What happens when a young Muslim refuses to follow the traditional four "acceptable" career paths and instead chooses a life of service? In this episode, we sit down with Ahmad Alaswad, the first Muslim Chief of Staff for an elected official in Texas, whose story is rooted in purpose, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to serving humanity. From an unpaid intern getting coffee to becoming the Executive Director of Amana Refugee Services, Ahmed proves that public service is not only a viable path, it's an honorable one.

We explore how his grandfather and the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ shaped his mission to serve, what challenges young Muslims can expect when entering government or nonprofit work, and how purpose-driven careers can be just as fulfilling as traditional ones. Whether you're a student, a parent, or someone looking for meaning in your work, this conversation shines a light on a career path often overlooked but deeply needed in our communities. 🎧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 Ahmad Alaswad: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmadalaswad/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaanahservices/ Website: https://amaanahservices.org/ 00:00 – Opening Salaam & The "Fifth Career Path" 00:42 – Introducing Ahmed alaswad's Public Service Journey 01:30 – Breaking the Doctor/Engineer/Lawyer Mold 02:18 – Role Models: His Grandfather & the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 03:25 – Serving Humanity as a Muslim: Beyond Labels 04:10 – Advice for Muslim Students Interested in Public Service 05:22 – How His First Internship Changed Everything 06:15 – Hearing "No" Often — And Why It Shouldn't Stop You 07:12 – Challenges of Government & Nonprofit Careers 08:10 – Fulfillment Over Salary: Purpose-Driven Work 09:05 – Why Muslims Are Needed in Local Government 10:00 – Transitioning from Government to Muslim Nonprofit Leadership 11:05 – The Full Circle Story of Amana Refugee Services 12:10 – Serving All People with Ihsan & Intention 13:10 – Closing Thoughts on Building a Life of Social Good

May this episode remind us that a life of service is one of the most honored paths in Islam. Whether we support our communities through government, nonprofit work, or everyday acts of kindness, what matters most is our intention and sincerity. May Allah guide us toward careers that uplift humanity, strengthen our ummah, and allow us to leave behind a legacy of light. #MuslimPodcast #IslamicReminder #MuslimYouth #CareerAdvice #PublicService #MuslimLeaders #NonprofitWork #IslamicValues #CommunityService #ServeHumanity #MuslimAmerican #LeadershipInIslam#TheMuslimNonprofitShow

What happens when a group of Muslim women decide they're done waiting for change and start building it instead?

In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Tayyab Yunus sits down with Sadaf Saied, co-founder of the Muslim Women Organization (MWO), to unpack the 15-year journey of how a small halaka turned into a powerful nonprofit movement.

Sadaf shares how MWO went from local service projects to launching the groundbreaking Hakima Program (Wise Women Initiative) — training women to become caregivers, advocates, and community leaders supporting others through crises.

From volunteer beginnings to professionalizing their nonprofit, MWO's story is a masterclass in vision, persistence, and purpose.

Watch now and learn how faith, structure, and courage built an organization that continues to redefine Muslim women's leadership. 🎧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 Fatima Sadaf Saied: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-saied/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themwo/?hl=en Website: https://www.mwo-orlando.org/ 00:00 – Meet Sadaf Saied, Co-Founder of Muslim Women Organization 01:20 – The Moment MWO Was Born: From Halaka to Movement 03:10 – Why Women Needed Their Own Leadership Space 05:00 – The Early Days: Service, Care, and Community Projects 07:10 – The Turning Point: From Volunteer Work to Professional Nonprofit 09:30 – How MWO Built Capacity and Secured Funding 11:15 – The Hakima Program: Training Wise Women to Lead and Support 13:10 – Building a Hub for Muslim Women in Orlando 15:00 – Sadaf's PhD Journey in Philanthropic Leadership 17:10 – The Future: Building Local Zakat Systems for Empowerment 18:10 – Closing Reflections & Lessons for Muslim Nonprofits

Change doesn't start with permission, it starts with purpose. 🙌

Sadaf's story reminds us that every movement begins with a few people who dare to believe they can do more.

When women lead with faith and conviction, entire communities rise. ✨ #MuslimNonprofits #FaithInAction #WomenInLeadership #MuslimWomenOrganization #CommunityGrowth #SocialImpact #InspirationDaily #PurposeDriven #EmpowerHer #LeadershipLessons #BuildToLast #PositiveChange

In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Tayyab Yunus sits down with Faizan Syed, co-founder of A Continuous Charity (ACC) an organization that turned a simple idea into a $10 million movement helping thousands of students pursue education without interest.

From a handwritten notebook and $60,000 in seed money to a national impact across hundreds of students, Faizan shares how ACC built scalable systems, overcame early challenges, and created a sustainable, faith-driven model for long-term community change.

If you've ever wondered how to build a nonprofit that lasts, this is the blueprint. 🎧 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 Faizan Syed: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faizan-syed-99b60331/ Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/acontinuouscharity/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AContinuousCharity/ 00:00 – Introduction: From 0 to $10 Million 01:25 – The Birth of A Continuous Charity 03:45 – The Student Debt Crisis and a Faith-Based Solution 06:10 – Building Systems That Last 08:00 – From Personal Loans to a National Movement 10:30 – The $60K Fundraiser That Started It All 12:05 – How A Continuous Charity Scaled to $10 Million 14:15 – Lessons on Leadership, Systems, and Strategy 16:20 – Dealing with Naysayers and Staying the Course 18:10 – The Vision: Building Debt-Free Muslim Communities 20:10 – Final Reflections & Future Goals

A Continuous Charity didn't grow by chasing numbers, it grew by building systems rooted in faith, purpose, and trust.

💡 The lesson is timeless: when you build on solid foundations, your impact lasts beyond a lifetime. #MuslimNonprofits #FaithInAction #AContinuousCharity #StudentDebtCrisis #IslamicFinance #LeadershipLessons #PurposeDriven #SocialImpact #YouthEmpowerment #BuildToLast #InspirationDaily #NonprofitGrowth

What if the way we talk to our kids is holding them back from becoming who they're meant to be?

In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Tayyab Yunus speaks with Ivana Zajkovska, founder of Youth360 Thrive, about how we can change the way we engage, teach, and raise our youth.

Ivana introduces the powerful concept of Positive Youth Development (PYD) — a faith-aligned, strengths-based approach that focuses on what we want our children to achieve, not just what we want them to avoid.

🎯 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why "Don't do this" parenting doesn't work — and what to do instead ✅ How to build confidence, purpose, and resilience in youth ✅ The 3 keys to igniting your child's inner spark ✅ How communities and masjids can raise youth who thrive, not just behave ✅ Why listening is more powerful than lecturing

This isn't just a parenting conversation — it's a mindset revolution. Every child has potential. Our job is to help them find it. 🌱 🎧 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 Ivana Zajkovska : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivana-zajkovska/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialyouth360/ Website: https://www.youth360thrive.org/ 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Ivana Zajkovska, Founder of Youth360 Thrive 01:10 – The Aha Moment That Sparked a Movement 03:20 – What Is Positive Youth Development (PYD)? 05:45 – Why "Don't Do That" Doesn't Work Anymore 08:30 – Shifting From Rules to Relationships 10:15 – Every Child Has a Spark — How to Help Them Find It 12:40 – From Theory to Practice: How Communities Can Apply PYD 14:50 – Listening Over Lecturing: A Parent's Most Powerful Tool 16:30 – Final Advice for Parents: Build, Don't Fix 17:00 – Closing Reflections and Youth360 Resources

Our children aren't problems to be solved, they're potential waiting to unfold. When we stop managing behavior and start nurturing purpose, we help them discover the strength that was always within. Let's build homes, schools, and masjids that ignite fires, not just silence noise. #PositiveParenting #YouthDevelopment #MuslimNonprofits #FaithInAction #LeadershipLessons #InspirationDaily #ParentingTips #BuildToLast #CommunityGrowth #EmpowerTheYouth #PurposeDriven

What's really holding Muslim nonprofits back? It's not funding. It's culture, mindset, and talent.

In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Tayyab Yunus sits down with Sarah Ali, founder of the Muslim Philanthropy Network, to discuss the structural and cultural shifts our sector must embrace to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Sarah shares her 14-year journey, from law school to leading global organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Amnesty International and what inspired her to bring that expertise into the Muslim philanthropic space.

You'll learn: ✅ Why collaboration, not competition, unlocks long-term growth ✅ The 3 levers of scalability: People, Process, and Tools ✅ How to build a performance culture inside your nonprofit ✅ The trillion-dollar wealth transfer Muslims must prepare for ✅ How mastering the "language of funder priorities" changes everything

This episode is a wake-up call for every Muslim leader, board member, and changemaker who wants to move from passion to professionalism and from scarcity to abundance. 🌍 🎧 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 Sarah Ali: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahaliphilanthropy Website: https://sarahaliphilanthropy.com/ 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Sarah Ali, Founder of the Muslim Philanthropy Network 01:15 – From Law School to Nonprofit Leadership: The Journey Begins 03:25 – Lessons from 12 Years at Global Organizations 05:10 – What's Missing in Muslim Nonprofits Today 07:45 – Scarcity vs. Abundance: The Culture Shift We Need 09:50 – Collaboration Over Competition: The New Standard for Growth 12:00 – Preparing for the Trillion-Dollar Muslim Wealth Transfer 14:30 – The 3 Levers of Scale: People, Process, and Tools 16:20 – The Future of Muslim Philanthropy: Talent and Storytelling 18:00 – Closing Reflections: Don't Give Up Build Better Together As Sarah reminds us, the future of Muslim philanthropy won't be built by competition, it will be built by collaboration, systems, and sincerity. When we invest in our people and culture, the Ummah thrives. May every organization rise beyond scarcity, build with excellence, and unlock the barakah of unity. #MuslimNonprofits #FaithInAction #MuslimPhilanthropy #LeadershipLessons #CollaborationOverCompetition #PurposeDriven #SocialImpact #InspirationDaily #BuildToLast #NonprofitGrowth #MissionSuccess

Every Ramadan, Muslims in the U.S. donate over $4 billion, most of it within just 30 days. Yet many nonprofits scramble last-minute, missing out on impact, reach, and opportunity.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Tayyab Yunus sits down with Monica Niro and Jumana El-Amori to reveal the proven strategies that drive successful Ramadan campaigns.

They break down: ✅ How to plan your Ramadan campaigns 45–60 days in advance ✅ The donor engagement systems that outperform emotional appeals ✅ Why storytelling and transparency build trust (even in the age of AI) ✅ The truth about Masjid fundraising — and when it actually works ✅ How to turn your data, dashboards, and team into a fundraising engine

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, marketer, or volunteer, this is your step-by-step playbook to make your next Ramadan your best one yet. 🌙

🎧 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: Jumana El-Ammori LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jumanae/ Monica Niro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-niro-154a9b73/ 00:00 – Introduction: Ramadan 2026 and the $4 Billion Opportunity 02:40 – Why Planning Early Changes Everything 06:15 – Donor Engagement Before Ramadan Begins 10:45 – Data, Dashboards & CRM Prep: The Behind-the-Scenes Work 15:20 – Storytelling That Builds Trust (Even in an AI World) 20:05 – How to Choose the Right Theme and Message 25:10 – The Truth About Masjid Fundraising: Is It Worth It? 31:35 – The Zakat Question: Messaging It Right Without Overdoing It 37:20 – Field Stories: What Works and What Doesn't in Real Campaigns 43:55 – Tayyab's Final Playbook: The Algorithm for Ramadan Success

Success in Ramadan isn't built in Ramadan, it's built months before.

As Tayyab reminds us, great missions don't fail for lack of passion; they fail for lack of preparation.

Plan early, stay real, and use your tools with sincerity, because this Ummah deserves excellence in every campaign we run. #MuslimNonprofits #RamadanFundraising #FaithInAction #LeadershipLessons #NonprofitGrowth #ZakatCampaign #StorytellingForImpact #MuslimPhilanthropy #InspirationDaily #PurposeDriven #AgileLeadership #BuildToLast

What if 95% of nonprofits fail and you could be part of the 5% that actually succeed? In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, host Dr. Tayyab Yunus breaks down what separates thriving organizations from struggling ones. From his experience in Muslim philanthropy and doctoral research, he uncovers the four key strategies that transform passion into real, lasting impact. You'll discover: ✅ Why most Muslim nonprofits fail to fulfill their mission

✅ The 4 proven systems that the top 5% use to succeed

✅ The difference between "engineers" and "entrepreneurs" in leadership

✅ How to identify good money vs bad money

✅ Why "agile governance" is the secret weapon for sustainable growth. Whether you're a founder, board member, or volunteer, this episode is a roadmap to build better, lead smarter, and serve deeper. 🎧 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

#muslimnonprofits #islamicleadership #nonprofitgrowth #missionsuccess #faithinaction #leadershiplessons #MuslimPhilanthropy #socialimpact #inspirationdaily #purposedriven #agileleadership

What makes someone leave behind a career in medicine to dedicate their life to dawah?

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Sabeel Ahmed, a leading da'ee and visionary behind GainPeace, to explore his journey from medical school to full-time Islamic outreach.

Dr. Sabeel shares the pivotal moment that transformed his life: watching a lecture by Sheikh Ahmad Deedat as a teenager, which ignited his passion for Islam and showed him that dawah was not just a choice — it was a mission.

We discuss:

• How one video changed his life forever and gave him certainty in Islam.
• Why he left medicine to pursue dawah full-time.
• The importance of joining existing organizations (like ICNA) before starting your own.
• The rise of GainPeace and how it grew from local to global impact.
• The role of social media in spreading the message of Islam worldwide.
• Advice for young Muslims: how to find your mission, align with the ummah's needs, and choose the path of dawah responsibly.

This is more than a personal story — it's a reminder that Islam needs dedicated voices today. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply searching for your role in the ummah, this episode offers lessons in courage, purpose, and service to humanity. 🎧 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 Dr. Sabeel Ahmed: Website: https://sabeelahmed.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sabeelIslam Facebook: facebook.com/DrSabeel-Ahmed-1713750915538314

00:00 – Introduction & Salaam 01:15 – The spark: What inspired this journey 03:40 – Islam's emphasis on giving back 05:10 – Lessons from prophetic examples 07:05 – Why sustainability matters in Muslim organizations 09:22 – The role of capacity building and investing in people 11:45 – Facing challenges: Balancing mission and growth 13:10 – Advice for young Muslims stepping into leadership

#FaithInAction #IslamicLeadership #MuslimCommunity #PropheticWisdom #GivingBack #Barakah #SustainableChange #IslamicValues #UmmahStrong #PurposeDrivenLife

What does it really take to build a sustainable Muslim nonprofit? In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we sit down with Imam Khalid Griggs, a lifelong activist, faith leader, and advocate for justice.

Imam Khalid shares his journey from growing up in the American South during the Civil Rights movement — where he met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — to embracing Islam in college and dedicating his life to organized activism.

We discuss: ✅ The lessons he learned from his father, a union organizer in the Deep South ✅ Why Muslims must embrace courage and conviction in the fight for justice ✅ The risks and realities of activism in America ✅ How Islam calls us to collective action and organized resistance ✅ Why joining forces with others is essential for lasting impact

This is not just a story about history — it's a call to action for every believer who wants to live their faith through service, courage, and justice.

🎧 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 Imam Khalid Griggs: Website: https://muslimalliancebl.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imamkhalidgriggs/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalid-griggs-b8678887/

00:00 – Introduction & Salaam 01:15 – Growing up with a union leader father 04:05 – Meeting Dr. Martin Luther King as a child 06:50 – Becoming Muslim during college years 10:20 – From spiritual focus to organized activism 13:40 – The courage to stand for justice despite risks 17:15 – Facing danger and intimidation as an activist 20:05 – Why Muslims must avoid fear and embrace advocacy 23:30 – The importance of allies in social justice movements 26:30 – Final advice: join groups, stand together, never be alone

#MuslimNonprofits #IslamicLeadership #FaithInAction #MuslimActivism #CivilRightsLegacy #MuslimCommunity #StandForJustice #LeadershipLessons #SocialImpact #InspirationDaily #ImamKhaledGriggs #IslamicValues

What does it really take to build a sustainable Muslim nonprofit? In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we sit down with Arshia Wajid, founder of American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP), to uncover the powerful lessons she learned over a 20-year journey in nonprofit leadership.

Arshia reveals: ✅ The 10-year mistake every nonprofit founder should avoid ✅ How faith and Islamic values guided her mission ✅ Why so many Muslim organizations stay "stuck in startup mode" ✅ The hard truths about fundraising, donors, and sustainability ✅ How the Muslim community's philanthropy is shifting and what it means for the future

If you're passionate about Islamic leadership, Muslim philanthropy, or building impactful organizations, this conversation will give you both practical tools and spiritual motivation.

🎧 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 Arshia Wajid: Website: https://amhp.us/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amhp_health LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshia-wajid/

00:00 – Introduction & Salaam 01:20 – How AMHP Began with One Simple Idea 06:00 – From Notepad to a National Movement 10:20 – Faith as the North Star of Service 13:05 – Why Healthcare Advocacy Matters for Muslims 18:20 – The 10-Year Mistake That Delayed Growth 21:05 – Building Sustainable Funding & Staff 29:30 – No Margin, No Mission: Lessons in Nonprofit Leadership 32:15 – Shifting Priorities in Muslim Philanthropy 36:45 – Final Advice for Muslim Leaders & Founders

#MuslimNonprofits #IslamicLeadership #MuslimPhilanthropy #FaithInAction #MuslimCommunity #IslamicValues #MuslimLeaders #NonprofitGrowth #AMHP #MuslimInspiration #MentalHealthInIslam #LeadershipLessons #IslamicNonprofit