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The Thinking Muslim

Muhammad Jalal

A platform for the elevation of thinking and a call to enlightened action.


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  • 26 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 13 min
  • English

Episodes 26

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  • May 8 · 1 hr 21 min

    Why the West Can’t Find Happiness | Hasan Spiker

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here: http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim This week on The Thinking Muslim we have Dr Hasan Spiker to talk about happiness from the Islamic lens, from the sweetness of faith and conquering the lower self, to finding purpose, beauty and goodness in a world chasing instant fulfilment. We also explore pain and suffering, raising children with an ummatic vision, and what it truly means to live a wholesome life for the sake of Allah. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! You can find Dr Hasan Spiker here: X: https://x.com/RealHasanSpiker Become a member here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Or give your one-off donation here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate Listen to the audio version of the podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762 Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch Find us on: X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/ Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast Find Muhammad Jalal here: X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/ Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com Disclaimer: 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.

  • May 1 · 1 hr 7 min

    The Battle for Our Children - Parenting in the West | Dr. Mohsin Ansari

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here: http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim In today’s episode of The Thinking Muslim, we are joined by Dr. Mohsin Ansari for a deep and timely conversation on the challenges facing Muslim communities in the United States, especially when it comes to youth, identity, and staying connected to the deen in a rapidly changing world. We explore how cultural shifts, the post 9/11 landscape, and evolving ideas of “progressivism” are shaping the experiences of young Muslims today. Dr. Mohsin Ansari shares practical insights on parenting with intention, strengthening community bonds, and preparing the next generation to navigate higher education and the realities of modern society without losing their Islamic grounding. The discussion also touches on internal migration trends within the U.S., particularly the movement toward states like Texas, and what this means for the future of Muslim communities. We end by reflecting on whether there is a deeper disconnect within the community and what can be done to address it. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! You can find Dr.Mohsin Ansari here: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pedsdoctor?igsh=djZ4ZjVic2QxMGht Become a member here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Or give your one-off donation here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate Listen to the audio version of the podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762 Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch Find us on: X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/ Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast Find Muhammad Jalal here: X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/ Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com Disclaimer: 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.

  • April 24 · 1 hr 3 min

    The Politics of Armageddon: Crusades of the End Times | Ismail Arafa

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here: http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim In this episode of The Thinking Muslim, we are joined by Ismail Arafa for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation on religion, power, and global politics. Together, we explore the complex relationship between faith and statecraft, beginning with discussion of crusader undertones in modern U.S. policy and what this reveals about the role of religious language in shaping political agendas. The discussion then broadens to examine both right- and left-wing trends in the West, questioning whether hostility toward Islam is rooted in belief - or driven by strategy, power, and economic interests. As the conversation deepens, Ismail Arafa reflects on how religion continues to be instrumentalised in an increasingly secular Western world, and why it remains such a potent force despite declining religious affiliation. We also unpack the important distinction between mainstream Christianity and its more extreme expressions, while critically engaging with historical narratives like the Crusades and their relevance to modern conflicts. The episode also tackles the dehumanisation of Palestinians and Muslims in Western discourse, alongside a candid discussion on how Muslims view non-Muslims. Is the idea of an inevitable conflict between believers and non-believers real - or constructed? Finally, we address the rise of right-wing and authoritarian movements across the West, and what this means for Muslim communities navigating an increasingly polarised landscape. Join us for this nuanced and challenging conversation that encourages deeper reflection on the narratives shaping our world today. And do comment your thoughts down below! You can find Ismail Arafa here: X: https://x.com/ismailarafa9 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ismail.arafa2 Become a member here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Or give your one-off donation here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate Listen to the audio version of the podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762 Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch Find us on: X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/ Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast Find Muhammad Jalal here: X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/ Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • April 20 · 1 hr 49 min

    Strait Talk with Sami Hamdi: Iran and the Crisis of Muslim Leadership

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here: http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim In this episode of The Thinking Muslim, we are joined by political analyst Sami Hamdi, as we confront some of the most pressing political and moral questions of our time. From the state of free speech in the West to escalating tensions in the Middle East, this conversation goes beyond headlines - challenging assumptions and asking what it truly means to stand for justice today. We explore censorship, media narratives and the geopolitical stakes surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and the influence of military power on policymaking. The discussion then turns inward, questioning leadership, responsibility, and whether figures like Donald Trump represent a “lesser evil” in global politics. The episode closes on a powerful reflection inspired by Mohammad Asad - what does it mean to do as much good as possible in a world filled with complexity and contradiction? Join us for a thought-provoking episode and let us know what you think in the comments! You can find Sami Hamdi here: X: https://x.com/SALHACHIMI IG: https://www.instagram.com/salhachimi/ Become a member here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Or give your one-off donation here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate Listen to the audio version of the podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762 Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch Find us on: X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/ Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast Find Muhammad Jalal here: X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/ Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com Disclaimer: 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.

  • April 17 · 1 hr 18 min

    Inside Iran's Strategic Mindset | Dr. Sami Al-Arian

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here: http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim In this episode of the Thinking Muslim Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Sami Al-Arian for a wide-ranging and incisive discussion on the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and beyond. Drawing on deep insight and experience, Dr. Al-Arian unpacks internal dynamics within Iran, questions of global responsibility, and the broader ideological currents shaping today’s conflicts. We begin with an introduction before exploring assessments from within the Iranian regime, offering a perspective rarely heard in mainstream discourse. The conversation then turns to the question of blame - examining the roles of Israel, Washington, and inconsistencies in policy. As the discussion unfolds, we look at potential turbulence within the Pentagon and what figures like Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump signal for future U.S. strategy. We also examine the role of Christianity in politics, asking whether “crusader-style” rhetoric is making a return in modern geopolitical narratives. The episode then delves into the structure of power in Iran, questioning who truly holds authority and how influence is exercised. From there, we analyse the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and whether it represents the central point of tension between Trump and Iran. Finally, we explore rising tensions between Israel and Turkey, considering whether Erdoğan’s Turkey is increasingly in the crosshairs - and what escalation could mean for the region. You can find Dr. Sami Al-Arian here here: X: https://x.com/SamiAlArian IG: https://www.instagram.com/profsamialarian/ Become a member here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Or give your one-off donation here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate Listen to the audio version of the podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762 Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch Find us on: X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/ Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast Find Muhammad Jalal here: X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/ Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com Disclaimer: 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.

  • April 13 · 1 hr 11 min

    Dire Straits: Oil, War, and Economic Collapse | Mehreen Khan

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here: http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim What are the real economic consequences of the current war - and are the “doomsday” predictions justified? In this episode of The Thinking Muslim, we are joined by Mehreen Khan to explore the global economic shockwaves triggered by the Iran war and what they reveal about the future of power, finance, and geopolitics. From the resilience of sanctioned economies to the vulnerabilities of Gulf states, this conversation examines whether we are entering a new era of fragmentation and economic realignment. We ask difficult but necessary questions: Are Gulf Arab states truly stable? Why didn’t energy get used as leverage during Gaza? Is liberal capitalism reaching its limits? And are we witnessing the early foundations of a more independent and coordinated Muslim economic bloc? You can find Mehreen Khan here: X: https://x.com/MehreenKhn Become a member here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Or give your one-off donation here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate Listen to the audio version of the podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762 Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch Find us on: X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/ Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast Find Muhammad Jalal here: X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/ Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com Disclaimer: 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.

Showing 21–26 of 26 episodes