ImanWire Podcast

Pursuing higher education in academia can be a rewarding experience, but it can be challenging for some Muslims.

In this wide-ranging conversation, acclaimed photographer, filmmaker and media consultant Mustafa Davis joins the podcast to discuss the arts, the marketing of Muslim organizations, his own cautionary tale in social media and the third space movement.

What exactly is Islamic finance and what are its goals? Umar Moghul, a corporate and finance lawyer and author of the book "A Socially Responsible Islamic Finance: Character and the Common Good" joins us to discuss

On the first night of Ramadan, we discuss its spiritual dimensions, give practical advice on how to refine ourselves in the month, and share some of our own Ramadan life hacks. We also feature a special message from Shaykh Mohsen Al'Najjar given on the eve of the blessed month.

Faced with the challenges of liberalism and a changing social milieu, Muslims fear the erosion of Islamic principles and traditions.

Anti-Muslim racism can take a toll, especially among youth and others in the community who may feel the most targeted. To feel like a victim constantly under attack, however, poses significant dangers to our spiritual well-being.

In this episode, Dawud Walid and Tariq Touré join host Mohammed Saleem to examine the scholar-activist relationship from different angles, including generational and social dynamics at play, the role of Islamic spirituality and creed, relevancy in scholarship, and navigating through the influence of liberalism in activist circles.

In part 1 of their conversation, Shaykha Tamara Gray of Rabata and Ustadha Zaynab Ansari of Tayseer Seminary discuss the future of female scholarship, facing misogyny in the community, and how to facilitate more open platforms for feminine voices in the teaching of sacred knowledge

In this episode, Dr. Rudolph Ware, professor at the University of Michigan and author of the book, "The Walking Qur'an", discusses a history of Islam and Africa that hasn't been taught in the history books — or our religious communities.

Zaki Hasan and Parvez Ahmed, the hosts of Diffused Congruence: The American Muslim Experience, have interviewed a wide range of Muslims, from scholars to artists, casting light on their life stories. Their work has become a recognized resource highlighting both the diversity of American Muslims' experiences and the common threads that bring them together. The two shared their own story on the ImanWire podcast, with selected excerpts provided below. The full extended conversation, covering a variety of topics, from which guest surprised them the most to how even Batman and Ben Affleck connect with the American Muslim experience, is available on the ImanWire podcast.

As Muslim leaders and activists engage both the government and their own organizations, a number of ethical questions arise. Does partnering with government entities lend itself to conflicts of interest and inauthenticity? Do programs like CVE impose a frame on the Muslim community that takes away its own agency and agenda? Are activist-driven circles and initiatives any less immune to these risks? Muslim leaders and activists from all sides of the spectrum are challenged to keep themselves anchored in Islamic principles while navigating the complex socio-political realities of our time. In this episode, Ahmed Shaikh, a community leader and lawyer, and Mohamed Ghilan discuss these and other issues and offer their suggestions on preserving our integrity as external actors and internal egos battle for influence in the Muslim community.

We might appreciate the benefits of physical fitness, but are there spiritual benefits to exercise as well? In this episode, we discuss not only how to find time and implement a successful exercise program but how exercise can teach us invaluable lessons critical to being spiritually healthy.Exploring the strong connections between physical and spiritual fitness, Moutasem Atiya, Mohammed Saleem & special guest Dr. Saleem Farooqui, a physician and competitive cyclist, reflect on how exercise can enhance our own spiritual path to God.