The Creative Minority

The significance behind a healthy community is critical because they serve as an important source of social connection and a sense of belonging. But how do we build healthy communities?

In this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Shadee ElMasry to discuss how to create thriving communities, the importance of building masjids and the role of MSA’s.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:57 Building Communities in the West

6:29 Influence and Concern

8:18 Engaging Communities

15:10 The Importance of Mosques

24:51 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen Muslims

29:06 Diversity

33:33 The Power of Umrah

39:11 Fitrah

41:49 Mirroring Those Closest to You

44:03 MSA

46:50 Financing Mosques

57:16 Conclusion

In this special podcast, we are collaborating with prominent Muslim podcast, Diffused Congruence, on a discussion on the importance of storytelling.

We discuss Ahmed's journey to resolving his identity crisis, Parvez and Omar's dedication to narrating the remarkable stories of our pioneers and analyzing the current discourse surrounding Muslim podcasts today.

Muslims regard the Prophet Muhammad (S) as the greatest human to walk upon this blessed Earth. Within his life, there are parables and examples that illustrate his (S) greatness and the deep love he (S) had not only for his companions, but for all of humanity as he (S) was sent "as a mercy to all the worlds." 

In this podcast, we discuss how we can nurture a deep love for the Prophet (S), the devout loyalty of his companions and how that love can fill the spiritual void that many are searching for. 

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

1:15 Importance of the Prophet (S)

6:04 Preferring the Prophet (S) Over Yourself

8:45 The Conqueror of Hearts 

12:20 Loyalty & Mindfulness 

28:32 Being Content with What You Have

40:12 Loving the Prophet (S) After Death

46:38 Developing Love of the Prophet (S)

50:17 Instilling Prophetic Love into Children

55:56 Love & Mercy

1:00:45 Love of God and Love of the Prophet (S)

1:08:55 Conclusion

Islamic Bioethics is a relatively new discipline that seeks to address ethical issues emerging from advances in biology, medicine and technologies within an Islamic paradigm. It seeks to answer many contemporary issues related to Islam and biology. 

In this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Aasim Padela, prominent researcher on Islamic Bioethics to discuss the discipline of Islamic Bioethics and contemporary issues such as Islam and Artificial Intelligence, Islam's view on end of life treatment, and organ transplant. 

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

2:11 Islamic Bio-Ethics is More than Fiqh

9:09 The Paradigm of Islamic Bioethics

19:29 Contemporary Bioethical Issues

22:25 Dealing with Artificial Intelligence

27:23 Bioethics and Near Death Treatment

39:11 Pulling the Plug on Death

50:27 Solutions for Near Death Treatment

1:00:17 Emotions Must Be Tamed

1:03:25 Preparing for Death

1:07:08 Conclusion

In recent years, the popularity of anime has increased dramatically and has become mainstream. It is a powerful medium that seeks to impart moral lessons through the use of visual images. But can Anime also be used to impart Islamic teachings?

In this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Naoki Yamamoto to discuss the similarities between Islam and anime, the rise of upcoming Islamic Animes, and the relationship between Naruto and Islam. 

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

1:20 How Naoki Became a Muslim

4:53 Sufism through Anime & Manga

15:42 Anime is Global

19:00 Naruto Through the Islamic Lens

24:59 Using Indigenous Language for Spreading Islam

31:16 The Power of Anime

41:00 Reception to Virtue

46:35 Mastership & Discipleship 

50:51 The Hero Archetype

57:35 Process to Greatness

1:05:30 Hero's and Fathers 

1:13:24 Popularity of Naoki's work

1:20:19 The Journey Anime

1:23:52 Conclusion

The 21st century has seen the dramatic rise in economic and political power from Asia and European and American influence has dropped significantly. Many prominent observers have noted that by the end of the century, Asia will rule the world with some estimates predicting the year 2050.

In this podcast, we are joined by Murtaza Hussain, journalist at the Intercept, to discuss the claims that Asia, particularly China, will rule the world soon and identify the catalysts behind this rise. 

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:51 Rise of China

9:00 The Future is Asian

22:03 Climate Change

31:15 Fall of Europe

39:35 Birthrates & Immigration

1:03:02 The Future

1:11:57 Conclusion

Contrary to the Clash of Civilization Thesis propagated by anti-Islam thinkers, Islam has a rich history in Europe with it thriving in places such as Spain, France, Istanbul, and the Balkans for more than a millennium.

In this podcast, we will discuss the rich intellectual, social and political history of Sicilian Islam where Muslims and Christians co-existed peacefully with one another under both Muslim and Christian rule.

In the post 9/11 world, Islam has been portrayed as a religion founded by a warlord and one that aims for global domination through violence. This is a misconception propagated by anti-Islamic speakers in an attempt to vilify and demonize the religion. 

In this podcast, we are joined with Professor Joel Hayward, author of several books related to Islam and Warfare to debunk this perception and explain the humane principles of war that Islam advocates for. 

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

2:02 Is War Ethical? 

6:33 Why Prophets Engage in War

11:08 The Prophet Muhammad (S) as a Military Leader

29:55 War in the 21st Century

37:11 Is War Just in Today's Age? 

43:58 Muhammad (S) Dealings with Other Tribes

48:00 The Spread of Islam

59:29 What is the Situation Today for Muslims?

1:10:55 Islamic Principles of War

1:18:43 War in Arabia during the 7th century

1:44:45 Rewriting History 

1:60:59 Conclusion

Alija Ali Izetbogovic served as the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the infamous Srebrenica Massacre in the late 90s. He fought for the liberation of his people and understood that Islam was the solution for the crisis' in the modern world. As a world renowned philosopher, he attracted the support of millions across the globe who called for him to be released from prison. Izetbegovic was truly a hero and a man who attempted to bridge the divide between the East and the West. 

In this podcast, we discuss the life and legacy of Alija Ali Izetbegovic, his philosophy on Islam Between the East and West, his attempt to acquire independence and his solution to the crisis of the modern world. 

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

1:20 The Hero: Alija Ali Izetbegovic

5:16 Short Biography

16:12 Islam Between East and West

40:59 The Legacy of Izetbegovic

59:37 Conclusion

In the post-covid world, podcasts have taken over as one of the most significant avenues in shaping culture. Muslims, like other groups, have taken advantage of this platform and have created their own niche podcasts, focusing on topics such as theology, masculinity, domestic violence, spirituality and much more.

In this podcast, we are joined by Mahin Islam, founder of Sneakers and Sultans and host of The Mad Mamluks to analyze the current discourse on Muslim podcasts and what the future may look like.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

3:34 The Rise of Muslim Podcasts

10:16 How Influence Trickles Down to the Masses 

18:40 Increasing Workflows

29:09 Starting Your Own Podcast

35:37 Disciplining Oneself

43:11 Everything is Interconnected

1:13:20 Indigenization of Muslims in the West

1:21:50 Conclusion