Muslim Life Hackers

Most Muslim women shy away from the word “leadership.” But what if you’re already leading every single day—and just don’t realize it?

In this episode on the Muslim Life Hackers podcast, Ustadha Maryam Alsamarrai dismantles the idea that leadership is only for certain people. With 16+ years of mentoring Muslim women and as a mother of five daughters, she shows why every decision you make, every value you hold, and every boundary you set is an act of leadership—whether you own the title or not.

This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about recognizing the power you already have and learning to use it with clarity, intention, and connection to your soul.

What You’ll Learn

Leadership Is Already Yours [02:00-08:00]

* Why “everyone is a shepherd” means everyone is a leader

* How motherhood, choices, and service are all forms of leadership

* The resistance to owning leadership as a Muslim woman

* Why we’re created for service, including serving ourselves

Leading Yourself First [09:00-13:00]

* The critical practice of knowing your values

* How clarity becomes your compass

* Why boundaries flow naturally from knowing who you are

* The internal work required before you can lead others

The Power of Decision-Making [18:00-24:00]

* Why indecision is still a decision

* How vagueness and confusion create blockages

* The conditioning that tells women their decisions belong to others

* Why quick, clear decisions move you forward faster

Khadijah’s Model of Leadership [24:00-27:00]

* How she chose the Prophet ﷺ based on values (sadiq and amin)

* Making decisions before Islam existed—guided by human nature

* The laws of the universe: right foundations lead to success

* What it means to choose with clarity and conviction

Quran + Therapy: Not Either/Or [29:00-38:00]

* Why we weren’t raised with Quran as a compass for life

* When external perspective becomes essential

* Khadijah’s example: giving positivity, then seeking Waraqah’s expertise

* The importance of Muslim therapists who understand deen and dunya

Listening to Your Soul vs. Your Ego [38:00-48:00]

* How to recognize the voice of your soul (peace, love, compassion)

* The markers of ego: fear, grudge, revenge, proving yourself

* Why your soul always guides you toward Allah

* The practice of discernment (and yes, you’ll make mistakes)

Breaking Free from Self-Blame [49:00-54:00]

* Why self-blame goes against purification of the nafs

* The cycle that keeps you stuck: blame, sabotage, repeat

* Allah’s invitation to repent, return, and move forward

* Learning from your toddler: try, fall, get up, keep going

Key Quotes

“Leadership is choices. Leadership is having the integrity and characteristics of believers and taking people with you on that journey.”

“Not taking a decision is actually a decision you have made as well.”

“When you ask a question from Allah, you’re not responsible for finding the answer. You just ask the question and Allah brings the answer to you.”

“The call of your soul comes from a place of peace, stability, love, and compassion. The call of ego comes from fear, grudge, revenge, and proving yourself.”

“We ruin most of our lives sitting within ourselves and self-blaming. Allah wants you to identify the problem, seek forgiveness, return back to Him, and move forward.”

Guest Bio

Ustadha Maryam Alsamarrai is a former youth leader with UK Islamic Mission where she served for six years and has over 16 years of experience mentoring Muslim girls and women across the UK. As a mother of five daughters (three of them teenagers), her leadership style is grounded in real-life experience rather than theory alone.

She is the founder of AlHusnaa Academy, where she teaches Islamic studies, runs transformational courses like The Seven Doors, and leads the Khadija Initiative—a leadership program for mothers who want to lead with intention. Her mission is clear: helping every Muslim woman remember that she was created to lead with strength, wisdom, and faith.

Connect with Ustadha Maryam

* Instagram: @Nurturing5muhsinaat

* AlHusnaa Academy Instagram: @Alhusnaa_academy

Subscribe to the Podcast

* Apple Podcasts

* Spotify

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mifrahmahroof.substack.com

Most parenting advice stops at “the teen years get harder.” But what do you actually do about it?

In this episode on the Muslim Life Hackers podcast, parenting and career coach, Asumini Kasule breaks down why your relationship with your teenager is the foundation of their success—and why working on yourself is more powerful than trying to change them.

This isn’t about being your teen’s best friend. It’s about being the parent they need while building the connection that lets you actually influence them during the years when peer pressure peaks.

What You’ll Learn

The Foundation of Teen Success [02:00-04:00]

* Why peers become so influential during teen years

* The prophetic model: befriending your teen ages 14-21

* How connection enables guidance without judgment

The Inner Work Parents Need to Do [04:00-09:00]

* Moving from “obey me” to “I hear you”

* What innocent oppression looks like (and how to stop it)

* Why Allah won’t change your teen’s condition until you change what’s within yourself

* Managing your own emotions before addressing theirs

Setting Limits Without Being a Dictator [09:00-13:00]

* The difference between authoritarian and authoritative parenting

* How to have family meetings that actually work

* Setting boundaries while giving flexibility

* Holding limits consistently (and what happens when you don’t)

The Screen Time Battle [13:00-18:00]

* The two-hour rule and the two-hour-before-bed rule

* Why devices stay in common rooms

* Getting teens to brainstorm screen-free activities

* Modeling device boundaries as parents

Career Conversations That Don’t Create Resentment [21:00-27:00]

* Exploring strengths, not just interests

* Presenting your preference as an option, not a mandate

* Dealing with your own fear about their choices

* Why your journey doesn’t have to be their journey

Key Quotes

“Allah would not change a condition of a people until they change what’s within themselves. You might look on the outside and see my teen is the problem. But their behavior is a result of their thoughts and feelings.”

“When you yell, you’re not dealing with your emotions—you’re just releasing them by taking it out on your kids.”

“Everything about the teens starts with connection with the parent. Without that avenue, you’re leaving the job for the people around them.”

“The journey is crafted by Allah. We do our effort as parents, but the outcome is in His hands.”

Guest Bio

Asumini Kasule is a certified parenting and career coach who supports Muslim families navigating cultural and identity changes as children reach their teen years. With 20+ years of corporate leadership experience at Fortune 500 companies and degrees from Carnegie Mellon and Stanford in Material Science and Engineering, she now helps parents build the connection that lets them guide their teens toward purpose and confidence.

Connect with Asumini

* Instagram: @kasulebailacoaching

* Website: Kasule Baila Coaching

* Book: Lead with Love - A Journey of Faith in Parenting Teens

Resources Mentioned

* Builders of a Nation by Sheikha Haifa Younis

* Surah Ar-Ra’d (Quran 13:11) - “Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves”

Subscribe to the Podcast

* Apple Podcasts

* Spotify

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mifrahmahroof.substack.com

In this episode of the Muslim Life Hackers podcast, host Mifrah Mahroof discusses the importance of intuition in navigating community scandals. Mifrah explores how intuition acts as a powerful tool for personal growth, protection from harmful situations, and better decision-making. She also offers practical tips on how to develop and trust your instincts, seeking both spiritual guidance and professional help.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Addressing Community Scandals
01:35 Personal Experience with a Scandal
04:04 The Power of Intuition
08:27 Strengthening Intuition and Seeking Guidance
10:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.com

Listen to the Podcast:

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify

Connect with Muslim Life Hackers:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Facebook

Connect with Mifrah Mahroof:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com

Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mifrahmahroof.substack.com

In this episode, Mifrah explores the interconnectedness of personal growth and how it affects the ummah. She addresses why we struggle to grow and also shares the story behind the ‘Growth Retreat’, the upcoming experiential learning experience taking place in Sri Lanka in February 2025. 

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:18 The Impact of Global Events on Personal Growth
00:42 The Role of the Ummah in Personal Development
02:05 Faith-Based Personal Development
03:00 Challenges in Personal Growth
03:28 The Importance of Environment and Social Circle
05:22 Turning Knowledge into Action
05:50 Introducing the Growth Retreat
05:53 Experiential Learning and Personal Growth
06:48 The Power of Play and Active Engagement
07:45 Who is this Retreat for?

Sign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.com

Listen to the Podcast:

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify

Connect with Muslim Life Hackers:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Facebook

Connect with Mifrah Mahroof:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com

Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mifrahmahroof.substack.com

The episode features Hafsa Taher, a business strategist, who discusses her journey in business and the importance of finding one's purpose. She highlights the significance of balancing inner work, like mindset and self-worth, with outer strategies for success. Key challenges for women, such as impostor syndrome and societal pressures, are explored. Hafsa stresses the importance of changing negative beliefs about money and aligning business goals with personal values. She also discusses the role of self-development and therapy in overcoming obstacles and building confidence.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Exciting Announcement
02:59 Inner Work vs. Outer Work in Business
03:57 Challenges Women Face in Business
06:33 Money Mindset and Beliefs
08:35 Transforming Negative Beliefs About Money
17:14 Overcoming Worthiness Issues in Business
18:14 The Comparison Game and Entitlement
18:43 Capitalism and Self-Worth
19:45 Redefining Value and Success
20:42 Aligning Intentions with Faith
22:26 Navigating Business with Passion
30:26 The Role of Therapy in Self-Development

About Hafsa Taher:
Hafsa Taher is a certified Muslim life coach trained through DiscoverU's Adwam Coaching program and a business strategist with over 15 years of business experience. Passionate about empowering others, Hafsa's coaching guides sisters through their own paths of fostering resilience, faith, and business growth.

Connect with Hafsa Taher:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Resources Mentioned:

• Brave, Not Perfect by Reshma Saujani
• Start with Why by Simon Sinek
• Billion Dollar Muslim by Khuram Malik
• Self-Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff
• How to Be Single and Happy by Jennifer L. Taitz
• Playing Big by Tara Mohr

Sign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.com

Listen to the Podcast:

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify

Connect with Muslim Life Hackers:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Facebook

Connect with Mifrah Mahroof:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com

Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mifrahmahroof.substack.com

In this episode, host Mifrah Mahroof explores her 15-year journey with a dua habit focused on achieving her goals. She discusses how this practice, inspired by the late, Sheikh Muhammad Al Shareef (may Allah have mercy on him) has shaped her life. Mifrah talks about the emotional journey of dua, the lessons learned in connecting with Allah, and the link between personal growth and bigger duas. Join her to discover how to incorporate these insights into your own dua journey. 

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:15 Understanding the Dua Habit
01:48 The Influence of Sheikh Muhammad Al Shareef
02:58 Examples of Personal Duas
03:19 The Emotional Journey of Answered Duas
04:34 The Deeper Connection with Allah
05:40 Leveling Up to Receive Duas
06:49 Personal Growth and Realizations
13:10 Upcoming Growth Retreat
14:30 Conclusion and Invitation for Questions

Sign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.com

Listen to the Podcast:

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify

Connect with Muslim Life Hackers:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Facebook

Connect with Mifrah Mahroof:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com

Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mifrahmahroof.substack.com

This episode features Ruwaida Dohry, an Islamic life coach who specializes in helping women heal, grow, and live their best lives with Allah at the center. This episode delves into topics such as spiritual optimism, maintaining positive thinking, the influence of Shaitan, social conditioning, and fostering healthy relationships with oneself and others. The conversation also touches on the challenges and importance of maintaining a positive outlook in life according to Islamic teachings.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:41 Spiritual Optimism and Positive Outlook
02:09 Dealing with Hardships and Patience
04:02 Understanding Negative Thinking
12:17 Building Safe Relationships
25:33 Weekly Goals for Personal Growth
29:13 Recommended Books and Final Thoughts
31:17 Conclusion

About Ruwaida Dohry:
Ruwaida Dohry is a certified Islamic Life Coach specializing in empowering women to heal, grow, and live their best lives with Allah at the centre of their journey. Her guiding principle is that spiritual optimism paves the way to a blessed destiny.

Connect with Ruwaida Dohry:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• A Life Within Podcast on Spotify

Resources Mentioned:

• Reclaim Your Heart by Yasmin Mogahed
• Healing the Emptiness by Yasmin Mogahed

Sign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.com

Listen to the Podcast:

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify

Connect with Muslim Life Hackers:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Facebook

Connect with Mifrah Mahroof:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com

Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mifrahmahroof.substack.com

In this episode, Arfa, an experienced copywriter, discusses her career, the impact of AI on copywriting, and the importance of coaching for personal and business growth. She shares how coaches have helped her navigate challenges and improve her skills. Arfa also emphasizes the significance of a strong network, continuous learning, and balancing personal health and spirituality for overall success.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
04:43 The Importance of Coaching for Business Growth
08:21 Personal Experiences with Coaching
15:09 Choosing the Right Coach
21:18 Health and Wellness Coaching
23:53 The Importance of Holistic Health
24:17 Investing in Coaching: A  Personal Journey
26:00 Empowering Others: Resources and Support
26:38 The True Cost of Time and Coaching
29:16 Balancing Business and Personal Life
35:05 The Power of Networking and Masterminds
36:51 Choosing Your Circle Wisely

About Arfa Iqbal:
Classically trained in direct response, Arfa is a 9 figure copywriter, digital marketer and bestselling author of the book ‘Mind-Hack™ Marketing – How to Turn Customer Psychology into Breakthrough Sales’. Since 2010, Arfa has worked with some of the best thought leaders, celebrity influencers and experts in the world to help them grow and scale using sales funnels.

Connect with Arfa Iqbal:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Resources Mentioned:

• Your Next Five Moves: Master the Art of Business Strategy by Patrick Bet-David
• How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Oversubscribed: How To Get People Lining Up To Do Business With You by Daniel Priestley

Sign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.com

Listen to the Podcast:

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify

Connect with Muslim Life Hackers:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Facebook

Connect with Mifrah Mahroof:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com

Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mifrahmahroof.substack.com

In this heartfelt episode of the Muslim Life Hackers podcast, host Mifrah Mahroof shares valuable lessons learned from her late friend, Sohret Hussein. Mifrah reflects on Sohret's exemplary character, her commitment to building a legacy, staying focused on self-improvement, and the importance of maintaining righteous friendships.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Building a Legacy: Lessons from Sohret
04:05 Focusing on What Matters: Avoiding Distractions
05:46 The Value of Righteous Friendships
06:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.com

Listen to the Podcast:

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify

Connect with Muslim Life Hackers:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Facebook

Connect with Mifrah Mahroof:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com

Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mifrahmahroof.substack.com

In this episode, Shaykh Ismail Kamdar joins us to discuss Islamic history and how the world would look like under a Muslim rule. We cover topics such as the importance of understanding Islamic history, World War I's impact on Muslims, the distinction between Islamic and Muslim history, the freedoms under the Ottoman Empire and the misconceptions about Shariah Law. The discussion provides valuable reflections on the modern-day challenges Muslims face and the lessons we can learn from history.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
06:13 The Importance of Knowing Our History
07:25 World War I and Its Impact on the Muslim World
18:52 Social Media's Influence on Modern Sins
24:40 The Ottoman Empire: A Model of Freedom
29:09 Atheism and Uncommon Beliefs in Islamic History
32:00 Freedom of Movement and Governance under Sharia
36:29 Taxation in Islamic History
41:35 Modern Oppression and Illusion of Freedom
45:43 Reviving Sharia and Historical Lessons

About Shaykh Ismail Kamdar:
Shaykh Ismail Kamdar is a graduate of a traditional Alim program (Talimuddin, 2006) and also holds a Bachelor’s in Islamic Studies (IOU, 2014). He has studied Islam in both traditional and modern settings and has been a student of Islamic Studies for over two decades.
He served as faculty manager at the International Open University for ten years, from 2010 to 2020. He also founded Izzah Academy in 2022. His books are currently available in three different languages, and sold across five continents. He has written over 25 books including Getting The Barakah, Productivity Principles of Umar II, Themes of the Quran, and 25 Keys to a Happy Life. He currently works as a researcher and project manager at Yaqeen Institute.

Connect with Shaykh Ismail Kamdar:

• Islamic Self Help
• Izzah Academy
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook

Resources Mentioned:

• The Impossible State by Wael Hallaq
• The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Sign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.com

Listen to the Podcast:

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify

Connect with Muslim Life Hackers:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Facebook

Connect with Mifrah Mahroof:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com

Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mifrahmahroof.substack.com