The Thinking Muslim
Muhammad Jalal
A platform for the elevation of thinking and a call to enlightened action.Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/thinkingmuslimpodcastSupport Our WorkBecome a member: Sustain the podcast with a monthly contribution and enjoy exclusive benefits - https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipMake a one‑time donation: Help us continue producing high‑quality content - https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donateStay ConnectedNewsletter - Subscribe to host Muhammad Jalal’s reflections and show updates - https://jalalayn.substack.comMerchandise: Grab our signature Thinking Muslim mug - https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merchFollow UsWebsite & archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.comX (Twitter): https://x.com/thinking_muslimLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslimConnect with the HostX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/jalalaynInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
23 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 19min
Ramadan Is a Revolution of the Self | Sami Hamdi
Sami Hamdi, writer and commentator on Muslim affairs and geopolitics, argues Ramadan is a month of action and mobilization. He connects the Qur’an’s revelation to struggle and moral clarity. Short, forceful points cover fasting as discipline, historic Ramadan victories, using the Qur’an to spur organized protest and sustained community action.
Feb 13, 2026 • 51min
Gaza and the Rupture in International Order | Nurul Izzah Anwar
Nurul Izzah Anwar, Malaysian politician and activist known for social justice and Maqasid-based policy. She examines the rupture in international order after Gaza. She critiques new global institutions and UN legitimacy. She urges Muslim civil society to build transnational networks and reflects on Malaysia’s long-term support for Palestine.
15 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 1h 13min
The Rise of the East and the Setting of The West | Dr Muhammad al-Mukhtar al-Shinqiti
Dr Muhammad al-Mukhtar al-Shinqiti, professor of international affairs and scholar of geopolitics, explains the shifting global balance as the West wanes and the East rises. He discusses America’s retreat, China’s patient strategy, the Islamic world’s central geographic role, Palestine’s wider significance, and why Muslims must learn strategic geopolitics to seize emerging opportunities.
13 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 1h 6min
ICE: When US Fascism Comes Home | Hussam Ayloush
Hussam Ayloush, CEO of CAIR California and longtime civil rights advocate for Muslim and immigrant liberties. He talks about ICE tactics and deadly raids. He explores why parts of the public tolerate enforcement violence and how Islamophobia is funded. He outlines CAIR’s legal and community work, debates policy fixes to curb abuses, and compares U.S. and European organizing.
35 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 1h 45min
America first, Israel and the limits of white nationalism | Andrew Day
Andrew Day, senior editor and commentator on conservative politics and foreign policy, joins to unpack America First, neoconservatism, and U.S.-Israel ties. He traces MAGA’s foreign-policy tensions and neocon ascendancy. Conversations move through shifts in U.S. views on Israel, ethnic lobbies, religion’s role in civic life, immigration debates, and the cultural limits of white nationalism.
7 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 12min
The Ceasefire Delusion | Daniel Levy
Daniel Levy, a former Israeli negotiator and current critic of Israeli policy, provides a compelling insider view of the Gaza ceasefire dynamics. He discusses the myth of the ceasefire amidst ongoing violence and military control, critiques the UN's 20-point plan for its implications on Palestinian rights, and argues Israel's actions suggest a form of ethnic cleansing. Levy also sheds light on the impacts of U.S. politics on Israel, the need for accountability in Gaza, and the radicalization within Israeli society, urging for Palestinian resilience and coordinated leadership.
114 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 2h 8min
Power Play: Venezuela, the New MBS and Trump’s World | Sami Hamdi
Sami Hamdi, a political analyst specializing in Middle East affairs, dives into the complexities of global politics. He explores Nicolás Maduro's kidnapping in the context of U.S. intervention, revealing the interconnectedness of oil geopolitics and electoral calculations. Hamdi also examines the evolving Saudi-UAE dynamics, questioning whether Mohammed bin Salman is emerging as an independent leader. The conversation is rich with insights on Iran, Trump's transactional politics, and Israel's recognition of Somaliland, making for a compelling discussion on shifting power dynamics.
29 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 58min
The Saudi–UAE Rift: Yemen and the End of an Alliance? | Dr Andreas Krieg
Dr. Andreas Krieg, an expert in Middle Eastern politics, dives into the complex dynamics between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen. He highlights Yemen's strategic significance and the origins of the Saudi–UAE split due to diverging goals. The discussion reveals how the UAE's agile, networked approach contrasts with Saudi Arabia's hierarchical methods. Krieg also examines the implications of emerging alliances, such as the UAE-Israel axis, and reflects on possible regional realignments, revealing the shifting tides of power in the Gulf.
85 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 1h 10min
Can Muslims live up to Malcolm X's radical legacy? | Professor Butch Ware
In this enlightening discussion, Professor Bilal Butch Ware, a scholar and activist known for his insights on race and political strategy, reflects on the radical legacy of Malcolm X. He delves into Malcolm's evolving ideas on justice and political action, emphasizing the importance of moral clarity in activism. Ware critiques traditional party politics, urging Muslims to embrace independent movements for effective change. He also warns against the hidden dangers of white liberalism and explores the necessity of building multiracial solidarity in the fight against systemic oppression.
34 snips
Dec 27, 2025 • 1h 37min
Why is the British government arresting thousands of grandmothers? - Dr Asim Qureshi
Dr. Asim Qureshi, Research Director at CAGE International and a passionate human rights advocate, delves into the complexities of Palestine Action. He discusses the UK’s role in suppressing pro-Palestine activism through legal and police measures. Asim sheds light on the tactics employed by activists and the impact of direct action on companies like Elbit Systems. He also critiques the use of terrorism laws to silence voices and emphasizes the moral obligation of British Muslims amid ongoing global injustices.
