Voice of Islam

Topics and Guests:

Topic I: Blessings of Charity

Guests:

Alison Woodhead

Dr Carol Homden CBE

Mr Luqman Bajwa

Topic II: The Unheard Cry: Voices of Global Injustice - Sudan

Guests:

Dr Mukesh Kapila

Imam Daniyal Ahmad

Producer(s): Aisha Mannan and Aiysha Nawaz

Lead Producer: Hania Yaqub

Researchers: Raazia Choudhry, Amna Marium, Sadiya Rahman, Zanubia Ateeq, Tooba Malik, Hannan Ashraf

Lead Presenter: Sharjeel Sheikh Ahmad

Co-Presenters: Ather sahib, Shamail sahib

Join Zafer Ahmad and Usman Ali for Thursday’s show from 4-6pm where we will be discussing: ‘Blood Cancer' and 'AI Psychosis’.

Blood Cancer

Blood cancer comes in three major forms — leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma — each affecting the body in different ways. Knowing the signs and symptoms can save lives, making early detection critical. Advances in treatment and research offer hope, while prevention and support remain essential in the fight against these diseases.

AI Psychosis

From casual chats to marriages, AI chatbots are becoming more than just tools — but experts warn of “AI psychosis” and growing dependence. With AI’s endless agreeableness, walking away can be harder than quitting social media or other addictions. Are we embracing innovation — or replacing real human connection with something that cannot truly love us back? Join us as we explore the rise — and risks — of AI relationships.

Guests:

Gemma Trout - Senior nurse in blood cancer organisation

Tasneen Ali -  GP and DKMS Volunteer Hub Lead in Leicester

Dr. Sophie Castell -  Co-Chair of the Blood Cancer Alliance and CEO of Myeloma UK

Rhys Owens  -  Senior clinical Practice officer at Myeloma UK

Producers

Azka Hina and Zohra Mobashir

In this segment, the podcast delved into the turning point and aftermath of the Battle of Uḥud. It highlighted the Quraish losing heart and the critical error made by some Muslims, which led to a counterattack by Khalid ibn al-Walid and the encirclement of the Muslim forces. The programme discussed the bravery and sacrifices of Muslim women, the fall of the Muslim flag with the martyrdom of Musʿab bin ʿUmair (ra), and the resulting confusion among the Muslim ranks. Key moments included the injury of the Holy Prophet ﷺ by Ibn Qum’ah, the heroism of companions like Talha (ra) and Ummi ʿAmmarah, and the Prophet’s ﷺ call for ultimate sacrifice. Despite the retreat of Muslims and continued assaults by the Quraish, the Prophet ﷺ demonstrated incredible mercy and forgiveness. The episode concluded with mention of the divine revelation that followed, the mutilation of martyrs, verbal exchanges during the battle, and the strategic precautions taken by the Prophet ﷺ.

Host:

Mohammed Rafiuddin

Panel:

Safeer Ahmed

Lutful Islam

Jawad Butt

Topic I: Sign Language, Empowering the Deaf

Topic II: Shock Horror! Our Favourite Sweet Snack May Cause Serious Harm

Introduction and NEWS

Presenter(s):

Imam Jalees Khan

Imam Noor Hadi

Zakaria Bhatti

Guest(s):

Imam Maaz Ahmad

Dr Bencie Woll

Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq

Irfan Yusuf

Simon Williams

Producer(s):

Salman Kokhar & Zoya Danayal (Lead)

Researcher(s):

Maimuna Hydara, Attiya tul Sabuh Farooqi, Fateha Iqbal, and Tooba Daud

IN THIS EPISODE, WE FOCUSED ON THE PIVOTAL BATTLE OF UḥUD, WHICH TOOK PLACE IN SHAWWāL 3 A.H. THE DISCUSSION BEGAN WITH THE BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT OF THE BATTLE, INCLUDING CARAVAN REVENUES AND A LETTER FROM ʿABDUL MUṭṭALIB. LISTENERS WERE INTRODUCED TO THE CENSUS OF THE HOLY PROPHET ﷺ, THE COMPOSITION OF THE ENEMY ARMY, AND THE GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING OF THE BATTLEFIELD. THE PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTED THE PROPHET’S ﷺ CONSULTATION WITH COMPANIONS, HIS DREAM FORETELLING ASPECTS OF THE BATTLE, AND HIS FIRM DECISIVENESS IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY. THE EPISODE FURTHER DELVED INTO THE DOUBTS OF WEAK-HEARTED MUSLIMS, THE TACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS AND COMMANDERS OF THE MUSLIM ARMY, AS WELL AS THE ROLES OF FLAG-BEARERS.

Host:

Mohammed Rafiuddin

Panel:

Safeer Ahmed

Lutful Islam

Jawad Butt

IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORED A SERIES OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS FROM EARLY ISLAMIC HISTORY. IT COVERED VARIOUS MILITARY EXPEDITIONS INCLUDING THE GHAZWAH OF QARQARTUL QADR, SAWIQ, BANU QAINUQAH, DHI ‘AMR, AND BUHRAN, AS WELL AS THE SARIYYAH OF ZAID BIN HARITHAH TOWARDS QARADAH. THE PROGRAMME ALSO REFLECTED ON THE SOLEMN EXECUTION OF KA‘B BIN ASHRAF WITH AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS. ALONGSIDE THE MILITARY DEVELOPMENTS, KEY PERSONAL MILESTONES FROM THE PROPHET’S ﷺ LIFE WERE DISCUSSED, SUCH AS THE MARRIAGES OF HADHRAT FATIMAH AND HADHRAT HAFSAH. THE EPISODE ALSO SHED LIGHT ON NOTABLE INCIDENTS INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF JANNATUL-BAQī‘ AS A BURIAL GROUND AND THE CELEBRATION OF EID AL-ADHA DURING DHUL-HIJJAH IN THE 2ND YEAR AFTER HIJRAH.

Host:

Mohammed Rafiuddin

Panel:

Safeer Ahmed

Lutful Islam

Jawad Butt

In this episode, we discussed the key events following the battle of Badr. We explored the aftermath of the battle, including the treatment of the prisoners, highlighting the humane approach adopted. The return from Badr was also detailed, shedding light on the emotional and social impacts. We analysed the change in the nature of enmity post-Badr and the effect the victory had on the idolators of Madinah. Additionally, we examined the hypocrisy of Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Sulul and its implications for the Muslim community.

Host:

Mohammed Rafiuddin

Panel:

Safeer Ahmed

Lutful Islam

This episode covered the key moments of the battle of Badr, including the Muslim army’s preparation, the holy prophet’s (saw) supplications, the fall of Abu Jahl, and the Muslim attack. We also discussed the treatment of prisoners, the execution of Nadr bin Harith, and the reaction in Makkah, highlighting the battle's spiritual, emotional, and political impacts.

Host:

Mohammed Rafiuddin

Panel:

Safeer Ahmed

Lutful Islam

Jawad Butt

After a brief recap, the commandment of fasting in month of Ramadan was discussed. The battle of Badr was explored in depth with a brief introductory discussion followed by a more in-depth analysis and a few defining moments. Towards the end of the show, the impact of the battle in those days and beyond was discussed.

Host:

Mohammed Rafiuddin

Panel:

Safeer Ahmed

Lutful Islam

Jawad Butt

Topic: War: On the Rise Everywhere

This show looks at how war is growing in many parts of the world. Countries are spending more on weapons, and the cost of war and violence is now close to $20 trillion. We show how the world is forgetting the lessons of the past and how this puts everyone in danger. We also explore what Islam teaches about justice, forgiveness, and mercy after war. These values offer a way to end the cycle of conflict and build lasting peace.

Presenter(s):

Aneeq Ur Rehman

Dr Tariq Bajwa

Guest(s):

Florian Eblenkamp – Advocacy Officer at the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)

Serge Stroobants- Director for Europe and MENA region at the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)

Dr. Andrea Carboni – Head of Analysis at ACLED

Professor Ali Bokhari – Consultant pediatrician and senior NHS leader

Siri Aas Rustad – Research Director at the Peace Research Institute Oslo

Akshaya Kumar - Director of Crisis Advocacy at Human Rights Watch

Producer(s):

Nuwaira Khalid, Misbah Tariq & Hania Mubarik