MuslimMatters

Where does your dollar go? Mufti Abdullah Nana and Dr Shafi Lodhi talk about the concerning phenomenon of commission-based charity fundraisers in the Muslim community, which involve unethical and unIslamic practices that have been normalized by Muslim organizations.

Is Ramadan really a time to simply withdraw from the world? When we are fasting while witnessing genocides in across the Muslim world, are we really meant to turn to private worship and ignore what's happening? Zainab bint Younus speaks to Dr. Farah El-Sharif about what grappling with the concept of resistance in light of Islamic ethics, navigating scholarly advice to avoid politics, and the fears that many have about the consequences of engaging in resistance. This episode highlights the importance of Islam as more than just a private religious practice, and the revolutionary potential of Islamic theology in changing the world.

Dr. Saadia Mian covers the medical dos and don'ts of fasting, tips on staying healthy while fasting, and how fasting impacts insulin resistance, fertility, testosterone, weight gain, and more!

Ustadh Justin Parrott identifies the rarely-discussed spiritual disease of malice, and shares tips and tricks on letting go of the emotional and spiritual baggage of malice before Ramadan begins.

Anse Tamara Gray shares her story of accepting Islam and growing into a female scholar, establishing Rabata and launching the new Ribaat University, and the future of women's Islamic scholarship.

What does every new Imam need to know about being an imam? What do you do if you're in a small community with minimal resources? How do you manage joining a new community, learning the ropes, and not biting off more than you can chew? In this episode, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy shares his advice for new imams, community building, and reflections on his own imam experience.

Imam Dawud Walid, Executive Director of CAIR Michigan and author of "Towards Sacred Activism," dives into the complexities of Muslim political engagement. He discusses the pros and cons of aligning with right-wing versus left-wing groups, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach. Topics include defining justice through Islamic principles, the challenges of funding and activism, and the importance of local strategies. Imam Dawud also highlights the need for a moderate Muslim identity, urging leaders to reassess past political judgments for more effective community advocacy.

Celsabil Hadj-Cherif examines Muslims and Muslimness in politics, failed models of political (dis)engagement, and what it means to bring Islamic ethics into our political vision.

Amire Hoxha, author of "Amar's Fajr Reward," talks to Zainab bint Younus about writing as a minority within a Muslim minority, trends in Muslim bookselling, and what Muslim kidlit keeps missing out on.

Join Siraaj Muhammad, CEO of Muslim Matters and political analyst, along with Irtiza Hasan, a keen observer of U.S. electoral dynamics, as they dive into Zohran Mamdani's groundbreaking mayoral victory. They discuss how Mamdani's diverse appeal, grassroots funding, and authentic messaging resonate with younger Muslims while urging cautious optimism amidst political promises. The duo explores the importance of empathy in politics, coalition-building, and the need for ongoing community engagement as Mamdani navigates his new role.