The Thinking Muslim

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/donateThere has been what can only be described as an intense disinformation campaign in recent days regarding Syria. If we were to believe it, there exists an unholy alliance of the American right, Assadists, Iranian propagandists, and Russian trolls who argue the new Syrian government is intent on eradicating minorities in the western coastal cities and towns of Syria. Much of this has been driven by naked propaganda to undermine the new liberated Syria. However, is there any truth in the claims that civilians have been caught up and perhaps even targeted in reprisals as forces attempt to deal with a pro-Assad insurgency? And how should we understand the demands of Israel, which has suddenly become the protectors of the Druze in the south? Are we poised to see sectarianism used as an excuse to destabilise the new Syria?To assist us in untangling fact from fiction, we have Hussam Ayloush on the show. He is the CEO of the California chapter Cair (Council on American Islamic Relations) and hails from Damascus, Syria. You can find Hussam Ayloush here:X: https://x.com/HussamAAlso, 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.

Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur, President of the World Kashmir Freedom Movement, passionately discusses the forgotten plight of Kashmir. He highlights the historical roots of the conflict stemming from colonial legacies and emphasizes the resilience of Kashmiris amidst ongoing oppression. Thakur draws parallels between Kashmir and other global struggles, urging solidarity from the Muslim community. He calls for awareness, action to support vulnerable orphans, and the importance of alternative Muslim media in reshaping narratives around this overlooked struggle.

In this intriguing conversation, Professor SherAli Tareen, a religious studies expert and author, unpacks the tumultuous political landscape of Pakistan. He discusses the implications of Imran Khan's imprisonment and the military's tightening grip on power. Tareen sheds light on the brain drain affecting the country and the plight of its youth. The episode delves into the delicate balance of power, the potential for societal change, and the role of alternative media in fostering political activism within the Muslim community.

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.