In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we sit down with Maeen Ali, founder of Mercy Bakery, whose journey began with a personal tragedy and transformed into a global movement. After losing his brother in Yemen, Maeen was inspired to take action not just for his family, but for thousands of others suffering from famine.

From opening one small bakery to now serving bread and hot meals in Yemen, the Philippines, Colombia, New York, and beyond. This is a story of resilience, faith, and service.

Discover how Mercy Bakery grew from an idea to an international humanitarian effort, why bread became the symbol of hope, and what it takes to build sustainable impact for the long run. 🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Connect with Maeen Ali: Website: https://hrdglobal.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yemen24/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maeen-ali-220509207/ 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Maeen Ali & the Mercy Bakery story 01:45 – Losing a brother and the call to action 04:12 – Why bread? The cultural and spiritual meaning behind it 06:25 – Starting the first bakery with little support 09:00 – The miracle of barakah and community growth 11:18 – Expanding beyond Yemen to global impact 13:40 – Building sustainable governance & strong nonprofit foundations 16:02 – Lessons for future leaders and nonprofit founders 17:45 – Closing reflections and advice Maeen Ali’s journey shows us that with faith, resilience, and a clear mission, even one piece of bread can spark global change. His story is a reminder that true leadership is rooted in service, sustainability, and sincerity.

#MercyBakery #HungerRelief #MuslimLeadership #NonprofitJourney #FaithInAction #HumanitarianWork #BreadForHope #YemenRelief #GlobalImpact #IslamicValues

In this episode of The Muslim Non-Profit Show, Brother Nihad Awad, co-founder of CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), shares the incredible journey from a small campus initiative in 1994 to the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights organization.

He reveals the challenges of confronting media bias, the importance of recruiting and training the right talent, and how CAIR grew to over 30 chapters across the U.S. — all while staying true to its mission and values.

From lessons in leadership and organizational structure to powerful personal stories rooted in faith, this conversation is a masterclass in building a lasting movement. 🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Connect with Brother Nihad Awad: Website: https://www.cair.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nihad-awad-24055329/ 00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome 01:12 – The Inspiration Behind Starting CAIR in 1994 04:35 – Early Efforts to Challenge Misrepresentation of Muslims 07:20 – Training the Community in Media Relations 10:15 – Scaling from Local Activism to a National Organization 12:48 – The Formula: Experts + Activists = Change 15:05 – Building Infrastructure & CAIR’s Franchise Model 18:50 – Leadership Lessons from the Seerah 21:30 – Advice for Young Muslim Professionals and Students 24:10 – Closing Reflections & Gratitude Conversations like these remind us of the power of vision, strategy, and faith. May Allah bless our efforts to serve, protect, and uplift the community. If you found this episode inspiring, please share it with others so the message can reach more hearts and minds. #muslimnonprofit #CAIR #NihadAwad #muslimrights #islaminamerica #leadership #muslimvoices #activism #faithinaction #communitybuilding #muslimleaders #themuslimnonprofitshow #tayyabyunus #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization 

In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we sit down with community leader and convert to Islam, Malik Shaw, whose story is a masterclass in faith, grit, and service.

Brother Malik shares how he went from working a 9-to-5 while hosting weekly meetups in his living room to running a vibrant food pantry that now feeds 40+ families in a historically Black neighborhood in Memphis.

You'll hear how his upbringing, spiritual awakening, and commitment to service led to the founding of MANA, the Table Spread Pantry, and more. He offers heartfelt advice to aspiring changemakers especially those who feel stuck between their job and their dream.

Whether you're a revert, a nonprofit leader, or simply someone wanting to make a difference, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Connect with Brother Malik Shaw: Website: https://midtownmosque.org/ 00:00 – Intro: Meet Malik Shaw 01:05 – Growing up in Detroit & the early seeds of service 03:18 – The moment he knew he had to make a change 05:27 – Life as a convert: the social gap and the community need 07:35 – How “I.M.A.N.” began in his living room 09:24 – From side hustle to full-time service: the transition 11:05 – The mindset shift around fundraising 13:10 – Be faithful with a few: advice to those just starting 15:00 – Building the food pantry: from fear to flourishing 17:35 – Serving with dignity: giving people more than just food 18:50 – Final reflections + how you can help Malik’s journey is a powerful reminder that real change begins with sincere intentions, consistency, and trust in Allah. His story proves that you don’t need to have it all figured out to start you just need to start. May Allah continue to bless his efforts and inspire others to follow in his footsteps. 💬 If this story moved you, drop a comment below! What’s one thing you’re doing to serve your community? #MuslimNonprofit #RevertToIslam #FaithInAction #CommunityBuilding #IslamInAmerica #MuslimStories #ServeTheUmmah #MuslimLeadership #MuslimPodcast

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show with Tayyab Yunus, Brother Muhammad Abdul-Aleem—founder of IslamiCity and HADI—joins us to reflect on 30 years of trailblazing work in Islamic tech. From setting up early relief efforts in Iraq and the Balkans, to pioneering Islamic digital platforms, Brother Alim shares how his team made history by putting the entire Quran on the internet and later on the blockchain—making it impossible to erase.

Hear insights into nonprofit resilience, building impactful Islamic organizations, and how AI and blockchain can serve the Ummah. A must-watch for tech-minded Muslims, nonprofit leaders, and anyone passionate about preserving sacred knowledge. 🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Connect and follow Muhammad Abdul-Aleem:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleemx/ 00:00 – Introduction: A Miracle in Our Time

01:33 – Meet Brother Muhammad Abdul-Aleem (Founder of Islamicity)

03:12 – Why HADI Was Founded: Gulf War & Quran Study Circles

06:48 – First Project: $250,000 in Relief Aid to Iraq

08:45 – Shift to Long-Term Impact: Computer Training Centers

10:21 – Building the First Islamic Bulletin Board Online

12:02 – Launching Islam.org & Islamicity in 1994

13:40 – First Quran Online: Text + Audio in 1997

15:08 – Evolution of the Organization & Staff Advice for Founders

17:45 – Quran on the Blockchain: Why It Matters

19:40 – ChatILM: An Islamic Language AI Model

21:00 – Advice to Future Leaders: Values, Purpose & Persistence

If this inspired you, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with others who care about preserving Islamic knowledge.

💬 Comment below: What role do you think technology should play in protecting our Deen?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! #Islamicity #PreserveTheQuran #IslamicTech #BlockchainQuran #MuslimInnovation #QuranOnline #IslamicAI #ChatILM #HADI #TYSC

What does it take to build a movement that challenges stereotypes and redefines leadership? In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Nausheena Hussain shares her founder journey—from launching Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment (RISE) to gracefully exiting the organization she built.

She breaks down the Peacock Unicorn Method—a unique strategy that helped her gain credibility, amplify Muslim women’s voices, and lead with humility and collaboration. Whether you’re a nonprofit founder, aspiring changemaker, or leader-in-the-making, this episode offers a bold and deeply insightful roadmap to authentic, impact-driven leadership.

💡 “You don’t need permission to start. Just start—and bring your community with you.”

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Connect and follow Dr. Nausheena Hussain: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nausheena.hussain/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nausheenahussain/ Website: https://www.nausheena.com/  00:00 – Introduction: Meet Nausheena Hussain 01:42 – The Origin of Rise and the Problem It Was Built to Solve 05:00 – Muslim Women & Media Narratives: Breaking the Stereotype 07:11 – Starting With Conversations: The First Steps 09:25 – Discovering the Power of Storytelling (Muslim Sheroes Project) 12:19 – Gaining Credibility Outside the Community: The Peacock Unicorn Effect 15:40 – Why You Don’t Need to Have All the Answers to Start 17:25 – Community-Led Solutions Over Top-Down Leadership 19:31 – Civic Engagement: From Learning to Leading 22:10 – How Muslim Women Bring Their Entire Communities With Them 23:40 – The Founder Exit: Succession Planning Done Right 25:50 – Why Good Leaders Must Eventually Let Go 27:10 – Final Advice: Invest in Your Own Leadership Development

💬 What’s one takeaway that really stuck with you from this episode? Drop it in the comments 👇 #MuslimWomen #LeadershipJourney #NonprofitLeadership #WomenInIslam #SocialImpact #PeacockUnicornMethod #MuslimPodcast #SheroStories #SuccessionPlanning #FoundersJourney

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show with Tayyab Yunus, we sit down with Salam Al-Marayati, the first full-time Muslim activist in the U.S. and co-founder of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC). From humble beginnings in Arizona to becoming a national leader in Muslim advocacy, Salaam shares his personal journey, the founding story of MPAC, and what it takes to stay grounded in Islamic values while working for justice in American society.

We explore the meaning of the “Ayat of life,” how Muslims can lead with faith, the power of institutional Zakat, and what it really means to be ready for leadership.

Whether you're an aspiring changemaker, nonprofit leader, or just looking to deepen your understanding of the Muslim-American story—this is a must-listen. 🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Connect and follow Salam Al-Marayati: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/salamalmarayati/

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/salam-al-marayati-6b0a28167 00:00 – Assalamu Alaikum & Guest Introduction  

01:20 – Salaam Al-Marayati: The First Full-Time Muslim Activist in the U.S.  

03:05 – From Arizona to UCLA: How a Mosque Changed His Life  

05:18 – Founding MPAC: A Vision Born in the Islamic Center  

07:40 – Meeting with Politicians & Media: Putting Muslims on the Map  

09:25 – The Jesse Jackson Moment: First Presidential Visit to a Masjid  

11:45 – Lessons from the Prophets: Understanding the “Ayat of Life”  

15:10 – Are Muslims Ready for Power? Building Internal Readiness  

17:48 – Zakat Beyond Charity: Advocacy, Liberation, and Influence  

20:30 – Advice for Young Muslim Activists & Founders  

22:05 – Why Most Muslim Organizations Fail to Scale  

23:45 – The Role of the Quran in Organizational Leadership  

25:10 – Aligning Islamic Values with American Ideals  

26:30 – Closing Reflections & Weekly Qur’an Halaqa Invitation  

#MuslimActivism #SalamAlMarayati #MPAC #IslamInAmerica #QuranAndJustice #FaithInAction #ZakatForChange #AmericanMuslims #IslamicLeadership #MuslimVoices

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show with Dr. Tayyab Yunus, we hear the inspiring story of Jaime “Mujahid” Fletcher — a former gang leader from Houston who found Islam, embraced it fully, and went on to found Islam in Spanish.

What began as an effort to help his father understand Islam blossomed into an international movement that produced over 350 audiobooks, hundreds of TV episodes, and the first Latino-led Islamic center in America.

His story is raw, honest, and packed with lessons for anyone thinking about launching a nonprofit, solving a social problem, or simply trying to walk a better path.

Brother Mujahid shares how his past led to his purpose, how media became his tool for dawah, and how staying true to the signs from Allah kept him moving forward — from handing out CDs in parks to running a state-of-the-art production studio and masjid in his old neighborhood. 🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Connect and follow Jaime ‘Mujahid’ Fletcher: LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/mujahid.fletcher 00:00 – Intro: A former gang leader’s journey to Islam 01:12 – From Columbia to Houston: The early years 02:45 – Converting to Islam weeks before 9/11 04:30 – The need for Spanish-language Islamic material 06:10 – Giving da’wah to his father and community 08:25 – Recording the first Islam in Spanish audio CD 11:00 – His wife's aunt converts on her deathbed 13:15 – Building momentum: Da’wah from mosques to parks 15:50 – Facing resistance from the Muslim community 17:30 – Media outreach and the power of storytelling 19:10 – Creating the Islam in Spanish Center 21:00 – Designing a mosque for converts and community 22:45 – Impacting youth, police, and the wider society 24:15 – Final reflections: Just take the next step 25:00 – Closing & invitation to visit the center

Jaime Mujahid Fletcher’s journey is a reminder that the most powerful solutions often begin with personal pain. Islam in Spanish wasn’t a plan — it was a response to need, guided by signs from Allah and fueled by action. May Allah continue to bless this effort and inspire many more through it. #IslamInSpanish #ConvertStory #LatinoMuslims #MuslimPodcast #RevertToIslam #Daawah #MuslimStories #IslamInAmerica #HoustonMuslims #FaithJourney #TheMuslimNonprofitShow #TayyabYunus #Podcast #MuslimPodcast

In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit HSow with Tayyab Yunus, we sit down with Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi—a respected physician, mentor, and changemaker—who shares his deeply personal journey from post-9/11 adversity to becoming a leader in nonprofit advocacy and governance. Dr. Hamzawi reflects on what it means to find your current in life, how misinformation and fear shaped his drive to tell the truth, and how American Muslims can build lasting institutions rooted in both purpose and professionalism. From founding the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) to advocating for inclusive leadership, this conversation offers practical tools for anyone feeling lost or floating—especially those in early-stage nonprofits. A must-listen for community builders, aspiring leaders, and anyone passionate about faith, justice, and positive disruption. 🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Connect and follow Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iltefat-hamzavi-03832a57/ 00:00 - Intro: Floating in the Ocean & Finding Your Current

00:56 - Meeting Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi: Doctor, Mentor, Changemaker

02:24 - How 9/11 Sparked a Mission for Truth and Representation

04:40 - Founding ISPU: From Idea to Institution

06:12 - Challenges of Building Muslim-Led Nonprofits

07:55 - Importance of Governance, Alignment, and Long-Term Planning

09:18 - Staying Mission-Focused & Leaving a Legacy

11:10 - Redefining Sadaqah: Disrupting Traditional Philanthropy

13:12 - Advice for Early-Stage Nonprofits & Board Members

15:18 - Embracing Identity: Proudly Muslim, American, and South Asian

17:05 - Wisdom for the Next Generation of Leaders

18:20 - Closing Reflections & Du'a Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi’s journey is a powerful reminder that finding your path isn’t about waiting for clarity—it’s about moving with intention through the currents Allah ﷻ places in your life. Whether you’re just starting or already leading a mission-driven organization, this episode offers practical wisdom, spiritual grounding, and heartfelt encouragement. May we all strive to leave behind more than just transactions, but legacies that uplift our communities and reflect our faith. #MuslimVoices #SocialImpact #LeadershipMatters #FaithInAction #NonprofitLeadership #DrIltafatHamzawi #TruthTelling #AmericanMuslims #Dr.TayyabYunus #Themuslimnonprofitshow

What happens when a masjid is built—but no one comes?

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Jihad Turk shares his personal journey: from a disconnected Muslim teen in Arizona, to a dedicated student of knowledge in Medina, to becoming a community builder in California.

He didn’t just ask why Muslims weren’t coming to the masjid—he built a movement to bring them back.

This is a must-listen for masjid founders, board members, and community leaders wondering how to bridge the gap between tradition and connection in today’s world.

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Connect and follow  Dr. Jihad Turk: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jihadmturk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jihad-turk-ed-d-7920ba6/

00:00 - Welcome and Intro: Why Muslims Aren’t Coming to the Masjid

01:45 - Dr. Jihad Turk's Early Life & Spiritual Search

06:30 - The Power of Mentorship & Finding Authentic Islamic Knowledge

10:20 - Leaving Engineering to Pursue Islamic Studies

14:10 - Studying in Medina During the Gulf War

18:00 - The Aha Moment in Medina: Finding Purpose & Inner Peace

21:40 - Returning to the U.S. and Facing a Harsh Masjid Culture

24:05 - Discovering the Gap: 300 Muslims at a Party, Not the Masjid

25:40 - Creating a Third Space: Amila is Born

29:10 - How Quran Reflections Opened Hearts

32:00 - Legacy of Amila: 20 Years of Learning and Activism

35:15 - Elevator Advice That Changed His Leadership Forever

37:00 - Closing Reflections & What’s Coming in Part 2

#MuslimCommunity #MasjidCulture #IslamInAmerica #SpiritualJourney #ThirdSpaces #MuslimLeadership #MedinaToCalifornia #FaithAndActivism #FoundersJourney

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus, we hear from Anwar Khan, an engineer from the U.S. who returned to Bangladesh in 2004 with a simple mission: adopt a family and help however he could. What he didn’t expect was that a single bathroom would turn into an entire movement.

Through deeply personal stories, we explore how Anwar went from helping one refugee camp to founding Obat Helpers, now employing over 350 people across 12 schools, IT centers, clinics, and more—staffed by the very people the world forgot.

This episode is for anyone asking: How can I make a real difference with what I have right now? It’s a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, grassroots development, and trusting Allah to guide your steps.

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Connect and follow Engr. Anwar Khan: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnwarKhanAkmal 00:00 – Intro: Who are the forgotten people and why this matters to Muslims 02:00 – Historical context of stateless refugees post-1971 04:45 – Personal motivation: why Brother Anwar returned to serve 07:15 – The “shower moment” that changed his mission 09:00 – Tip #1: Visit and understand the ground reality first 11:25 – Tip #2: If no one is working on it, start anyway – even small 13:50 – Tip #3: Empower locals – they know the pain and solutions 16:45 – How training began with no formal platform – night calls from the U.S. 19:10 – Tip #4: Build your team from those with lived experience 21:30 – Transforming teens into future leaders and educators 24:45 – Tip #5: Use your time and skills if you don't have funds 26:30 – Tip #6: Trust in Allah’s help and make sincere dua 28:10 – Tip #7: Find team members who share your passion and vision 29:30 – Reflection on impact: from 9th grade to master’s degrees 30:40 – Final reminder: It all starts with sincere desire and consistent effort #RefugeeVoices #FromDespairToHope #ObatHelpers #HumanitarianLeadership #BangladeshCamps #InspiringMuslimStories #ImpactThroughService #StatelessPeople #GrassrootsChange #MuslimChangemakers