In Good Faith

Alcohol consumption has been rapidly declining in Britain, but the full benefits of this trend are yet to be fully understood and unlocked. To discuss what's been happening and what the future could look like, I spoke to the highly experienced Dr Jennifer Eggert, Director of Policy and Research at Equi, about the think tank's new report entitled: "A Teetotal Britain? Learning from Faith Communities." Equi is a new, dynamic, faith-based think tank committed to producing ethically-driven research and policy recommendations on issues affecting the UK.Follow Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-philippa-eggert-6639a553/Read the full report: https://equi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/08-Equi-Report-Teetotal-Britain.pdfDiscover Equi: https://equi.org.uk(0:00) Trailer(1:31) Introducing Equi's work(8:31) Why discuss this topic?(17:10) Calculating cost & data issues(32:15) Why the fall in consumption?(35:22) Reimagining nightlife(51:50) Changing workplace trends(53:49) Better use of cultural spaces(57:51) How research impacts policy(1:07:10) Equi's future(1:11:15) Jennifer's journey(1:16:01) Career advice(1:22:43) Concluding remarks

In this insightful discussion, Ali Siddiqui, a practicing lawyer, dives into thought-provoking ideas with guest Iqbal Nasim. They challenge the notion of Muslim identity, arguing it's become divisive and obsolete. Iqbal emphasizes the need to rethink labels like 'Islam' and 'Muslim' to better reflect diverse realities. The conversation also explores the roots of extremism, urging a shift towards universal values and community engagement. They advocate for mosques to transform into inclusive centers and call on leaders to facilitate a much-needed re-evaluation of assumptions.

Jehangir Malik OBE, a seasoned humanitarian leader, discusses immigration and community action. He highlights the importance of evidence-based immigration policies while rejecting mass deportation proposals. Jehangir also addresses the rising anti-Muslim narrative and reflects on communal insularity, emphasizing the need for civic engagement. He showcases the Himmah project in Nottingham as a model for faith-inspired community service, encouraging individuals to contribute positively and bridge generational gaps within Muslim communities.

In this engaging discussion, Mohammed Nizami, founder of the New School for Abrahamic Restoration, explores the relevance of ancient covenantal laws for modern society. With a rich academic background from prestigious institutions, he argues that understanding our divine heritage can help us escape contemporary chaos. Topics include the roles of prophets, the significance of stewardship, and how Abraham initiated a legacy of covenantal order. Nizami also emphasizes the need for practical application of these laws to promote community flourishing in today's world.

Join Fahad Tasleem, a research fellow at The Sapience Institute and author of 'No Doubt', as he explores the urgent need for reconnecting with natural beauty in a tech-dominated age. He delves into how our environments shape perceptions, the therapeutic benefits of sound, and the contrasting experiences of beauty in Islamic tradition versus Western art. Fahad argues that engaging with natural beauty and nurturing empathy can safeguard our souls against the erosion of technology. His insights on objective beauty and its connection to the divine are both thought-provoking and uplifting.

Dr. Tubanur Yesilhark, Head of Operations at the International Foundation for Muslim Theology, discusses the meaning crisis amid abundant signs of meaning in our lives. She explores human consciousness as key to understanding creation, emphasizing the significance of intention in action. Dr. Yesilhark highlights the importance of teaching kids to recognize divine signs in nature. They talk about how everyday actions can become acts of devotion and the transformative power of prayer and meditation in connecting with God.

In the most open, heartfelt and vulnerable conversation of In Good Faith thus far, Salman Hasan shares his personal story of how he suffered from feelings of hypocrisy and unworthiness for years before finally finding a way to confront them in a hugely transformative manner. There's something here for anyone struggling with - but still seeking - a deep connection with the divine. Salman is Chief Legal Officer & Co-founder at Pfida, a fintech company with a mission to provide everyone with equal and fair opportunities to save, invest and ultimately own a home without interest and debt. He is a qualified solicitor and scholar with over 20 years of legal and Islamic finance experience. Follow Salman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badrulhasan/Check out the spiritual development network from which Salman has benefited: https://propheticpath.co.ukCheck out Pfida: https://www.pfida.com(0:00) Trailer(0:50) How me first met (2:10) The need to have a mentor(4:11) Background and realisation (9:59) Declaring the need for help (15:53) The divine-human connection(23:22) Beyond the transactional(33:54) Revelation as a mirror(41:04) Receiving direct insight (49:15) Dreams and synchronicity(53:37) Reflecting divine qualities (59:39) The possibility of self-deception(1:04:54) The qualities of a mentor(1:14:02) Taking a universal approach(1:29:51) Concluding reflections

Dr William Barylo is a sociologist and visual artist using pictures and film to explore social issues from a decolonial and restorative perspective. He looks at how grassroots initiatives in Europe and North America navigate societal challenges. We sat down to discuss his latest publication: British Muslims in the Neoliberal Empire: Resisting, Healing, and Flourishing in the Metacolonial Era.Dr William's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1KQMrAkTXCx0oGPWppZKVg Website: https://williambarylo.comGet hold of the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/British-Muslims-Neoliberal-Empire-Metacolonial-ebook/dp/B0F1NCFJVH/(0:00) Trailer(0:57) What is neoliberalism?(6:09) How to survive the system(13:27) Harms vs benefits(23:44) What is metacolonialism?(34:36) Breaking the cycle(42:28) The importance of faith(1:02:36) Reimagining ummah(1:15:01) Representation... so what?(1:17:39) Remaining hopeful and active(1:25:08) Conclusion

Dr. Ali-Reza Bhojani, an Assistant Professor in Islamic Ethics at the University of Birmingham, dives deep into the intersection of AI and ethics. He emphasizes the importance of integrating Islamic values into AI discourse, while warning against the erosion of truth by large language models. Bhojani argues for responsible technological engagement and highlights how automation can impact human flourishing. He also discusses the necessity of moral rationalism and advocates for cross-faith dialogue to enrich ethical responses, urging scholars to maintain community connections.

Hamza Tzortzis, a PhD researcher and public speaker on Islamic theology, delves into his thesis on scientific miracles related to the Quran. He challenges the alignment of scripture with modern science, arguing that scientific miracles risk oversimplification. Hamza emphasizes multiple valid interpretations of Quranic verses and advocates for a modest approach to concordism. He also highlights the Quran's structural depth as its true miracle, promoting a timeless message rather than transient scientific claims.