In part 1 of this double episode, Dr. Denise Spellberg, author of "Thomas Jefferson's Qur'an: Islam and the Founders" discusses how conceptions of Muslims played a crucial role in the religious pluralism in the early republic, anxieties over a Muslim president, and the clash between principles and prejudice that continues today.In part 2, the ImanW…

"Those whom your right hands possess", a Qur'anic descriptor for female slaves, can evoke a number of charged emotions and thoughts that can be difficult to reconcile with our modern sensibilities today. What does slave-concubinage mean? How was it understood in the formative years of Islam? In the final part of our series on slavery, Ustadha Zayna…

In part 3 of our series on slavery, Imam Dawud Walid considers the aftereffects of slavery on our current condition, its historical role in contributing to anti-blackness in the community today, and how it affects our understanding of Qur'anic language and theological concepts such as 'ubudiyyah (being a slave to God).Imam Dawud Walid is the Execut…

Our series on slavery continues as Dr. Bilal Ware joins the podcast to explore the Islamic tradition and the abolition of slavery, debunk the myths of the "Arab-Islamic" slave trade and reflect on how these histories impact our lives today. Dr. Bilal Ware is a historian of Africa and Islam and is an Associate Professor in the Department of History …

Slavery might be considered a thing of the past, but the position of slavery in Islam continues to be an issue that many Muslims grapple with today. In this special four-part series of the ImanWire podcast, we approach this complex topic from several perspectives, beginning with a discussion with Dr. Jonathan Brown on the moral question of slavery,…

Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui discusses the importance of freeing oneself from attachments and dedicating the heart to worshiping Allah. This episode delves into the art of cleansing one's soul in pursuit of divine love.CHAPTERS:23:28 - Divine Connection: Ultimate Relationship25:20 - Divine Edicts: Understanding The Command29:40 - Spiritual Conditions: …

Shaykh Hatem El Haj and Imam Dawud Walid join the ImanWire podcast to offer words of encouragement and advice in staying true to Prophetic etiquettes for Muslims engaged in protests and activism for the Palestinian cause.Link to article discussed in the podcast: https://muslimmatters.org/2024/05/30/holding-onto-prophetic-etiquettes-when-protesting-…

Embark on a profound journey through Ibrahim's ultimate test, a tale of unwavering faith and the epitome of a father's sacrifice. This episode delves into the heart-wrenching story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son—a narrative that continues to inspire spiritual guidance and reverence towards Allah.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Invocation3:50 - Forbearing Son …

“Whoever imitates a people becomes one of them." This well-known hadith on tashabbuh (imitation), debated by scholars over centuries, continues to play a role in how Muslims see both themselves and others. Dr. Youshaa Patel, author of the book, “The Muslim Difference: Defining the Line between Believers and Unbelievers from Early Islam to the Prese…

Dr. Bara Zuhaili shares stories from his time in Gaza, highlighting the humanity, resilience, and heroism of its people.Al-Madina

Shaykh Hassan Lachheb joins Moutasem Atiya to discuss topics close to their hearts and delve into global events.Al-Madina

Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui talks about the internal struggles and choices faced by individuals. He emphasizes the importance of aligning one's drives and inclinations with the divine, attaining serenity and freedom from worldly attachments. He draws inspiration from the story of Prophet Ibrahim and highlights the significance of steadfastness and fai…

In this dialogue, Moutasem Atiya and Firas Zahabi discuss the situation in Palestine and Muslims worldwide and explore a range of topics in arriving to genuine faith in God. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro1:48 - Palestine Issue Discussion5:36 - Proof Importance Analysis11:56 - Psychology of Oppression Insights14:35 - Radicalization Process Explained19:15 - H…

Who is the Islamic Mary? Was she a Prophet? Dr. Younus Mirza reflects on what her Qur'anic story means for us today, and how it connects us to deeper spiritual realities in Ramadan.CHAPTERS:0:05 - Introduction3:04 - The Origin Story [Aal-Imran 3:35-37]7:52 - The Male Is Not Like the Female14:47 - Learning From Female Saints19:15 - The Name of Marya…

In continuation of the Purification of the soul series, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui discusses the importance of seeking knowledge and acting upon it, emphasizing the spiritual benefits of studying the Quran and coming together for religious gatherings.As we traverse the landscape of spiritual guidance, our guide expounds upon the tranquility that desc…

What is the Shama'il and how does it cultivate love for the Prophet? Shaykh Hassan Lachheb joins the podcast to discuss how the Shama'il is essential to building community and how we can learn from the fasting of the Prophet as we approach Ramadan.0:47 - Building a Prophetic Community5:38 - Balancing Service and Worship8:00 - "Don't Make Me Lose My…

In this series, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui teaches us the importance of spiritual development and shares the tools needed for continued growth. In the first episode, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui guides us through the profound Hadith and the virtues of companionship—Suhba. Learn how to cultivate reverence towards Allah and embrace the subtle, often overlo…

Join Ustadh Moutasem Atiya and Shaykh Yasir Fahmy, two close friends, in their weekly series, where they openly discuss topics close to their hearts and delve into global events. In this captivating episode, Ustadh Moutasem Atiya and Shaykh Yasir Fahmy navigate through a myriad of emotive and spiritually charged topics, offering insights that bridg…

There will always be challenges in our lives, but hardships are never meant to break us. Ustadha Muslema Purmul, co-founder and Religious Director of the Majlis, joins the ImanWire podcast to discuss the process of readying ourselves by refining our spiritual states and avoiding the "D's" of the devil and our lower self.…

What can we learn about ourselves from the daily flood of images of horror in Gaza? In this episode, we reflect on thankfulness and the heartwork that is required for us to positively impact the current global crisis.Al-Madina

How can one make sense of the carnage in Gaza? In this episode, the hosts reconvene to reflect on how to process these tragedies through the lens of the Surah al-Kahf.Al-Madina

Imanwire celebrates its 5th anniversary as all the original hosts get together for the first time to catch up, talk about turning 40 and discuss the process of physical and spiritual transformation.Al-Madina

Zaynab Ansari, Mohamed Ghilan and Dawud Walid convene to consider the role of Muslims in an increasingly fractured social media landscape, the ethics of disagreement, and refining adab (conduct and manners) in our interactions.Al-Madina

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses building a routine of remembrance of God in our busy lives, finding presence in prayer, and shares a daily regimen of dhikr for the family.Al-Madina

Imam Mohamed Magid joins the ImanWire podcast to share his insights in developing a connection with the Qur'an and cultivating communities centered on the reflection and study of the book of Allah.Al-Madina

It's no secret that many Muslim institutions, while founded with good intentions, have become bastions for ego and politics, and beset by dysfunction. Should our mosques be run like businesses to fix the current malaise? Shaykh Yasir Fahmy returns to the podcast to lay down the foundational principles needed to establish a model for ethical governa…

How we feel often dictates what we do. What then, when we don't "feel" the spiritual elation we expect or crave in acts of worship? Should we leave it if we don't feel it? Dr. Mohamed Ghilan returns to the podcast to discuss finding connection in a modern world that breeds disconnection and distraction.…

Dr. Yamina Bougenaya joins the podcast for a thoughtful discussion with insights into Islamic metaphysics, science and getting started on the spiritual path. Dr. Bouguenaya is a scholar of Qur'an and Islamic theology and the founder and director of Receiving Nur. She has published extensively on Qur'anic hermeneutics, Islamic spirituality, Islam an…

What role do aesthetics play in spiritual spaces? Ozayr Saloojee, Professor at Carleton University in the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, discusses the mastery of the Ottoman architect Sinan and what we can learn from history as Muslims attempt to cultivate their own modern style today.Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwi…

What's next for Muslims after the 2020 presidential elections? Impacted by the polarized political climate, divisions within the Muslim community itself deepen, with some moving further left and others further right. Where do Muslims fit in the liberal setting of a Biden presidency? Is there a viable place for conservative Muslims in the post-Trump…

Our conversations on Shariah continue as Shaykh Hassan Lachheb discusses the challenges for Muslims today in articulating the Shariah beyond a stale regurgitation of the classical tradition. How can the tradition be critiqued to take it to the next level consistent with the ideals of the Qur'an and Sunnah and coherent for the modern age? Please sub…

Dr. Zainab Alwani returns to the podcast to discuss the overarching values of the Shariah, focusing on the universality, mercy and maqasid (objectives) of the Sacred law.Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadin…

Dawud Walid, author of the book, "Towards Sacred Activism" discusses engaging in social activism with an Islamic framework and methodology as well as pertinent issues related to the Black Lives Matter movement.Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @…

Joe Bradford joins the podcast to discuss the spiritual impetus behind personal financial planning. How do concepts like ihsaan direct us to decide whether to spend, save, give, or invest? Are there standards to define extravagance and wastefulness in wealth, or is it all relative? We examine how the mismanagement of our personal finances directly …

Mustafa Davis and Moutasem Atiya have a raw, powerful conversation on race in the wake of the ongoing assault on Black lives in America, and we revisit insights from previous guests on anti-blackness, Black history, social justice and anti-racism work.Referenced Episodes: Ep. 5: What Is Muslim Cool? Thoughts on Race Relations - Dr. Su’ad Abdul Khab…

Widespread lockdowns and social distancing due to COVID-19 present a host of new challenges. Anxiety or depression brought on by home isolation, increased strain on spousal and family relationships, concerns over the psychosocial impact on children and angst over the spectre of an uncertain future weigh heavily on our overall well-being. Najwa Awad…

Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui discusses the global reaction to the COVID-19 virus and how faith based communities should respond to this unprecedented tribulation.Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.o…

What is the state of your soul? Shaykh Yahya Rhodus joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on the different stages of the soul, spiritual growth, and the role of submission, an unpopular notion today, in achieving true freedom. Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any…

Hasib Noor, founder of Prophetic Legacy, discusses the importance of preserving and visiting the historical landmarks from the life of the Prophet ﷺ to make the Seerah a living reality to guide our lives. We also discuss the impact of losing our connection to our history and the crisis of spirituality and manhood among Muslim men.Please subscribe t…

In the sequel to the previous episode, "Why Learn?", Dr. Recep Senturk, President of Ibn Khaldun University in Istanbul, returns to the ImanWire podcast to discuss what we should learn, from the knowledge of God, to knowledge of the self, to the knowledge to help others. Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest arti…

What is the reality of Tawba? Michael Sugich, author of "Hearts Turn: Sinners, Seekers, Saints and the Road to Redemption", joins the podcast to discuss the process of spiritual purification through continuous turning to God, highlighting examples of those who have walked the path of Tawba toward a higher reality. Please subscribe to the podcast an…

Worlds collide on this special 50th episode of the podcast, as the US and Istanbul teams come together to discuss studying abroad, cultural identity, and the role of community in developing spiritually.Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwire…

Professor Suleyman Derin joins the podcast to discuss the great spiritual master, Aziz Mahmud Hudayi, and the importance of spirituality in Ottoman culture. Suleyman Derin graduated from Marmara University, Faculty of Theology in 1991, and completed his Ph.D. in 1999 at Leeds University in the UK. The title of his thesis was “Towards Some Paradigms…

Who is the hero and who is the villain? Giovanni Herran joins the podcast to talk about the film "Joker" in a conversation on alienation, socio-economic dehumanization, mental illness, as well as other perspectives on the film when viewed through a Muslim lens. Giovanni Herran has been an educator for nearly two decades and currently teaches Ethics…

How can we understand what's on the minds of our teenagers? Moutasem Atiya is joined by a group of teens to listen to their thoughts on talking (or not talking) to parents, finding faith and the challenges living as a Muslim.Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions o…

In recent years, both the general public and many students of knowledge have been disappointed by the personal mistakes or political positions of some scholars. What do we do when the ones who bring so much clarity to understanding the religion confound us in other ways? Shaykh Hassan Lachheb and Dr. Mohamed Ghilan join the podcast to discuss the p…

In this blessed month of Dhul Hijjah, we share this replay of this podcast with Dr. Younus Mirza as we share Hajj stories, how to seek the blessings of Dhul Hijjah and Eid-ul-Adha, and discuss the differences between Biblical and Qur'anic narratives about the Prophets. Was the son of sacrifice Ishaq or Ismail? Does it matter? We reflect on the stor…

Coming across a statement from the pre-modern scholarly tradition that would be considered misogynistic or racist today can be a jarring, troubling experience. How should we engage such texts and how are we to consider such statements in our overall understanding of Islam today? Ustadha Zaynab Ansari returns to the podcast to discuss the approach w…

Shaykh Yasir Fahmy returns to the podcast to discuss "keeping it real", the call-out culture, the debates between the right and left, and finding balance in addressing the divisive issues of the day.Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired o…

Where did the Quran come from? The name Al-Mushaf, literally the “gathering of pages”, now synonymous with the Qur'anic text, and named such by the first community following the death of the Prophet(peace and blessings upon him and his family) gives us an indication of its origins. Dr. Jonathan Brown returns to the podcast for a discussion on the r…