The Deenspiration Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by psychoeducator, author, internationally renowned speaker and founder of Deen with Dunya, Ustadha Dunia Shuaib.

As a marriage educator, sister Dunia combines the Qur’an, Sunnah and the latest developments in psychology to help thousands of Muslims find greater peace, harmony, love and intimacy in their relationships.

During the show, Dunia shares some important reminders and tips on how married couples can enhance their relationships by using the greatest example sent to makind: the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself.

Sister Dunia has also launched her Secrets to Lasting Love online course in which she teaches some key principles that are statistically proven to increase happiness and satisfaction within relationships.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT:

For our dedicated Deenspiration podcast listeners, you can enjoy a $20 discount on sister Dunia’s course. Simply enter the code: MASTERMYMARRIAGE at the checkout page.

In this episode, we cover the following:

A sad reality which plays a major factor in breaking relationships (both openly and in secret) is the addiction many spouses have to pornography. It has such detrimental effects to both one’s self, and one’s perception and relationship with their partner. Below are two incredibly eye-opening and highly valuable episodes to help you overcome this problem.

Sr. Dunia is a certified marriage educator, host of Deen with Dunia, motivational speaker, lecturer and author. She combines the Qur’an, Sunnah and psychology to help Muslims who are striving to create and maintain a harmonious relationship between their deen and dunya. Dunia is passionate about helping Muslims in their relationships. In addition to her focus in providing psychoeducation, she has been doing extensive research to pinpoint the problems in Muslim marriages in the West and to help find practical solutions. Learn more from Dunia at: duniashuaib.com

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In this episode, we’re joined by Shaykh Zoheeb Iqbal – co-founder of the Al Falaah Academy in Scotland.

Al-Falaah Academy is an institute of advanced Islamic education, in the central south side of Glasgow.

While almost all of us feel the “buzz” and spiritual enlightenment that Ramadan brings, we often forget to stop and ponder over the immense rewards and virtues associated with the blessed month. Understanding the purpose of fasting and how beloved it is to Allah SWT will not only motivate us to try harder during Ramadan, but also aim to fast voluntarily throughout the year.

After completing the six-year intensive Alimiyyah programme at the prestigious College of Higher Islamic Education (Darul Uloom Al Arabiyyah Al Islamiyyah) in Holcombe, Bury (UK), Shaykh Zoheeb co-founded the organisation Al-Falaah with the aim of meeting the growing needs of students and professionals in Scotland.

The progression and expansion of this organisation lead to the establishment of Al Falaah Academy, an institute of advanced Islamic education, in the central south side of Glasgow. 

Find our more about Shaykh Zoheeb here.

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The post EP 33: Obtaining the Virtues of Ramadan (feat. Shaykh Zoheeb Iqbal) appeared first on Deenspiration.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sahira Dar and Adeel Ibrahim from the Pure Remedy Hijama and Wellbeing Clinic in Glasgow, Scotland.

Pure Remedy is the first and longest standing Hijama clinic in Scotland, providing a safe and relaxing environment for hijama (wet cupping) treatments and consultations related to nutrition, fitness and wellbeing

Combined, both Dr. Sahira and brother Adeel Ibrahim have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the medical, sports science, well-being and alternative medicine fields (e.g. hijama) which are utilised to provide a range of services to their clients.

During the episode we discuss a range of practical tips for keeping fit, healthy and super-energised during Ramadan in order to survive those long days of fasting without feeling the crash.

Adeel is one of the most recommended hijama practitioners in Scotland .

He has been taught and certified by two of the U.K’s leading teachers and was one of the first to offer the Hijama treatment in Scotland. He is also trained in Tibb Unani – a holistic traditional system of medicine – as well as counselling.

As a sports scientist, sports coach and health enthusiast, Adeel is very passionate and knowledgeable in nutrition, the wholefood diet, along with the need for raw unprocessed foods and the health benefits in juicing veg and fruit. From a young age he had a thirst to learn about Prophetic and Traditional Medicine, collecting books, researching and attending lectures and seminars on wellbeing.

Dr Sahira Dar is a health specialist in the broadest possible terms.

She studied medicine at the University of Glasgow but soon after graduating she realised that modern medicine as taught in the West does not necessarily have all of the answers so she began to research alternative therapies, both Eastern and Western, to give her a more holistic approach through a better understanding of the self.

Having completing her hospital training in 2002, she has been working as a General Practitioner in Glasgow for 4 years now so she is in the privileged position of being able to understand what is right and wrong with modern medicine from the inside.

The Pure Remedy Clinic is the culmination of a journey which has seen her gain knowledge and experience in Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Herbalism, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Hijama Therapy.

Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the podcast show for free on your smartphone via a range of apps for iOS and Android.

The post EP 32: Health, Nutrition & Well-being in Ramadan (feat. Dr. Sahira Dar & Adeel Ibrahim) appeared first on Deenspiration.

In this episode we’re joined by teacher, speaker, author and recently the founder of the Muslimah’s Renaissance, Ustadha Alima Ashfaq and her husband, Hafiz Zahid Minhas.

With a passion for reviving a balanced narrative on the role of Muslim women, Ustadha Alima launched the Muslimah’s Renaissance – a movement to rediscover the spirit of the prophetic and Qur’anic narrative in respect to gender.

Its ethos believes that if we cultivate communities where men and women are allies, we can decrease the rates of domestic violence, youth related crimes and gender based violence.

This is based on the verse:

“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those – Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.” Sūrah At-Tawbah, 9:71

The project also aims to empower men to appreciate their roles and play a role in nurturing a healthy society with women as their allies in the truest sense; as an empowered, educated and spiritually aware woman can have a positive impact in society.

In this episode, we cover the following:

The project aims to serve the community with beneficial conferences and help reputable charities to fundraise for their aid projects. Each year the Scottish Annual Conference also hosts a community award ceremony to recognise the rising stars and those making a difference.

Alima Ashfaq is a teacher by profession, a member of the Diplomas Department at the Islamic Online University and a tutor for Ilmspire. She has been studying Islamic studies with various Islamic Institutes and teachers for the past fifteen years and has actively been involved in the community working with several prominent organisations. 

She currently lectures nationally and internationally focusing on the topic of gender, faith and spirituality. She is also the Founder of TheMuslimahsRenaissance.org and Women of Ilm, two organisations aimed at helping women find purpose and spirituality. 

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The post EP 31: The Role of Muslim Women in Islam & Society (feat Alima Ashfaq & Hafiz Zahid) appeared first on Deenspiration.

In this episode, we’re joined by therapist and life-coach, Chereen, from the popular Dear Chereen advice column.

Dear Chereen is an online safe space, known for being a haven for healing, inspiration, and support through their written work and regular Q&A sessions.

Having observed Chereen and her team conduct regular Q&A’s on their Instagram page, we wanted to speak with her to dig deeper into the art of giving advice; the do’s and don’ts, the who’s, what’s and the why’s.

As Muslims, and as humans, we are social beings by our very nature. We seek acceptance, love, comfort and value time with others. Naturally, we also experience periods of hardship and sorrow, and can find ourselves in need to sharing our feelings with others.

While on the receiving end, how do we ensure that we’re providing the best support we can and truly remain sincere?

Chereen – Therapist and Life Coach – is the Founder of ‘Dear Chereen’.

After obtaining a master’s of science in Counselling and Certification in Life Coaching, she realised that words offered immense healing and motivation. She enjoys writing to nspire, because she truly believes that words are the gateway to our hearts, souls and minds.

She wants you to remember that you are wonderful.

Get in touch with Chereen at [email protected]

Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the podcast show for free on your smartphone via a range of apps for iOS and Android.

The post EP 30: Healing with Words – The Art of Giving Advice (feat. Dear Chereen) appeared first on Deenspiration.

In the context of religion and practising daily worship, struggling with OCD can become an experience much too overburdening for an individual, and create a cycle of deep frustration, guilt, doubt, and much more.

In this deeply insightful podcast episode, we’re joined by sister Meanha from Inspirited Minds – a charity dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding Mental Health – particularly within Muslim communities – and providing an assortment of resources for those who wish to learn more, or need personal support.

Sponsoring this episode is FOSIS – the Federation of Student Islamic Societies – who during the 2018/19 academic year are running an ambitious Mental Health campaign (#MindOverChatter) to also help educate and support Muslim students on mental health issues.

Want to understand more about this incredible Surah, and why it’s great to reflect upon during times of sadness? Check out this brilliant video by Shaykh Tawfique Chowdhury.

Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the podcast show for free on your smartphone via a range of apps for iOS and Android.

Mind Over Chatter is a mental health campaign aiming to instigate dialogue between Muslim students to discuss issues related to any aspect of mental health. Mental illness affects more people every year than cancer or heart disease and tends to start during your teenage years or in your early 20s. We therefore want to tackle the stigma which is prevalent in the Muslim community and allow free uninhibited discussions to take place, in order to transform the lives of many.

Share your personal experiences so that others can understand the picture. You may have looked after a family member, experienced depression or anxiety yourself, or have tips you’ve learnt from others that can improve one’s mood. 

https://www.fosismindoverchatter.com/

Communications Manager - Inspirited Minds

By profession, she is an A&E mental health liaison worker, and in her spare time is an active fundraiser, youth worker and masjid event organiser.

(Disclaimer: Meanha is not a qualified mental health professional)

The post EP 29: Understanding Religious OCD & Irrational Behaviour (feat. Meanha Begum – Inspirited Minds) appeared first on Deenspiration.

This week’s episode is one that we’re sure so many of us can relate to.

Have you ever felt sad, frustrated or hopeless when you’re unable to do as many good deeds as you’d like to? Maybe you think that you’re not a good enough Muslim for Allah to love you, or for you to attain Paradise?

For many of us, this thought often remains at the back of our minds, and as time goes on we become more and more frustrated that we simply aren’t doing as much as we’re “supposed to” with regards to our worship.

Without doubt, performing numerous good deeds in our lifetime is a goal that all Muslims should aim for. And yes, some deeds merit greater rewards and blessings than others, and of those, the Prophet (pbuh) did specify a number in order to attain those rewards. Striving for Allah’s sake is, after all, a foundation of our Deen

However, by convincing ourselves that our worship – in the eyes of Allah – is measured only by its quantity, we are doing ourselves a great disservice. In fact, this is a misunderstanding on our part.

We bypass the fact that Allah (swt) looks at our intentions and sincerest efforts, even if those intentions weren’t able to flourish into great actions. We forget the numerous examples in the Quran and Sunnah which points to actions which, in our eyes may seem small, but were rewarded multi-fold by Allah (swt).

We forget that the great companion Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (ra), simply because he forgave everyone and removed any ounce of resentment towards others in his heart before sleeping every night.

We forget the prostitute who was forgiven by Allah (swt) because she gave water to a thirsty dog.

As numerous as these examples may be we still remain guilty that, for whatever genuine reason, we cannot perform a good deeds that we planned to do. It really pulls down our spirits, and for some of us who remain busy around the clock, it becomes inevitable that we give up completely.

This week’s podcast episode was inspired by the following Facebook status by Ustadha Maryam Amir.

Maryam Amir shares with us what being close to Allah truly looks like

This status really hits home, and draws our attention to the fact that even our mundane, everyday duties can earn us an incredible amount of rewards.

RELATED EPISODE: Intention Hacking – Turn Everyday Activities into an Act of Worship

During this episode, we also share a heartfelt blog post written by sister Amsal Rahim, in which she describes her deep sense if remorse after being unable to worship as she’d intended during her stay in Madinah, in Ramadan.

After narrated her experience and sharing an honest reflection, Amsal concluded by beautifully reminding us that no deed is overlooked by Allah (swt), even the smallest ones.

During this week’s show we also shared stories submitted by you – our listeners – on our Instagram Page.

These stories show us that we all struggle to keep up, and we all want to do more for Allah (swt).

You can click on the podcast player at the top of this page, or choose to listen for free on your smartphone via the following apps:

The post EP 28: Stop Feeling Guilty Over Your Lack of Worship appeared first on Deenspiration.

For many of us, social media makes up a large part of our lives. We spend countless hours scrolling through our apps, consuming information (some of which we shouldn’t be!), and can often find ourselves getting a little too carried away at times.

It’s no secret that improper use of social media can cause an inability to focus, a lack of productivity, a huge amount of wasted time, potential mental health issues, among many other things.

On the flip side, social media can also benefit us in a multitude of ways. So, how do we find the balance?

In this episode, we’re joined by Omar Usman – founder of the Fiqh of Social Media – who dives deep with us into the discussion of creating a healthy use of social media in our lives.

In particular, we discuss how an improper use of social media may have a negative effect on our worship and spirituality.

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children – like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion. [Qur’an – 57:20]

Download the ’40 Hadith on Social Media’ eBook

“After listening to several episodes on some important topics for many hours, I find this podcast very relevant and useful because of the practical advice and motivational content which is convenient while travelling. Highly recommend this as a self-help audio content. Good substitute for music. You are what you listen to.  Jazakallahu khairan.” – Mohsin99 (UK)

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Founder - Fiqh of Social Media

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The post EP 27: Social Media & Its Effects on Spirituality – feat. Omar Usman appeared first on Deenspiration.

As young students and professionals, many of us spend much of our time searching the internet for the secrets to success. What makes billionaires so successful? What are their routines? Their habits? What could I do to implement their success?

We often forget, however, that Allah (swt) sent a man upon this Earth as the best example for mankind to follow – the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

In this episode, Mohammed Faris joins us to dig deep in trying to understand how Muhammad (pbuh), the most successful man in history, spent his day and the lessons we can extract from his daily habits.

Mohammed Faris is the author of ‘The Productive Muslim: Where Faith Meets Productivity.’ He completed his BSc and MSc in social science and law at the University of Bristol. Over the past few years, Mohammed explored the topic of how Islam can teach us productivity. Through his website ProductiveMuslim.com, he provides resources and training aligned with Islamic ethics and values to answer that very question.

And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds. [Qur’an – 21:107]

“Fantastic podcast MashAllah, incredibly beneficial and candid, not shying away from the issues that the Muslim community needs to hear about! Done very professionally too so I’d definitely share this podcast with friends and family as it’s a great spiritual boost particularly during commutes and whenever you have some free time.” – Shehroze Khan

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Ever wondered if there’s a practical way to lead a productive lifestyle that combines the best of Islamic tradition and modern psychology and science? In “The ProductiveMuslim” Mohammed Faris, the founder of ProductiveMuslim.com, provides this practical framework that helps urban global Muslims lead a productive lifestyle ­ Spiritually, Physically, and Socially.

CEO, Leading Productive Lives LLC

He’s the founder of ProductiveMuslim.com and author of the new book “The Productive Muslim: Where Faith Meets Productivity”.

He has delivered seminars and workshops at numerous events in over 15 countries including UK, US, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia as well as featured on international media and on the TEDx stage. Over 20,000 people have attended his workshops and he continues to inspire millions of followers online.

In 2014, the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre added him to the World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims list. And in 2016, the Dubai Government awarded him the 2016 Islamic Economy Award in the Media category for his valuable contribution to the development of the global Islamic Economy.

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Learn about Shahbaz Mirza’s most transformational Ramadan experience

In this inspiring episode of ‘Heart 2 Heart’, we’re joined by Shahbaz Mirza – founder and CEO of the brilliant Ramadan Legacy brand.

After experiencing an incredibly transformational Ramadan a few years ago, Shahbaz set out on a mission to help Muslims  experience the best Ramadan of their lives year in, year out. Bringing together a talented team of like-hearted individuals, Shahbaz lead the development of the Ramadan Legacy App which brought a helpful ‘Ramadan Companion’ into the pocket of hundreds of thousands of Muslims across the globe.

If you have a question for Shahbaz, any comments on the show or your own inspiring stories, scroll down and share them below!

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If you enjoy lisening to our podcast show and have taken any benefit, we’d be really grateful if you could leave a positive review on iTunes. This not only  helps our show to reach more people, but we also love reading your comments! We may also mention your review on a future podcast.

Founder & CEO - Ramadan Legacy

Currently, I work as a Strategy Consultant for high growth innovative startups, government initiatives and multinational corporations.

As a Chartered Accountant who began his career with PwC, I have worked extensively across multi-industry corporate UK and US companies in the fields of business operations, financial modelling and business strategy.

My specialties and interests lie in: start-ups, innovative projects, branding, creative communities, social impact organisations, faith led initiatives and leadership development.

I am a former international athlete (Commonwealth Gold Medallist and British Champion) in the sport of Karate and strive to pack a mean punch with respect to any role I undertake.

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