Hearts Connect

In the fourth and final session of Wellbeing Through an Islamic Lens, Sekina looks at the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and asks how we can find meaning in the journey. The focus is on purpose, goals and tawakkul (trust in Allah).This isn't a seerah class. It picks out moments from the Prophet's journeys and uses them to reflect on our own seasons of life. The session follows the same cycle as the series: what does the Quran say, what does it make me notice, where does it meet me in my life, and how does it bring me back to Allah?

• Why stillness comes before the next step, drawing on the Cave of Hira and the first revelation (Surah Al-Alaq)
• Hardship and relief: the Year of Sorrow, Ta'if, and the Isra and Mi'raj
• The Hijra: when to stay, when to leave, and the role of the Ansar
• Rumi's poem "The Guest House" and how to treat your emotions
• Badr, Uhud and the Trench: not letting the size of a challenge limit what you think is possible, and learning from setbacks
• Seeking help instead of carrying everything alone
• The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and Aisha's story: not judging a chapter before you know the whole story
• Faith and fear can coexist
• Humility and forgiveness at the conquest of Mecca, and what we want our lives to contribute
• Reflection and journaling prompts, plus a Q&A

Most inner conflict isn’t about faith itself.

It’s about the gap between what you value, what you need, and the story you’re telling yourself.

We reflect on the life of Prophet Musa (AS) to explore how that gap can leave us feeling stuck, resentful or disconnected — and how we can begin to realign before it quietly shapes our lives. Through asking Allah for support in our tasks - eg his brother Haroon (as)

Building on last week’s conversation about identity, this session asks: **What is really driving your choices?**

We explore why we might value honesty yet remain silent to feel accepted, how even good things can become traps when our identity depends on them, and how gratitude, detachment and balance can keep us grounded through both hardship and success.

**In this episode, you’ll discover:**

- Why values and needs are different, and how confusing them can create inner tension.
- How the story of Prophet Musa (AS) illustrates vulnerability, responsibility, repentance and tawakkul.
- What the experiences of Musa’s mother and sister, and his journey to Madyan, teach us about trusting Allah when the outcome is unknown.
- How unspoken values, such as integrity and family, can lead to resentment when they go unacknowledged.
- How serving something greater than ourselves can transform our experience of suffering.

You are invited to pause the rat race and reconnect with who you are, what matters to you, and how the Qur’an can meet you where you are.

**How do we remain detached from success without losing the joy of it?**

If you’ve been trying to do everything “right” but still feel unsettled or weighed down, this conversation offers a spiritual and practical lens for understanding yourself more honestly — and moving forward with greater clarity, purpose and gratitude.

For anyone exploring Islamic wellbeing, emotional self-awareness, and Qur’anic reflection as a path towards growth and a deeper understanding of self.

Betrayal does not have to become your identity. This episode uses the story of Prophet Yusuf (as) to show how hurt, jealousy, false accusation, and loss can shape the way you see yourself - and how to stop letting the past write your future.

A powerful reflection on emotional resilience through an Islamic lens, showing why patience is not pretending something never hurt, why forgiveness is not the same as removing boundaries, and why trust in Allah does not mean abandoning practical action. If you’ve ever been wounded by family, friends, colleagues, or someone you expected to protect you, this conversation will feel uncomfortably relatable in the best way.

You’ll discover:
Why the story of Prophet Yusuf is uniquely powerful for anyone processing betrayal or injustice
The difference between an event, the meaning you attach to it, and the response that follows
How jealousy, false assumptions, and old wounds can quietly shape your choices
Why “I was hurt” can turn into “I am unworthy” if you don’t interrupt the story
A simple framework for pausing before reacting: event, interpretation, response

We also unpack how Prophet Yusuf’s journey challenges common assumptions: that doing the right thing guarantees a fair outcome, that forgiveness means instant trust, and that clarity sometimes matters before you move forward.

Part 3 matters because so many of us are living like one painful chapter is the whole book. That mindset can make us suspicious of kindness, defensive in new relationships, and trapped in old disappointments long after the original hurt has passed. Here, you’re invited to notice what is actually happening, what you are assuming, and what Allah may be asking you to release.
Perfect for anyone seeking healing, perspective, and a faith-centered way to process hurt without denying it. If you’ve ever needed both tenderness and truth in the same conversation, this one is for you.

WELLBEING THROUGH AN ISLAMIC LENS | WEEK 1

Prophet Ayyub (AS) — Identity

**Where We Meet the Qur’an**

Who am I when life changes?

In this first session of *Wellbeing Through an Islamic Lens*, we meet the story of Prophet Ayyub (AS) and explore **identity** — the labels, roles, experiences and stories we can sometimes attach to who we believe we are.

Through the Qur’anic account of Ayyub (AS), we reflect on the difference between **what we experience and who we are**.

When Ayyub (AS) says:

*“Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”*
**Qur’an 21:83**

There is something powerful in the language of *being touched by* adversity, rather than allowing adversity to become our identity.

We explore:

• Who am I beneath my circumstances?
• What have I attached to “I am”?
• When does an experience become part of the story I tell about myself?
• How can we hold difficulty without allowing it to define us?
• What does it mean to return to Allah again and again?

This is not about finding perfect answers.

It is an invitation to slow down, reflect and allow the Qur’an to meet us where we are.

### Where we meet the Qur’an.

Bring your own experiences, questions and inner world — and allow the words of Allah to become a mirror through which we reflect.

**May Allah allow the Qur’an to transform not only what we know, but how we see ourselves, our lives and our relationship with Him. Ameen.**

#WellbeingThroughAnIslamicLens #ProphetAyyub #AyyubAS #QuranReflection #IslamicReflection #Identity #SelfDiscovery #FaithAndIdentity #WhereWeMeetTheQuran #HeartsConnect

I'm your host, Sekina Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Rumaanah Rameez for a heartfelt conversation about faith, identity, representation, purpose, love, and navigating life as a young Muslim woman in the West.

Rumaanah shares her journey from studying law and politics into policing, while pursuing her passion for writing and storytelling. We explore connection through faith, the Qur’an, prayer, reflection, and the importance of creating representation for Muslim women and ethnic minorities.

We also talk about the ups and downs of faith, comparison, hijab, cultural identity, giving yourself grace, and finding your way back to Allah when life feels overwhelming. Rumaanah shares the inspiration behind her book Not Your Expected Hijabi and reflects on love, identity, culture, and the experiences that shape us.

At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that faith is a journey — and whenever we lose our way, we can always return to Allah.

Takeaways

• Finding connection through faith, relationships, and self-reflection
• Using storytelling to create representation and challenge stereotypes
• Finding purpose through your career, creativity, and passions
• Staying grounded through salah, the Qur’an, journaling, and reflection
• Navigating the ups and downs of faith with grace and patience
• Letting go of comparison and the pressure to be “perfect”
• Balancing faith, culture, identity, and personal goals
• Navigating life as a Muslim woman in the West
• Understanding love beyond romance — including love for Allah, ourselves, family, and others
• Remembering that faith is a journey and we can always return to Allah

Chapters

00:11 Introduction to Unique Journeys

01:22 Romana's Background and Passion for Writing

03:40 The Meaning of Connection

08:02 Defining Moments and Personal Growth

11:06 Misunderstandings and Societal Expectations

15:27 Daily Rituals and Productivity

20:42 Challenges in Faith and Purpose

23:51 The Journey of Self-Reflection and Growth

30:21 Navigating Identity and Spirituality

37:57 Understanding Love in Its Many Forms

About the Podcast

The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others.

If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below.

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, intentional living, relationships, and the many journeys that bring our hearts closer to Allah.

#HeartsConnect #HeartsConnectPodcast #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #MuslimWomen #Hijabi #Islam #MuslimCommunity #RepresentationMatters #MuslimAuthors #WritingCommunity #SelfReflection #Salah #Prayer #Tawakkul #SpiritualGrowth #Identity #MuslimIdentity #YoungMuslims #Love #SelfDiscovery #PersonalGrowth #Quran #FaithAndCulture #NotYourExpectedHijabi

I'm your host, Sekina Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Diana Alghoul for a powerful conversation about self-knowledge, faith, identity, healing, emotions, the subconscious mind, tawakkul, and love. Diana shares her journey from journalism into hypnotherapy, reflecting on how her experiences shaped her understanding of herself, her faith, and the deeper beliefs that influence how we show up in the world. She explores what it means to truly know yourself, let go of identities that no longer serve you, and trust what is already within you. We also talk about emotional healing, learning to listen to the body, creating safe spaces to process difficult emotions, and moving beyond “good vibes only.” Diana reflects on her journey back to Islam, the importance of seeking knowledge, daily spiritual practices, solitude, self-love, people-pleasing, and learning to trust yourself.

Throughout the conversation, we return to the importance of keeping Allah at the centre — and remembering that whatever we face, Allahu Akbar.

Takeaways

• Understanding what it means to truly know yourself
• Letting go of identities and beliefs that no longer serve you
• The relationship between the subconscious mind, beliefs, and behaviour
• Faith, questioning, seeking knowledge, and returning to Allah
• The importance of emotional awareness and healthy emotional processing
• Listening to your body and learning to trust yourself
• Creating safe spaces for healing and self-reflection
• Solitude, introversion, and reconnecting with yourself
• Self-love, people-pleasing, rejection, and healthy boundaries
• Balancing personal goals with spiritual values
• Understanding hypnotherapy and the subconscious mind
• Keeping Allah at the centre through tawakkul and surrender

Chapters

• 00:12 Introduction to Diana's Journey
• 01:21 The Deep Connection Between Subconscious and Faith
• 03:01 Memory and Its Impact on Behavior
• 04:18 Defining Self: Spirituality, Rationality, and Lightheartedness
• 04:41 Knowing Yourself to Know Allah
• 07:12 The Facets of Self and Contextual Behavior
• 07:49 A Defining Moment During COVID
• 09:15 Letting Go and Trusting Allah
• 11:09 The Expanding Universe and Self-Development
• 12:04 Light Within: Bringing Out Inner Potential
• 14:51 Misunderstandings About Diana’s Practice
• 18:29 Daily Practices for Spiritual and Mental Well-being
• 25:22 Rediscovering Faith and the Power of Allah
• 33:52 The Role of Solitude and Reflection
• 39:13 Love, Self-Love, and Conditioning
• 43:25 Final Words and Advice from Diana

About the Podcast

The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others.

If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below.

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, and intentional living.

#HeartsConnect #HeartsConnectPodcast #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #SelfKnowledge #HealingJourney #Hypnotherapy #Tawakkul #Islam #MuslimCommunity #SpiritualGrowth #SelfDiscovery #SelfAwareness #SelfLove #InnerWork #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #Love

I'm your host, Sekina Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Rukayat Yakub for a powerful conversation about belonging, faith, identity, community, anti-blackness, heart work, and love. Rukayat shares her journey between the UK, Nigeria, and the US, reflecting on how different communities, mentors, unexpected encounters, and periods of solitude shaped her relationship with Islam. She discusses the difference between fitting in and truly belonging, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to be their authentic selves. Rukayat also explores her work around anti-blackness and the Islamic concept of tazkiyah — purifying the heart and examining the beliefs and biases we carry. She reflects on history, systems of oppression, asking who benefits, and approaching difficult conversations with curiosity rather than blame. We also talk about loneliness, spiritual growth, aligning personal goals with faith, and the transformative power of love.

Takeaways

• The difference between belonging and simply fitting in
• Creating safe spaces where people can be authentic
• The role of community and connection in strengthening faith
• Migration, identity, loneliness, and finding belonging
• Understanding anti-blackness and the systems that uphold it
• Tazkiyah and the importance of heart work and self-reflection
• Challenging inherited beliefs with curiosity
• Aligning personal goals with spiritual values
• The transformative power of love and its role in building community

Chapters

00:12 Introduction to Hearts Connect

• 01:56 The Meaning of Connection
• 04:51 Defining Moments and Belonging
• 07:50 Creating Safe Spaces
• 09:15 Understanding Anti-Blackness and Belonging
• 11:15 Misunderstandings and Stereotypes
• 12:48 Daily Habits and Spiritual Practices
• 14:27 Rediscovering Faith and Purpose
• 21:29 Navigating Disconnection and Solitude
• 23:53 Heart Work and Spiritual Growth
• 24:45 Aligning Personal Goals with Spiritual Values
• 25:20 Understanding Heart Work and Anti-Blackness
• 30:54 The Impact of Anti-Blackness on Society
• 37:26 Recognizing the Powers That Be
• 42:24 The Essence of Love in Life

About the Podcast

The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others.

If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below.

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, and intentional living.

#HeartsConnect #HeartsConnectPodcast #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #Belonging #Community #Tazkiyah #HeartWork #AntiBlackness #Islam #MuslimCommunity #SpiritualGrowth #HealingJourney #SelfDiscovery #Identity #SelfAwareness #Love #PersonalGrowth #InnerWork

I'm your host, Sekinat Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Aiysha, a Muslim boxer and journalist, shares her journey into boxing and the impact of wearing hijab on her life. She discusses the importance of self-defense for women and the misconceptions about hijabis. A defining moment for her was the decision to wear hijab, leading to a deeper connection with her faith and a shift in her family's perception. Aiysha shares her experiences with balancing her day job, boxing, and spiritual growth. She emphasizes the importance of reflection, lists, and grounding oneself in faith. Aiysha also discusses the lessons she has learned about love and the significance of not being too attached to the material world.

Takeaways

• Boxing as a form of self-defense and empowerment
• The impact of wearing hijab on personal identity and perceptions
• The importance of intention and the misconceptions about hijabis Balancing work, boxing, and spiritual growth
• Importance of reflection and grounding in faith
• Lessons about love and detachment from the material world

Chapters

• 00:00 Defining Moment: Wearing Hijab and Deepening Faith
• 25:14 Balancing Work, Boxing, and Faith
• 27:23 Reflection and Grounding in Faith
• 28:21 Lessons About Love and Detachment

About the Podcast

The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others.

If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below.

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, and intentional living.

#HeartsConnect #Boxing #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #HealingJourney #SelfDiscovery #Mindfulness #IntentionalLiving #Gratitude #TrustAllah #InnerWork #Islam #Identity #SelfAwareness #Mercy #PersonalGrowth #Hijab #Hijabjourney

I'm your host, Sekinat Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Nina Alexia Brazzo, also known as Nusaybah — a fitness instructor, personal trainer, artist, and photographer — for a powerful conversation about holistic healing, breath, movement, emotional awareness, spirituality, self-discovery, and intentional living.

The conversation delves into the connection between the mind, body, and spirit, exploring how breath, movement, meditation, and emotional regulation can support healing and deeper self-awareness. Nusaybah shares her personal journey and holistic approach to health, as well as practical techniques for using breath and movement to reconnect with ourselves.

We explore the healing power of movement and dance, the importance of emotional awareness, feminine energy and balance, spiritual journeys, sacred spaces, and the connection between breath and dhikr. The conversation also reflects on culture, faith, diversity, and how intentional living can help us become more present and connected.

Takeaways

• Holistic approach to health and healing
• The power of breath and breathwork
• Emotional awareness and regulation
• Movement as a tool for healing and expression
• Connecting mind, body, and spirit
• Spirituality, dhikr, and intentional living
• Dance, culture, and self-expression
• Feminine energy and balance
• Self-discovery and personal empowerment

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Hearts Connect and Guest Introduction
• 01:42 Nusaybah's Journey and Holistic Approach to Health
• 03:57 The Importance of Breath in Healing
• 10:25 Meditation Techniques and Self-Discovery
• 19:17 Emotional Awareness and Regulation
• 22:56 The Role of Movement in Healing
• 31:36 Programs for Empowerment and Healing
• 42:58 Breath Control and Movement Techniques
• 45:34 Healing Through Breath and Movement
• 47:56 Connecting Mind, Body, and Spirit
• 52:28 Spiritual Journeys and Sacred Spaces
• 57:27 Exploring Feminine Energy and Balance
• 01:02:31 Dance as a Form of Expression and Healing
• 01:25:08 Cultural Connections Through Dance
• 01:31:49 The Healing Power of Movement
• 01:33:36 Breath and Dhikr: A Spiritual Practice
• 01:39:31 Intentional Living and Self-Awareness
• 01:51:09 Embracing Diversity in Faith and Culture

About the Podcast

The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others.

If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below.

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, self-awareness, and intentional living.

#HeartsConnect #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #HealingJourney #SelfDiscovery #EmotionalRegulation #MindBodySpirit #Breathwork #MovementHealing #SelfAwareness #IntentionalLiving #Dhikr #Islam #MuslimWomen #PersonalGrowth

I'm your host, Sekinat Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Nadia - Manager of a Youth Referral Unit - for a powerful conversation about self-discovery, the impact of cultural upbringing and identity, seeking fulfilment and purpose, life in Jordan and community connection, and grounding habits and the impact of education.

The conversation delves into the themes of education as a tool for unlocking potential, the journey of rediscovering faith and purpose, the process of healing and growth through adversity, and the profound lessons of love, gratitude, and spiritual reflection. Each chapter provides a deep exploration of these themes, offering valuable insights and personal experiences.

Takeaways

• Journey of self-discovery
• Impact of upbringing and cultural diversity Education as a Tool
• Rediscovering Faith
• Healing and Growth
• Love and Gratitude

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery
• 05:59 Cultural Upbringing and Identity
• 11:59 Seeking Fulfillment and Purpose
• 20:05 Life in Jordan and Community Connection
• 28:09 Grounding Habits and Impact of Education
• 30:07 Unlocking Potential Through Education
• 33:16 Rediscovering Faith and Purpose
• 36:06 Healing and Growth Through Adversity
• 49:30 Love, Gratitude, and Spiritual Reflection

About the Podcast

The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others.

If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below.

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, and intentional living.

#HeartsConnect #Marriage #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #HealingJourney #SelfDiscovery #Mindfulness #IntentionalLiving #Gratitude #TrustAllah #InnerWork #Islam #Identity #SelfAwareness #Mercy #PersonalGrowth