The Thinking Youth

Muhammad Ali (Sharghzadeh), commentator on Iran, society, Islam, and Sufism, offers on-the-ground perspective and historical context. He describes life in Tehran under strikes. He explores diaspora polarization and why some celebrate attacks. He traces regime-change politics, propaganda playbooks, and regional risks. He reflects on cultural resilience and moral complexity amid escalating conflict.

What is the connection between Sudan and Palestine?In this episode, Ahmad Ibsais joins us to unpack the deeper links between the war in Sudan and the crisis in Gaza. Ahmad is a first generation Palestinian American, a law student, and a poet who writes the newsletter State of Siege, where he analyzes politics, identity, and power in the modern Middle East.For years, many have treated Sudan and Palestine as separate conflicts. Different regions. Different wars. Different headlines. But the geopolitical realities suggest something more connected. From Israel’s national security doctrine to regional alliances, shifting public perception, and global power politics, the overlap is becoming harder to ignore.We discuss the Sudan civil war, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Middle East geopolitics, economic boycotts, student activism on university campuses, and the measurable impact of targeted campaigns against companies linked to the Israeli military. We also examine the decline of campus protest movements, the role of institutions like the Norwegian pension fund, and the broader question of Muslim political responsibility. From Uyghurs facing repression in China, to Syrians in exile, to Sudanese families displaced by war, to Kashmiris denied the right to return, many continue to make duaa for Palestine despite carrying their own suffering. That solidarity forces a difficult question.Are we doing enough for Sudan and Palestine?This episode explores Muslim identity beyond symbolism, the ethics of political engagement, global Muslim solidarity, international law, and whether awareness of injustice creates a moral obligation to act.If we can see the destruction in Gaza and Sudan, if we understand the regional strategy at play, and if we recognize the interconnected nature of these crises, then the next question is unavoidable.What will we do now?Subscribe to Ahmads Substack: https://substack.com/@ahmadibsaisFollow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Subscribe to Mosaab's Substack: https://notmosaad.substack.comSubscribe to Arhaam's Substack: https://substack.com/@mohammadarhaamm...Disclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we sit down with journalist Mohammed Saleh to examine one of the most debated geopolitical developments shaping the Muslim world today.How organic is the rise of Emirati influencers online?Is state sponsored influence new in the UAE?And how have connections formed between the UAE, Israel, and segments of the Western Far Right?This conversation explores strategy, influence, and power beyond headlines. From coordinated messaging to regional realignments, we analyse whether what we are witnessing is coincidence or coordination.We discuss the growth of Emirati influencer networks, state linked disinformation strategies, regional foreign policy shifts, and the broader implications for the Ummah.The episode also examines the contrast between Dubai’s global image and Abu Dhabi’s political positioning, the idea of the UAE as a strategic political actor, and the boundaries of expression within the state.Most importantly, we ask a forward looking question. What would it mean for the Muslim world if regional powers pursued legitimacy through reform rather than confrontation?This is a serious conversation about power, alliances, and long term consequences.Watch until the end as we explore whether a different political path could reshape regional dynamics.Follow us on: IG:  / thinkingyouthpod  TikTok:  / thinkingyouthpod  Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more:  / @thethinkingyouth  Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast:  / @thethinkingmuslim  Subscribe to Mosaab's Substack: https://notmosaad.substack.comSubscribe to Arhaam's Substack: https://substack.com/@mohammadarhaamm...Disclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can ordinary people really weaken Zionism?In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we move beyond protest chants and emotional outburst to ask a harder, more strategic question: what does it actually take to dismantle Zionism as a political project?From the global isolation of Israel and shifting public opinion, to supply chains, corporate pressure, and strategic organizing, this conversation examines how youth-led movements have begun to change the terrain. We explore why some targets are vulnerable and how exposing complicity has already forced real consequences for Zionism.This is not a discussion about symbolism. It’s about strategy, power, leverage, and long-term impact—and what it means to organise with discipline in a moment of global reckoning.If you’re asking:How can I do more than just protest?What can we do to put pressure on ending the occupation?And what responsibility does this generation carry?Then this episode is for you.Watch until the end and Follow us on: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingyouthpod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thinkingyouthpodSubscribe to our Youtube channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@thethinkingyouthSubscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheThinkingMuslimDisclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Musab Abdali, attorney and activist with Oak Cliff Empowerment Center working in underprivileged Texas communities. He discusses dawah in inner-city and prison settings. He explores how class, suburban masjid design, and capitalism shape who accesses Islam. He reflects on Malcolm X’s relevance and argues for cross-class unity and practical steps to make spaces more accessible.

Dr. Daanish Mahmood, a musician-trained doctor and public educator, dives into profound topics about learning and identity. He critiques the current education system that favors memorization over understanding and advocates for inquiry-based learning. Daanish also explores the complexities of embracing Muslim identity in public life and social media's negative influences. He addresses the pressure of feeling 'behind' and shares a practical 30-day improvement plan, emphasizing gratitude and perspective on success.

Dr. Daanish Mahmood, a medical doctor and public speaker, shares insights on productivity and mental health. He tackles procrastination, revealing it's often linked to fear, and suggests breaking tasks into tiny, manageable steps. Daanish emphasizes creating an inviting workspace and the importance of daily planning. He discusses the role of faith in discipline, especially through rituals like Fajr, and highlights how community ties support mental well-being. Transformative habits, addiction recovery, and the intersection of mental health and faith round out this practical discussion.

Does marriage stop Activism?In this episode, we explore one of the most debated questions in Muslim communities today. Does getting married slow down meaningful activism or can it actually strengthen it? Is this even the right way to frame the question?This conversation challenges the idea that Muslim women must choose between marriage and public work. We unpack the pressure to compromise values for platforms, the myth of having it all, and the reality of sacrifice that comes with doing serious meaningful things for the Ummah. We need to talk about Muslim women leadership in the Ummah.Topics discussed include- Whether marriage limits activism or reshapes it- How Muslim women maintain their values while engaging in public platforms- Why knowing who you are matters more than visibility - The difference between being used and choosing to walk away - How standing your ground creates new opportunities? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hadeeqa Malik, a committed Muslim student and activist, discusses her suspension from CUNY after confronting a Muslim NYPD officer at a pro-Palestine protest. She examines the labels of 'good' and 'bad' Muslims in political discourse and questions who defines Islamophobia. Hadeeqa reflects on the significance of Muslim names and the community's response to her viral moment. She debates the implications of Zohran Mamdani's election for Muslim representation and outlines demands for accountability from Muslim officials in politics.

What happens when someone who once absorbed Islamophobic narratives is forced to confront history honestly?In this episode of the Youth Show, Pablo opens up about his journey from accepting media-driven stereotypes about Islam to critically questioning them. Through a raw and thoughtful conversation, we unpack why Islamic history is often dismissed as “boring,” how it’s been taught without context or excitement, and why reclaiming history is not about nostalgia, but about extracting lessons that shape how we live today.From popular historical dramas like Ertugrul and Osman to the responsibility of Muslim historians to remain truthful, this episode challenges myths head-on. We explore overlooked realities such as Muslims, Christians, and Jews living side by side under Islamic rule, Jewish communities welcoming the Ottomans as liberators, and non-Muslims choosing Sharia courts due to fairness and justice.The conversation spans the Ottoman world, Aurangzeb Alamgir, Sicily as a centre of learning, and the forgotten fact that European students once travelled to Muslim lands to study in madrasas. It also confronts how nationalism and modern propaganda reshaped historical memory.This is not about “we were once great.” It’s about understanding what actually happened, why it mattered beyond the Ummah, and how truth challenges the narratives we’ve been taught.Make sure to subscribe to Pablo’s YouTube channel, PabloTalks, for more thoughtful conversations on history, faith, and really cool historical videos: https://www.youtube.com/@PabloTalks_/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.