Urdu poetry is coming to the main stage at MuslimFest 2025

In this episode, I sat down with Program Director Maduba Ahmad and Urdu programming lead Abeerah Sethi to talk about:

🔹 What inspired this year’s Urdu spotlight
🔹 The revival of interest in Urdu among young Canadian Muslims
🔹 What to expect at both the Mushaera (Saturday) and Main Stage (Sunday)

Whether you're fluent in Urdu or just vibing with the rhythm of it, this conversation is for you.

#MuslimFest2025 #UrduPoetry #Mushaera #CanadianMuslims #GTAEvents #MuslimArts #SpokenWord #TorontoEvents #UrduRevival #YouTellMePodcast

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: MuslimFest and the Urdu Spotlight

01:25 – Meet the Guests: Maduba Ahmad & Abeerah Sethi

03:30 – How MuslimFest Has Evolved Since 2004

07:00 – Why Include Urdu Poetry This Year?

09:00 – What New Audiences Might Discover at the Mushaera

11:25 – Challenges of Learning Urdu in the Diaspora

13:00 – Urdu Rap & Modern Expressions at MuslimFest

14:10 – Closing Thoughts & Mic Drop Moments

📢 Stay Connected:

✅ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youtellmeacmp/

✅ Click here for more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYenBLgj0PbX4qPiInBhUOS6mkPikQLVN&si=DdgCCbnsAiu1OlOA

🎧 Listen on Other Platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3uj6mGvvw3lNNSTUxW2E1a?si=04B-I-fDRimUAwViQsJj6w

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-tell-me-a-canadian-muslim-podcast/id1783214735

💡 About the Podcast:

You Tell Me... A Canadian Muslim Podcast explores the lives, challenges, and successes of Muslims in the GTA and beyond. We’re here for honest conversations and real stories to learn, grow, and celebrate our community.

🔗 Helpful Links:

Guest’s Website/Social Media:

https://www.muslimfest.com/

https://www.instagram.com/muslimfest/

📩 Contact Us:

For collaborations or inquiries, email us at: [email protected]

What’s the real purpose of Islamic education in the West—and are we anywhere close to fulfilling it?

In this episode, I sit down with three guests—a parent, a student, and a teacher—to have an honest conversation about what Islamic schools are doing well, where they’re struggling, and what we can do better as a community.

We talk about identity, scholarship, community leadership, and what happens if we don’t take this seriously.

Chapters

00:00 — Intro

04:05 — Guest Intros

06:09 — The Purpose of an Islamic Education System

12:16 — Choosing a Career Path

19:19 — The Role of Parent

29:17 — How can the School Provide Inspiration?

37:02 — Scholarship in th GTA

56:39 — Standardization

01:03:15 — Solution Search

01:17:23 — Magic Wand

📢 Stay Connected:

✅ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youtellmeacmp/

✅ Click here for more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYenBLgj0PbX4qPiInBhUOS6mkPikQLVN&si=DdgCCbnsAiu1OlOA

🎧 Listen on Other Platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3uj6mGvvw3lNNSTUxW2E1a?si=04B-I-fDRimUAwViQsJj6w

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-tell-me-a-canadian-muslim-podcast/id1783214735

💡 About the Podcast:

You Tell Me... A Canadian Muslim Podcast explores the lives, challenges, and successes of Muslims in the GTA and beyond. We’re here for honest conversations and real stories to learn, grow, and celebrate our community.

📩 Contact Us:

For collaborations or inquiries, email us at: [email protected]

In this episode of You Tell Me... A Canadian Muslim Podcast, I sit down with friends Ghufran Ahmed and Shadi Al Darbe to discuss how Canadian Muslims can navigate the 2025 federal election — thoughtfully, ethically, and strategically.

We talk about:

·        Why voting matters in Islam and Canadian civic life

·        How Muslims can balance faith, family, and social responsibility when voting

·        The problems and risks of strategic voting

·        Evaluating candidates beyond just party loyalty

·        Why collective action and community endorsements matter more than ever

·        How to cut through political noise and make an informed, principled choice

If you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or frustrated bytoday's political climate, you're not alone. This episode offers real talk, practical frameworks, and a reminder of our shared duty to stand up for justice — here at home and abroad.

Helpful Resources Mentioned:

·        VotePalestine.ca

·        MuslimsVote.ca

·        CanadianMuslimVote.ca

·        338Canada.com

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

14:31 Mental Health and Civic Engagement

16:44 The Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement

22:26 Navigating Political Choices: Candidates vs.Parties

31:44 Strategic Voting

37:52 The Role of Party Leadership in Voting Decisions

41:26 Complex Priorities in the Muslim Community

46:22 The Islamic Ethos and Immigration

49:22 The Impact of Voting on Global Issues

57:28 The Power of a Single Vote

59:54 Unity and Action in the Muslim Community

01:02:58 Closing Summary

📢 Stay Connected:

✅ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youtellmeacmp/

✅ Click here for more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYenBLgj0PbX4qPiInBhUOS6mkPikQLVN&si=DdgCCbnsAiu1OlOA

🎧 Listen on Other Platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3uj6mGvvw3lNNSTUxW2E1a?si=04B-I-fDRimUAwViQsJj6w

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-tell-me-a-canadian-muslim-podcast/id1783214735

💡 About the Podcast:

You Tell Me... A Canadian Muslim Podcast explores thelives, challenges, and successes of Muslims in the GTA and beyond. We’re here for honest conversations and real stories to learn, grow, and celebrate our community.

📩 Contact Us:

For collaborations or inquiries, email us at: [email protected]

Mental health is something that affects all of us, yet it’s still heavily stigmatized, especially in the Muslim community. In this episode of You Tell Me… A Canadian Muslim Podcast, I sit down with Marwa Mahmod, a Registered Psychotherapist and a key team member at Naseeha Mental Health, to have an open and honest conversation about the intersection of faith, mental health, therapy, and community support. Together, we break down misconceptions, discuss the role of faith in healing, and explore how organizations like Naseeha are making a real difference.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Awareness

04:38 Marwa Mahmood: Background and Journey to Therapy

15:37 Understanding Mental Health vs. Mental Illness

31:40 Naseeha Mental Health Services Overview

41:54 Media Influence on Mental Health Perception

47:01 Addressing Mental Health in Masjids

54:49 Future Initiatives and Expansions for Naseeha

58:21 Ways to Support Naseeha Mental Health

💡 Key Takeaways:

🔹 Mental health exists on a spectrum, not as a binary state

🔹 Seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness 💪

🔹 Cultural sensitivity in therapy makes a big difference

🔹 Faith-based approaches and modern therapy can work together

📞 Need Mental Health Support? Naseeha Helpline is available 24/7 and offers free, confidential support.

Learn more at Naseeha.org

🛠 Support Naseeha Mental Health:

💰 Donate to support free mental health services: https://www.naseeha.org/donate

🤝 Volunteer with Naseeha: https://www.naseeha.org/volunteer

📢 Spread Awareness by sharing this video!

💬 Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on mental health in Muslim communities?

How can we bridge the gap between faith and therapy? Drop a comment below! 👇

🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of You Tell Me… A Canadian Muslim Podcast!

📢 Stay Connected:

✅ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youtellmeacmp/

✅ Click here for more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYenBLgj0PbX4qPiInBhUOS6mkPikQLVN&si=DdgCCbnsAiu1OlOA

🎧 Listen on Other Platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3uj6mGvvw3lNNSTUxW2E1a?si=04B-I-fDRimUAwViQsJj6w

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-tell-me-a-canadian-muslim-podcast/id1783214735

💡 About the Podcast:

You Tell Me... A Canadian Muslim Podcast explores the lives, challenges, and successes of Muslims in the GTA and beyond. We’re here for honest conversations and real stories to learn, grow, and celebrate our community.

📩 Contact Us:

For collaborations or inquiries, email us at: [email protected]

#MentalHealth #Islam #FaithAndTherapy #NaseehaHelpline #YouTellMePodcast #MuslimMentalHealth #BreakingTheStigma #SelfCare #EmotionalWellbeing #FaithBasedHealing #SpiritualityAndHealing #MuslimWellness #TherapyMatters #HealingTogether #CommunitySupport #Mindfulness #MentalHealthAwareness

Imagine a world where every Muslim woman feels empowered tolead and inspire change. At 'Being ME,' we’re not just a community; we’re amovement igniting the potential within every girl and woman. Join us as weexplore how empowering our women transforms entire communities. What doesempowerment mean to you?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Being Me Canada

15:40 Evolution of Being Me Canada

25:34 Building Trust and Community Connections

35:31 Optimism and Concern for Young Women

47:32 The Role of Parents in Youth Engagement

59:35 Vision for the Future of Being Me

📢 Stay Connected:

✅ Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/youtellmeacmp/

✅ Click here for more episodes:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYenBLgj0PbX4qPiInBhUOS6mkPikQLVN&si=DdgCCbnsAiu1OlOA

🎧 Listen on OtherPlatforms:

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3uj6mGvvw3lNNSTUxW2E1a?si=04B-I-fDRimUAwViQsJj6w

Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-tell-me-a-canadian-muslim-podcast/id1783214735

💡 About the Podcast:

You Tell Me... A Canadian Muslim Podcast explores the lives,challenges, and successes of Muslims in the GTA and beyond. We’re here forhonest conversations and real stories to learn, grow, and celebrate ourcommunity.

🔗 Helpful Links:

Guest’s Website/Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/beingmetoronto/

https://being-me.org/

📩 Contact Us:

For collaborations or inquiries, email us at:[email protected]

In this episode of You Tell Me... A Canadian Muslim Podcast, I sit down with Hirra Farooqi, founder of the Muslim International Film Festival (MIFF). We discuss her journey from TMU to MIFF, the challenges of being a Muslim filmmaker, and the power of authentic storytelling. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about representation, resilience, and creativity in the film industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

26:50 Challenges in Journalism: A Personal Journey

35:24 The Birth of the Muslim International Film Festival

50:49 Curating Films for MIF

55:46 Advocacy and Representation in Film

01:01:49 Normalizing Happiness in Muslim Narratives

01:07:33 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

📢 Stay Connected:

✅ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youtellmeacmp/

✅ Click here for more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYenBLgj0PbX4qPiInBhUOS6mkPikQLVN&si=DdgCCbnsAiu1OlOA

🎧 Listen on Other Platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3uj6mGvvw3lNNSTUxW2E1a?si=04B-I-fDRimUAwViQsJj6w

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-tell-me-a-canadian-muslim-podcast/id1783214735

💡 About the Podcast:

You Tell Me... A Canadian Muslim Podcast explores the lives, challenges, and successes of Muslims in the GTA and beyond. We’re here for honest conversations and real stories to learn, grow, and celebrate our community.

🔗 Helpful Links:

Guest’s Website/Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/hirrafarooqi/

📩 Contact Us:

In this episode of You Tell Me... A Canadian Muslim Podcast, we sit down with Zahid Merchant, founder of the Brotherhood Sports League (BSL).

Zahid shares the inspiring story of how a simple idea to reconnect with friends turned into a thriving network of Muslim sports leagues in the GTA, including softball, soccer, golf, and pickleball.

We discuss the power of sports to foster community, promote mental and physical health, and redefine masculinity within a faith-based framework. From organizing leagues to raising $66,000 for refugees, Zahid’s work highlights the impact of faith, fitness, and brotherhood.

Join us as we explore how BSL is creating opportunities for connection, growth, and giving back.

In this episode, I sit with a few friends to reflect on their experiences at the Reviving the Islamic Spirit (RIS) Convention 2024, highlights from the bazaar, and their favorite lectures.

Subscribe to the show on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcast to listen to full episodes.

In this episode of You Tell Me... A Canadian Muslim Podcast, I sit down with Nuzaira, a creative entrepreneur and community leader who wears many hats. Nuzaira is the Marketing Manager at the NISA Foundation, an organization making a tangible difference for Muslim women and children across Canada. She's also the creative mind behind Geekabi's World, where she combines her love of geek culture with art.

From tackling stigmas around domestic violence and mental

It's an inspiring conversation that highlights resilience,

Key Topics:

About NISA Foundation: To learn more or support

⁠https://www.nisafoundation.ca/⁠

https://www.instagram.com/nisa.foundation/

About Nuzaira Safi: To learn more or support her

https://www.instagram.com/nuzaira.safi/

https://www.instagram.com/geekaabivstheworld/

geekaabisworld.etsy.com

Tune in and be inspired.