Yaqeen Podcast

Dr. Omar Suleiman, a leading Islamic scholar and founder of the Yaqeen Institute, delves into the silent battles we fight against Shaytan, envy, and our own hearts. He emphasizes Shaytan's limited power and teaches how to protect our hearts through consistent worship and mindful acts. By practicing dhikr, remembering Allah, and fostering self-accountability, we can mitigate Shaytan's influence. He also highlights the resilience seen in Gaza, reinforcing the importance of agency and success. Ultimately, he calls for steadfastness in quiet acts of faith to guard our spiritual journey.

In this engaging discussion, Robert Martin, a dedicated Palestine activist who recently embraced Islam after years of advocating for Palestinian rights, shares his transformative journey. He reflects on his shift from atheism to faith, driven by witnessing the suffering in Gaza and the warmth of Palestinian hospitality. Martin highlights the pervasive media bias against Muslims and reveals insights from his experiences on the Freedom Flotilla. Together with Dr. Omar Suleiman, they explore themes of resilience, compassion in Islam, and Martin's emotional reaction to his newfound faith.

Dr. Tesneem Alkiek, a Muslim scholar and public speaker, dives into the complex relationship we have with social media. She shares her personal experiences with the distortions of reality online and highlights how platforms are designed to be addictive. The conversation touches on the impact of unrealistic beauty standards and the Islamic perspective on privacy, balance, and community responsibility. Tesneem offers practical advice for healthier engagement, from gratitude practices to reducing screen time, encouraging listeners to seek deeper connections beyond the virtual world.

Dr. Hassan Elwan, a historian specializing in Islamic history and the Crusades, dissects the fall of Jerusalem during the First Crusade. He discusses how the Crusaders' success stemmed from strategic organization and psychological tactics, rather than sheer numbers. Elwan contrasts earnest zeal from figures like Peter the Hermit with the dangers of emotional responses without planning. He also reveals how infighting among Muslim rulers and failed coordination contributed to the defeats, leaving listeners to ponder the critical question of why sincere efforts led to repeated losses.

Discover the profound insights on how life's tests shape our faith. Dr. Omar Suleiman compares the trials of Adam and Yusuf, revealing how hardship can lead to purification rather than punishment. He challenges listeners on where to turn in times of struggle—people or Allah? Unpacking the dangers of dependence on worldly means, he emphasizes the ultimate reliance on divine support. The discussion culminates with a powerful dua from Jibreel, inspiring hope and spiritual growth amidst adversity.

Dr. Tesneem Alkiek, an Islamic scholar known for her insights on mental health and spirituality, discusses the perils of hustle culture. She explores how societal pressures to constantly optimize lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. Reflecting on death offers a grounding perspective, emphasizing that true success should connect us to our purpose and faith. Tesneem highlights slow productivity, self-accountability, and the importance of small acts of worship as pathways to genuine fulfillment, urging listeners to seek God's approval over societal expectations.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Omar Suleiman, an influential American Islamic scholar and founder of the Yaqeen Institute, delves deep into the relationship between our actions and their consequences. He contrasts the concept of karma with Islamic teachings, emphasizing that life is a test rather than a straightforward payback system. Dr. Suleiman warns against materialistic views of rewards, highlighting that ease can sometimes be a trial. He encourages mercy and charity, reminding listeners of Allah's divine wisdom in our experiences.

Dr. Tesneem Alkiek, a scholar on Islamic tradition and gender, joins Qaanitah Hunter to challenge the notion that Islam is defined by men. They explore Aisha's significant role in Islamic history and how context alters our understanding of hadith. Tesneem emphasizes the importance of women's voices, critiques past interpretations rooted in bias, and advocates for women's active participation in scholarship. The discussion encourages a shift from a victimhood mentality to empowerment and collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge.

Before Salahuddin could unite the Muslim world, earlier leaders had to address deep internal divisions. When radical groups like the Qarmatians stole the Black Stone and extremist factions terrorized scholars, visionaries like Nizam al-Mulk responded by building institutions—the Nizamiyya schools—that would educate the generation of scholars who would guide leaders like Nur al-Din and Salahuddin.Sign up for exclusive updates on this series: https://yqn.io/231b800:00 - The worst time in Islamic history?4:19 - Emergence of the Ismaili Empire9:40 - How the Qaramita stole the Black Stone from the Ka’bah11:30 - The founding of Cairo and spread of Ismailism13:36 - The arrival of the Seljuks and Nizam al-Mulk 17:47 - Imam al-Ghazali’s response to the Ismailis and philosophers21:57 - The Order of the Assassins25:47 - The attempt to assassinate Salahuddin (rh)   This episode draws on leading historical works about Salahuddin and the revival that reshaped the Muslim world. If you’d like to explore the era more deeply, we recommend:How the Generation of Salahuddin Appeared — Dr. Majid Irsan Al-KailaniThe Rare and Excellent History of Saladin — Ibn ShaddadSalahuddin al-Ayyubi — Dr. Ali Muhammad al-SallabiSaladin: The Triumph of the Sunni Revival — A.R. AzzamFor young readers: Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam — Diane Stanley

Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the idea that consequences from Allah are often merciful acts meant to purify us. He shares insights from prophetic teachings, illustrating how prompt punishment reflects divine love. A touching hadith about a male convert and a transformed woman highlights the power of immediate faith. Listeners learn that worldly afflictions can clear sins and that quick repentance shows true devotion. The podcast stresses gratitude for wake-up calls and warns against complacency when facing no consequences.