When commentators talk about the relationship, often fraught, between Islam and the west, most start with the mass migration from the Indian subcontinent, North Africa and Middle East to western countries. A few years back, the British foreign secretary announced the greatest culinary delight of the brits was the chicken tikka masala. But many do not recognise the deep, often interconnected relationships between European civilisation and Islamic civilisation and how much Islamic influence contributed to what we today call Romanesque European architecture and broader culture.

My guest today Dr Diana Darke is a historian and Middle East cultural expert who wants to set the record straight. Her notable works include Stealing from the Saracens: How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe (2020), Islamesque The Forgotten Craftsmen Who Built Europe's Medieval Monuments, and The Merchant of Syria: A History of Survival (2018). In 2005, she purchased a 17th-century courtyard house in the Old City of Damascus, reflecting her deep connection to the region.

You can find Diana Darke here:

Website: https://dianadarke.com/about/

X: https://x.com/dianadarke

Let me remind all viewers that to help us continue to engage critical thought at this time, Please consider becoming a Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

You can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate

Listen to the audio version of the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762

Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com

Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch

Find us on:

Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/

Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social

Host: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

Host IG: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/

Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Islamophobia across the Western world is on the rise. It is a pernicious prejudice that seems to have seeped into public acceptance. It is not just the prize of the ultra right, across the West, even liberal minded governments have sought to malign Muslims unjustly. Consider President Macron’s separatism Act, that maligns in effect any believer that follows the shariah. Or consider at home, the Labour government’s reluctance to recognise anti Muslim hatred as a cause of the most recent riots across northern England. Or the US administration downplaying the murder of Palestinians.

My guest today, Dr Amina Shareef argues that Islamophobia is more than a visceral hatred. It is a death dealing project. It aims to dehumanise, and expose Muslim populations to death. Dr Amina is an academic specialising in anti-Muslim racism, Islamophobia and the war on terror policies, practices and its impact upon Muslims .

You can find Dr Amina Shareef here:

Website: https://aminashareef.com/

Twitter: @AminaShareef1

Let me remind all viewers that to help us continue to engage critical thought at this time, Please consider becoming a Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

You can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate

Listen to the audio version of the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762

Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com

Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch

Find us on:

Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/

Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social

Host: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

Host IG: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/

Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Never in human history has the role and position of men and women been subject to so much dispute. The advent of liberalism has ushered in an era of free thought and individualism that has removed previously accepted notions of roles and obligations. Liberal feminism has explicitly sought to forward a hollow version of equality that has on the whole, harmed women and men. And sadly, the backlash has been a crude assertion of masculinity that loathes women and removes any of their rights. Social media is awash with a morass of failed gender relations and gender conflicts, to which many young Muslims, however well-intentioned, contribute.

Imam Dawud Walid published a serious contribution to the subject of manhood. He argues that the rich classical scholarly works detailing how to bring up young men have been lost. This sacred idea of chivalry may look out of place in modernity, but it produced well-balanced young men that combine courage with humility, strength with forgiveness and public duty with prayer. Imam Dawud Walid believes Islamic masculinity is not naturally acquired but has to come from revelation and reinforced by models of manhood within families and communities. He has recently authored a brilliant book titled, Futuwwah: and raising males into sacred manhood. A timely contribution to the topic. He has recently authored a brilliant book titled, Futuwwah: and Raising Males into Sacred Manhood, a timely contribution to the topic.

You can follow Imam Dawud Walid's Telegram group here https://t.me/dawudwalid

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a world of alternative facts, Elon Musk acts as the high priest of disinformation. The world’s richest man has exploited his platform, X, to embark on a vitriolic anti-Islam tirade with real-world consequences. It is unfathomable that he believes his incendiary messages are based on reasoned evidence and intellectual rigour. But truth and integrity are expendable commodities in this new world of democratised lies. Musk appeals to a radicalised Western population experiencing the repeated shocks of a flailing empire.

Let me remind all viewers that to help us continue to engage critical thought at this time, Please consider becoming a Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

You can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate

Listen to the audio version of the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762

Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com

Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch

Find us on:

Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/

Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social

Host: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

Host IG: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/

Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we talk about Gaza, we often speak of it in isolation from the broader Muslim world. When the Muslim countries are mentioned, it’s normal to suggest that they have given up on the Palestinian cause. The Abraham Accords are oft-cited as an example of the Muslim world turning its back on a beleaguered member. But is that really the case? Is the future fortunes of the Palestinians linked to the Muslim rulers?

To help us untangle fact from fiction, I am happy to have Dr Azzam Tamimi back on the show. Dr Azzam is a Palestinian activist, academic and broadcaster and travels extensively to the Muslim world.

Let me remind all viewers that to help us continue to engage critical thought at this time, Please consider becoming a Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

You can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate

Listen to the audio version of the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762

Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com

Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch

Find us on:

Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/

Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social

Host: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Waqf, or endowments, is an age-old Islamic method of supplying public services. Throughout Islamic history, this third space enabled entrepreneurs and the monied to donate to causes that would multiply their reward. Many of the key services from health to education in history were funded by this method and it became a model of giving, emulated by many Westerners. Oxford University, it is said, built its endowment structure on the Waqf model.

But what is a Waqf, and why do many call for its reintroduction today? My guest believes in this forgotten sunnah, and has set up an organisation the National Waqf. Maulana Tahir Talati heads the National Waqf, an organisation looking to revive the practice of Awqaf.

Let me remind all viewers that to help us continue to engage critical thought at this time, Please consider becoming a Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

You can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate

Listen to the audio version of the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762

Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com

Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch

Find us on:

Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/

Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social

Host: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction

2:08 – What is Waqf?

3:41 – Purpose of Waqf

5:04 – Waqf vs Zakat

7:19 - Different Waqfs

20:19 – Role of state

28:01– Reliance on Waqf

29:47 – Islamic economists and Waqf

31:10 – Generating funds

37:10 – Waqf Political fund

47:08 - National Waqf org

51:43 – National Waqf structure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second session of our 2024 roundup we have Sami Hamdi back on the show to discuss Syria in more detail. Syria is in many ways a ray of hope but also raises all sorts of uncertainties. What path will the revolution take? How do we assess Jolani and the rebel movement? What of the demands of regional and global actors, ideological and otherwise. And how does Syria navigate the US and Israel's anxieties about the new government and its Islamic colour.

Let me remind all viewers that to help us continue to engage critical thought at this time, Please consider becoming a Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

You can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate

Listen to the audio version of the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762

Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com

Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch

Find us on:

Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/

Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social

Host: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction

1:34 – Ahmed Al Sharaa

11:23 – Implement Sharia?

21:52 – Jeremy Bowen Interview

32:47 – Role of Türkiye

43:45 – Türkiye NATO member

53:41 – Trump Presidency

1:01:48 – Taliban and West

1:12:31 – Forgiving?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The situation in Germany is very tense for Muslims. The recent Christmas market attack has brought into focus how the political elites in the country malign muslim voices. but it goes deeper, there is a systematic campaign to make advocating for Palestine unlawful.

Hebh Jamal is a Palestinian journalist and activist based in Germany , currently working on an upcoming documentary film, The Reason of State: Germany’s War on Palestinians.

Let me remind all viewers that to help us continue to engage critical thought at this time, Please consider becoming a Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

You can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate

Listen to the audio version of the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762

Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com

Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch

Find us on:

Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/

Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social

Host: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction

1:35 - Magdeburg car attack

6:22 – Elon Musk Germany

8:37 – Islam and AFD

14:45 – ‘Reason of state’

20:24 – Germany Liberal country?

33:35 – Muslim group pushback?

35:14 – Atmosphere of fear?

38:40 – Wider German population?

40:55 – Comfort vs Religiosity

45:09 – How to help?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Syria has witnessed a remarkable victory in recent weeks, with a brutal dictator falling against all odds. What is the Islamic significance of this? How should we understand the concepts of victory and seeking Allah’s help? To delve deeper into this topic, we welcome Dr Shadee al-Masri back on the show to enlighten us about these crucial ideas of victory and seeking Allah’s assistance. How much do Allah’s help and victory rely on our actions, iman, and preparation? What are the religious implications of surrendering the struggle or feeling disheartened?

Let me remind all viewers that to help us continue to engage critical thought at this time, Please consider becoming a Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

You can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate

Listen to the audio version of the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762

Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com

Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch

Find us on:

Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/

Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social

Host: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction

2:09 – Allah’s victory?

4:11 – Realists in Ummah

13:54 – Leaders in Ummah

17:40 – Competing obligations

28:28 – Allah’s intervention

35:45 – Wait for victory?

39:39 – Gaza’s victory

45:36 – Hypocrisy

49:54 – Believer’s mindset

56:36 – Importance of Dua

1:00:18 – Value of Tahhajud

1:02:39 – Battle of prophet

1:10:47 – Giving up

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year we have seen two Muslim countries move away from bitter dictatorships, Bangladesh and Syria. Yet the horrific scenes in Gaza remain. Any joy that comes from Syria is always muted as we endure the horrific genocide perpetrated by the west and its colonial enterprise. Gaza exposes the hollowness of an international order.

The civil war in Sudan remains active, Pakistan’s generals have consolidated power, and the Egyptian pharaoh seems comfortable aiding Israel in its blood-shedding and the Saudis are looking forward to selling Palestine for a US security deal.

We have the pleasure of inviting Sami Hamdi back on the show to look at the year gone and the year ahead. Please as always remember to subscribe to this podcast on your preferred platform, this helps us grow our audience. Alhamamdulillah we are now the 2nd most listened to Muslim podcast on Apple. If you want to support the show, please think about becoming a patron. For a small monthly donation, you will be helping to expand our reach and our content.

Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive monthly calls: https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

Let me remind all viewers that to help us continue to engage critical thought at this time, Please consider becoming a Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

You can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate

Listen to the audio version of the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762

Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com

Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch

Find us on:

Patron. https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslim

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/

Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social

Host: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction

2:22 – Saudi Ceasefire agreement

10:51- Hezbollah peace deal

20:28 – Netanyahu’s aims

34:45 – Metaphysical and Politics

55:07 – Sisi

1:01:44 – Sisi Palestine betrayal

1:06:59 – Syria and Egypt

1:10:17 –2025 Looking ahead

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.