Boys In The Cave

What does it mean to travel for Allah and not just for content or vibes In this episode of Boys In The Cave, Tanzim sits down with filmmaker and Revival Retreats founder Zoheb to unpack how spiritual travel reshapes the heart. From his first work trip to Morocco, to documenting floods in Pakistan, to walking in the streets of Istanbul and the zawiyas of West Africa, Zoheb shares how travel became a mirror that showed him who he really was before Allah. They discuss the ethics of charity media, not romanticising poverty, how to hold Palestinian and global suffering in your heart, and why sohbah and righteous companions may be the most important part of any journey. Along the way, you will hear stories of hidden Moroccan homes, bustling Senegalese streets, and the teachers and scholars who quietly keep the light of the ummah alive. If you have ever felt the urge to pack a suitcase for Umrah, retreats, or a trip that is more than tourism, this conversation will help you make your journeys intentional and rooted in love of Allah, His Messenger and His awliya. What we talk about in this episode • Why "your suitcase is a mirror" is the perfect metaphor for spiritual travel • How filmmaking and faith came together in Zoheb's life • Pakistan, Lebanon, Palestine and the ethics of charity campaigns • How Revival Retreats began and what makes a retreat truly transformative • Istanbul, Morocco and Senegal as lived expressions of Islamic civilisation • Colonisation, travel etiquette and leaving your privilege at the door • Sohbah, righteous companions and making every journey a journey to Allah https://www.humanappeal.org.au/ Zoheb is a UK born filmmaker now based between Cairo and the UK, with a an Hons in Digital Media and Film Production. He has filmed faith centred travel and cultural projects and humanitarian relief projects across the Muslim world, as well as events and music videos. He now leads Revival Retreats, a platform hosting Islamic heritage travel and spiritual retreats. Timestamps 00:11 Salaam intro, Gaza and global suffering 00:49 Who is Zoheb, filmmaker and Revival Retreats founder 01:39 "Your suitcase is a mirror" travel quote 03:52 Zoheb's background and discovering filmmaking 04:54 Why filmmaking became a path of service for the ummah 06:09 First work trip to Morocco and first time in a Muslim country 07:12 Humanitarian travel in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey 08:25 The birth of Revival Retreats and reconnecting Muslims to heritage 09:52 Pakistan trip in depth and what impacted him most 12:12 Listening to Syrian and Palestinian struggles on the ground 18:14 Not romanticising poverty and witnessing tragedy up close 20:29 The ummah as one body and what that really means 27:38 Living in Istanbul and walking in the footsteps of the sahaba 30:25 Zawiyas, scholars and why you must see Islamic civilisation for yourself 35:29 Senegal, West Africa and a lived experience of Islam 43:31 Countries that deepened his faith and the highlights of his travels 44:26 Why Morocco feels like home and a spiritual sanctuary 48:21 Hidden Moroccan homes and the lesson of inner beauty 52:34 Outward aesthetics, barakah and how we have been shaped by modernity 53:06 Teachers and scholars who shaped him on the road 59:57 Why traveling with like hearted people matters 1:02:30 Sohbah and the friendships that form on retreat 1:06:38 Quranic reminders about righteous companions 1:12:19 Fun Boys In The Cave question, three people to share a cave with 1:15:44 Where to find Revival Retreats and how to join 1:16:03 Where to follow Zoheb and his work online 1:16:48 Final reminder about Revival Retreats and Gaza projects 1:17:09 Outro, how to support Boys In The Cave

Habeeb Akande, a British-Nigerian writer and sex expert, dives into the complexities of misyar and polygamy. He explores how some men misuse Islamic law for secrecy while emphasizing the need for ethical considerations beyond mere legalism. Akande discusses the implications of secret marriages on families and the pitfalls of cherry-picking religious texts. He critiques the impact of a sex-negative culture on perceptions of pleasure in Islam and underscores the importance of women's rights and informed consent in all relationships. A thought-provoking conversation!

Professor Joel Hayward unpacks how Medina actually worked, the Sahifat al Madinah, parallel pacts by clan, covenant enforcement, and the Prophet's statecraft in moments like the Sawiq raid, the Qaynuqa crisis, the Nadir siege, and the Trench. We dig into source criticism, what the early texts really say, and why the dominant narrative needs a rethink. What we cover: • Sahifat al Madinah, what the charter says and how it functioned inside a web of bilateral pacts • The Prophet's statecraft, treaties, arbitration, measured enforcement, generosity in terms • Banu Qaynuqa, cause of the confrontation, order to depart, who stayed under protection and why • Banu al Nadir, the meeting about blood money, the alleged assassination plot, the short siege, relocation to Khaybar • Banu Qurayza, covenant breach during the Trench, arbitration by Sad ibn Muadh • Sawiq raid at al Uraiyd, why it mattered, possible local complicity, stress test for the covenant • Kaab ibn al Ashraf, incitement, poetry as power, targeted security response • Al Mukhayriq at Uhud, a reminder that alliances cut in unexpected ways • Abdullah ibn Ubayy, promises to the Nadir, hypocrisy in belief versus action • How historians weigh isnad, matn, and hindsight bias when reading seerah reports Professor Joel Hayward, dean at Sycamore Leadership Academy in Istanbul, award winning author of The Leadership of Muhammad and The Warrior Prophet, listed in The Muslim 500, scholar of sirah, strategy, and leadership. https://www.humanappeal.org.au/ Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction 00:06:16 Sahifat al Madinah focus 00:15:17 Bilateral pacts and who was named 00:24:30 Ibn Ubayy politics and leadership 00:33:03 Separate pacts versus one charter 00:38:06 Renew your pact, Banu Nadir example 00:48:52 Numbers on arrival, wealth balance, Ibn Ubayy still the premier leader 00:52:02 Minority status and oasis power map 00:56:24 Upper and lower Medina, early pact geography 01:03:03 Kinship politics, Khazraj links and acceptance 01:07:51 Qaynuqa reappraised, cause and corporate penalty 01:13:47 Expulsion accounts versus later returns and traces 01:25:46 How the sources work, scarcity and overlap 01:33:37 Method and edits, reading Ibn Hisham critically 01:43:51 Nadir stone plot, revelation or prudence 01:48:15 Weighing possibilities, cautionary analogies 01:52:58 Kaab and Abu Sufyan, hospitality and timeline 01:57:09 Response as realpolitik, proportion and restraint 02:04:26 Historiography wrap, assembling the mosaic

Shaykh Dr. Asim Yusuf, a distinguished Sufi teacher and expert in Islamic psychology, dives into Imam al-Ghazali's Ihya, revealing its vital lessons for today. He explores how to adapt sacred texts for modern contexts, connecting the metaphysics of eating with spirituality. The discussion highlights the intersection of Islamic and secular psychologies, emphasizing contentment as a counter to consumerism. Finally, Shaykh Asim argues that spirituality is essential, asserting it is the breath of Islam, guiding both inner and outward practices.

Dr Yasir Qadhi joins us to unpack Salafism, sectarianism, and how Muslims in the West can move from labels to leadership. We talk about what healthy disagreement looks like, why unity does not mean uniformity, and how communities can build real capacity, from mosques and schools to media, philanthropy, and liberal arts education. We get specific about funding ethics, local service to the poor, and civilizational projects that shape hearts and minds. The goal is practical, principled institution building that serves faith and society together. What you will hear: • Salafism in context, strengths, blind spots, and the illusion of correctness • Agreeing to disagree, red lines, and ending the habit of turning rivals into enemies • From masjid to media, why we need journalists, artists, scholars, and leaders • Philanthropy with purpose, feeding the hungry locally, museums and public education, funding without strings • Liberal arts and classical sciences, why breadth of knowledge matters for the next generation • Living in the West with confidence, learning from Abyssinia If this conversation benefits you, share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway. Thanks to our sponsor Human Appeal Australia for supporting community focused conversations. https://www.humanappeal.org.au/appeal/gaza-emergency-appeal-2023-2/ 🕳️ Boys In The Cave is an independent platform exploring faith, politics, culture, and the pressing issues confronting the modern Muslim mind. Subscribe to join the conversation! 🔔 Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe to stay connected. Subscribe to Boys in the Cave Podcast for more insightful discussions on politics, culture, and community. Don't forget to like, share, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes! Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Timestamps 00:00 Intro and book context 06:58 Criticism and following trusted scholars 17:47 Unity, red lines, civility 21:05 Mawlid and taraweeh, nuance 33:12 Diverse strengths in the seerah 40:33 Seminary reform and the modern imam 49:40 Training leaders, contextualizing in the West 56:38 Knowledge exchange, Israiliyyat and kalam 01:12:07 Read real history, what to build next 01:26:44 Philanthropy, public projects, local politics, funding ethics 01:39:21 Identity pressure, Abyssinia question 01:42:35 Politics is a dirty game, ethics of engagement

In this episode, Dr. Shadee Elmasry joins us for a powerful conversation about the challenges and responsibilities facing Muslims in the West today. We reflect on whether Muslims are in an "Abyssinia phase" or if the time has come to invest fully in building lasting institutions that can preserve faith and serve future generations. The discussion explores how to nurture resilient belief in young Muslims while navigating secular societies, and why institutions rooted in the deen are essential for long-term survival. Dr. Shadee reflects on the role of Sufism, noting that historically many of the fiercest resistors to colonial powers were Sufi leaders who combined spirituality with action. He cautions, however, that in more recent times some who call themselves Sufis have become tied to political power, leading to compromise and inaction. Dr. Shadee highlights what resistance means, both politically in the face of oppression and spiritually in holding firmly to faith under pressure. Together, we examine what it takes to raise a generation that is grounded in Islam, ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities, and prepared to carry the message of the deen with strength and clarity. Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and guest welcome 1:16 Trip to Australia, Sydney and Brisbane 3:12 Pressing challenges for Muslims in the West, Gaza and moral weight 19:22 Tasawwuf within Islam, tea analogy, integrating aqidah, sharia, tazkiyah 20:45 Do not fixate on a Sufi identity, sincerity and community duty 21:11 Sufi resistance to colonizers, Omar Mukhtar, Amir Abdul Qadir, al-Sanusi, Imam Shamil 22:02 Recent co-optation, the real issue is closeness to power and fitna 23:23 Building your own Medina, zawiyas, Tijani examples, Uthman dan Fodio 26:01 Sharia as the standard, avoid defending tariqas, maintain husn al-dhann 27:02 Community builders move cautiously, usually not revolutionaries 33:13 Aligning with other Muslim groups on action, question setup 34:00 Measure alliances by birr and taqwa, not labels 34:38 Principle over person, support good deeds, correct wrong with husn al-dhann 49:58 Fatima Payman, political literacy, Palestine recognition debate in Australia 50:36 Recognition announcement context, why it is symbolic, not a victory 1:10:04 Abyssinia phase versus building here, raising youth and curriculum prompt 1:11:42 Curriculum for present needs, identity first, balancing ummah and locality 1:18:04 Action dispels fear, hope for Palestine and political trends 1:20:45 Zakah to locality and a note on nationalism 1:22:00 Outro and closing thanks

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Samir Mahmoud joins us for a deep dive into the intersections of Islamic spirituality and Jungian psychology. We explore how classical Islamic thinkers like Ibn Arabi, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn Sina understood the soul, and how their insights resonate - and diverge - from the work of Carl Jung. We discuss the concepts of individuation, shadow work, and archetypes alongside Islamic notions of tazkiyat al-nafs, fana', and qalb. Dr. Samir sheds light on the imaginal realm (ʿalam al-mithāl) as articulated by Ibn Arabi, and how it challenges modern materialist worldviews. Drawing on Jung's Red Book, Ibn Arabi's Wahdat al-Wujud, and Henry Corbin's comparisons, this conversation uncovers the symbolic dimension of dreams, the structure of the soul, and the journey to wholeness from both Islamic and psychological perspectives. Whether you're a seeker, student, or simply curious about the inner life, this episode opens a rare portal into the metaphysical heart of being. Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave

We're joined by political analyst Ibrahim Moiz to dissect the unfolding chaos in the Middle East. From Israel's escalating war rhetoric against Iran to Pakistan's cynical geopolitical manoeuvres — we explore how narratives are weaponised, enemies are manufactured, and resistance is co-opted. We unpack: Whether Israel's war with Iran is about survival or hegemony The truth behind "Sunni vs Shia" framing in modern geopolitics Leftist solidarity with Palestine: genuine resistance or ideological trap? What this all means for the future of Muslim unity and resistance Is this the beginning of World War III, or just another empire-fuelled illusion? 🎧 Subscribe and listen to the full episode to hear a raw, unfiltered breakdown that challenges mainstream narratives.

What makes someone a Muslim? Is it personal faith, government ID cards, or the community's judgment? In this profound discussion, Dr. Jonathan A.C. Brown explores the tensions between Islamic identity, state power, and social expectations—from Malaysia's laws defining "who counts" as Muslim, to the Tablighi Jama'at's role in enforcing prayer, to Gaza's impact on global Muslim solidarity. Key Topics: Faith vs. Formality: Can governments enforce Islamic practice without killing sincerity? Malaysia's Paradox: Why some laws define Muslims by "what others think" of them. Prayer Police: Should communities pressure individuals to pray—or is that hypocrisy? The Gaza Effect: How tragedy is reviving the Ummah's political conscience. Colonial Legacies: Why British-era laws still shape Muslim identity in Asia. Dr. Brown weaves fiqh, history, and dark humor (see: "storage room khutbahs" and "6 AM podcast sacrifices") into a critique of modern Muslim fragmentation—and a vision for collective revival Dr. Jonathan Brown is the Alwaleed bin Talal Chair of Islamic Civilization in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He received his BA in History from Georgetown University in 2000 and his doctorate in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago in 2006. His book publications include "The Canonization of al-Bukhari and Muslim: The Formation and Function of the Sunni Hadith Canon", "Hadith: Muhammad's Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World". "Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction" and "Misquoting Muhammad: The Challenges and Choices of Interpreting the Prophet's Legacy", and "Slavery and Islam".

In this deep and enlightening conversation, Mustafa Briggs joins us to discuss the rich and often overlooked history of Islam and its profound impact on the modern world. From the contributions of Muslim civilizations to the legacy of figures like Muhammad Iqbal and the Ottomans, we explore how reclaiming these narratives can empower Muslims today. Mustafa also shares insights from his upcoming book, Islam and the Making of the Modern World, and why understanding our past is crucial for shaping our future. ✅ How Muslim scholars gave Europe "Arabic numerals" (including zero) — and why it led to binary code (0s and 1s). ✅ The Ottomans' secret claim to the Roman Empire — and why Constantinople's fall was a spiritual victory. ✅ Why Muslims today don't know their own history — and how colonialism erased Islamic intellectual traditions. ✅ Muhammad Iqbal's surprising solution — why politics won't revive the Ummah, but spirituality will. ✅ The truth about the "Moors" — were they Black? Why Europeans feared (and demonized) them. Purchase Mustafa Briggs New Book 'Islam & The Making of The Modern World': https://www.amazon.com/Islam-Making-Modern-Mustafa-Briggs/dp/B0DVQSS18M/ 🕳️ About the Podcast Boys In The Cave is an independent platform exploring faith, politics, culture, and the pressing issues confronting the modern Muslim mind. Subscribe to join the conversation! 🔔 Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe to stay connected. Subscribe to Boys in the Cave Podcast for more insightful discussions on politics, culture, and community. Don't forget to like, share, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes! Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave Timestamp: 00:10 Mustafa's trip to Pakistan & Islamic history 01:29 Connections between Uzbekistan & Mughal Empire 04:34 Influence of Arabic/Persian on Indian languages 05:29 Mustafa's new book: Islam and the Making of the Modern World 08:06 Chapters on Roman Empire, Western science, colonization 09:31 The Moors & their legacy 10:52 Muhammad Iqbal's spiritual & political influence 16:49 Iqbal's mastery of Eastern & Western philosophy 23:19 Fibonacci & Arabic numerals' impact on modern tech 27:31 Liberal arts vs modern education systems 36:03 Concept of Ihsan (excellence) in Islamic tradition 42:24 Roman Empire's connection to Islamic history 47:57 Ottomans as successors of Rome 52:52 Hagia Sophia's qibla alignment & divine destiny 58:02 Ottomans & Europe's complex relationship 01:02:24 Legacy of Zayd ibn Harithah (RA) 01:13:47 Moors: Misconceptions & racialization 01:23:52 Colonial narratives vs African scholarship 01:29:01 Hidden Muslim history in Australia 01:34:20 Closing thoughts on reclaiming Islamic legacy