and inequality.

Dr. Morsi's work emphasizes the importance of self-determination, community power, and the need for Muslims to rethink their relationship with state structures.

As a lecturer and researcher, Dr. Morsi has contributed extensively to academic and public discourse, blending rigorous scholarship with accessible commentary.

He is also a sought-after speaker and has been featured in various media outlets, podcasts, and community forums, where he continues to advocate for a more nuanced understanding of Muslim political agency.

🕳️ 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

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

Instagram – @boysinthecave

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

Timestamps

00:00 Intro 03:45 Faraz's meeting with Aftab & the ISRA event fallout 10:20 Why Aftab took the role: Good faith or political naivety? 15:30 Structural Islamophobia vs. individual ignorance 20:50 Postmodernism, Marxism & the dismissal of race critics 26:15 Islamophobia as governance, not just hate 31:40 Internalized Islamophobia and Muslim respectability politics 37:00 CVE, counter-terrorism & the state's soft power tools 42:30 Social cohesion or social control? 48:15 Economic incentives: grants, representation & compromise 54:40 Palestine, performance politics & selective solidarity 1:00:05 The illusion of power: managing Muslims through "inclusion" 1:05:25 Community complicity, careerism & soft censorship 1:11:40 Can we engage power without selling out? 1:17:10 Yassir on state-approved anti-racism & Islamic resistance 1:22:30 Faraz: The ecosystem of control & Muslim leadership 1:26:00 Conclusion

We dive deep into the "Muslim Vote Matters" (MVM) movement in Australia.

Joined by special guest Dr. Yassir Morsi, a renowned political scholar and critic, we unpack the complexities of Muslim political engagement, the challenges of representation, and the broader implications of voting in a settler-colonial state.

From the aftermath of Gaza to the role of democracy in shaping Muslim identity, this conversation challenges the status quo and asks: Is voting enough to create real change?

We explore the pitfalls of over-reliance on electoral politics, the dangers of miseducation, and the need for self-determination within the Muslim community.

Whether you're a supporter of MVM or a skeptic, this episode offers a balanced, critical, and engaging discussion that will leave you questioning the systems we live in and the power we hold as a community.

Key Topics Covered:

• The rise of the Muslim Vote Matters movement

• The limitations of electoral politics in addressing systemic issues

• The role of community self-determination vs. reliance on government

• The impact of Gaza and Palestine on Muslim political consciousness

• The dangers of miseducation and victim-blaming in political activism

Dr. Yassir Morsi is a prominent political scholar, academic, and public intellectual known for his critical perspectives on race, Islam, and the politics of representation in Western societies.

With a PhD in Politics, Dr. Morsi has dedicated his career to examining the intersections of colonialism, Islamophobia, and the lived experiences of Muslim communities in the West.

He is a leading voice in challenging mainstream narratives around Muslim identity, democracy, and political engagement, often critiquing the limitations of liberal democratic systems in addressing systemic racism and inequality.

Dr. Morsi's work emphasizes the importance of self-determination, community power, and the need for Muslims to rethink their relationship with state structures.

As a lecturer and researcher, Dr. Morsi has contributed extensively to academic and public discourse, blending rigorous scholarship with accessible commentary.

He is also a sought-after speaker and has been featured in various media outlets, podcasts, and community forums, where he continues to advocate for a more nuanced understanding of Muslim political agency.

What are your thoughts on the Muslim Vote Matters movement? Do you believe voting can create real change, or is it time to rethink our approach to political engagement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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

Instagram – @boysinthecave

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

Timestamps

00:00 Intro 00:10 The Rise of Muslim Vote Matters 05:00 The Vacuum of Muslim Representation 10:00 Educating the Muslim Community 15:00 Yassir's Critique of MVM 20:00 The Illusion of Electoral Power 25:00 Failure of Interfaith Dialogue & CVE 30:00 The Myth of the Muslim Voting Bloc 35:00 Over-Identifying with Democracy 40:00 Anger and Grief in Activism 45:00 Need for Self-Determination 50:00 Islamic Schools & Palestinian History 55:00 Fantasy of a Muslim Voting Bloc 60:00 Appropriating Gaza's Rage 65:00 Punishing Labor in a Two-Party System 70:00 Community-Building Over Voting 75:00 Internal Community Accountability 80:00 Shaming Muslims into Voting 85:00 The Role of Critics in Movements 90:00 The Need for Community Consultation 95:00 The Psychological Impact of Oppression 100:00 The Failure of Islamic Institutions 105:00 The Importance of Political Education 110:00 Outro

In this powerful episode, Kaleem Bullivant joins the show to share his firsthand experiences from the heart of Syria's revolution.

From the emotional journey of boarding the "Party Plane" to Damascus - the first flight into a liberated Syria - to the miraculous stories of resilience and divine intervention on the frontlines, Kaleem paints a vivid picture of a nation rising from decades of oppression.

We delve into the strategic brilliance behind the revolution's military victories, including the astonishing tale of 350 fighters taking on 30,000 regime soldiers in Hama.

Kaleem also reflects on the profound spiritual and communal transformations taking place, especially during the first Ramadan in a free Syria, where the echoes of adhan and the spirit of unity fill the air.

This episode isn't just about Syria - it's a testament to the power of resistance, faith, and the unbreakable bonds of the Ummah. From the tunnels of Idlib to the streets of Gaza, the Syrian revolution serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that freedom is worth fighting for.

Join us as we explore the stories, struggles, and triumphs of a people who refused to be silenced.

Kaleem Bullivant is human rights activist, and campaigner against the excesses of the war on terror. Winner of the liberty Human Rights Activist of the Year award, Kaleem has worked on many groundbreaking news stories with the BBC, CNN, Channel 4 News amongst others.

Timestamps:

00:00:10 Introduction and lighthearted banter.

00:02:08 Kaleem's experiences in Syria and the state of infrastructure post-revolution.

00:05:45 Development in Idlib compared to the rest of Syria.

00:13:01 Kaleem's personal journey and why he felt compelled to go to Syria.

00:17:14 The historic "Party Plane" to Damascus.

00:21:23 Celebrations and emotions upon arriving in Syria.

00:29:15 Stories of oppression under the Assad regime.

00:37:10 Miraculous stories of hope and divine intervention during imprisonment.

00:56:52 The military strategy behind the revolution's victories, including the battle for Hama.

01:15:38 Addressing accusations about external involvement in the revolution.

01:26:01 The significance of the 13-year revolution and its parallels to Islamic history.

01:29:15 Celebrating the first Ramadan in a free Syria.

01:32:11 The revolution's connection to Palestine and the broader Ummah.

Fitrah, Unani Tibb, Chinese Medicine, Hydrotherapy, Homeopathy, Somatic Trauma Therapy, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Spirituality, Vitality, Skepticism, Fear, Vital Force, Qi

We discuss all these topics with Dr. Mazen Atassi

Dr. Mazen Atassi is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and the founder of Forward To Health, a holistic wellness clinic and educational initiative.

Dr. Mazen practices vitalistic natural medicine, weaving together homeopathy, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, and nutrition with a specialty in somatic trauma therapy (NARM)

https://www.instagram.com/dr.mazen.atassi/

https://www.forwardtohealth.com/

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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Hinduism, Psychedelics, False Spirituality, Secular Counselling, Ibadah, Muslim Mental Health, Theology, Waswasa

We discuss all the topics with Shaykh Abdullah Anik Misra

Shaykh Abdullah Anik Misra completed a Bachelors in Business Administration. He then traveled overseas in 2005 to study the Arabic language and Islamic sciences in Tarim, Yemen for some time, as well as Darul Uloom in Trinidad, West Indies.

He spent 12 years in Amman, Jordan where he focused on Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith Sciences, Prophetic Biography and Islamic Spirituality while also working at the Qasid Arabic Institute as Director of Programs. He holds a BA in Islamic Studies (Alimiyya) and authorization in the six authentic books of Hadith, and has completed one year of specialized training in issuing Islamic legal verdicts (Ifta').

He also holds a certificate in Counselling and focuses on religious OCD and family/marital issues from an Islamic pastoral perspective. He is the author of the Seerah Song. He is an instructor and researcher in Sacred Law and Theology with the SeekersGuidance: The Global Islamic Seminary.

https://www.instagram.com/abdullah.misra/

https://www.facebook.com/shaykhabdullahmisra/

https://www.tiktok.com/@abdullahmisra

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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Islamophobia, Aborigines, Structural Racism, Liberals, Colonial History, Capitalism, Honest Tea Talk, SNEAKO, Jordan Peterson, Right-Wing, Woke Ideology, Feminism, Post Modernism, Revolution

We discuss all the topics with Kaleem Bullivant

https://www.cage.ngo/

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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Black Communities, Islamisation, Malcolm X, Colonisation, Spirituality, Capitalism, Culture, Theology, Modern Islam, Tasawwuf, Shariah,

We discuss all the topics with Brother Ali

Ali Douglas Newman, better known by his stage name Brother Ali, is an American rapper, community activist, and member of the Rhymesayers Entertainment hip hop collective. He has released seven albums, four EPs, and a number of singles and collaborations.

https://www.brotherali.com/

https://x.com/BrotherAli

https://www.instagram.com/brotheraliisblind/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9FueWZzCO2-XXzlKZXKbzw

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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The Hasina Regime are murdering, abducting, arresting, torturing innocent Bangladeshi students. We as a collective Ummah need to stand up for justice.

Tanzim comprehensively breaks down the current situation in Bangladesh, the socio-political affairs of Bangladesh and also explains the crimes that the Hasina government have committed throughout its history.

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