

Talking With Teachers With Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali
Lamppost Education Initiative
The ‘Talking With Teachers’ Podcast will provide revealing insights into the unique contributions of famous and less-known scholars and teachers. Hosted by Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, an Associate Professor at Zaytuna College and the Founding Director of the Lamppost Education Initiative (Lamppost).
Each episode will discuss key features of the academic journey of our guests as well as explore a particular thinker’s key intellectual/cultural contributions. Guests will primarily be Muslim scholars, Imams, and others of note from the community.
Each episode will discuss key features of the academic journey of our guests as well as explore a particular thinker’s key intellectual/cultural contributions. Guests will primarily be Muslim scholars, Imams, and others of note from the community.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 1min
Talking With Teachers Season 4 Episode 3-Dr. Benjamin Benulis
Are you ready to transform your health and reduce your reliance on expensive, and sometimes dangerous, medications? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Benjamin Benulis—a pioneer in holistic health and natural healing with decades of experience helping individuals unlock their body’s innate ability to heal.Drawing from his extensive background in preventive medicine, Dr. Benulis shares practical, evidence-based strategies for embracing natural alternatives and lifestyle changes that can dramatically improve your well-being. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or simply seeking a healthier way of living, this conversation is packed with insights that could change your life.👉 Subscribe and hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode of the 'Talking With Teachers' Podcast. #NaturalHealth #HolisticHealing #AlternativeMedicine #HealthTransformation #DrBenjaminBenulis
Please support the Lamppost Education Inititiave. Your donations help Lamppost provide high quality content for English speaking Muslims all over the world. Visit us at: https://lamppostedu.org/donate to contribute and aid Islamic education from qualified Muslim scholars.
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Jan 27, 2025 • 57min
Talking With Teachers: Season 4-Episode 2 Shaykh Hatem Al-Haj
We’re honored to host Shaykh Hatem Al-Haj, a respected Islamic scholar known for applying classical fiqh to today’s pressing questions. He’ll shed light on i’jma (consensus), discuss the importance of fatwa in guiding Muslim communities, and address the sensitive topic of gender reassignment (men or women sex-change) within Islamic law. Join us for an eye-opening discussion—like, share, and invite others to learn with us!

Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 40min
Talking With Teachers: Season 4 Episode 1-Shaykh Umar Vadillo
Get ready for an eye-opening conversation with Shaykh Umar Vadillo in our upcoming podcast! Known for his expertise in Islamic economics and finance, Shaykh Umar Vadillo will share insights on Bitcoin and explore its place in the modern financial landscape. Don’t miss his unique perspective on ethical transactions, the role of precious metals in commerce, and the broader implications for Muslim communities worldwide.
Subscribe now and set your reminders—you won’t want to miss this valuable discussion!

Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 5min
Talking With Teachers: Season 3 Episode 12-Dr. Zara Khan
Join us for the grand finale of Talking With Teachers Season 3, hosted by Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali! In this episode, we are honored to feature Dr. Zara Khan, a distinguished scholar specializing in Western episteme, political philosophy, human rights, and the intersections of religion and public life.
Dr. Zara Khan was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a Ph.D. with Distinction in Political Theory and Comparative Politics from the City University of New York Graduate Center. Her groundbreaking doctoral dissertation, Refractions Through the Secular: Islam, Human Rights, Universality, reflects her profound engagement with critical theory and political philosophy.
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Khan has taught at Lehigh University, the City University of New York, and West Chester University, offering courses such as Introduction to Political Theory, Politics of Development, and Politics of Diversity. Her work focuses on deconstructing Modernity and secularism while striving to contribute to the Islamicization of knowledge across education, politics, culture, and economics.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Khan shares her insights on the challenges of a process she calls 'Islamization' and so much more. Don't miss this deep dive into critical issues shaping our world today.
Please support the Lamppost Education Inititiave. Your donations help Lamppost provide high quality content for English speaking Muslims all over the world. Visit us at: https://lamppostedu.org/donate to contribute and aid Islamic education from qualified Muslim scholars.
Connect with us on Social Media:
http://www.facebook.com/LEIscholars
http://www.twitter.com/thelight99
http://www.instagram.com/lamppost_edu

Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 9min
Talking With Teachers: Season 3 Episode 11-Imam Dawood Yasin
A Conversation with Imam Dawood Yasin
Welcome to another enriching episode of the Talking With Teachers podcast! 🎙️
This week, host Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali is joined by Imam Dawood Yasin, a seasoned educator and leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to ethical living and service.
📌 Highlights of Imam Dawood’s career:
Director of Student Life and Center for Ethical Living and Learning at Zaytuna College
Muslim Life and Service-Learning Coordinator at Dartmouth College
Director of Outreach Affairs at Zayed Center for Islamic Culture in the UAE
Arabic Language Teaching Assistant at Yale University
Currently a board member of the Lamppost Education Initiative, Imam Dawood also studied Islamic studies at Abu Nour Institute in Damascus.
✨ Don’t miss this inspiring discussion!
📅 New episodes release weekly.
🔗 Follow us on our website for updates:https://lamppostedu.org/talking-with-teachers
#TalkingWithTeachers #ImamDawoodYasin #Podcast #IslamicEducation #EthicalLeadership

Nov 18, 2024 • 1h 29min
Talking With Teachers Season 3 Episode 10: Dr. Youssef Ismail
Welcome to the 10th episode of Season 3 of the Talking With Teachers podcast! 🌙
In this special episode, host Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali is joined by Dr. Youssef Ismail, a scholar of mechanical engineering and expert in Astronomy, Mathematics, Physics, the History of Science, and Maliki Fiqh. Dr. Ismail, a contributor to Crescentwatch.org, offers valuable insights into fascinating topics that connect science, spirituality, and Islamic tradition.
📌 Topics discussed:🔹 How to determine Fajr in relation to eating suhoor during Ramadan🔹 The debate on the Northeast vs. Southeast Qibla direction🔹 The traditions and science behind moon sighting
This episode dives deep into the practical and theological aspects of these discussions, blending modern science with classical Islamic jurisprudence.
✨ Don’t miss this engaging conversation that bridges the gap between faith and reason!
📅 New episodes of Talking With Teachers release every week. Please subscribe to our Spotify channel or anywhere you enjoy your podcasts.
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#TalkingWithTeachers #DrYoussefIsmail #CrescentWatch #IslamicAstronomy #MoonSighting #RamadanTips #Podcast

Nov 11, 2024 • 1h 9min
Talking With Teachers Season 3 Episode 9: Brett Pike
Welcome to another episode of Talking With Teachers! In this insightful conversation, we’re joined by Brett Pike, founder of the Classical Learner Homeschooling Program. Brett shares his journey in developing a unique, classical approach to homeschooling, rooted in values-driven education and designed to inspire children’s natural curiosity and love of learning.
Throughout the episode, Brett discusses the transformative potential of homeschooling, the challenges parents and educators face today, and actionable strategies for fostering independent thinkers. Whether you're considering homeschooling, already on the journey, or simply interested in alternative education methods, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone passionate about education.
Tune in to learn how you can empower the next generation with knowledge, resilience, and critical thinking skills! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss any of our upcoming episodes!

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 5min
Talking With Teachers Season 3 Episode 8: Imam Faheem Shuaibe
We are excited to share the latest episode of Talking With Teachers, where Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali hosts a thought-provoking conversation with Imam Faheem Shuaibe. In each episode, we explore the journeys, influences, and insights of notable Muslim scholars, teachers, and leaders.
This episode features Imam Faheem Shuaibe, Resident Imam at Waritheen Mosque (Masjidul Waritheen) in Oakland, California. From his roots as a minister in the Nation of Islam to his transformation as a lifelong student of Imam W. D. Mohammed (ra), Imam Faheem shares his unique journey and perspectives on American Muslim identity and community building. He is also the founder of the Muslim American Research Institute Advocating Marriage (M.A.R.I.A.M.) and the Sacred Life Project.
Imam Faheem’s work extends beyond the mosque. As a consultant to esteemed organizations, including the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco, UC Berkeley, and Yale Law School, he brings a wealth of experience and vision to a variety of fields.
Please be sure to visit our website at lamppostedu.org for more Islamic educational content

Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 5min
Talking With Teachers: Season 3 Episode 7-Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda
Join us for this fascinating discussion with Shaykh AbdulNasir Jangda is the Founder and President of Qalam. He is a faculty member at the Qalam Seminary where he teaches Sahih Bukhari, advanced Tafsir, Usul, Fiqh, Aqidah, and Balaghah. He has completed an extensive study of the life of the Prophet ﷺ in the Seerah Podcast. He annually teaches the Qur’an Intensive and Seerah Intensive, and leads groups on the Seerah Umrah tour.
Born and raised in Dallas, he currently resides there with his wife and three children. He memorized the Qur’an in Karachi at an early age. After high school, he returned to Karachi to study the Islamic sciences full-time at Jamia Binoria. He graduated from the rigorous ‘alim program in 2001 at the top of his class. He then completed specializations in Fiqh and Tafsir. He also attained a B.A. and M.A. in Arabic from Karachi University while completing a Masters in Islamic Studies from the University of Sindh. After returning home, he taught at the local university and Islamic schools, and served as an Imam in the Dallas area.
Find out more about the Lamppost Education Initiative. Please visit our website at https://lamppostedu.org

Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 21min
Talking With Teachers: Season 3 Episode 6-Dr. Nazeer Ahmed
This week we are honored to feature Dr. Nazeer Ahmed on our podcast. Dr. Ahmed is an Indian-American scholar, inventor, historian, and legislator. He is the director of the American Institute of Islamic History and Culture in California. Also, he serves on the board of the World Organization for Resource Development and Education in Washington, DC. He is a Member of the State Knowledge Commission in India. Dr. Ahmed holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University, AeE and MS degrees from the California Institute of Technology, an MBA from Rider University, and BE from the University of Mysore. A space scientist by training, he was one of the Chief Scientists on the NASA Hubble Space Telescope and was a Team Leader on the Lunar Land Rover, Apollo, Saturn, and Space Surveillance projects. Dr. Ahmed is an Islamic Sufi spiritual scholar of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order and a disciple of the Most Hon. Shaikh Nazim al Haqqani of Cypress. He has worked with global interfaith organizations such as the Elijah Institute in Jerusalem and has participated in seminars with the Dalai Lama. He is well-versed in several languages and has lectured widely in Asia, Europe, and Africa on Islamic spirituality, culture, and history. His crowning achievement is a translation of the Qur’an into easy-to-read modern American English. The translation was worked on for ten years and was published in 2011Please support the Lamppost Education Inititiave. Your donations help Lamppost provide high quality content for English speaking Muslims all over the world. Visit us at: https://lamppostedu.org/donate to contribute and aid Islamic education from qualified Muslim scholars. Dont miss any episodes of the Talking With Teachers Podcast. Subscribe to our channel and also, please Like, Share, and Comment on our content!
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