The Thinking Youth

Are Muslims losing agency over their own identity? Who defines what is anti-Islam? Today we are seeing the system label and choose who it considers a "good Muslim" and who it considers a "bad Muslim" in a way that strips agency from Muslims. We are very good at identifying confrontational Islamphobia, but are we identifying the silent secularization of Islamophobia?This discourse happens as New York City elects its first Muslim mayor. Zohran Mamdani — an excellent political communicator, state elected official, and known for his pro Palestine rhetoric — is set to take office in the coming days. What does the Good Muslim/Bad Muslim mean in terms of representation of Muslims in politics?With us, we have former Zohran intern Hadeeqa Malik, a Muslim student who was suspended for alleged Islamophobia. Her offense was calling on Muslim NYPD officers to respect their names and stand for Palestine. We explore what the Zohran win means for NYC and Muslims at large.You can support Hadeeqa's fight for justice here: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/hadeeqa/Follow us on: IG: / https://www.instagram.com/thinkingyouthpod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / https://www.youtube.com/@thethinkingyouthSubscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: /https://www.youtube.com/@TheThinkingMuslimDisclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when someone who once absorbed Islamophobic narratives is forced to confront history honestly?In this episode of the Youth Show, Pablo opens up about his journey from accepting media-driven stereotypes about Islam to critically questioning them. Through a raw and thoughtful conversation, we unpack why Islamic history is often dismissed as “boring,” how it’s been taught without context or excitement, and why reclaiming history is not about nostalgia, but about extracting lessons that shape how we live today.From popular historical dramas like Ertugrul and Osman to the responsibility of Muslim historians to remain truthful, this episode challenges myths head-on. We explore overlooked realities such as Muslims, Christians, and Jews living side by side under Islamic rule, Jewish communities welcoming the Ottomans as liberators, and non-Muslims choosing Sharia courts due to fairness and justice.The conversation spans the Ottoman world, Aurangzeb Alamgir, Sicily as a centre of learning, and the forgotten fact that European students once travelled to Muslim lands to study in madrasas. It also confronts how nationalism and modern propaganda reshaped historical memory.This is not about “we were once great.” It’s about understanding what actually happened, why it mattered beyond the Ummah, and how truth challenges the narratives we’ve been taught.Make sure to subscribe to Pablo’s YouTube channel, PabloTalks, for more thoughtful conversations on history, faith, and really cool historical videos: https://www.youtube.com/@PabloTalks_/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a gripping discussion, Usama Ghanem, a 22-year-old activist and student at King's College London, shares his harrowing journey as he faces deportation for protesting the university's ties to companies implicated in Gaza violence. He recounts the violent backlash during his peaceful protest, his exclusion from the university, and the emotional toll it has taken on him and his family. Usama emphasizes the importance of resilience, faith, and standing firm against injustice, urging others to engage politically and support his cause.

Musa'ib, an American Muslim commentator and activist from New York City, brings his insights to a lively discussion on the contrasts between UK and US Muslim communities. Expect humor and sharp critiques as they discuss topics like sectarianism, mosque dynamics, and community identity. Musa'ib emphasizes the strength of US community support for activism while highlighting the UK’s academic focus in mosques. The conversation transforms stereotypes into a call for unity, encouraging collaboration among Muslims globally, while dissecting the sometimes exaggerated man-vs-woman narratives in online spaces.

Watch this when you’re sad, when you’re hurt, when you’re worried, when your heart feels heavy.Learn how to start the journey of being strong when you’re heartbroken, how to find peace again, and how to build true resilience through faith. In this powerful and emotional episode, Imam AbdulRahman Khattab shares how to reconnect with Allah when life feels unbearable, how to trust His plan when everything falls apart, and how to find strength when you feel like giving up. He takes us through the stories of believers who never gave up, from the youth who changed empires in Makkah to the barefoot man in Gaza who stands before a tank with nothing but faith. We talked about Musa (AS) and what it means to be chosen through trials, about the bravery it takes to stand firm in the darkest moments, and about the quiet power of Sumud, unshakable steadfastness.This is not just a conversation; it’s a journey through pain, patience, and the power of believing that the One standing with you is the Unbreakable. Have you ever felt like your duas aren’t being answered? Have you ever felt fake, or felt like a hypocrite?If you’ve ever felt lost, anxious, heartbroken, or far from Allah, this is the reminder you’ve been searching for. While these issues are complex, complicated, and more than just about slogans and immediate solutions, we hope this eases the hearts of those that watch. And a message to everyone who wants to take that leap of resilience. Every young Muslim should watch this.Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Help us expand our Muslim media project here: / https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipDisclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imam Tom Facchine, an Islamic scholar and imam, dives into the intricate relationship between Islam and politics. He challenges the notion that secularism is neutral, arguing it shapes religious identity and often enforces a harmful narrative about faith. The discussion reveals how colonialism impacted Islamic institutions and how current pressures affect young Muslims' identities. Facchine emphasizes that Islam encompasses governance and justice, advocating for a holistic understanding of faith in public life.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we sit down with Danial Farrukh - former national director of Young Muslims, an author and community organiser. In this episode we unpack what it truly means to be a leader in today’s world. We explore the courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone, stand on the right side of history, and embody the principles you preach. Danial reflects on the essence of sacrifice - reminding us that Allah does not need our sacrifices, but that through them, we shape our own character, conviction, and legacy.Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Palestinian MMA fighter and activist Al-Baraa “Abu Ayoub” Atmeh joins us to talk about Islamic masculinity, the men of Gaza, and how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ redefined what it means to be a man. In a world obsessed with Andrew Tate and “alpha-male” culture, Al-Baraa reminds us that real rajoolah true manhood in Islam s built on mercy, discipline, and care for the Ummah. As a fighter, husband, businessman, and new father, he connects faith, fight, and family to show that masculinity isn’t dominance; it’s responsibility. We filmed this video in the beautiful mountain city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada In this episode you’ll learn: • How the men of Gaza embody strength through compassion • Why Prophetic masculinity is the antidote to “toxic masculinity” • Lessons from Khaled Nabhan and Saleh Al-Jafrawi • What being a man means in the eyes of the Ambiya and Sahabah • How caring for the Ummah defines true male leadership • How REAL men are supposed to act and be with their Mothers, Wives, Sisters, and Women around the WorldWe talk about it’s about faith, sacrifice, and service. Listen now to hear how the Men of Gaza and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ teach the world what being a real man truly means.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on Islam, leadership, activism and identityFollow us: [@ThinkingYouthPodcast] | [@ThinkingMuslim] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sat down with Dr. Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur — one of the world’s leading Kashmiri activists, historians, and freedom advocates.The son of Dr. Ayub Thakur, one of the only people ever exiled by the Indian government, Dr. Muzzammil continues his father’s legacy — even after surviving a crazy assassination attempt on his life.In this explosive conversation, we spoke about:- How Kashmir exposed India and Israel’s weird relationship — and what it reveals about modern-day occupation- The Pulwama attack (2019), the recent Pahalgam attack, and how they reshaped India–Pakistan tensions and what that REALLY means for the Kashmiri people- Pakistan’s role in the Kashmiri freedom struggle and its global political ripple effects- The use of pellet guns, torture, and mass detentions under Indian rule- Gaza and Palestine — and why their struggle mirrors Kashmir’s- The Modi–Netanyahu alliance and how both states share a playbook of repression, propaganda, and control- And the ultimate question: what does liberation truly mean for Kashmir, for Palestine, and for the global Muslim Ummah?This isn’t just politics, it’s resistance, legacy, and survival.From Srinagar to Gaza, the struggle is one: faith, freedom, and the fight for dignity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we sit down with Ibtihal Abousaad. A key Organiser behind the campaign against Microsofts complicity. Microsoft recently announced that it will no longer supply cloud services to Israel’s cyberwarfare unit, the infamous Unit 8200. This significant move is the first time Microsoft has suspended services from Israel, due to mounting pressure over their complicity in Israel’s atrocities in Gaza.Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.