IlmFeed Podcast

Dr Daanish Mahmood shares how prioritizing salah (prayer) transformed his life - from a chance encounter with a university dean to building a following as a Muslim content creator without ever hiding his faith. This episode covers practical advice for staying consistent with salah and Islamic productivity tips.Support the ilmfeed podcast: http://patreon.com/ilmfeed00:00 Intro01:00 Prioritizing Salah Over Everything Else04:39 Salah Should Not Be Transactional?05:17 The Dean, The Masjid & A Life-Changing Handshake09:29 Dua Isn't Enough - You Have To Make The Effort12:01 Putting Yourself Out There For Marriage17:37 The Power Of A Parent's Dua23:41 Ibrahim's Dua & The Legacy Of Salah27:39 How Dr Daanish's Content Journey Started31:40 The Prayer Mat Trick That Went Viral33:42 Staying Openly Muslim While Building A Following37:40 Productivity Through The Lens Of Consistency39:12 Planning Your Day (And Putting Salah First)41:42 Cutting Distractions: Apps, Notifications & Digital Detox47:59 Family, Screen Time & Phone-Free Walks49:57 Dr Daanish's Daily Routine For Getting More Done53:20 Barakah In Time - Why Some People Get More Done54:50 Barakah In Money - Trusting Allah With Your Finances1:03:00 Microefficiencies That Save Dr Daanish Hours1:06:39 Dr Daanish's Final Advice On Beating Laziness

He's got 3.5 million followers, went viral more times than he can count, and coaches other creators on how to master the algorithm. But a part of him wants to leave it all behind.
In this episode, Ustadh Shabbir sits down with Shoaib Hussain - better known as the Sunnah Guy - for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what fame actually costs. From the suicidal DMs he receives daily, to why he's always believed social media is "one of the worst drugs that exists," to what led him to stop posting daily after nearly 700 consecutive days.
We break down some of his most viral videos, why attention is the real battlefield Muslims are losing online, and what actually changed after he hit millions of followers.
In this episode:
📱 Why he's always seen social media as "one of the greatest forms of control"🎯 The exact formula behind his viral hooks - broken down video by video💔 Why he stopped posting for 6 months - and what's changing now🗣️ His advice to his 18-year-old self
Support the ilmfeed podcast at: http://patreon.com/ilmfeed

Ustadha Fatima was joined by Naaema Umm Eesa where they spoke about Naeema's work with new Muslims and the reasons why thousands of Western women are embracing Islam.
00:00 - Opening & Introduction03:06 - Remembering Da'wah Giants: Uzma Jung & Omar Tate13:49 - How Things Were Different for Converts Back in the Day15:23 - Families Threatening New Muslims18:36 - Supporting New Muslims: The Islam Awareness Project24:45 - Marriage Challenges for Converts33:45 - Why Western Women Convert to Islam42:18 - Top Reasons Women Accept Islam47:15 - Impact of Hijab on Non-Muslims51:40 - The Power of Muslim Sisterhood & Community1:06:30 - Islamic Marriage & Gender Roles1:11:08 - The Power of Salam1:11:50 - What Attracts Women to Muslim Men1:13:31 - The 50-50 Concept in Marriage1:17:19 - Final Advice: Take Benefit of Five Before Five

Ustadh Shabbir and Ustadh Hammad look back at 2025, and some of the highs and lows of the past year. 
00:00 - Introduction4:07 - Mamdani Wins New York Mayor12:09 - Lesson: Focus Your Influence Where It Matters14:44 - The Charlie Kirk Incident18:43 - Gaza: Two Years of Genocide28:45 - Podcast Reflections & Favourite Episodes31:35 - Fatherhood: Welcoming Baby Jibreel36:00 - Journey to Masjid Al-Aqsa43:01 - Sudan Crisis: 18 Million Displaced52:09 - UK Far-Right Rise & Anti-Muslim Hate58:02 - Muslim Heroes & Contributions in UK02:10 - Awards: Best & Worst of 20251:05:15 - Closing Thoughts & Dua

Ustadh Shabbir was joined by Ustadh Briggs where they discussed if Muslims have a place in Western countries and how Muslims shaped the West.
00:00 - Introduction02:25 - Mustaf'as New Book: Islam and the Making of the Modern World06:30 - Traditional Dress vs Western Clothing12:17 - Was Western Fashion Influenced by Islam?14:05 - Why Muslims Immigrated to the West18:00 - Post-World War Immigration & Windrush22:26 - Britain was Built on Colonization26:15 - Eurocentric Narratives in History28:06 - The Roman Empire Became a Caliphate37:15 - Muslim Contributions to Science38:21 - Bayt Al Hikma - The House of Wisdom44:50 - Fibonacci & Arabic Numerals45:03 - Zero: The Number That Changed Everything46:47 - What's Missing in Islamic Education48:15 - The Griots - Oral Historians of West Africa52:00 - Muslims Influencing Modern Culture Today56:27 - Muslim Rappers & Urban Culture59:56 - The Qatar World Cup Impact1:00:20 - Ramadan Lights in London1:02:37 - Australia's Favorite Food is Halal1:03:44 - Muhammad - Most Popular Name in the UK1:04:48 - Muslims Are Still Contributing1:07:10 - What Can You Contribute as an Individual?1:12:00 - Knowledge is Power - Final Message1:13:00 - The 85-10-5 Philosophy1:15:04 - Don't Be Like Cattle

Shaykha Fatima Barkatulla was joined by Aysha Mercedes who speaks about how she went from a life of partying and not beleiving in God to embraching Islam and how her experiences with trauma encouraged her to help others.
00:00 - Intro00:58 - How Mufti Menk Changed Inspired my non-Muslim Mother12:36 - Healing Childhood Wounds and Finding Myself  19:58 - Living With Trauma  28:09 - From Atheism & Partying to Embracing Islam  44:01 - The Father Wound: How Absent Fathers Shape Daughters  51:49 - Breaking Generational Trauma in Muslim Families  1:06:06 - Growing Spiritually and Staying Connected to Faith  1:18:11 - Supporting Reverts, Single Moms, and the Isolated  1:27:06 - Final Reflections and Message to the Listeners

Shaykha Fatima Barkatulla was joined by her father Mufti Abdul Qadir Barkatulla where they discussed the place of Muslims in the West and how Muslims can be a force for good at a time when the West is collapsing spirtually and morally.
 
00:00 - Introduction01:42 - Early Muslim Communities in the UK04:32 - Journey from India to the UK10:18 - Developing an Islamic Database15:08 - Meeting with General Zia-ul-Haq16:29 - Muslims in India: Past & Present Challenges21:43 - Political and Social Strategies for Muslims25:10 - Muslim Identity and Future Challenges29:33 - Should Muslims Migrate from the West?35:25 - Lessons from Muslim History in Europe41:28 - Muslim Society and Future Unity43:53 - Can Muslim Nations Unite Like the EU?46:46 - Reflections on Personal Growth and Journey48:42 - Spiritual Growth & The Importance of I'tikaf54:05 - Challenges of I'tikaf in Modern Times58:26 - Balancing Worship and Knowledge59:37 - Parenting Philosophy & Raising Children1:01:36 - Advice for the Next Generation of Muslims1:03:11 - Conclusion & Final Reflections

Ustadh Shabbir was joined by Ustadh Mohamad Baajour who shared 3 practical tips in how to raise righteous children.
 
00:00 - Introduction
01:26 - What is your favourite Du'a from the Qur'an?
04:46 - What is your favourite Du'a from the Sunnah?
07:00 - The power of Istighfar
11:49 - Do this Sunnah to have an angel make Du'a for you
13:46 - Tarbiyyah Role as an imam at the EPIC mosque
24:45 - Encouraging the youth to attend Fajr
24:58 - New challenges and dangers faced by today's youth
27:04 - Facilitating halal activities for the youth
28:11 - Parents need to live Islam
30:37 - Be gentle and encouraging towards your children
31:52 - Teach your children about Allah's attributes
33:22 - The power of making du'a for your children
37:02 - Leading by example
38:44 - What is Tarbiyyah & the Prophetic example
35:51 - Building Trust and Leading by Example
48:29 - Intentions for making your children Hafidh
56:03 - Balancing Travel and Community Involvement
59:11 - From a businessman to an Imam
 
A thank you to Al Khaleel Institute for facilitating this podcast. You can learn more about them at: https://alkhaleeltours.com/alkhaleelinstitute

Ustadh Shabbir was joined by Moahmmad Shoaib who shared their experiences as young dads and Shoaib discussed how not having a father figure as a child inspired him to strive harder to be a great dad to his own children.
00:00 - Introduction02:30 - Hadith about fatherhood04:54 - Feeling 'ready' to be a father09:27 - Being an active dad15:31 - Balancing fatherhood and other responsibilities20:29 - Reconciliation with absent father through Islam29:03 - Navigating fatherhood through faith36:57 - Homeschooling45:40 - Parenting discipline and boundaries56:53 - The importance of fatherly affection1:04:53 - Being present as a father

Shaykha Fatima Barkatullah is joined by Hafsah Adham, who speaks about how her faith in Allah helped her deal with her husband's death and why Muslims should engage in ethical business and marketing.
 
00:00 - Introduction
04:25 - Coping With Husband's Death and Finding Purpose
08:04 - Grieving and Finding Strength
17:16 - Navigating Grief and Support Systems
24:22 - Faith, Grief, and Acceptance
28:27 - Living with Intention and Purpose
35:14 - Forgiveness and Faith
41:30 - Navigating Online Business and Ethical Marketing
50:57 - Authenticity in Business and Marketing
58:49 - Ethical Business Practices
01:08:34 - Understanding Self, Relationships, and Purpose
01:14:55 - Realizing the Fragility of Life
 
Links: https://www.awakenedheartsacademy.com/about

Ustadh Shabbir is joined by Shaykh Mujahid Ali who speaks about seeking knowledge in Syria before the revolution, why the Ummah should celebrate the downfall of the Assad regime and why Muslims should be optimistic about the future.
00:00 - Introduction02:06 - The fall of the Assad regime04:27 - Choosing Syria to seek Islamic knowledge.06:32 - Arrival and settling in Syria for studies.07:53 - Initial observations about Bashar al-Assad's regime.15:34 - Spiritual environment in Damascus and study routine.17:22 - Historical significance of the Sham region.21:05 - Contributions of the Umayyad Caliphate.22:40 - Trials and tribulations in the region.31:20 - Coexistence of different communities in Syria.31:49 - Unique experiences and stories in Syria.32:31 - Bilal's (RA) grave and historical sites.37:15 - Renowned Islamic scholars and their final resting places.38:15 - Historical significance of various sites in Syria.38:30 - Good news about Syria and hopes for Palestine.39:14 - Discussion about skepticism over celebrating Assad's downfall.40:22 - Reflection on the oppression under Bashar al-Assad.44:27 - Encouragement for Syrians to enjoy their regained freedom.46:30 - Influence of Turkey and hopes for Syria's stability.47:55 - Observations from visits to Syria before the Arab Spring.52:18 - Discussion on the resilience and spirit of the Syrian people.56:55 - Analyzing some causes behind the revolution.1:00:50 - The importance of global Muslim solidarity with Syria.1:04:05 - Concluding thoughts on Syria's path forward.1:04:55 - Final messages of optimism and unity for Syria's future.

Ustadh Shabbir is joined by Sami Hamdi who speaks about the need for supportive families, his journey into Tunisian politics, lessons from Bosnia and why Muslims should not stop struggling for Gaza.
00:01 - Balancing Family and Activism 06:19 - Marriage and Building a Fortress  15:33 - Purpose and Expectations in Marriage  25:58 - Shaping Influences and Political Realities  37:24 - Power Dynamics in Tunisian Politics  41:45 - Lessons in Leadership and Influence  45:56 - Staying True to Islamic Principles in Politics  49:24 - Lessons in Practice and Faith  55:47 - Impact of Gaza on US Politics  59:13 - Impact of Gaza on Global Politics  1:08:01 - Power of Perseverance and Compassion  1:14:16 - Disconnect in the Ummah  1:19:21 - Stories of Resilience in Bosnia  1:28:16 - Stories of Perseverance and Faith  1:39:22 - Being Optimistic

Shaykha Fatima Barkatullah is joined by Dr Rania Awaad who discusses the Islamic perspective on mental health.
 
00:00 - Intro
02:38 - First impressions of Britain's Muslim commnunity
03:37 - Dr Rania's Role Models
04:55 - Combining Deen & Dunya
06:16 - Entering the mental health profession
07:18 - The difference between psychiatry and psychology
08:17 - Muslim attitude towards mental health
09:20 - The resilience of the Palestinians
10:05 - Has mental health issues increased?
11:15 - How to build resilience in our children
15:18 - What are the biggest mental health challenges faced by Muslims in the West?
16:38 - The Seerah and the year of sorrow
19:44 - Can sinning affect mental health?
21:33 - What is Islamic Psychology?
24:02 - OCD and waswasa
27:45 - What is depression?
32:56 - Everyday things which could affect our mental health
35:00 - Things you can do to help your mental health
37:42 - The Qur'an is a healer
41:32 - Practising seclusion & disconnecting
43:46 - Maristan & Dr Rania's vision for Mental Health
48:47 - Mental health resources
50:36 - Conclusion
 
Links:
https://alkhaleeltours.com/alkhaleelinstitute
https://maristan.org/

Ustadh Shabbir is joined by Safe Adam who explains why he quit being a singer-songwriter in the mainstream music industry and how Allah helped him become a successful nasheed artist.

Ustadh Shabbir is joined by Qari Ishaaq Jasat, where they identify some of the reasons why marriages are failing and discuss ways people can make their marriages stronger.
 
00:00 - Intro
02:38 - Receiving 13 divorce cases in one month
06:22 - Is marriage difficult?
10:21 - Why marriages are breaking down - some examples
17:49 - Be clear about expectations BEFORE marriage
20:21 - Marriage requires constant learning
25:01 - Why some marriages don't last for more than 2 years
34:42 - Why you should never compare your spouse to someone else!
38:35 - Arguments sometimes happen
42:21 - Marriage is a lifelong responsibility
43:59 - Belittling your spouse is really bad
44:40 - Men want respect, and women want love
48:18 - You are a team after getting married
56:54 - My Qur'an Journal
 
You can purchase My Qur'an Journal at: https://www.getmyquranjournal.com

Ustadh Shabbir is joined by Rahim Jung who discusses powerful lessons from his life and shares the greatest miracle of his life.
 
00:00 - Intro
02:58 - Growing up without a Muslim identity
09:18 - What sparked me to come back to Islam
11:45 - Getting the Dunya and feeling an emptiness
14:49 - Happiness vs Contentment
18:33 - Accepting our Qadr
20:19 - Don’t chase fame!
21:44 - Beware of the hidden shirk
23:23 - The powerful example of Umar (ra)
25:18 - How to remain sincere whilst being in the public eye
33:31 - How did you become a TV presenter?
38:00 - Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone
42:41 - Miraculous Sadaqah stories
48:17 - Charity is a means getting all types of du’as accepted
51:04 - How my mother miraculously embraced Islam
1:04:57 - Never give up making du’a

Ustadh Shabbir is joined by Ustadh Asim Khan where they share practical tips on how to develop khushu (focus & devotion) in salah.
 
00:00 - Intro
02:24 - What's the strangest place you've played Salah in?
07:01 - Leading Salah at Masjid Al Aqsa
08:04 - One tip which has transformed Ustadh Asim's Salah
09:24 - The power of Wudhu
12:29 - Should we focus on Fiqh or Khushu more?
13:38 - What is Khushu?
15:22 - Being 'present' with the mind and body in Salah
16:54 - Having reverence and awe of Allah during Salah
20:20 - Avoid praying too fast!
25:46 - How a non-Muslim's Sajdah taught Ustadh Asim a big lesson
29:05 - What does Mihrab mean?
30:00 - Repelling Shaytan's whispers in Salah
31:53 - More top Khushu tips
39:31 - The 5 levels of Salah
47:12 - Does having Khushu mean you don't know what's going on around you?
52:32 - Praying Salah at work
57:04 - Planning your day around Salah
01:03:15 - Tips for waking up for Fajr
 
Get Ustadh Asim's Elevate Your Salah book here: https://www.elevateyoursalah.com/

Ustadh Shabbir and Ustadh Yahya Raaby share their hifdh journeys and discuss ways in how we can develop a relationship with the Qur'an. Ustadh Yayha also shares tips on how to have a productive Ramadan.
 
00:00 - Intro
01:59 - Memorable Ramadan moments
05:00 - Leading Tarawih for the first time
08:03 - Ustadh Yahya’s Qur’an Journey
15:19 - The Somali way of revising the Qur’an
16:17 - Ustadh Shabbir’s best days of his life
18:59 - Learning life lessons from teachers
21:59 - Learning Arabic in the UK
27:08 - Don’t think you’re too sinful to open the Qur’an
31:11 - What does it mean to have a relationship with the Qur’an?
32:22 - Who are ‘the People of the Qur’an’?
34:40 - How to reflect over the Qur’an if you don’t know Arabic
40:15 - The power of morning and evening Adhkar
50:00 - Reflecting on the Stories from the Qur’an
51:58 - Qur’an Memorisation tips
56:34 - How to have a productive Ramadan
1:01:32 - Qur’an recitation

Ustadh Shabbir is joined by Shaykh Ibraheem Menk where they speak about how to find a spouse and what struggles people go through when looking for someone suitable.
 
00:00 - Intro
03:45 - Does marriage fix everything?
11:47 - When will we know when we are ready to get married?
19:10 - Negotiables & non-negotiables, making compromises
23:53 - Mature love
25:35 - Don't pin your happiness on others
28:01 - If men get Hoors, what will women get in Jannah?
31:24 - How do I find someone?
32:30 - Asking elders/imams to find someone for you
33:01 - Telling elders you found someone you want to get married to
35:24 - Using marriage apps
38:12 - Directly approaching a sister
42:41 - Asking a sister for her mahram's number
46:27 - Hurdles in finding someone
47:20 - Don't be too picky
48:14 - Don't be shy in telling people that you are looking to get married
49:35 - The importance of having Taqwa

Ustadh Shabbir is joined by Shaykh Navaid Aziz where they discuss prophetic emotional intelligence and how we can learn it.
00:00 - Intro02:20 - What does Islam say about emotions?05:13 - Masculinity09:27 - Finding the right balance with our emotions13:02 - Channelling emotions for the sake of Allah13:45 - Intelligence vs. emotional intelligence15:28 - What is emotional intelligence?16:18 - The Prophet’s ﷺ emotional intelligence17:30 - The man who urinated in the Prophet’s ﷺ masjid21:54 - How the Prophet ﷺ won hearts23:45 - The Prophet’s ﷺ experience of pain & empathy for others29:09 - No one escapes leadership30:27 - Can one be soft and strong?32:43 - Marriage & emotional intelligence37:34 - It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it38:55 - Understanding others’ emotions45:03 - Examples from the seerah of the Prophet’s ﷺ emotional intelligence50:54 - Social media and our value for relationships?54:26 - How to develop emotional intelligence1:01:28 - Final thoughts
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