In Good Faith

In this engaging discussion, Mohammed Nizami, founder of the New School for Abrahamic Restoration, explores the relevance of ancient covenantal laws for modern society. With a rich academic background from prestigious institutions, he argues that understanding our divine heritage can help us escape contemporary chaos. Topics include the roles of prophets, the significance of stewardship, and how Abraham initiated a legacy of covenantal order. Nizami also emphasizes the need for practical application of these laws to promote community flourishing in today's world.

Join Fahad Tasleem, a research fellow at The Sapience Institute and author of 'No Doubt', as he explores the urgent need for reconnecting with natural beauty in a tech-dominated age. He delves into how our environments shape perceptions, the therapeutic benefits of sound, and the contrasting experiences of beauty in Islamic tradition versus Western art. Fahad argues that engaging with natural beauty and nurturing empathy can safeguard our souls against the erosion of technology. His insights on objective beauty and its connection to the divine are both thought-provoking and uplifting.

One of the biggest challenges to people's faith and their ability to make sense of God and life is the extent of harm and suffering they experience and observe. To help tackle this perennial problem, I spoke with Dr Tubanur Yesilhark, whose PhD was on this very topic. This segment was part of my full-length conversation with Dr Tubanur but excluded from the edit. To see the rest of the conversation, see here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MmFOxpX37doa5BxLjzpfW?si=QYbbR3uHQ_y7wIQPkAUAGA(0:00) Framing the problem(2:10) What is evil?(7:45) Important premises (11:40) Pain wakes us up(15:42) Abuse and forgiveness(20:11) Praying for wisdom

Why are we in a meaning crisis when we are constantly surrounded by sources of meaning? To help us understand this issue more deeply I spoke with Dr Tubanur Yesilhark, Head of Operations at the International Foundation for Muslim Theology (IFMT). The main goal of the IFMT is to bring God-talk back into the centre of day-to-day life. The most recent project of the IFMT on Divine Revelation and Communication was funded by the John Templeton Foundation.Dr Tubanur's completed her PhD at Durham University, UK. Her thesis - A Muslim Response to Evil: Said Nursi on the Theodicy" - was published by Routledge in 2018.Follow Dr Tubanur: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tubanur-yesilhark-ozkan/Check out IFMT: https://ifmt.co.uk(0:00) Trailer(0:44) The meaning crisis(3:24) A world without humans(6:43) Our unique purpose(13:20) The levels of meaning(19:44) Surrounded by signs(25:00) Advice to parents(29:47) Divine names: an example(34:59) How to sustain deep connection(45:32) How intention transforms action(59:18) From multiplicity to unity (1:10:01) Levels of paradise(1:12:50) About the IFMT(1:23:40) Future plans and conclusion

In the most open, heartfelt and vulnerable conversation of In Good Faith thus far, Salman Hasan shares his personal story of how he suffered from feelings of hypocrisy and unworthiness for years before finally finding a way to confront them in a hugely transformative manner. There's something here for anyone struggling with - but still seeking - a deep connection with the divine. Salman is Chief Legal Officer & Co-founder at Pfida, a fintech company with a mission to provide everyone with equal and fair opportunities to save, invest and ultimately own a home without interest and debt. He is a qualified solicitor and scholar with over 20 years of legal and Islamic finance experience. Follow Salman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badrulhasan/Check out the spiritual development network from which Salman has benefited: https://propheticpath.co.ukCheck out Pfida: https://www.pfida.com(0:00) Trailer(0:50) How me first met (2:10) The need to have a mentor(4:11) Background and realisation (9:59) Declaring the need for help (15:53) The divine-human connection(23:22) Beyond the transactional(33:54) Revelation as a mirror(41:04) Receiving direct insight (49:15) Dreams and synchronicity(53:37) Reflecting divine qualities (59:39) The possibility of self-deception(1:04:54) The qualities of a mentor(1:14:02) Taking a universal approach(1:29:51) Concluding reflections

Dr William Barylo is a sociologist and visual artist using pictures and film to explore social issues from a decolonial and restorative perspective. He looks at how grassroots initiatives in Europe and North America navigate societal challenges. We sat down to discuss his latest publication: British Muslims in the Neoliberal Empire: Resisting, Healing, and Flourishing in the Metacolonial Era.Dr William's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1KQMrAkTXCx0oGPWppZKVg Website: https://williambarylo.comGet hold of the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/British-Muslims-Neoliberal-Empire-Metacolonial-ebook/dp/B0F1NCFJVH/(0:00) Trailer(0:57) What is neoliberalism?(6:09) How to survive the system(13:27) Harms vs benefits(23:44) What is metacolonialism?(34:36) Breaking the cycle(42:28) The importance of faith(1:02:36) Reimagining ummah(1:15:01) Representation... so what?(1:17:39) Remaining hopeful and active(1:25:08) Conclusion

Dr. Ali-Reza Bhojani, an Assistant Professor in Islamic Ethics at the University of Birmingham, dives deep into the intersection of AI and ethics. He emphasizes the importance of integrating Islamic values into AI discourse, while warning against the erosion of truth by large language models. Bhojani argues for responsible technological engagement and highlights how automation can impact human flourishing. He also discusses the necessity of moral rationalism and advocates for cross-faith dialogue to enrich ethical responses, urging scholars to maintain community connections.

Hamza Tzortzis, a PhD researcher and public speaker on Islamic theology, delves into his thesis on scientific miracles related to the Quran. He challenges the alignment of scripture with modern science, arguing that scientific miracles risk oversimplification. Hamza emphasizes multiple valid interpretations of Quranic verses and advocates for a modest approach to concordism. He also highlights the Quran's structural depth as its true miracle, promoting a timeless message rather than transient scientific claims.

In this first episode of a two-part conversation with the prolific and well-renowned Hamza Tzortzis, I got to pick his brains about the Quran. How should people approach and understand it today? How can and should it be contextualised? How do we separate between the universal and the particular?Part 2 will focus entirely on his recently submitted PhD, entitled "A Theo-Philosophical Assessment of al-Iʿjāz al-ʿIlmī and the Multiplicity of Readings Approach."--Hamza is the founder and CEO of Sapience Institute. He is the author of the best-selling book: “The Divine Reality: God, Islam and The Mirage of Atheism”, which has been translated into over 10 languages. He has an MRes, MA and a PgCert in Philosophy from the University of London. He has studied Islamic Thought and Theology with a wide range of scholars.--Follow Sapience Institute: @SapienceInstitute Follow Hamza: @HamzaTzortzisOfficial Hamza's website: https://www.hamzatzortzis.com--(0:00) Trailer(1:12) About Hamza's PhD(2:41) How to introduce someone to the Quran(15:52) Should we read in order or at random?(26:41) The importance of living the Quran(32:31) How to frame guidance for people today(46:42) Paying attention to our worldview(54:28) How to contextualise the Quran(1:11:45) Case study: inheritance (1:21:11) Case study: zakat threshold (nisab)(1:35:56) Balancing realities and ideals

Taimur Abdaal, a creator and interviewer, delves into the quest for an authentic, God-centered life in this engaging discussion. He challenges listeners to reflect on their true desires beyond financial constraints. The conversation explores how most people would reassess their careers if money were no object and highlights the costs of compromising authenticity for salary. Abdaal also introduces the Ikigai framework, emphasizing aligning skills with divine will while balancing personal passions and societal needs.