In Good Faith

Ramadan Tent Project (RTP) has long been one of my favourite social impact organisations. So it was a pleasure to catch up with its Founder and Chief Executive, Omar Salha, for the latest episode of In Good Faith. In our conversation, Omar not only gave a useful theoretical introduction to the concepts of cultural diplomacy, soft power and social capital, but illustrated his points with stories from his own experience as well as from the past. In addition to the themes of belonging and integration, Omar also provided insight into the evolution of RTP thus far as well as its likely trajectory going forward. Omar is one of a rare breed of leaders who have had the ability to build institutions alongside achieving academic prowess. Amongst other accomplishments, Omar was awarded the PhD Nohoudh Scholarship at SOAS University of London for the study of the integration of Muslims in British society.Follow Omar here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarsalha/Check out Ramadan Tent Project here: https://www.ramadantentproject.com(0:00) Trailer(1:02) What is cultural diplomacy?(9:50) Soft power and social capital(24:17) Belonging and integration (36:38) Muslim interest vs public interest(41:24) Stories of service and soft power (50:19) About Ramadan Tent Project(1:04:53) How to scale RTP(1:19:11) The challenge of fundraising (1:28:40) Powerful leadership lessons

I sat down with Zara Mohammed to discuss her unique experience as a high profile community leader. Zara talks about the practicalities of government and media engagement and shares personal leadership lessons. She also reflects on what our community needs to do better in order to improve political and civil society participation. Finally we talk about her possible plans for the future. From 2021-25, Zara was the first woman, the youngest person, and the first Scot to serve as Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the UK’s largest and most diverse Muslim umbrella body. She was also President of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) from 2016-17. Zara currently leads a consultancy focused on developing leadership excellence, strengthening governance, and advancing workplace inclusion.Follow Zara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaramohammed1/Check out her current work: https://zara-mohammed.comLearn more about the MCB: https://mcb.org.uk(0:00) Trailer(0:59) The burdens of leadership(4:22) Zara's 2018 run-in with Iqbal (!)(14:18) Becoming Secretary General of MCB(19:52) How to handle media engagement (24:44) Why won't the government engage with MCB?(35:59) Avoiding insularity and building alliances(42:02) Why should anyone donate to MCB?(48:32) Zara's advice to her successor (50:56) FOSIS and the future of umbrella organisations(58:04) Female leaders and young leaders(1:09:32) Zara's sources of support (1:16:10) Deciding on Zara's future(1:24:57) Muslim community or communities?(1:28:21) Further democratising MCB membership(1:33:20) Closing thoughts My speech at the 2018 MCB conference which is referenced at the beginning and end of our discussion is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_EWfn9fIkQ

I sat down with Arfah Farooq - co-founder of Muslim Tech Fest (MTF) - a few days after the successful conference which took place in London on 21st June. We reflected on the past, present and future of MTF. We also discussed the latest developments in AI, handling ADHD, as well as parenting opportunities and challenges in relation to tech. Overall, loads of great insights from Arfah in this 10th episode of In Good Faith. Enjoy! Follow Arfah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arfahfarooq/Follow MTF: https://www.linkedin.com/company/muslimtechfest/(0:00) The recent MTF and the origin story(6:16) What problem does MTF solve?(7:46) Muslim tech evolution since 2015(10:46) What does sensible AI usage look like?(16:41) What's the latest with AI agents?(21:44) Effective prompt engineering(25:30) Arfah's ADHD diagnosis(34:21) Unlocking children's creativity(37:53) Nature time vs screen time(39:56) Is school fit for purpose?(46:06) Arfah's personal faith journey(52:12) The faith component of MTF(55:26) The future of MTF(1:03:10) Concluding remarks

~ Apply discount code IQBAL20 for 20% off all artwork on https://muslimplicity.com ~My conversation with Dr Bilal Hassam was pretty wild, very insightful and lots of fun. We talked about what it means and what it takes to build a faith-based civilisation in the build up to the 22nd century, covering a vast array of topics in the process. This episode is packed with stories and gems of wisdom - not least from Bilal's unique experience of reenacting the 200 mile prophetic migration (hijrah) from Mecca to Medina in 2024. Bilal is Founder of The Muslim Agency and Creative Director at Muslimplicity. He offers bespoke consultation for leaders working in and alongside the Muslim community. Bilal left medicine years ago to turn his attention to a range of roles as business development consultant, senior executive, as well as creative and communications lead across the media industry, charity sector and faith/multi-faith spaces. He is also a freelance writer, having contributed to the Guardian, Independent, Metro, Al Jazeera and more.Check out: https://www.themuslimagency.comFollow Bilal:https://www.instagram.com/bilalhassam/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bilalhassam/(0:00) Teaser(1:17) Introduction(2:58) Building faith-based civilisation(12:19) Faith, culture… and dance!(16:45) History, ethics and aesthetics (20:12) Rules, limits and judgementalism(28:28) Objective truth and spiritual ascent(40:36) Psychedelics, physics and the unseen(44:50) The singularity, God’s oneness and scripture(59:07) Simplicity, sincerity and humility (1:05:25) Reenacting the prophetic migration (hijrah)(1:31:45) Art, sustainability and leadership (1:42:22) Conclusion and discount code!

Dr Sahira Dar is a portfolio GP in Glasgow working in both the NHS and private sector. She is also President of the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA). Dr Sahira and I sat down ahead of the BIMA Conference on Saturday 28th June to discuss the organisation's work as well as challenges and opportunities for the future. She also talked about her work as Founder of Vibrant Scottish Mosques and a recent conference she organised to celebrate and raise the profile of women leading the way in scholarship, community leadership, and faith-based activism.Get your tickets to the BIMA Conference: https://britishima.org/event/bima-national-conference-2025/Check out job opportunities at BIMA: https://britishima.org/who-we-are/careers/Connect with Dr Sahira: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahira-dar-59801453/Follow BIMA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/britishima/(0:00) Vibrant Scottish Mosques and female leadership(7:30) Mosque inclusion: has anything changed?(13:39) Dr Sahira's BIMA journey(15:05) What does BIMA do?(22:45) Do Muslim staff in the NHS feel welcome?(30:54) BIMA's unique training and advocacy work(42:36) Theory of change and impacting wider society(59:22) Hiring a CEO(1:01:05) The BIMA Conference 2025(1:02:56) How is AI being used in the NHS?(1:05:22) Top priorities for BIMA (1:08:15) Top leadership lessons(1:09:37) How Dr Sahira would like to be remembered(1:11:23) Concluding thoughts

Join Ali Siddiqui, a corporate law professional, and Fiyal Malik, who works in financial services, as they explore the quest for God-given purpose. They discuss how to align intentions with a higher calling, escape the constraints of societal expectations, and find balance between professional ambitions and spiritual growth. The conversation delves into transcending compartmentalization, the evolving nature of purpose throughout life stages, and integrating faith into everyday work. Together, they inspire listeners to pursue authentic fulfillment.

It was a pleasure catching up with scholar and social scientist Dr Haroon Sidat. Our conversation focused particularly on the past, present and future of religious scholarship and leadership. Haroon also shared many stories from his personal journey, including encounters with those who have inspired him and those who have threatened his life!(0:00) The importance of humour(2:02) Haroon’s early intellectual journey(6:57) Challenging the notion of “Islamic Studies”(27:04) The state of contemporary scholarship (44:30) Haroon invites your questions!(49:15) How to - and how not to - use hadith(55:51) Have Darul Ulum seminaries changed?(59:40) Scholarly spaces and a culture of respect(1:07:41) Advice to budding scholars (1:20:49) Is it time for a 5th school of law (madhab)?(1:38:17) Cambridge Muslim College(1:43:33) Haroon’s future plans and ambitionsABOUT HAROON:Haroon holds two undergraduate degrees, a Masters degree and a PGCE. In 2019, he completed the prestigious Jameel PhD scholarship in Philosophy, Religion, and Theology at Cardiff University, in which his topic of study was the education, formation and training of Muslim religious leadership in Britain. He is currently a research associate and scholar at the university's Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK. Haroon has long served as an imam and teacher at a number of mosques and local community organisations in the North of England. Learn from Haroon: https://hujjahacademy.comCardiff University profile: https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/sidatheLinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-haroon-sidat-00515943/

Taimur just left with his mum for his first ever Hajj, the major pilgrimage to Mecca. A few days ago we sat down to see how his preparations were coming along and what he was hoping to get out of it all. I shared some reflections based on my own trips as well as, of course, from revelation itself - especially Chapter 2 (The Cow) and Chapter 22 (Pilgrimage). (0:00) Will Taimur shave his head?(1:43) Anticipation and preparations (6:25) Connect, cultivate, control, conquer(13:02) Iqbal's experience and memories(20:06) Substance, patience and sacred dress code(28:25) Why can't "non-Muslims" visit the holy sites?(36:18) The blessing of livestock; food waste(38:54) More inner dimensions(43:02 ) Abrahamic leadership and devotion(53:19) Ordering our priorities around revelation(1:00:50) Why would God care about footwear?(1:06:55) Wishing Taimur well

Azim Kidwai is CEO of Mercy Mission, Chairman of the Bradford District Community Foundation and, most of all, my best friend. After we first met in 2010, Azim was the one who helped me transition from investment banking to taking the helm at National Zakat Foundation the following year. He's been the most wonderful mentor, colleague and comrade ever since.Azim doesn't do podcasts. So I'm honoured that he made an exception for me. I hope that you benefit from this enriching conversation in the same way that I did. (0:00) Iqbal’s tribute to Azim(2:09) Azim outlines his mission(7:16) Designing zakat systems internationally(14:44) Local community funding in the UK(20:46) How should faith be reflected in social action?(23:11) Advice for those who want to do good(26:34) Mindset, belonging and identity (35:01) Palestine and overcoming pessimism (42:53) Scaling up our long-term efforts(51:19) What’s going on in Bradford?(57:32) How to make faith more accessible to others(1:11:52) Longing to meet God Find out more about Mercy Mission here: https://www.mercymission.org.ukConnect with Azim here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azim-kidwai-5595a66/

In this discussion, Taimur and I go deep into exploring the way we as believers use certain Arabic phrases in our day to day lives. Why is it that we say certain things in Arabic instead of English amongst ourselves? Do we say these phrases meaningfully? Why is it that we don't feel comfortable saying the English equivalents with those outside our community even when it's relevant to do so? We tackle these questions with plenty of practical examples and scenarios. We also explore the issue of language in the context of "du'a", i.e. calling upon God. Finally we revisit the appropriateness of the way we think and speak about "Islam" and "Muslims" with some analysis of key verses in revelation. I think this episode makes for our best conversation so far. Hopefully it gives you plenty of food for thought and a basis upon which to reflect on your own practice. Enjoy!(0:00) Taimur introduces the discussion(6:28) Keeping the vision in mind(8:43) Truth and the diversity of languages(11:01) Do you mean what you say? (15:57) Practical examples of saying “alhamdulillah” in English(24:55) Practical examples with “insha’Allah” and “masha’Allah”(31:03) A summary of the key points so far(33:04) The problem with the way we “make du’a” (39:49) How to understand Quranic and prophetic supplications (49:50) Are there special times to call on God? (54:26) Are “Islam” and “Muslims” appropriate terms? (1:01:44) Analysis of relevant verses from Chapter 3(1:05:51) How to deal with Jehovah’s Witnesses! (1:09:29) Were the disciples of Jesus “Muslims”? (1:11:20) Taking responsibility for our brand; conclusion