This Ramadan, support an alternative Muslim media platform rooted in faith, thought, and enlightened activism. Your donation is an investment in Sadaqah Jariyah, bringing you rewards that will last long after this life. Become a monthly member today and be part of The Thinking Muslim’s sacred mission. Become a member here:https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipOr give your one-off donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donateIt was the great Mughal emperor Jahanghir who said about Kashmir, Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast - If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here. For 76 years, this beautiful land and its wonderful people have been under Indian occupation. In 1947, upon partition, the original settlement between the principalities and the Indian government was to create an autonomous region, where the vastly Muslim population would govern themselves under Indian sovereignty. Over the successive decades and governments, this agreement has been eroded and today Kashmir is one of the most heavily militarised places in the world.Yet we do not talk enough about Kashmir and the plight of its Muslims. To set the record straight I am honoured to have on the show Dr Muzammil Thakkur who is the President of World Kashmir Freedom Movement. You can find Dr Thakkur here:X: https://x.com/M_A_ThakurAlso, for the past 16 months, we all know how difficult it has been for food and essential supplies to reach the beleaguered people of Gaza. This, Insha'Allah, is changing. We have partnered with a charity, Baitulmaal, because now, more than ever, there is a need not only in Gaza but also in Turkish controlled Northern Syria and in all the places we routinely talk about in this program where our ummah is subject to abject poverty. We have chosen this charity because Baitulmaal is a non-profit with people on the ground who organize well-thought-out projects and serve the most needy.To donate to their Critical Aid campaign, please visit the link on our screen now and in the description. To donate to Baitulmaal's Critical Aid campaign, please visit: http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim - Please do remember that charity never reduces our risk and gives Barakah to our wealth. Let me remind all viewers that to help us continue to engage critical thought at this time, Please consider becoming a Member: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipYou can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/DonateListen to the audio version of the podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636aApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.comPurchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merchFind us on:Squarespace Membership: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipTwitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslimFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslimBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.socialHost: https://twitter.com/jalalaynHost IG: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pakistan is an enchanting country, fertile and vast, with a talented young population and, at least on paper, all of the ingredients of a regional powerhouse. But the country is experiencing a tumultuous time. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan languishes in prison while the country’s military leaders use every greater coercion to maintain the status quo. Pakistan’s economy is faltering, and the brain drain of qualified professionals continues to leave the country, devastatingly affecting public services and businesses. To help us understand the sheer predicament many Pakistanis feel, we have Professor SherAli Tereen, who recently returned from the country, to share with us his experience and understanding of the underlying power dynamics of the country. SherAli K. Tareen is the author of the award-winning books “Defending Muhammad in Modernity” (2020) and “Perilous Intimacies: Debating Hindu-Muslim Friendship after Empire” (2023) – he is currently a professor of religious studies at Franklin and Marshall College.You can find Professor SherAli Tareen here:X: https://x.com/SheraliTareenThis Ramadan, support an alternative Muslim media platform rooted in faith, thought, and enlightened activism. Your donation is an investment in Sadaqah Jariyah, bringing you rewards that will last long after this life. Become a monthly member today and be part of The Thinking Muslim’s sacred mission. Become a member here:https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipOr give your one-off donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donateAlso, for the past 16 months, we all know how difficult it has been for food and essential supplies to reach the beleaguered people of Gaza. This, Insha'Allah, is changing. We have partnered with a charity, Baitulmaal, because now, more than ever, there is a need not only in Gaza but also in Turkish controlled Northern Syria and in all the places we routinely talk about in this program where our ummah is subject to abject poverty. We have chosen this charity because Baitulmaal is a non-profit with people on the ground who organize well-thought-out projects and serve the most needy.To donate to their Critical Aid campaign, please visit the link on our screen now and in the description. To donate to Baitulmaal's Critical Aid campaign, please visit: http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim - Please do remember that charity never reduces our risk and gives Barakah to our wealth. Let me remind all viewers that to help us continue to engage critical thought at this time, Please consider becoming a Member: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipYou can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/DonateListen to the audio version of the podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636aApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.comPurchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merchFind us on:Squarespace Membership: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipTwitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslimFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslimBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.socialHost: https://twitter.com/jalalaynHost IG: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sami Hamdi, an expert on the Seerah, dives into how the life of Prophet Muhammad can profoundly impact our modern lives. He emphasizes rethinking the Seerah to internalize its teachings, particularly during challenging times. With a focus on political influence, humility in belief, and the lessons of figures like Umar and Hamza, he connects historical struggles to contemporary activism. The conversation also highlights the importance of prayer and community support in facing today's injustices, urging listeners to engage courageously in social issues.

This Ramadan, support an alternative Muslim media platform rooted in faith, thought, and enlightened activism. Your donation is an investment in Sadaqah Jariyah, bringing you rewards that will last long after this life. Become a monthly member today and be part of The Thinking Muslim’s sacred mission.Become a member here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipOr give your one-off donation https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imam Tom Facchine, research director at Yaqeen Institute, dives into how Ramadan acts as a radical reset against capitalist values. He discusses the month’s spiritual essence, urging self-reflection, community focus, and justice while critiquing materialism. Facchine highlights zakat’s role in addressing socio-economic inequalities and emphasizes the balance between individualism and collectivism. The podcast explores how Islam promotes responsible wealth use and critiques capitalist philosophies, advocating for a return to community-oriented practices.

Khalid El-Awaisi, an Associate Professor of Islamic History at the Social Sciences University of Ankara and an expert in Islamic Jerusalem Studies, discusses the deep-rooted ties between faith and the sacred land of Palestine, especially during Ramadan. He emphasizes the need to elevate the importance of Al-Aqsa in Muslim identity and practice. Topics include integrating spiritual actions with activism, the inseparable link between Islam and politics, and a call for personal responsibility in supporting the liberation of Bayt al-Maqdis.

In this insightful discussion, Marcel Krass, spokesperson for the Federal Islamic Union and Quranic Arabic expert, addresses the alarming rise of the far-right AfD in Germany. He breaks down the party's anti-Islam rhetoric and its implications for Muslim communities. Krass shares how American political influences are impacting German politics and the unique challenges faced by Muslims, particularly regarding identity and political representation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of unity and engagement among Muslims in navigating these turbulent times.

Imam Tom Facchine, research director at the Yaqeen Institute, sheds light on pressing questions about faith and justice, especially in relation to Gaza. He delves into the intrinsic connection between Islam and human nature, exploring how it resonates with our moral instincts. The discussion also tackles the necessity of adversity for fostering heroism and understanding the divine. Facchine emphasizes the rational coherence of Islamic beliefs while addressing the dilemmas faced by converts in a Western context, focusing on the balance between public identity and private faith.

In this discussion, Abdullah Ndiaye, an Assistant Professor of Economics at NYU Stern, shares insights on Africa's economic landscape, emphasizing the continent's resource wealth and the impact of colonial legacies. He advocates for moving beyond aid dependency to fostering trade and investment, while addressing the challenges of brain drain. The conversation highlights the need for localized solutions, the potential of Africa's youth, and critiques the complexities of capitalism on the continent, calling for sustainable growth through community involvement and Islamic finance.

Dr. Khalid El-Awaisi, an Associate Professor of Islamic History and expert in Islamic Jerusalem Studies, shares deep insights on the liberation of Palestine. He speaks passionately about the importance of hope and resilience amidst occupation, stressing how historical context and faith can inspire community action. El-Awaisi emphasizes the urgent need for Muslims to unite and mobilize against injustices in Gaza and Al-Aqsa, highlighting the moral responsibility to support those in suffering and strive for justice.